Enter the Gungeon is a bullet hell dungeon crawler by Dodge Roll, published by Devolver Digital and released on 5 April 2016. Four misfits descend through a gun shaped fortress looking for a weapon that can kill their own past, and the run gives them over 200 guns and hundreds of items to find on the way down. Every room is a bullet pattern puzzle solved with a dodge roll that grants brief invulnerability and a blank that wipes projectiles off the screen. Runs last roughly 30 to 60 minutes, nothing carries over except permanent unlocks bought with Hegemony Credits, and the difficulty curve is famously steep.
Boss fights are where Enter the Gungeon 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 Build | Key Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keep of the Lead Lord | Easy | The Pilot | A.W.P. |
| Gungeon Proper | Moderate | The Pilot | A.W.P. |
| Black Powder Mine | Hard | The Marine | Marine Sidearm |
| Hollow | Very Hard | The Marine | Marine Sidearm |
| Forge | Extreme | The Marine | Marine Sidearm |
Keep of the Lead Lord Bosses
Area difficulty: Easy Recommended level: Chamber 1 Recommended build: The Pilot with A.W.P.
Strategy
The first bosses teach core combat mechanics. Focus on learning patterns rather than dealing damage. The dodge roll gives a short window where bullets pass straight through you, and it also flips tables into cover and carries you over pits in some cases. This is your primary tool here.
Key tips:
- Don't rush. Learn the attack patterns first.
- Use Dodge roll invulnerability and blanks to create safe windows.
- A.W.P. is enough to handle everything here.
Gungeon Proper Bosses
Area difficulty: Moderate Recommended level: Chamber 2 Recommended build: The Pilot with A.W.P.
Strategy
Early game bosses test your understanding of Item combinations the game highlights in blue. Players who skipped learning this mechanic will hit a wall here.
Key tips:
- Item combinations the game highlights in blue is critical for these fights.
- Farm A.W.P. upgrades if you're struggling.
- Consider switching to The Pilot if your current setup isn't working.
Black Powder Mine Bosses
Area difficulty: Hard Recommended level: Chamber 3 Recommended build: The Marine with Marine Sidearm
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 Dodge roll invulnerability and blanks and Curse and Coolness hidden stats mastery.
- Marine Sidearm makes a significant difference. Get it before attempting these.
- See our combat guide for advanced techniques.
Hollow Bosses
Area difficulty: Very Hard Recommended level: Chamber 4 Recommended build: The Marine with Marine Sidearm
Strategy
Late-game bosses are serious challenges. Build optimization matters as much as mechanical skill.
Key tips:
- Make sure your build is fully optimized.
- Marine Sidearm at max upgrade is recommended.
- Study each boss's attack patterns. Most have 2-3 phases.
Forge Bosses
Area difficulty: Extreme Recommended level: Chamber 5 Recommended build: The Marine with Marine Sidearm
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 equipment: A max-upgraded Marine Sidearm trivializes fights that seem impossible with weaker gear.
- Use Dodge roll invulnerability and blanks: 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 Enter the Gungeon Guides
- Enter the Gungeon Enter the Gungeon Overview
- Enter the Gungeon Best Builds
- Enter the Gungeon Tier List
- Enter the Gungeon Walkthrough
- Enter the Gungeon Beginner's Guide
- Enter the Gungeon Tips & Tricks
- Enter the Gungeon Weapons Guide
- Enter the Gungeon Combat Guide
- Enter the Gungeon Maps & Locations
- Enter the Gungeon Crafting Guide
- Enter the Gungeon Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Enter the Gungeon, check out these related guides:
- Risk of Rain 2 Boss Guide: roguelike game with similar mechanics
- Hades Boss Guide: roguelike game with similar mechanics
- Darkest Dungeon Boss Guide: roguelike game with similar mechanics
