Pontiff Sulyvahn is one of the most iconic and formidable bosses inDark Souls III, known not only for his intimidating presence but also for the pivotal role he plays in the game’s narrative. Players searching for where to find Pontiff Sulyvahn are likely well into their journey through Lothric’s twisted world. This boss marks a significant turning point in the storyline, and locating him requires traversing some of the game’s most atmospheric and dangerous zones. Understanding his location, the enemies you will face along the way, and how to prepare for the encounter is essential for progression.
Where to Find Pontiff Sulyvahn in Dark Souls 3
Location Overview: Irithyll of the Boreal Valley
Pontiff Sulyvahn resides in Irithyll of the Boreal Valley, a breathtaking yet perilous area unlocked after defeating the Deacons of the Deep in the Cathedral of the Deep. Once you obtain the Small Doll from the Deacons, you can access the Illusory Barrier at the entrance to Irithyll and begin your journey into this haunting city. Irithyll is filled with frost-infused enemies, ethereal architecture, and a sense of impending doom that perfectly sets the stage for the Pontiff battle.
Steps to Reach the Boss Arena
Here is a detailed step-by-step guide to reaching Pontiff Sulyvahn:
- 1. Defeat the Deacons of the Deep: This fight occurs in the Cathedral of the Deep and rewards you with the Small Doll key item.
- 2. Head to Irithyll: Travel to the Cleansing Chapel bonfire and make your way to the Irithyll entrance. The Small Doll allows you to pass the barrier.
- 3. Proceed Through the City: The path through Irithyll is linear but filled with dangerous foes such as Pontiff Knights, Silver Knights, and spell-casters. Utilize bonfires along the way, especially the Central Irithyll and Church of Yorshka bonfires.
- 4. Reach the Pontiff’s Court: Eventually, you will arrive at the Pontiff’s Court bonfire, located just outside his boss arena. This bonfire acts as your staging point for the battle.
Shortcut Tips and Bonfires
Irithyll of the Boreal Valley has a few useful shortcuts. After passing through the main bridge and encountering the first Pontiff Knight, players can unlock a gate that allows faster access to the central parts of the city. Be sure to light the Church of Yorshka bonfire as it provides a safe respawn spot close to several item-rich areas and NPC interactions. These bonfires become useful if you die while exploring or preparing for the boss fight.
What to Expect Before the Fight
Enemies You Will Face Along the Way
As you move through Irithyll toward Pontiff Sulyvahn, be prepared to encounter a variety of powerful enemies:
- Pontiff Knights: Aggressive melee enemies that use wide-range combos.
- Saurian Beasts: Located near the bridge; they are fast and brutal.
- Silver Knights: Found closer to Anor Londo later, but their reach makes them dangerous early on.
- Fire Witches and Irithyllian Slaves: Dangerous in groups, often found near Church of Yorshka.
Loot and Items Nearby
There are several valuable items along the path to Pontiff Sulyvahn. Be sure to grab:
- Magic Clutch Ring: Found near the waterway, useful for sorcerers.
- Ring of Sacrifice: Located on the rooftops near fire witches.
- Ember: Several scattered throughout Irithyll, especially near tougher enemies.
The Boss Fight with Pontiff Sulyvahn
Entering the Arena
Once you reach the Pontiff’s Court bonfire, head toward the large set of double doors. Open them to trigger a short cutscene introducing Pontiff Sulyvahn. The fight begins immediately after, so make sure you’re fully healed, embered, and ready for an intense duel.
Boss Mechanics and Strategy
Pontiff Sulyvahn is a dual-sword wielding enemy with high speed and combo-heavy attacks. His two swords one infused with fire and the other with magic allow him to unleash devastating attacks at both close and mid-range. The fight consists of two phases:
Phase One
- Fast Combos: He swings both swords in chained attacks that can break your stamina if you block too much.
- Wide AoE Slams: Avoid these by dodging through or away at the right moment.
- Unrelenting Aggression: Staying on the move and managing stamina is key here.
Phase Two
- Summoned Clone: Sulyvahn creates a phantom version of himself that mimics his attacks with a slight delay.
- Increased Pressure: Players must now dodge two sets of attacks at once.
- Focus Fire Strategy: Try to bait and separate the clone to focus on the real boss.
Recommended Builds and Tactics
- Lightweight Builds: Favor speed and dodging to avoid chained attacks. Use fast weapons like curved swords or daggers.
- Heavy Builds: Use greatshields and ultra greatswords. Time your blocks and focus on staggering the boss during his recovery windows.
- Magic Builds: Keep distance, use spells with quick casting time, and be ready to move constantly.
After the Fight
Bonfire and Progression
After defeating Pontiff Sulyvahn, a new bonfire appears in the boss arena. Light it to solidify your progress and prepare for the next area. The path now opens toward Anor Londo, a fan-favorite location fromDark Souls I, reimagined in this sequel. This is a significant moment in the game, as lore and setting converge in powerful ways.
Loot and NPC Events
With Pontiff defeated, you gain:
- Soul of Pontiff Sulyvahn: Can be transposed into unique weapons such as the Greatsword of Judgment or Profaned Greatsword.
- Access to Anor Londo: Progression toward Aldrich, Devourer of Gods.
- Yuria of Londor’s Quest: If you’re following her storyline, defeating Pontiff may unlock new dialogues.
Finding Pontiff Sulyvahn in *Dark Souls III* requires persistence, preparation, and a deep understanding of the game’s progression. From defeating the Deacons of the Deep to braving the cold streets of Irithyll of the Boreal Valley, the path to his boss arena is filled with danger and discovery. The fight itself is a true highlight of the game, blending high-intensity combat with rich lore and stunning visuals. By understanding where to find Pontiff Sulyvahn and preparing effectively, you position yourself to enjoy one of the most rewarding and memorable battles in the *Dark Souls* series.