10 Best Fights in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Ranked

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood recasts ordinary elements into awesome weapons via the ancient art of alchemy. Edward and Alphonse Elric's quest for reprieve spawns battles that blur the line between science and magic. Every transmutation circle drawn becomes a likely battlefield where philosophical ideals clash with devastating force.

The story turns intellect, self-sacrifice, and the principle of equivalent exchange into powerful storytelling tools. These ten confrontations represent the series' most brutal lessons in consequences.

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10. Alphonse Elric vs. Barry the Chopper

Episode 8

The psychological warfare starts when Alphonse faces Barry the Chopper outside Laboratory 5 in episode 8. Barry intentionally plants seeds of doubt about Alphonse's existence, asking whether he's truly human or merely an artificial creation.

This mind game becomes as damaging as the physical battle itself. Alphonse must overcome both Barry's physical attacks and his own existential crisis to emerge victorious.

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9. Greed vs. Edward Elric

Episode 13

Edward's first major encounter with a Homunculus tests his alchemical knowledge and quick thinking. When Greed activates his Ultimate Shield, Edward must discover its carbon-based composition to counter it effectively.

The fight in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood demonstrates why Edward earned the title of Fullmetal Alchemist at such a young age. His ability to deconstruct and understand enemy abilities on the fly proves crucial to victory.

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8. Lust and Gluttony vs. Scar

Episode 15

The Ishvalan warrior faces overwhelming odds when engaged by two powerful Homunculi in the desert. Scar’s alchemy, focused on destruction and reconstruction, clashes head-on with Lust’s razor-sharp claws and Gluttony’s mindless hunger for chaos.

Scar shows why he's considered one of the most formidable opponents in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. His ability to adapt his fighting style against supernatural enemies underscores his growth from a vengeful killer to a strategic warrior. This battle quickly reveals just how dangerous the Homunculi truly are within the story’s early stages.

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7. Alphonse Elric vs. Pride and Kimblee

Episodes 51 and 52

Armed with a Philosopher's Stone in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Alphonse demonstrates tactical brilliance by using the environment to his advantage. His strategy involves creating barriers to limit Pride's shadow manipulation abilities.

The younger Elric brother's sacrifice to protect his allies showcases his heroic nature. The fight culminates in a clever trap that neutralizes Pride's most dangerous abilities through environmental manipulation.

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6. The Armstrong Siblings vs. Sloth

Episodes 51 to 55

The battle against Sloth becomes an epic test of endurance as the Armstrong siblings face the largest Homunculus. Major General Olivier Armstrong and Alex Louis Armstrong combine their incredible physical strength to match Sloth's overwhelming power. In Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, this fight spans multiple episodes, showcasing pure brute-force combat.

The arrival of Izumi and Sig Curtis turns the tide, creating a tag-team battle of exceptional warriors. The destructive power displayed threatens to bring down Central Command headquarters itself.

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5. Scar vs. King Bradley

Episodes 59 to 61

Both Scar and Wrath fight with everything they have, representing opposing ideologies about justice and revenge. A savage showdown unfolds as King Bradley’s unmatched blade skills collide with Scar’s destructive alchemy.

This battle carries immense narrative weight as Scar finally confronts the man responsible for his people's genocide. Their philosophical differences fuel every strike in this intense showdown.

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4. Edward and Ling vs. Lust

Episode 26

The encounter with Lust inside Gluttony's stomach creates one of the series' most claustrophobic battles. Edward and Ling must work together while trapped in an impossible environment against a deadly opponent. Lust's shapeshifting abilities and finger blades create constant danger.

This fight in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood reveals crucial information about Homunculi's nature and their role in the conspiracy. The battle's importance provides key plot revelations that drive the story forward.

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3. King Bradley vs. Greedling and Fu

Episodes 55 to 57

King Bradley's assault on Central Command becomes a masterclass in solo combat excellence. Armed with only his sword and grenades, he single-handedly overwhelms entire military battalions. The Fuhrer's battle against Greedling and Fu showcases his terrifying combat prowess.

This multi-stage battle in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood demonstrates why Bradley is considered the most dangerous Homunculus. With the Ultimate Eye, Bradley can foresee and block nearly any move with flawless accuracy. The sacrifices made by Fu and Buccaneer finally create the opening needed to wound this seemingly invincible opponent.

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2. Roy Mustang vs. Envy

Episodes 53 and 54

Roy Mustang's brutal aggression on Envy is one of the anime's most intense revenge sequences. The Flame Alchemist's raw outrage over Maes Hughes' death constructs a terrifying depiction of destructive power. Envy's attempts to flee prove hopeless against Mustang's relentless pursuit.

Mustang's allies must stop him from becoming the monster he's fighting against. This internal struggle between righteousness and vengeance creates surprising tension that defines the character's arc throughout Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

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1. Edward Elric vs. Father

Episodes 61 to 63

The final battle against Father conveys the completion of everything Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood builds toward. Edward confronts the original Homunculus, Father, after he absorbs divine power and becomes nearly unstoppable. This cosmic-level threat requires every ally's collaborative effort to overpower.

Edward's restoration via Alphonse's sacrifice makes one of the series' most emotional moments. The battle portrays every combat technique and philosophical theme explored throughout the series. Father's gradual weakening through Hohenheim's counter-plot delivers the opening for Edward's final victory.

The alchemy of flawless storytelling needs precise ingredients: strategic combat, emotional stakes, and philosophical depth. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood demonstrates that noteworthy battles emanate from character values rather than raw spectacle. These ten fights show why equal exchange manages more than just alchemy.