One of the most challenging and memorable bosses in Dark Souls III is Pontiff Sulyvahn. Located in Irithyll of the Boreal Valley, this boss battle is notorious for its aggressive pace, flashy animations, and difficult second phase. Many players struggle with how to beat Pontiff Sulyvahn on their first attempts, but with proper preparation, strategy, and timing, he becomes manageable. Whether you’re playing a melee-heavy build, casting spells from a distance, or balancing between the two, understanding his move set and knowing when to punish can make a huge difference in this fight.
Where to Find Pontiff Sulyvahn
Location and Preparation
You’ll encounter Pontiff Sulyvahn after progressing through the Irithyll of the Boreal Valley area. His boss fog gate is located in a grand cathedral, and there’s a bonfire just before it, allowing easy retry access.
Before facing him, ensure you have:
- Upgraded weapons at least to +6 or higher
- Decent armor for moderate poise and fire resistance
- Plenty of Estus flasks allocated for healing
- Buff items or spells like Flame Weapon, Magic Weapon, or Resins
It’s also helpful to have practiced dodging fast attacks and managing stamina usage efficiently.
Understanding Pontiff Sulyvahn’s Attack Patterns
Phase One: Dual Greatswords
In his first phase, Pontiff wields two swords one standard and one imbued with fire. He attacks with swift, wide-sweeping combos and often chains three or more strikes together. Here are his key moves to look out for:
- Double Slash Combo: He swings both swords in succession. Dodge toward him to get behind his back.
- Jumping Slam: He leaps and slams his swords down, leaving a window for a quick hit or two after he lands.
- Thrust into Flame Sweep: This attack has a delay and wide radius roll diagonally as it starts to avoid taking damage.
The first phase is fast-paced, but if you stay close and avoid panic rolling, you’ll find opportunities between his combos for light punish attacks.
Phase Two: Spectral Clone and Increased Pressure
At around 50% health, Pontiff will kneel and summon a clone of himself. This marks the beginning of his second phase, which can overwhelm players if they aren’t prepared. The clone mimics his attacks, typically with a slight delay. That delay is your cue to dodge both.
In phase two, expect:
- Mirror Combos: Both Pontiff and his clone execute sword combos, effectively doubling the range and coverage.
- Teleportation Attacks: He may disappear briefly and reappear for a quick lunge or aerial strike. Stay mobile and expect follow-ups.
- Fire Sweeps and AoEs: Watch for glowing weapons or charge-up animations they indicate powerful AoE damage zones.
The key here is focus. Lock onto the real Pontiff (not the clone), and try to bait out attacks so you can isolate him from the illusion and deal real damage.
Tips for Melee Builds
Staying Close, Staying Calm
Melee builds should stick near his right side or behind him. Pontiff’s sword sweeps often miss or are easier to roll through when you’re tight on his flank. Here are specific melee strategies:
- Circle to your right to avoid his fire blade swings
- Use quick weapons like curved swords, katanas, or straight swords for faster recovery times
- Don’t get greedy one or two hits between his combos is safer than risking three and getting punished
If you’re using a shield, choose one with good stability and fire resistance. However, dodging is more effective due to the stamina-draining nature of his attacks.
Tips for Ranged and Magic Builds
Keeping Distance and Managing Casting Times
Ranged characters need to balance distance with awareness. Standing too far means Pontiff will close in with teleporting strikes, while too close puts you in danger of melee combos. Ideal tips include:
- Use fast-casting spells like Great Soul Arrow or Lightning Spear
- Cast during his recovery animations or right after a missed combo
- Summon phantoms or NPC allies to draw his attention while you cast
Pyromancers can take advantage of Pontiff’s mild weakness to fire by using Great Chaos Fire Orb or Fire Surge during his downtime.
Managing the Clone in Phase Two
Focus on the Real Pontiff
The spectral clone is a major source of frustration. However, it can’t take damage and only mimics attacks. The best strategy is to:
- Watch both enemies and focus dodging rather than attacking at first
- Move Pontiff away from the clone by baiting him to follow you
- Strike between the clone’s delay when their attack cycles aren’t synchronized
You can interrupt the summoning if you hit Pontiff hard enough before he completes the animation, though this requires high damage output and aggressive play.
Useful Items and Buffs for the Fight
Equipment Recommendations
- Fire-resistant armor: Pontiff’s fire sword adds burn damage during combos
- Green Blossoms: Useful for stamina regen, especially during long dodging streaks
- Pine Resins or Weapon Buffs: Apply elemental damage to your weapon for increased burst
- Magic Barrier or Flash Sweat: Defensive buffs that mitigate damage types
Additionally, using a summon sign just before the boss fog allows you to bring in other players or NPCs, like Anri of Astora, to help you distract or split Pontiff’s focus.
Combat Mindset and Patience
Read, React, Punish
Success in this fight comes down to learning his patterns and keeping composure. Don’t try to overpower him with brute force. Instead:
- Read his moves and wait for safe attack windows
- Keep your stamina above 50% whenever possible for emergency dodges
- Use heals only after full combos or when he teleports away
Getting greedy or panicking is the fastest way to lose. Patience and focus are the real weapons in this battle.
Beating Pontiff Sulyvahn in Dark Souls III is a true test of timing, positioning, and strategic discipline. His relentless aggression and deadly second phase force players to adapt quickly and master the fundamentals of combat. Whether you’re a dexterity-based melee user, a spell-slinging sorcerer, or a tanky knight with a greatsword, this boss fight will challenge every aspect of your playstyle. But with preparation, proper gear, and knowledge of his patterns, you’ll eventually overcome this fearsome opponent and progress toward the climax of Irithyll and beyond. Keep calm, stay sharp, and deliver the final blow with confidence.