Pontiff Sulyvahn

Learn how to defeat Pontiff Sulyvahn in Dark Souls III with this guide. Get tips and strategies to overcome this challenging boss and progress through the game.

Pontiff Sulyvahn is one of the tougher bosses you'll face in Dark Souls III. He's a formidable foe with a relentless attack pattern, but with the right strategy, you can overcome him.

Stats / Weaknesses:

• Pontiff Sulyvahn is weak to Lightning and Dark damage.
• He is resistant to Frost and Bleed.
• His right hand is generally more vulnerable than his left.

Phases:

1. Phase 1: Pontiff Sulyvahn fights alone, using a combination of his straight sword and greatsword. His attacks are fast and cover a wide area.
2. Phase 2: At around 50% health, Pontiff Sulyvahn summons a phantom clone of himself. The clone mirrors his attacks with a slight delay, effectively doubling the number of attacks you need to dodge.

Strategy:

• Patience is key: Don't get greedy with your attacks. Wait for openings after his combos and strike once or twice before retreating.
• Learn his tells: Pontiff Sulyvahn has distinct animations for each of his attacks. Learning these will help you anticipate and dodge effectively.
• Dodge *into* his attacks: Many of his swings can be dodged by rolling towards him and slightly to his side, rather than away. This often puts you in a better position to counter-attack.
• Manage the clone: In Phase 2, focus on keeping both Pontiff and his clone in your view. Try to position yourself so you can dodge both sets of attacks. Sometimes, you can bait the clone into attacking a wall or pillar to create an opening.
• Use the environment: The arena has pillars that can offer temporary cover, but be careful as some of his attacks can hit around them.
• Summon help if needed: If you're really struggling, consider summoning other players or an NPC if one is available in the area.