After defeating Pontiff Sulyvahn in Dark Souls III, players find themselves stepping into one of the most atmospheric and challenging stretches of the game. The journey beyond the Pontiff is filled with twisted lore, powerful enemies, and an unforgettable boss encounter that stands as a true test of skill and patience. Understanding what comes next is crucial for progression, especially for those seeking to uncover all the secrets of Lothric. The boss after Pontiff Sulyvahn marks a shift in tone and difficulty, immersing players deeper into the cold, decaying beauty of Irithyll of the Boreal Valley and its dark secrets.
Unlocking the Path Beyond Pontiff Sulyvahn
Entering the Courtyard
Once Pontiff Sulyvahn is defeated, the exit leads to a grand courtyard filled with silver knights and cathedral-like structures. This area, known as the Anor Londo approach, is not just a connection to new challenges it is a callback to the original Dark Souls, steeped in lore and rich with visual parallels.
Reaching Anor Londo
Continuing through the courtyard and ascending the rotating tower elevator eventually leads players to a familiar sight: Anor Londo. This location serves as both a nostalgic throwback and a new area with dangers of its own. The path culminates in a massive cathedral with a fog gate awaiting the next major boss encounter.
Boss After Pontiff Sulyvahn: Aldrich, Devourer of Gods
Introduction to Aldrich
The boss waiting beyond Pontiff Sulyvahn is none other thanAldrich, Devourer of Gods. Aldrich is one of the Lords of Cinder that the Ashen One must defeat to progress in the main story of Dark Souls III. His twisted form and grotesque design represent one of the most disturbing visions in the game, as he has consumed Gwyndolin, the last remaining deity of Anor Londo.
Location: Anor Londo Cathedral
Aldrich is found at the far end of the grand cathedral in Anor Londo. The area is guarded by Silver Knights and some of the toughest enemies up to this point. The boss arena itself is large, dark, and eerily quiet before the battle begins.
Aldrich Boss Fight Mechanics
Phase One: Soul Arrows and Melee Strikes
In the first phase of the battle, Aldrich uses a mix of dark magic and physical strikes. His attacks include:
- Dark Soul Arrows A barrage of tracking projectiles that can overwhelm players if not dodged or blocked properly.
- Slashing Scythe Attacks Melee strikes with his bow-like appendage that deal both physical and dark damage.
- Ground Eruption A dark magic explosion that activates when Aldrich submerges into the ground to teleport.
This phase focuses on controlling space and recognizing Aldrich’s teleport patterns, which are usually followed by ranged attacks.
Phase Two: Fire and Devastation
At around 50% health, Aldrich begins his second phase, adding a layer of fire damage to many of his attacks. New abilities include:
- Rain of Arrows A long-range attack that rains down dozens of arrows, dealing heavy damage across a wide area.
- Fire Enchantment His dark magic becomes infused with fire, increasing the damage output and expanding his AoE range.
- Teleport Ambushes Aldrich frequently teleports across the arena, often appearing behind the player with little warning.
Surviving this phase requires aggressive mobility, proper spacing, and consistent pressure to prevent Aldrich from using ranged attacks unchecked.
Strategy to Defeat Aldrich
Builds and Weapon Recommendations
Certain builds are more effective against Aldrich, especially those with high mobility and ranged capabilities. Here are some suggestions:
- Dexterity Builds Fast weapons like katanas, curved swords, or rapiers allow for quick hits between teleport phases.
- Pyromancer or Sorcery Builds Ranged magic can hit Aldrich from afar during soul arrow casting or after teleporting.
- Heavy Melee Builds Greatswords or ultra greatswords can punish Aldrich’s slow recovery frames, though timing is key.
Best Tactics for Survival
Managing stamina and awareness of Aldrich’s attack patterns are essential. Tips for success include:
- Stay close to Aldrich to prevent arrow spam.
- Always move diagonally to avoid homing spells.
- Attack after teleport animations, when Aldrich is vulnerable.
- Use shields with high dark resistance if playing defensively.
- Equip rings that boost magic and fire resistance.
With patience and precision, Aldrich becomes a manageable but memorable encounter, especially for players familiar with past FromSoftware mechanics.
Loot and Rewards
Soul of Aldrich
Upon defeating Aldrich, players are rewarded with theSoul of Aldrich, which can be transposed into powerful items by Ludleth of Courland in Firelink Shrine. Options include:
- Darkmoon Longbow A magical bow that scales with Faith and Dexterity, ideal for ranged builds.
- Lifehunt Scythe A miracle that deals damage and restores HP, effective for PvP and certain PvE builds.
Access to New Areas
Defeating Aldrich also progresses the main questline and grants access to Lothric Castle after returning to Firelink Shrine. The story moves forward as the Ashen One continues the task of linking the fire, and more Lords of Cinder await.
Lore Behind Aldrich
The Devourer of Gods
Aldrich began as a cleric with an insatiable hunger. Over time, his hunger grew into cannibalism and eventually transformed him into an eldritch abomination. He is said to have devoured Gwyndolin, the last known deity of Anor Londo, absorbing his powers and even mimicking his form during the fight.
Connection to Anor Londo
This boss fight is a deeply symbolic moment in the game. By facing Aldrich in the ruins of Anor Londo, players come full circle to one of the most iconic locations from the first Dark Souls. Aldrich’s consumption of Gwyndolin represents the end of the gods’ era and the decay of the once-great city.
Optional Content Nearby
Painting Guardians and the Spiral Path
Exploring the area around Anor Londo before and after the Aldrich fight reveals optional lore and challenging enemies. Players can find hidden rooms, shortcuts, and items that deepen the worldbuilding of Irithyll and its forgotten gods.
Summons and NPC Interactions
Players can summon allies such as Anri of Astora, depending on quest progress. Helping or hindering NPCs at this point in the game has consequences for later story outcomes. Summoning also makes the fight with Aldrich easier for those struggling with his magic-heavy moveset.
Facing Aldrich after Pontiff Sulyvahn is one of the most memorable experiences in Dark Souls III. The fight is not just a battle of endurance but a thematic confrontation with the collapse of divine legacy and the horror that follows. With the right preparation, tactics, and understanding of the game’s mechanics, players can overcome this grotesque Lord of Cinder and move forward on their journey toward the flame. Defeating Aldrich is a significant milestone that opens the door to deeper story revelations and the final chapters of one of the most acclaimed action RPGs in modern gaming.