When players reach the midpoint of Dark Souls III, they are faced with a critical decision should they face Yhorm the Giant first, or go after Pontiff Sulyvahn? This question isn’t just about boss difficulty. It affects story progression, level design flow, NPC questlines, and even the accessibility of certain areas in the game. While both bosses are essential Lords of Cinder, choosing between Yhorm or Pontiff first can significantly change your gameplay experience depending on your build, playstyle, and familiarity with the world layout.
Understanding the Game Context
The Role of the Lords of Cinder
Yhorm the Giant and Pontiff Sulyvahn are key figures in the lore of Dark Souls III. Yhorm is one of the Lords of Cinder who must be returned to their thrones to progress the story, while Pontiff Sulyvahn acts as a gatekeeper boss standing between you and access to Anor Londo, a critical late-game area.
Geographic and Narrative Placement
Yhorm is located in the Profaned Capital, a section branching off from the Irithyll Dungeon. Pontiff Sulyvahn, on the other hand, resides in Irithyll of the Boreal Valley. Reaching either of these areas requires different approaches and has consequences for which story elements unfold first.
Going After Pontiff Sulyvahn First
Why Many Players Choose This Path
Pontiff Sulyvahn is often encountered first due to the natural flow of exploration. After defeating Aldrich’s Deacons of the Deep and progressing through Catacombs of Carthus, players reach Irithyll of the Boreal Valley. This area leads directly to Pontiff’s cathedral and feels like the intended next step in many playthroughs.
Unlocking Anor Londo
Defeating Pontiff is necessary to access Anor Londo, one of the most iconic zones in Dark Souls history. This also allows players to continue key questlines, such as those involving Anri of Astora or Aldrich, Devourer of Gods. These quests can be missed or altered depending on your actions in Irithyll and beyond.
NPC Interactions and Progression
Pontiff’s death affects several NPCs. For example, if you’re following Anri’s story, choices you make in Irithyll will determine whether they live or die. Additionally, if you wish to complete Sirris’ quest or encounter Yuria of Londor’s full storyline, fighting Pontiff first ensures all flags are triggered properly.
Challenge Level and Combat Design
Pontiff Sulyvahn is widely regarded as one of the tougher fights in the game. He’s aggressive, fast, and uses both magical and physical attacks. His second phase introduces a clone mechanic, forcing players to manage two simultaneous threats. Taking him down first can be a difficult challenge if you’re under-leveled.
Fighting Yhorm the Giant First
Accessing the Profaned Capital
To reach Yhorm, players must travel through the Irithyll Dungeon, a terrifying area filled with jailers and HP-reducing debuffs. It’s considered a less intuitive path unless you’re deliberately exploring every branch of the map. However, this route is entirely valid and offers a unique challenge path for brave adventurers.
Connection to Siegward of Catarina
Yhorm’s battle is deeply tied to Siegward’s questline. If you’ve progressed with Siegward correctly, he will assist you in the boss fight, delivering one of the most emotional moments in the game. Fighting Yhorm first lets you witness this resolution sooner and gain a powerful ally in the process.
Storm Ruler Mechanic
Yhorm’s fight includes a special weapon mechanic. The Storm Ruler, found in his boss arena, is required to deal significant damage. This makes the fight more about using the right timing and less about conventional combat. It’s often a relief after the intensity of other bosses, making it a tempting early target.
Story Implications
Yhorm is a tragic figure, and his death advances the overarching narrative of the Lords of Cinder. Taking him down early can make the progression toward Lothric Castle feel more complete, even though the game does not mandate a specific order to defeat the Lords. You’ll also get access to key items and souls that can be traded for boss weapons or spells earlier in your run.
Comparing the Two Routes
Gameplay Impact
- Difficulty: Pontiff is generally considered harder than Yhorm, especially without co-op help or high-level equipment.
- Exploration Flow: The game’s layout gently nudges players toward Irithyll and Pontiff first, making this the more organic path.
- Narrative Timing: Facing Yhorm early can prematurely resolve Siegward’s quest, while delaying Pontiff may disrupt Anri’s story.
- Item Access: Beating Pontiff opens doors to important areas like Anor Londo and later game content. Yhorm offers unique gear, but fewer progression options.
Multiplayer and PvP Considerations
If you’re engaging in co-op or PvP, Irithyll is one of the most active zones in Dark Souls III. Beating Pontiff first opens access to these areas and may give you more summoning opportunities. Meanwhile, Profaned Capital is less trafficked and offers fewer multiplayer advantages.
Which Path is Better for Your Build?
Melee Builds
Melee players may prefer to tackle Yhorm first due to the nature of the Storm Ruler mechanic, which bypasses traditional melee limitations. Pontiff’s quick combos can overwhelm close-range builds unless dodging is mastered. If you’re struggling with fast-paced bosses, Yhorm might be the better starting point.
Magic and Ranged Builds
Pontiff is tough on ranged builds due to his closing speed and aggression. However, skilled players using pyromancy, sorcery, or miracles can create spacing with correct timing. Yhorm, on the other hand, resists most ranged damage unless you’re using the Storm Ruler, which levels the playing field for all builds.
Yhorm or Pontiff First?
There is no single correct answer when it comes to choosing between Yhorm the Giant or Pontiff Sulyvahn first in Dark Souls III. It depends heavily on your goals, your build, and the kind of narrative experience you want to craft. If you prefer emotional storylines and a smoother difficulty curve, tackling Yhorm first especially with Siegward can offer a satisfying route. On the other hand, if you want to push the story forward quickly, engage in high-level PvP zones, and unlock the rich content of Anor Londo, Pontiff Sulyvahn should be your priority. In the end, both bosses offer unforgettable moments, and your journey through Lothric will be shaped by the order in which you choose to face them.