Facing Pontiff Sulyvahn in Dark Souls III is one of the most intense and memorable encounters in the game. Known for his aggressive dual-sword fighting style, quick teleportation, and overwhelming second phase with a phantom clone, many players find themselves struggling to keep up. Whether you’re playing solo or co-op, bringing the best summon for Pontiff can be the key to turning the tide in your favor. Choosing the right NPC or player summon not only offers a tactical advantage but can significantly reduce the boss’s oppressive pressure, giving you time and space to counterattack or heal. Understanding the best summon options and their specific strengths for this fight is critical for any player aiming to defeat Pontiff efficiently and with fewer deaths.
Understanding the Pontiff Sulyvahn Encounter
A Two-Phase Boss with High Aggression
Pontiff Sulyvahn doesn’t give players much breathing room. In phase one, his attacks come in rapid chains, alternating between fire and magic-infused swings. Once he transitions to phase two, he creates a clone that mimics his moves with a slight delay, making the fight exponentially more chaotic. His relentless aggression means solo players often struggle to find openings for healing or striking back.
Why Summons Make a Difference
Summoning allies can drastically change the rhythm of the fight. With another target on the field, Pontiff may split his attention, giving the player opportunities to heal or attack safely. Moreover, summons can stagger or distract his phantom double, making the second phase more manageable. However, not all summons are equal some NPCs are better suited to this battle than others.
Top NPC Summons for Pontiff Sulyvahn
Anri of Astora
Anri is one of the best NPC summons for this boss, especially if you’ve progressed through their questline. You can summon Anri near the Pontiff’s fog gate if you’ve completed the necessary steps.
- Durability: Anri has solid health and decent armor, allowing them to tank a few hits.
- Aggression: They stay close to the boss and actively engage, drawing Pontiff’s attention.
- Damage: While not the highest, Anri’s consistent melee damage helps wear Pontiff down.
Timing your attacks with Anri’s strikes can often interrupt Pontiff’s combos and create valuable openings.
Black Hand Gotthard
Found just outside the boss arena, Gotthard is a powerful summon option for this battle. Equipped with twin swords, his attack speed and aggression match well with Pontiff’s frantic pace.
- High DPS: Gotthard can dish out rapid hits, especially when Pontiff is focused on someone else.
- Good Tracking: He stays on the boss, even when Pontiff teleports or leaps around.
- Useful Distraction: He can draw the phantom’s aggro during the second phase, keeping things under control.
While he doesn’t have great survivability, his offensive pressure is enough to tip the balance in your favor if you’re careful.
Best Player Summon Strategies
Look for High-Level Phantoms
When using the online system, be sure to summon gold or white phantoms who appear to have good armor and weapons. The best summon for Pontiff in online play is typically a player using a fast-striking build or one equipped with heavy poise and a greatshield.
- Dexterity Builds: Fast attackers can pressure Pontiff and even stagger him when he’s focused elsewhere.
- Tank Builds: Players with greatshields can block Pontiff’s wild combos and create safe zones for you.
- Magic Users: Sorcerers or pyromancers can deal heavy ranged damage while staying safely at a distance.
Be cautious when summoning too many allies though. With two or more phantoms, Pontiff gains extra health and damage resistance, which can backfire if your summons aren’t skilled or die quickly.
Using a Password Match
If you have friends playing, using the password system allows you to summon a reliable ally regardless of Soul Level or weapon upgrade range. Coordinated summons are almost always better than random ones, especially for high-difficulty bosses like Pontiff.
Coordinate with your partner on strategies like baiting the boss’s attention, chain-stunning him with attacks, or using spacing to avoid the phantom clone’s attacks during the second phase.
Solo Alternatives: Spirit Ashes in Modded Play
While Dark Souls III doesn’t have spirit ashes like Elden Ring, some mods introduce summonable allies with various behaviors. If you’re playing with mods, you might find options that mimic Elden Ring-style summons, allowing you to bring in spirits that fit different roles.
- Melee Spirits: Can help absorb damage and interrupt Pontiff’s combos.
- Ranged Spirits: Provide constant DPS without getting too close.
- Healing Spirits: Rare, but some mods offer support-based summons that help with survivability.
Make sure any modded summon is balanced for the boss level to avoid ruining the experience or making the fight too easy.
Tips for Effective Summon Use
Keep Distance When Needed
Let your summon draw aggro and don’t rush in recklessly. Pontiff’s wide arcs and area-of-effect attacks can easily hit multiple targets. Heal when he’s focused on your summon and strike from the side or behind.
Time Your Attacks
Don’t attack simultaneously with your summon unless you’re sure the boss is staggered. Try to create a rhythm where your attacks follow theirs, maximizing pressure while minimizing risk.
Use Buffs and Items
Take advantage of resin buffs, weapon arts, or rings that increase your damage output. While your summon holds Pontiff’s attention, you have more opportunities to safely apply these tools for added effectiveness.
Honorable Mentions and Extra Help
Londor Pale Shade
This NPC summon is available in some playthroughs and brings an aggressive style to the fight. They’re not as tanky as Gotthard but provide good pressure and speed. However, you must have followed Yuria of Londor’s questline to unlock them.
Use of Beacons and Dry Fingers
To summon more than one ally, use the Dried Finger item. This allows for two phantoms and increases your chances of overwhelming the boss, though it also increases his aggression and durability. Use this strategy only if you’re confident in your team’s coordination.
Choosing the best summon for Pontiff Sulyvahn can dramatically improve your odds of success in one of Dark Souls III’s most challenging boss fights. Whether you opt for dependable NPCs like Anri of Astora or Black Hand Gotthard, or skilled player summons with custom builds, the right ally can create the time and space needed to turn the tide. Make sure to plan your approach, watch your summon’s positioning, and strike at the perfect moment. With the right support and strategy, even Pontiff’s blazing swords and relentless assault can be overcome. Victory may be hard-earned, but with help, it becomes a satisfying triumph worth every effort.