Exploring the eerie world of Dark Souls III, players eventually reach one of the most iconic and challenging encounters in the game: Pontiff Sulyvahn. Located in Irithyll of the Boreal Valley, this boss fight marks a significant difficulty spike and a turning point in the game’s narrative and pacing. To prepare for this intense battle and the exploration that follows, knowing the location of the bonfire near Pontiff Sulyvahn is essential. This bonfire not only acts as a crucial checkpoint but also serves as a hub for preparing your equipment, leveling up, and accessing new paths throughout Irithyll and beyond.
Where to Find the Bonfire Near Pontiff Sulyvahn
Bonfire Name and Location
The bonfire closest to Pontiff Sulyvahn is aptly named the ‘Pontiff Sulyvahn’ bonfire. It appears right after defeating the boss, inside the grand cathedral where the fight takes place. However, there is also a nearby bonfire just before this battle: the Church of Yorshka bonfire. Players exploring this hauntingly beautiful area will use both of these bonfires frequently to manage their health, Estus Flasks, and spells before and after confronting this formidable foe.
Steps to Reach the Bonfire
To reach the Pontiff Sulyvahn bonfire:
- Begin from the Irithyll of the Boreal Valley bonfire, which is the first one you find upon entering the area from the catacombs.
- Advance through the streets of Irithyll, past the silver knights and magic-wielding enemies, making your way toward the grand cathedral.
- Defeat Pontiff Sulyvahn in a challenging boss battle within the cathedral.
- Once defeated, the bonfire will automatically appear in the center of the arena.
This bonfire will then become a permanent fast-travel point, making it easier to return to this key location in the game whenever needed.
The Importance of the Pontiff Sulyvahn Bonfire
Checkpoint Before Endgame Areas
This bonfire serves as the last major checkpoint before entering Anor Londo, a legendary location for fans of the Dark Souls series. After lighting the Pontiff Sulyvahn bonfire, players can explore the city’s upper levels, eventually reaching a staircase guarded by powerful knights. From there, they’ll find the path to Anor Londo and the deeper secrets of Lothric’s cursed world.
Perfect Hub for Farming and PvP
The area surrounding this bonfire is widely recognized as a hotspot for player-versus-player (PvP) activity. Many players leave their summon signs here for duels, invasions, or cooperative play. This has made the Pontiff Sulyvahn bonfire an unofficial arena for combat practice and build testing, particularly in online multiplayer sessions.
Nearby Areas and Shortcuts
Unlocking Irithyll’s Secrets
From this bonfire, multiple paths become accessible. Players can:
- Head upstairs to explore the upper balconies and reach Anor Londo.
- Descend and find shortcuts leading back to earlier areas, such as the Church of Yorshka.
- Discover illusory walls, secret ladders, and hidden treasures tucked away behind aggressive enemies and obscure architecture.
These pathways make this bonfire an efficient launching point for deeper exploration and progression.
Unlockable Doorways and Lifts
Players can also discover a shortcut elevator behind the large central doors near the bonfire. Opening these doors from inside gives direct access to previously locked paths, helping with navigation and quick farming routes.
Tips for Surviving the Journey to the Bonfire
Be Prepared for Magic and Melee Attacks
The road to the Pontiff Sulyvahn boss arena is lined with enemies that use a combination of magic and melee combat. Players should equip armor with strong magic resistance and carry weapons with decent reach or ranged capability to deal with Irithyll’s spellcasters and roaming beasts.
Utilize Stealth and Shields
Several enemies patrol narrow corridors and staircases, making ambushes common. Use stealth when possible and always keep a shield raised when turning corners. While some enemies can be parried, most of the larger foes are better dealt with using spacing and crowd control tactics.
Summon Help if Needed
If solo play becomes too frustrating, players can summon allies using white soapstones or ember themselves to call NPC and player phantoms. These helpers can drastically change the odds, especially during the Pontiff Sulyvahn fight itself, which is infamous for its difficulty spike.
The Pontiff Sulyvahn Boss Fight
Preparing for the Battle
Before the bonfire becomes available, players must first overcome the formidable Pontiff. Known for his aggressive, dual-sword fighting style and phase-based combat, Sulyvahn tests a player’s patience, timing, and stamina management. He summons a spectral clone in his second phase, making dodging and spacing even more critical.
Recommended Equipment and Strategy
- Weapon: Fast melee weapons or long-range sorcery
- Shield: High stability shield for blocking combos
- Rings: Chloranthy Ring, Ring of Favor
- Consumables: Green Blossoms for stamina recovery, Ember for HP boost
Patience and proper dodge-timing are vital. Use the arena’s size to your advantage, circling away from his clone during the second phase and baiting attacks before countering. Once defeated, the fight grants access to his unique soul, which can be transposed into powerful weapons or spells.
What Comes After the Bonfire
Climbing to Anor Londo
With the Pontiff defeated and the bonfire lit, players can move forward to the grand staircase leading up to Anor Londo. This iconic area from the original Dark Souls has been beautifully reimagined in the third game, complete with new enemies and a hauntingly familiar cathedral. The new bonfires and shortcut ladders here will become your next major travel points as you continue the journey through Lothric’s ruined lands.
PvP Encounters and Red Phantom Duels
The plaza near the Pontiff Sulyvahn bonfire has become a legendary PvP zone. Expect frequent red phantom invasions and duels, especially during online play. This makes the area exciting but also dangerous, even after the boss is dead. Many players farm souls or test builds here, taking full advantage of the frequent activity and open combat space.
A Key Resting Point on the Journey
The Pontiff Sulyvahn bonfire is far more than just another checkpoint. It marks the transition between mid-game exploration and late-game revelations. From this hub, players can unlock powerful gear, engage in online battles, and ascend toward some of the game’s most iconic locations. Its strategic position, both narratively and geographically, makes it a must-know bonfire for every Dark Souls III player. Mastering the route to and from this bonfire ensures smoother progression and prepares you for the escalating intensity that follows in the world of Lordran.