After defeating Pontiff Sulyvahn in Dark Souls III, players are presented with a pivotal moment in the game’s progression. The battle itself is a fierce test of reflexes, timing, and patience, but what follows next is equally significant for exploring Irithyll and uncovering the mysteries beyond. The bonfire that appears after the Pontiff Sulyvahn fight is more than just a checkpoint it marks the beginning of a deeper journey into one of the game’s most haunting and lore-rich areas. Understanding the location and importance of the bonfire after Pontiff Sulyvahn is essential for those navigating the later stages of the game.
Where to Find the Bonfire After Pontiff Sulyvahn
Immediate Post-Battle Location
Once Pontiff Sulyvahn has been defeated, the arena becomes quiet and still. In the center of the arena, right where the boss falls, a new bonfire appears. This bonfire is named the Pontiff Sulyvahn bonfire and acts as a key resting point for players. It allows fast travel and recovery before heading deeper into Irithyll of the Boreal Valley.
Next Steps After Resting
Resting at this bonfire is a good opportunity to replenish Estus Flasks, manage your equipment, and prepare for the dangers that lie ahead. Once ready, players should proceed through the large double doors at the back of the boss room. This area leads directly to a courtyard filled with Silver Knights and marks the beginning of your path toward Anor Londo.
Significance of the Pontiff Sulyvahn Bonfire
A Central Transition Point
This bonfire serves as a central hub for progressing through several key zones. From here, players can:
- Access the courtyard filled with patrolling enemies and Silver Knights.
- Reach the optional PvP-focused area known as the Church of Yorshka.
- Unlock shortcuts to the Anor Londo region.
- Discover key items and story elements tied to Aldrich and Gwyndolin.
Because of these factors, this bonfire becomes one of the most frequently revisited points in mid-to-late game progression.
Enemy Encounters and Exploration
Leaving the bonfire and entering the next area brings new challenges. Players will find hostile NPC invaders, stronger knight enemies, and multiple levels of vertical exploration. The bonfire ensures you have a fallback point in case of failure, which is very likely given the difficulty spike after the Pontiff fight.
Unlocking Shortcuts from the Bonfire
Elevators and Doorways
From the courtyard beyond Pontiff Sulyvahn, players can find several shortcut mechanisms that loop back to earlier bonfires or locked doors. For example:
- One elevator leads down toward the prison area below Irithyll.
- Another leads up into the cathedral-like area eventually guiding players to Anor Londo.
- A hidden path near a giant can be used to discover extra gear and loot.
These shortcuts emphasize the interconnected design philosophy of Dark Souls III, and the Pontiff bonfire acts as a central node for many of these paths.
Key Tips for Navigating the Area
When exploring from the Pontiff bonfire, players should be cautious of ambushes and always have a clear escape route. Using the bonfire as a base, you can explore in short bursts to reduce the risk of losing Souls. Additionally, always check for illusory walls and hidden items around staircases and balconies.
Preparation and Loadout Advice
Gear Optimization
Before advancing from the Pontiff Sulyvahn bonfire, it’s highly recommended to check your armor, weapons, and rings. The enemies ahead are fast and aggressive, requiring gear that boosts stamina recovery, fire resistance, or physical defense. Consider equipping:
- Grass Crest Shield or Chloranthy Ring for stamina regeneration
- Black Knight Shield for strong defense against fire and melee
- Rings that increase poise or damage absorption
Magic and Pyromancy
Casters should take advantage of the open courtyard to lure enemies and attack from a distance. The bonfire provides a convenient spot to attune spells and experiment with pyromancy or sorceries that scale with your build. Use this to your advantage when facing the Silver Knights, who can be deadly in close range.
Optional Areas Beyond the Bonfire
Church of Yorshka
Accessible from a ledge near the courtyard, the Church of Yorshka is a peaceful-seeming location with deep lore significance. A bonfire here allows players to rest before venturing into the dark alleyways filled with invisible enemies. This area also ties into quests involving NPCs like Anri and Sirris.
Darkmoon Covenant
One of the more elusive covenants in the game, the Blades of the Darkmoon, can be joined by discovering a secret path from the Pontiff bonfire area. Using a special gesture at the right spot reveals an illusory bridge that leads to the Darkmoon tomb. This optional path is closely tied to lore surrounding Gwyndolin and Anor Londo.
Boss Encounters Beyond Pontiff
Aldrich, Devourer of Gods
The main boss beyond the Pontiff area is Aldrich, one of the Lords of Cinder. The road to this encounter winds through Anor Londo and requires navigating dangerous rooftops and long hallways filled with traps. Your progression from the Pontiff Sulyvahn bonfire leads directly to this climactic battle.
Summon Signs and Co-op Opportunities
This area is popular for co-op and PvP activity, especially around the Pontiff Sulyvahn bonfire. Use the bonfire to summon allies or be summoned yourself. It’s an excellent way to farm Souls and gain experience before tackling the more difficult fights ahead. Players also frequently duel in this zone, making it a hotspot for online engagement.
The bonfire after Pontiff Sulyvahn is far more than a simple checkpoint. It serves as a crucial anchor for the challenges, lore, and exploration that define the next stage of Dark Souls III. Whether you’re seeking out covenants, preparing for intense boss fights, or simply trying to survive Irithyll’s threats, this bonfire is your most reliable sanctuary. With careful planning, proper equipment, and knowledge of the surrounding areas, players can use this bonfire as a launchpad to one of the game’s most memorable and rewarding regions. Mastering what lies beyond Pontiff Sulyvahn will test your skills and deepen your understanding of the world of Lothric.