Outward is an open-world survival RPG where you play as an ordinary person — no chosen one narrative, no power fantasy. You're a villager paying off a debt while exploring a hostile world where every expedition requires preparation: food, water, warm clothes, healing supplies, and a plan. The game's defining feature is its consequence system — dying doesn't reload a save but triggers a unique defeat scenario (dragged to a bandit camp, rescued by a stranger, washed ashore). Magic isn't innate; you must sacrifice max health permanently to gain mana through a dangerous ritual. The Definitive Edition includes the Soroboreans and Three Brothers DLC expansions, adding new regions, mechanics, and faction content.
Boss fights are where Outward 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cierzo | Easy | Mage | Horror Bow |
| Berg | Moderate | Mage | Horror Bow |
| Monsoon | Hard | Warrior | Brand Greatsword |
| Levant | Very Hard | Warrior | Brand Greatsword |
| Harmattan | Extreme | Warrior | Brand Greatsword |
Cierzo Bosses
Area difficulty: Easy Recommended level: Starting area Recommended build: Mage with Horror Bow
Strategy
The first bosses teach core combat mechanics. Focus on learning patterns rather than dealing damage. Survival mechanics include hunger, thirst, temperature, sleep, and disease — this is your primary tool here.
Key tips:
- Don't rush. Learn the attack patterns first.
- Use survival RPG to create safe windows.
- Horror Bow is enough to handle everything here.
Berg Bosses
Area difficulty: Moderate Recommended level: Early-mid game Recommended build: Mage with Horror Bow
Strategy
Early game bosses test your understanding of no hand-holding. Players who skipped learning this mechanic will hit a wall here.
Key tips:
- no hand-holding is critical for these fights.
- Farm Horror Bow upgrades if you're struggling.
- Consider switching to Mage if your current setup isn't working.
Monsoon Bosses
Area difficulty: Hard Recommended level: Mid game Recommended build: Warrior with Brand Greatsword
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 survival RPG and backpack management mastery.
- Brand Greatsword makes a significant difference — get it before attempting these.
- See our combat guide for advanced techniques.
Levant Bosses
Area difficulty: Very Hard Recommended level: Mid-late game Recommended build: Warrior with Brand Greatsword
Strategy
Late-game bosses are serious challenges. Build optimization matters as much as mechanical skill.
Key tips:
- Make sure your build is fully optimized.
- Brand Greatsword at max upgrade is recommended.
- Study each boss's attack patterns — most have 2-3 phases.
Harmattan Bosses
Area difficulty: Extreme Recommended level: Late game (DLC) Recommended build: Warrior with Brand Greatsword
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 Brand Greatsword trivializes fights that seem impossible with weaker gear.
- Use survival RPG — 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 Outward Guides
- Outward Outward Overview
- Outward Best Builds
- Outward Tier List
- Outward Walkthrough
- Outward Beginner's Guide
- Outward Tips & Tricks
- Outward Weapons Guide
- Outward Combat Guide
- Outward Maps & Locations
- Outward Crafting Guide
- Outward Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Outward, check out these related guides:
- Elden Ring Boss Guide — rpg game with similar mechanics
- Baldur's Gate 3 Boss Guide — rpg game with similar mechanics
- Cyberpunk 2077 Boss Guide — rpg game with similar mechanics
