To beat Pontiff Sulyvahn in Dark Souls III, focus on dodging his attacks and looking for openings to strike. Learn his attack patterns and timings to effectively counter him. Utilize a shield with high stability or consider using a parry strategy to stagger him and deal significant damage.
Understanding Pontiff Sulyvahn
Pontiff Sulyvahn is one of the challenging bosses in Dark Souls III due to his aggressive and relentless attacks. To defeat him, you need to understand his move sets and patterns. Pontiff has a wide range of attacks using both his swords and magical abilities, making it crucial to learn when to dodge, block, or counter-attack.
Leveling and Equipment
Before facing Pontiff Sulyvahn, ensure that you are at an adequate level with upgraded weapons and armor. It is recommended to have a high dexterity or strength-based character to deal significant damage to the boss. Upgrading your weapon to +6 or higher will also increase your damage output. Equip armor that balances defense and agility to withstand Pontiff's attacks while maintaining mobility.
Strategy and Approach
During the fight, focus on observing Pontiff's movements to anticipate his attacks. Dodging is crucial to avoid his combos, especially when he summons his clone. Use a shield with high stability to block his regular attacks effectively. However, be cautious as some attacks can quickly deplete your stamina, leaving you vulnerable. Utilize a mix of dodging and blocking to conserve stamina and stay alive throughout the fight.
Timing is key when facing Pontiff Sulyvahn. Look for openings after his combos to land a few hits before retreating to safety. Avoid getting greedy with your attacks, as Pontiff can punish you severely for overextending. By staying patient and mindful of your positioning, you can chip away at his health without taking unnecessary risks.
Managing the Clone
One of the challenging aspects of the Pontiff Sulyvahn fight is when he summons his clone. When the clone appears, focus on evading both Pontiff and his mirrored self simultaneously. It is crucial to keep track of both enemies' movements to avoid getting trapped between their attacks. Try to separate them by baiting one of them away to deal with them individually.
Keep in mind that the clone mirrors Pontiff's moves with a slight delay, which can be used to your advantage. Use this delay to differentiate between the real Pontiff and his clone, allowing you to predict their attacks more effectively. By understanding the clone's behavior, you can minimize the threat it poses and concentrate on the real boss.
Utilizing Magic and Pyromancies
If your character has access to spells or pyromancies, utilizing them against Pontiff Sulyvahn can be advantageous. Ranged attacks can allow you to chip away at his health from a safe distance, reducing the risks of getting hit by his close-range combos. Additionally, casting spells can help draw Pontiff's attention away from you, providing openings for melee attacks.
When using magic or pyromancies, be mindful of your surroundings and Pontiff's positioning. Ensure that you have enough space to cast spells without getting interrupted by his aggressive assaults. Experiment with different spells to find the ones that deal the most damage to Pontiff while allowing you to maintain your distance and safety during the fight.
Perseverance and Adaptation
Be prepared for a challenging and demanding fight against Pontiff Sulyvahn. It may take multiple attempts to learn his patterns, timing, and openings effectively. Each defeat is an opportunity to analyze your mistakes and improve your strategies for the next encounter. Stay persistent and adaptable, adjusting your approach based on the outcomes of each attempt.
Remember that overcoming Pontiff Sulyvahn requires a combination of skill, patience, and perseverance. By mastering his patterns, managing his clone, utilizing your character's strengths, and staying focused throughout the fight, you can emerge victorious against this formidable Dark Souls III boss.