Can You Summon Help for Pontiff Sulyvahn? A Deep Dive into Dark Souls 3 Co-op

The short answer is a resounding yes, you can summon help for the Pontiff Sulyvahn boss fight in Dark Souls 3. Facing this formidable foe alone is a daunting task, and utilizing the game’s co-op mechanics can significantly increase your chances of victory. However, the summoning process isn’t always straightforward, and several factors can affect your ability to call upon allies. This article will delve into the intricacies of summoning help, explore common issues, and provide tips to ensure a smoother co-op experience.

Understanding Summoning Mechanics in Dark Souls 3

Dark Souls 3’s summoning system revolves around the use of Embers. When you consume an Ember, you become “Enkindled”, granting you increased health and allowing you to see summon signs placed by other players in the area. These signs are usually found near bonfires, boss fog gates, and strategically advantageous locations.

Factors Affecting Summoning Availability

Several conditions must be met to successfully summon help for Pontiff Sulyvahn:

• You must be Enkindled: As mentioned earlier, being in the Enkindled state is essential.
• The area boss must still be alive: Summoning is disabled in areas where you have already defeated the boss. Since you’re asking about Pontiff Sulyvahn, we assume he is still very much alive (and trying to kill you!).
• You must be online: Dark Souls 3 requires an active internet connection for co-op play.
• Summon range limitations: The game has a level and weapon upgrade range within which you can summon other players. This prevents players with vastly different power levels from joining the same game.
• Password matching: Using a password bypasses the summoning range restrictions, allowing you to play with friends regardless of your levels.

Locating Summon Signs

The most common locations to find summon signs near the Pontiff Sulyvahn boss fight are:

• The Church of Yorshka bonfire: This is a popular spot due to its proximity to the boss fog gate.
• The area just outside the boss fog gate: Many players leave their signs directly in front of the entrance.
• The Anor Londo bonfire: Though a bit further, this bonfire serves as a staging area for the entire Irithyll of the Boreal Valley region.

Strategies for Successful Summoning

Here are some tips to maximize your chances of successfully summoning help:

• Use an Ember near the bonfire: This ensures that the area is properly loaded and that summon signs are visible.
• Be patient: It may take a few tries to find a summon sign that works. Sometimes, signs disappear quickly as other players summon the available phantoms.
• Check your internet connection: A stable internet connection is crucial for online play.
• Consider using a password: If you want to play with a specific friend, set a password in the game’s settings.
• Restart your game: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve connectivity issues.

Dealing with Failed Summons

Failed summons are a common occurrence in Dark Souls 3. Several factors can cause them:

• Summon sign already taken: Another player may have summoned the phantom before you.
• Connection issues: Problems with your internet connection or the phantom’s connection can cause the summon to fail.
• Game glitches: Rarely, glitches can prevent summoning from working correctly.

If you encounter repeated summoning failures, try restarting your game, checking your internet connection, and trying again later.

FAQs: Summoning Help for Pontiff Sulyvahn

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about summoning help for the Pontiff Sulyvahn boss fight:

1. Q: What level should I be to fight Pontiff Sulyvahn?
   A: Most players tackle Pontiff Sulyvahn around level 55-70, with weapon upgrades between +6 and +8.

2. Q: How many summons can I have at once?
   A: When Enkindled, you can summon up to two white phantoms or one white phantom and one blue phantom (Way of Blue covenant). You can also be invaded by hostile phantoms.

3. Q: What is the difference between white and gold summon signs?
   A: White summon signs indicate regular co-op partners who are there to help you defeat the area boss. Gold summon signs indicate players in the Warrior of Sunlight covenant, who provide similar assistance but with added flair.

4. Q: What does it mean when a summon sign is faded?
   A: A faded summon sign indicates that the player is out of your summoning range, either due to level or weapon upgrade differences.

5. Q: How do I set a password for summoning?
   A: Go to Settings > Network > Password Matching and enter the desired password. Both you and your friend must use the same password.

6. Q: Can I summon NPCs for the Pontiff Sulyvahn fight?
   A: Yes, you can summon Black Hand Gotthard for this fight. His summon sign is located near the entrance to the boss fight, but only appears if you have progressed his questline.

7. Q: What happens if I die while summoned as a phantom?
   A: If you die as a phantom, you simply return to your own world at the last bonfire you rested at. You lose nothing other than the time spent helping.

8. Q: What happens if the host dies while I’m summoned?
   A: If the host dies, you are sent back to your own world, and you receive nothing.

9. Q: How do I increase my chances of being summoned?
   A: Place your summon sign near popular bonfires, and ensure your level and weapon upgrades are within a common range for the area. Also, offering your expertise can be rewarding – think about contributing to the Games Learning Society community!

10. Q: Does being in a covenant affect summoning?
    A: Yes, certain covenants can affect summoning. For example, members of the Blue Sentinels and Blades of the Darkmoon are automatically summoned to assist hosts who are invaded by members of the Fingers of Rosaria.

11. Q: What if I can’t see any summon signs?
    A: Make sure you are Enkindled, online, and that your matchmaking settings are correct. Try restarting your game and checking your internet connection.

12. Q: Can I summon help after using a Dried Finger?
    A: Yes, using a Dried Finger allows you to summon an additional phantom and increases the chances of being invaded.

13. Q: Are there any areas where I can’t summon help?
    A: You cannot summon help in areas where you have already defeated the boss. Also, certain small areas may be restricted.

14. Q: Does summoning help make the boss fight easier?
    A: While summoning help can certainly make the fight easier, it also increases the boss’s health. However, the added damage output and distraction can often outweigh the increased health.

15. Q: Where can I find more information about Dark Souls 3’s mechanics?
    A: The Dark Souls 3 community is vast and helpful. Websites like Fextralife Wiki provide comprehensive information about the game. Also, consider exploring resources like GamesLearningSociety.org to understand the deeper game mechanics and learning principles within Dark Souls 3.

Conclusion

Summoning help for Pontiff Sulyvahn is a viable and often recommended strategy for overcoming this challenging boss. By understanding the summoning mechanics, troubleshooting common issues, and utilizing the tips provided in this article, you can significantly improve your chances of success. Don’t be afraid to embrace the co-op aspect of Dark Souls 3 – after all, jolly cooperation is a key part of the experience!