Randy Chandler
Pontiff Sulyvahn, a formidable boss in *Dark Souls III*, is known for his relentless combos, teleportation, and punishing attacks, making him a significant challenge for many players. However, with the right strategy, it’s possible to cheese this fight, exploiting mechanics or positioning to simplify the encounter. One popular method involves using the environment to your advantage, such as luring Sulyvahn into the narrow hallway near the fog gate, where his teleportation becomes less effective and his attacks easier to dodge. Another approach is to summon NPCs like Anri of Astora or Horace to distract him while you focus on dealing damage from a safe distance. Additionally, utilizing ranged attacks or spells, like a bow or pyromancies, can allow you to chip away at his health while minimizing risk. While cheesing may not be the most honorable approach, it’s a viable option for players struggling to overcome Sulyvahn’s aggressive playstyle.
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What You'll Learn
- Exploit Pillar Strategy: Lure Pontiff near pillars, dodge his attacks, then strike from safety
- Parry Timing Mastery: Learn his parry window, stun him, and deal massive riposte damage
- Summon Assistance: Use NPC summons to distract Pontiff, focus on damage
- Poison/Bleed Build: Equip toxic/bleed weapons, stack damage over time while dodging
- Estus Denial: Force him into phase 2 quickly, limit his healing opportunities
Exploit Pillar Strategy: Lure Pontiff near pillars, dodge his attacks, then strike from safety
The arena for the Pontiff Sulyvahn fight is riddled with pillars, and these architectural features are your greatest allies in this battle. The Exploit Pillar Strategy leverages the environment to create a tactical advantage, allowing you to minimize risk and maximize damage output. By luring Pontiff near these pillars, you can manipulate his attack patterns, create safe zones, and strike back with precision. This method is particularly effective for players who prefer a methodical, defensive approach or those struggling with the boss's aggressive combos.
To execute this strategy, begin by positioning yourself near a pillar at the start of the fight. Provoke Pontiff into chasing you by maintaining a medium distance, ensuring he follows you into the pillar-rich areas. When he initiates an attack, dodge toward the pillar, using it to block his strikes. Pontiff’s long, sweeping attacks often leave him momentarily vulnerable as he adjusts his position around the pillar. This is your cue to strike—deliver 2-3 quick hits before retreating to safety. Repeat this process, always using the pillars as shields and strike points. For optimal results, use a fast weapon like a dagger or a straight sword, as these allow for quick punishes without overextending.
One critical aspect of this strategy is timing. Pontiff’s attacks have distinct wind-ups, and learning these patterns is essential. For instance, his spinning slash attack has a wide arc but leaves him open for a brief moment afterward. Similarly, his dash attack can be baited into a pillar, causing him to stumble and giving you a free opening. Practice dodging through his attacks rather than away from them, as this positions you on the opposite side of the pillar, ready to counter. Patience is key—avoid greedily attacking, as Pontiff’s poise is high, and overcommitting can lead to a punishing counterattack.
While this strategy is effective, it’s not without risks. Pontiff’s homing soul mass attack can bypass pillars, so always be ready to dodge or sprint away when you see him casting it. Additionally, his second phase introduces faster, more erratic movements, making pillar positioning trickier. To counter this, focus on pillars closer to the arena’s edges, as they provide more escape routes. If you’re using a shield, consider swapping it for a lighter weapon to improve mobility, as the pillar strategy relies heavily on dodging and repositioning.
In conclusion, the Exploit Pillar Strategy transforms the Pontiff Sulyvahn fight from a chaotic duel into a calculated dance. By mastering pillar positioning, attack patterns, and timing, you can neutralize much of his threat while steadily chipping away at his health. This method is especially valuable for players who prioritize survival over speed, offering a reliable path to victory without requiring flawless execution. With practice, the pillars become more than obstacles—they become your fortress.
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Parry Timing Mastery: Learn his parry window, stun him, and deal massive riposte damage
Pontiff Sulyvahn's attacks are relentless, but his parry window is a chink in his armor. This narrow timeframe, typically just before his strike connects, is your golden opportunity. Mastering this timing allows you to stun him, leaving him vulnerable to a devastating riposte.
Understanding the Window: Pontiff's parry window is notoriously tight, often lasting only a fraction of a second. Look for the telltale signs: a slight pause in his attack animation, a subtle shift in his stance, or the faint glint of his weapon. Practice recognizing these cues in slower phases of the fight, like his initial sword combos, before attempting parries during his more aggressive sequences.
Weapon Choice Matters: Not all weapons are created equal for parrying. A target shield with high stability, like the Buckler or the Lothric Knight Shield, is crucial. Pair it with a fast weapon for the riposte, such as a dagger or a straight sword. Remember, the goal is to stun him quickly and capitalize on the opening.
Practice Makes Perfect: Don't expect to master this technique overnight. Dedicate time to fighting Pontiff, focusing solely on parrying. Use the environment to your advantage – lure him into tighter spaces to limit his attack options and make timing easier. Don't be discouraged by failures; each attempt refines your muscle memory and sharpens your anticipation.
The Reward is Worth the Effort: A successful parry against Pontiff Sulyvahn is immensely satisfying. The riposte window is generous, allowing you to unleash a powerful attack that deals massive damage. This strategy can significantly shorten the fight, turning a daunting encounter into a manageable challenge.
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Summon Assistance: Use NPC summons to distract Pontiff, focus on damage
One of the most effective strategies to cheese Pontiff Sulyvahn in Dark Souls III is leveraging NPC summons to distract him while you focus on dealing damage. This tactic exploits the AI’s tendency to target multiple threats, splitting Pontiff’s attention and reducing the frequency of his aggressive combos. To execute this, you’ll need to summon Anri of Astora and Horace, both of whom can be found in the Road of Sacrifices and Catacombs of Carthus, respectively. Ensure you progress their questlines to make them available for this fight. Summoning them at their respective bonfire locations before heading to Pontiff’s arena is crucial, as they will appear as allies during the battle.
Once summoned, position yourself to maximize their effectiveness. Anri and Horace are tanky and deal respectable damage, but their primary role here is to draw Pontiff’s aggro. Stay behind Pontiff or to his side, focusing on landing consistent, safe attacks like charged R2s or spells. Avoid greedily pursuing damage when Pontiff targets you; instead, use his recovery animations or moments when he’s locked onto the NPCs to strike. This method significantly reduces the fight’s difficulty, as Pontiff’s deadly combos and phase transitions become far less threatening when his attention is divided.
A critical caution: Pontiff’s AI prioritizes the closest or most aggressive target, so maintain a balanced distance between yourself and the NPCs. If you’re too far away, Pontiff may ignore you entirely, prolonging the fight. Conversely, if you’re too close, he’ll focus on you, negating the summon’s utility. Additionally, be mindful of friendly fire—Pontiff’s sweeping attacks can inadvertently hit the NPCs, potentially killing them if they’re low on health. Keep an eye on their health bars and use healing items if necessary to prolong their survival.
The takeaway is that NPC summons transform the Pontiff fight from a high-skill, high-risk encounter into a manageable, methodical battle. By letting Anri and Horace shoulder the burden of aggro, you can focus on consistent, safe damage without the constant threat of being one-shot. This strategy is particularly useful for players struggling with Pontiff’s aggressive phase 2 or those looking to conserve resources for later challenges. While it may not be the most honorable approach, it’s undeniably effective and aligns with the game’s philosophy of using every tool at your disposal to overcome adversity.
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Poison/Bleed Build: Equip toxic/bleed weapons, stack damage over time while dodging
Pontiff Sulyvahn's agility and relentless combos demand a strategy that minimizes direct confrontation. A Poison/Bleed build excels here, leveraging damage over time (DoT) to whittle him down while you focus on survival. This approach requires patience, precision dodging, and a well-crafted arsenal.
Weapon Selection: Prioritize weapons with innate poison or bleed infusion. The Toxic Mist or Carthus Rouge (for bleed) are essential for maximizing DoT. The Uchigatana, Whip, or Corvian Greatknife are excellent choices due to their fast attacks and natural bleed potential. For poison, consider the Toxic Rapier or Poison Katana.
Stat Allocation: Invest heavily in Dexterity and Luck. Dexterity boosts your weapon damage, while Luck increases the potency of poison and bleed effects. Aim for at least 40 Dexterity and 30-40 Luck, depending on your weapon's scaling.
Combat Strategy: Your goal is to chip away at Pontiff's health while avoiding prolonged engagements. Dodge his attacks with precision, looking for brief openings to land a few strikes. Focus on light, quick attacks to apply poison or bleed, then immediately disengage. Utilize the arena's pillars for cover, forcing Pontiff to navigate around them, creating opportunities for hit-and-run tactics.
Cautions: This strategy requires discipline. Avoid greedily pursuing damage, as Pontiff's combos can be devastating. Be mindful of your stamina, as dodging is your primary defense. Finally, remember that poison and bleed effects take time to build up. Patience is key.
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Estus Denial: Force him into phase 2 quickly, limit his healing opportunities
Pontiff Sulyvahn's reliance on Estus healing during phase 1 makes this a critical window for aggressive players. By exploiting his predictable attack patterns and limited mobility, you can force him into phase 2 before he has a chance to recover. This strategy hinges on understanding his tells and committing to constant pressure.
When he begins his wind-up for a projectile attack, sprint directly towards him, closing the distance and interrupting his casting. This not only prevents him from dealing damage but also denies him the opportunity to heal.
The key to success lies in relentless aggression. Use a weapon with a fast attack speed and focus on combos that keep him staggered. Aim for his head to maximize damage output. If he manages to land a hit, immediately disengage, roll away, and re-engage as soon as possible. Remember, the goal is to keep him constantly on the defensive, preventing him from accessing his Estus flask.
This tactic requires precise timing and a deep understanding of his moveset. Practice recognizing his attack animations and learn to anticipate his next move. Be mindful of his summons; prioritize taking them out quickly to avoid being overwhelmed. While this strategy can be risky, successfully denying Pontiff Sulyvahn his healing opportunities significantly shortens the fight and increases your chances of victory.
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Frequently asked questions
One effective method is to use the Sniper Bow or Dragonslayer Greatbow with high-damage arrows like Lightning Arrows. Position yourself near the fog gate, lure Pontiff into the narrow hallway, and snipe him from a distance while avoiding his attacks.
Yes, summoning Anri of Astora or Horace can distract Pontiff while you deal damage. Focus on attacking during his long animations or when he’s engaged with the summon. This method requires patience but is reliable.
Yes, you can use the pillar near the fog gate to block his attacks. Stand behind the pillar, bait his strikes, and punish him when he’s vulnerable. This strategy works best with a fast weapon or spells like Soul Stream or Crystal Soul Spear.
