Fatshark released Vermintide 2 on 8 March 2018 and it still runs on the same five heroes: Markus Kruber, Bardin Goreksson, Kerillian, Victor Saltzpyre and Sienna Fuegonasus. Each has four careers, three unlocked through levelling and one sold separately, which gives 20 loadouts built on one first person melee system. Difficulty climbs through Recruit, Veteran, Champion and Legend, with Cataclysm added by the Winds of Magic expansion in August 2019.
Boss fights are where Warhammer: Vermintide 2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Righteous Stand | Easy | Bardin Goreksson | Drakefire Pistols |
| Screaming Bell | Moderate | Bardin Goreksson | Drakefire Pistols |
| Athel Yenlui | Hard | Markus Kruber | Halberd |
| Against the Grain | Very Hard | Markus Kruber | Halberd |
| Skittergate | Extreme | Markus Kruber | Halberd |
Righteous Stand Bosses
Area difficulty: Easy Recommended level: Recruit to Legend Recommended role: Bardin Goreksson with Drakefire Pistols
Strategy
The first bosses teach core combat mechanics. Focus on learning patterns rather than dealing damage. Most careers take a talent that converts damage into temporary health, triggered on kills, on cleaving several enemies at once or on critical hits. This is your primary tool here.
Key tips:
- Don't rush. Learn the attack patterns first.
- Use Temporary health from damage dealt to create safe windows.
- Drakefire Pistols is enough to handle everything here.
Screaming Bell Bosses
Area difficulty: Moderate Recommended level: Veteran to Cataclysm Recommended role: Bardin Goreksson with Drakefire Pistols
Strategy
Early game bosses test your understanding of Stamina shields and push attacks. Players who skipped learning this mechanic will hit a wall here.
Key tips:
- Stamina shields and push attacks is critical for these fights.
- Farm Drakefire Pistols upgrades if you're struggling.
- Consider switching to Bardin Goreksson if your current setup isn't working.
Athel Yenlui Bosses
Area difficulty: Hard Recommended level: Veteran to Cataclysm Recommended role: Markus Kruber with Halberd
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 Temporary health from damage dealt and Dodge count per weapon mastery.
- Halberd makes a significant difference. Get it before attempting these.
- See our combat guide for advanced techniques.
Against the Grain Bosses
Area difficulty: Very Hard Recommended level: Champion to Cataclysm Recommended role: Markus Kruber with Halberd
Strategy
Late-game bosses are serious challenges. Build optimization matters as much as mechanical skill.
Key tips:
- Make sure your build is fully optimized.
- Halberd at max upgrade is recommended.
- Study each boss's attack patterns. Most have 2-3 phases.
Skittergate Bosses
Area difficulty: Extreme Recommended level: Champion to Cataclysm Recommended role: Markus Kruber with Halberd
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 Halberd trivializes fights that seem impossible with weaker gear.
- Use Temporary health from damage dealt: 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 Warhammer: Vermintide 2 Guides
- Warhammer: Vermintide 2 Warhammer: Vermintide 2 Overview
- Warhammer: Vermintide 2 Best Builds
- Warhammer: Vermintide 2 Tier List
- Warhammer: Vermintide 2 Walkthrough
- Warhammer: Vermintide 2 Beginner's Guide
- Warhammer: Vermintide 2 Tips & Tricks
- Warhammer: Vermintide 2 Weapons Guide
- Warhammer: Vermintide 2 Combat Guide
- Warhammer: Vermintide 2 Maps & Locations
- Warhammer: Vermintide 2 Crafting Guide
- Warhammer: Vermintide 2 Classes & Characters
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