Bend Studio brought Days Gone to PC on 18 May 2021, two years after the PlayStation 4 release, with unlocked frame rates, a wider field of view and ultrawide support. Deacon St. John rides through post outbreak Oregon across six regions, from Cascade in the north down to Crater Lake, and his bike is the only transport he gets. Hordes are the reason to stay: the Old Sawmill horde alone packs roughly 500 Freakers into one moving mass, and there is no version of that fight you win by standing still.
Boss fights are where Days Gone tests everything you've learned. This guide covers strategies for bosses across all areas, organized by progression order. For general combat techniques, see our combat guide.
Boss Difficulty Overview
| Area | Difficulty | Recommended Role | Key Weapons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cascade | Easy | Horde Runner | MWS |
| Belknap | Moderate | Horde Runner | MWS |
| Lost Lake | Hard | Stealth Trapper | Drifter Crossbow |
| Iron Butte | Very Hard | Stealth Trapper | Drifter Crossbow |
| Crater Lake | Extreme | Stealth Trapper | Drifter Crossbow |
Cascade Bosses
Area difficulty: Easy Recommended level: Opening region, available from the start Recommended role: Horde Runner with MWS
Strategy
The first bosses teach core combat mechanics. Focus on learning patterns rather than dealing damage. The bike burns fuel on every ride and takes damage from crashes, Freaker hits and gunfire, and both are fixed with scrap and gas cans looted from the world. This is your primary tool here.
Key tips:
- Don't rush. Learn the attack patterns first.
- Use Bike fuel and durability to create safe windows.
- MWS is enough to handle everything here.
Belknap Bosses
Area difficulty: Moderate Recommended level: Opening region, available from the start Recommended role: Horde Runner with MWS
Strategy
Early game bosses test your understanding of Camp Trust and credits. Players who skipped learning this mechanic will hit a wall here.
Key tips:
- Camp Trust and credits is critical for these fights.
- Farm MWS upgrades if you're struggling.
- Consider switching to Horde Runner if your current setup isn't working.
Lost Lake Bosses
Area difficulty: Hard Recommended level: Mid game, unlocked by story progress Recommended role: Stealth Trapper with Drifter Crossbow
Strategy
Mid-game bosses are the major skill check. They combine multiple mechanics and punish players who rely on a single strategy.
Key tips:
- You need both Bike fuel and durability and Freaker hordes mastery.
- Drifter Crossbow makes a significant difference. Get it before attempting these.
- See our combat guide for advanced techniques.
Iron Butte Bosses
Area difficulty: Very Hard Recommended level: Mid to late game Recommended role: Stealth Trapper with Drifter Crossbow
Strategy
Late-game bosses are serious challenges. Build optimization matters as much as mechanical skill.
Key tips:
- Make sure your build is fully optimized.
- Drifter Crossbow at max upgrade is recommended.
- Study each boss's attack patterns. Most have 2-3 phases.
Crater Lake Bosses
Area difficulty: Extreme Recommended level: Late game, reached through the main story Recommended role: Stealth Trapper with Drifter Crossbow
Strategy
Endgame bosses are the ultimate test. They require mastery of all combat systems and an optimized build.
Key tips:
- Top-tier build with best-in-slot gear is mandatory.
- Master every mechanic. See our combat guide.
- These fights reward patience and pattern recognition above all else.
General Boss Tips
- Learn before you fight: Spend your first attempt observing attack patterns. Don't try to win on attempt one.
- Match your build: Some bosses favor certain builds over others. Don't be afraid to switch.
- Upgrade your weapons: A max-upgraded Drifter Crossbow trivializes fights that seem impossible with weaker gear.
- Use Bike fuel and durability: The core combat mechanic is your best defensive tool in every boss fight.
- Check the walkthrough: Our walkthrough tells you when you're ready for each boss.
More Days Gone Guides
- Days Gone Days Gone Overview
- Days Gone Best Builds
- Days Gone Tier List
- Days Gone Walkthrough
- Days Gone Beginner's Guide
- Days Gone Tips & Tricks
- Days Gone Weapons Guide
- Days Gone Combat Guide
- Days Gone Maps & Locations
- Days Gone Crafting Guide
- Days Gone Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Days Gone, check out these related guides:
- Helldivers 2 Boss Guide: action game with similar mechanics
- Black Myth: Wukong Boss Guide: action game with similar mechanics
- Monster Hunter Wilds Boss Guide: action game with similar mechanics
