Who is the Strongest Character in Bloodborne?

The title of “strongest character” in Bloodborne is highly contested and depends heavily on the criteria used: gameplay difficulty, lore implications, or sheer raw power. However, considering all factors, the Moon Presence likely claims the top spot. While potentially easier to defeat in combat than some other bosses, the Moon Presence’s influence as a Great One, its control over the Hunter’s Dream, and its role in perpetuating the cycle of the Hunt far surpass the tangible strength of other characters. It’s a being of immense cosmic power, manipulating reality and trapping Hunters in its eternal game.

Understanding Strength in Bloodborne

Before diving deeper, it’s important to define what “strength” means in the context of Bloodborne. It’s not simply about physical prowess. Consider these aspects:

• Physical Strength/Combat Prowess: This refers to the raw fighting ability, damage output, and resilience shown in gameplay. Bosses like Ludwig, the Holy Blade, and Orphan of Kos excel in this area.
• Lore Significance/Cosmic Power: This encompasses the character’s role in the narrative, their connection to the Great Ones, and their ability to influence reality and events. Characters like the Moon Presence and Oedon stand out here.
• Influence/Control: This relates to a character’s ability to manipulate others, control environments, and shape the world around them. Characters like Master Willem and Queen Yharnam possess significant influence.

Why the Moon Presence is a Top Contender

The Moon Presence isn’t necessarily the “hardest” boss for all players. However, its strength lies in its subtle yet pervasive influence.

• The Architect of the Hunter’s Dream: The Moon Presence created and maintains the Hunter’s Dream, effectively imprisoning Hunters in a cycle of violence. This level of control over reality demonstrates immense power.
• A Great One of Immeasurable Age: As a Great One, the Moon Presence exists on a plane beyond human comprehension. Its motivations and goals are alien and unknowable, making it a force of nature rather than a simple enemy.
• Perpetuating the Hunt: By trapping Hunters in the Dream, the Moon Presence ensures the continued slaughter of beasts and the suppression of the truth about the Great Ones. This indirect control over the fate of Yharnam and its inhabitants is arguably its greatest strength.
• Hidden Final Boss: The fact that the Moon Presence is a hidden final boss unlocked only through specific actions emphasizes its importance and the weight of its power. You must actively seek to confront it.

Other Strong Contenders and Their Strengths

While the Moon Presence claims the top spot, several other characters deserve consideration:

Great Ones

• Oedon: An amorphous Great One without form, Oedon is associated with blood and insight. His ability to impregnate Queen Yharnam without physical form highlights his unique and potentially limitless power. His influence is subtle but pervasive, shaping the events of the game.
• Amygdala: These massive, spider-like Great Ones possess immense physical strength and can manipulate the environment. Their presence causes Insight loss, indicating their otherworldly nature and mental impact. They are powerful guardians and symbols of the Eldritch Truth.
• Mergo: While not a direct combatant, Mergo’s influence as an infant Great One is significant. Its cries echo throughout Yharnam, driving people mad and attracting other Great Ones. The Wet Nurse protects it, further solidifying its importance.

Bosses

• Orphan of Kos: Arguably the most challenging boss for many players, the Orphan of Kos possesses incredible speed, aggression, and raw power. Its connection to Kos (or Kosm) makes it a significant figure in the lore, representing the rage and sorrow of the Great Ones.
• Ludwig, the Holy Blade: A corrupted hunter turned beast, Ludwig is a formidable opponent with two distinct phases. His transformation reflects the corrupting influence of the Old Blood and the horrors faced by the Healing Church.
• Laurence, the First Vicar: Another powerful Cleric Beast, Laurence’s burning form and aggressive attacks make him a challenging encounter. His connection to the Healing Church’s origins adds to his significance in the narrative.

Humans

• Master Willem: As the founder of the College of Byrgenwerth and mentor to Laurence and Gherman, Master Willem possessed significant knowledge and influence. His focus on “eyes on the inside” suggests a deep understanding of the Great Ones and the nature of reality.
• Gherman, the First Hunter: Bound to the Hunter’s Dream, Gherman is a skilled hunter and craftsman. His knowledge of the Hunt and his connection to the Moon Presence make him a powerful and tragic figure.
• Queen Yharnam: A powerful Pthumerian queen, Yharnam is pregnant with Mergo and plays a crucial role in the story. Her bloodline and her connection to the Great Ones make her a significant figure in the lore.

Conclusion

Ultimately, deciding on the “strongest character” in Bloodborne is subjective. However, the Moon Presence, due to its cosmic power, control over the Hunter’s Dream, and role in perpetuating the Hunt, stands out as the most influential and powerful entity in the game. While other characters may possess greater combat prowess or physical strength, the Moon Presence’s ability to manipulate reality and shape the fate of Yharnam makes it the most deserving of the title.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

H2 Frequently Asked Questions about Bloodborne’s Strongest Characters

H3 General Questions

1. Is the player character, the Hunter, a contender for the strongest character? Yes, the Hunter possesses unique resilience and adaptability. They learn from each encounter, growing stronger with each defeated enemy. However, they ultimately remain a pawn in the game of the Great Ones, limiting their true power.
2. How does Insight affect a character’s strength? Insight, while not directly increasing physical strength, provides a deeper understanding of the Eldritch Truth. This understanding can grant access to new abilities and weapons but also leads to madness and vulnerability.
3. Does the Chalice Dungeons contain stronger enemies than the main game? Yes, the Chalice Dungeons often feature more challenging versions of enemies and bosses, offering a greater test of skill and character build strength.

H3 Great One-Specific Questions

4. Why is Oedon considered a Great One if he has no physical form? Oedon’s lack of form emphasizes his abstract and otherworldly nature. His influence is exerted through blood and the impregnation of Queen Yharnam, demonstrating a unique form of power beyond physical manifestation.
5. Is Kos (or Kosm) stronger than the Moon Presence? Kos’s true strength is unknown, as she is only referenced and never directly encountered. The Orphan of Kos, her child, is a formidable opponent, suggesting that Kos possessed significant power before her demise. Whether she rivals the Moon Presence is speculation.
6. What is the significance of the Great Ones’ desire for a surrogate? The Great Ones seek surrogates to reproduce and continue their lineage, as they are unable to do so themselves in their current state. This desire highlights their vulnerability and their dependence on mortal beings.

H3 Boss-Specific Questions

7. Why is Orphan of Kos so difficult to defeat? The Orphan of Kos is aggressive, unpredictable, and deals high damage. Its erratic movements and relentless attacks make it a challenging opponent for even experienced players.
8. Is Ludwig, the Holy Blade, a stronger Cleric Beast than other versions? Yes, Ludwig is arguably the most powerful Cleric Beast due to his unique abilities, including the Holy Moonlight Sword, and his tragic backstory.
9. How does blood-letting affect the strength of bosses like Blood-Starved Beast? Blood-letting increases the aggressiveness and strength of beasts, turning them into formidable opponents. The Blood-Starved Beast’s transformation highlights the corrupting influence of the Old Blood.

H3 Human-Specific Questions

10. Why is Master Willem considered strong despite not being a direct combatant? Master Willem’s strength lies in his knowledge and influence. He shaped the course of the Healing Church and Byrgenwerth through his teachings and research, making him a pivotal figure in the lore.
11. Is Gherman stronger than any other hunter in Yharnam? Gherman is arguably the most skilled hunter in Yharnam, given his experience and connection to the Hunter’s Dream. However, his age and confinement may limit his overall strength compared to younger, more adaptable hunters.
12. What is the significance of Queen Yharnam’s blood? Queen Yharnam’s blood is a potent source of power and is tied to the Great Ones. Her bloodline and her connection to Mergo make her a vital figure in the story and a source of great strength.

H3 Miscellaneous Questions

13. Are there any weapons or items that definitively make a character stronger? Yes, weapons like the Holy Moonlight Sword and the Burial Blade are considered among the most powerful, enhancing a character’s combat capabilities. Runes also provide stat boosts and special effects, significantly impacting strength.
14. Does character level and stats matter in determining who is strongest? While high character level and well-distributed stats allow the Hunter to face challenges more easily, this strength is dependent on the player’s skill. Lore-wise and narratively, other beings possess far greater inherent strength.
15. How does cooperative play affect the strength of enemies? Cooperative play increases the health and attack power of enemies and bosses, making them more challenging and requiring greater teamwork. This can indirectly highlight which bosses were originally conceived as inherently stronger.