Ubisoft Montreal shipped For Honor on 14 February 2017 built around the Art of Battle, a melee system where every guard and every attack lives in one of three stances: top, left or right. The 18 mission campaign runs three chapters against Apollyon and her Blackstone Legion, and multiplayer has grown past 30 heroes split between the Knights, Vikings, Samurai, Wu Lin and Outlanders. Marching Fire added the Wu Lin in October 2018 along with Breach, the four against four castle assault mode.
Boss fights are where FOR HONOR 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citadel Gate | Easy | Vikings | Kensei nodachi |
| Temple Garden | Moderate | Vikings | Kensei nodachi |
| River Fort | Hard | Knights | Warden longsword |
| Sentinel | Very Hard | Knights | Warden longsword |
| High Fort | Extreme | Knights | Warden longsword |
Citadel Gate Bosses
Area difficulty: Easy Recommended level: All modes, Dominion and Breach Recommended role: Vikings with Kensei nodachi
Strategy
The first bosses teach core combat mechanics. Focus on learning patterns rather than dealing damage. Guard, light attacks and heavy attacks all sit in a top, left or right stance, and an incoming attack only lands if your guard is not already covering that side. This is your primary tool here.
Key tips:
- Don't rush. Learn the attack patterns first.
- Use Art of Battle three stance guard to create safe windows.
- Kensei nodachi is enough to handle everything here.
Temple Garden Bosses
Area difficulty: Moderate Recommended level: All modes, Dominion Recommended role: Vikings with Kensei nodachi
Strategy
Early game bosses test your understanding of Revenge meter. Players who skipped learning this mechanic will hit a wall here.
Key tips:
- Revenge meter is critical for these fights.
- Farm Kensei nodachi upgrades if you're struggling.
- Consider switching to Vikings if your current setup isn't working.
River Fort Bosses
Area difficulty: Hard Recommended level: All modes, Dominion Recommended role: Knights with Warden longsword
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 Art of Battle three stance guard and Stamina and exhaustion mastery.
- Warden longsword makes a significant difference. Get it before attempting these.
- See our combat guide for advanced techniques.
Sentinel Bosses
Area difficulty: Very Hard Recommended level: All modes, Dominion and Skirmish Recommended role: Knights with Warden longsword
Strategy
Late-game bosses are serious challenges. Build optimization matters as much as mechanical skill.
Key tips:
- Make sure your build is fully optimized.
- Warden longsword at max upgrade is recommended.
- Study each boss's attack patterns. Most have 2-3 phases.
High Fort Bosses
Area difficulty: Extreme Recommended level: All modes, Dominion Recommended role: Knights with Warden longsword
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 Warden longsword trivializes fights that seem impossible with weaker gear.
- Use Art of Battle three stance guard: 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 FOR HONOR Guides
- FOR HONOR FOR HONOR Overview
- FOR HONOR Best Builds
- FOR HONOR Tier List
- FOR HONOR Walkthrough
- FOR HONOR Beginner's Guide
- FOR HONOR Tips & Tricks
- FOR HONOR Weapons Guide
- FOR HONOR Combat Guide
- FOR HONOR Maps & Locations
- FOR HONOR Crafting Guide
- FOR HONOR Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy FOR HONOR, 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
