Painting: an ancient lexicon open on a carved lectern in a dark chapel of books, glowing runes and symbols lifting off its pages like fireflies.
TermDigital term1975

Boss

An especially powerful enemy that caps a level, dungeon or story arc. Boss fights test everything the player has learned and are often the most memorable moments in a game.

An especially powerful enemy that caps a level, dungeon or story arc. Boss fights test everything the player has learned and are often the most memorable moments in a game.

Origin

The PLATO game dnd (1975) is credited with the first video game boss, guarding an orb at the bottom of its dungeon.

Quick answers

What does "Boss" mean?
An especially powerful enemy that caps a level, dungeon or story arc. Boss fights test everything the player has learned and are often the most memorable moments in a game.
Where does the term "Boss" come from?
The PLATO game dnd (1975) is credited with the first video game boss, guarding an orb at the bottom of its dungeon.