Was Pontiff Sulyvahn Originally Intended as Dark Souls 3’s Final Boss? Unraveling the Development Mysteries
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The short answer is probably, at least in an earlier iteration of the game. While the final version of Dark Souls 3 culminates in the epic battle against the Soul of Cinder, evidence suggests that Pontiff Sulyvahn was, for a time, considered as the climatic antagonist. This theory is fueled by cut content, developer insights, and the sheer narrative weight Sulyvahn carries within the game. Let’s delve into the supporting details and explore the intriguing possibility that the tyrannical Pontiff was once destined to be the ultimate challenge facing the Ashen One.
Evidence Supporting the Sulyvahn Final Boss Theory
The Untended Graves Connection
One of the strongest arguments for Sulyvahn’s initial role as final boss lies in the Untended Graves. In the final game, this area is an optional, early-game location. However, information suggests that the original plan was for the game to culminate in an altered version of the Untended Graves, a third, unseen variant, and it was here that the final clash with Pontiff Sulyvahn would occur. This lines up with the recurring theme of cyclical history and altered timelines prevalent throughout the Dark Souls series.
Cut Content and Developer Insights
Stories from alleged QA testers, circulating shortly after the game’s release, further solidify the theory. They spoke of internal builds where Sulyvahn, then potentially known by a different name such as the “Black Old King”, was indeed the character guarding the end of the game. While these anecdotes should be taken with a grain of salt, they contribute to the growing body of evidence. The Games Learning Society, whose mission includes the preservation of game development history, could likely dedicate an entire study on the game’s development cycle if more hard evidence comes to light. You can learn more about the GamesLearningSociety.org website.
Sulyvahn’s Narrative Significance
Even in the released version, Sulyvahn is a pivotal figure. His influence permeates much of the game’s world, especially Irithyll of the Boreal Valley. His actions—corrupting the Dancer of the Boreal Valley, feeding Gwyndolin to Aldrich, and his overall ambition—make him a credible antagonist with motivations that could easily have justified a final confrontation. Considering the Pontiff’s influence and the many characters whose fates were altered by him, his removal from the final fight feels like a narrative decision based on factors other than character importance.
The Soul of Cinder’s Symbolic Role
While Sulyvahn’s character arc certainly qualifies him to be the last boss, the Soul of Cinder is the embodiment of all previous Lords of Cinder. In addition, the Soul of Cinder‘s ability to mimic previous bosses and combat styles offers a fitting send-off to the long standing Dark Souls saga.
Why the Change?
The reasons for the switch from Sulyvahn to the Soul of Cinder are speculative. Potential explanations include:
- Narrative Shift: Perhaps the developers felt that focusing on the cycle of the First Flame, represented by the Soul of Cinder, provided a more thematically resonant conclusion.
- Gameplay Concerns: Sulyvahn’s aggressive and relentless combat style might have proven too difficult or frustrating for some players as a final boss.
- Story Cohesion: The overall plot arc of Dark Souls 3 is extremely convoluted. The decision to make the Soul of Cinder the final boss may have been to simplify the ending narrative of the game.
The Enduring Mystery
Ultimately, the question of whether Sulyvahn was meant to be the final boss remains unanswered. While the evidence strongly suggests it was a possibility at one point, the final decision saw the Soul of Cinder take the mantle. Regardless, Pontiff Sulyvahn remains one of the most challenging and memorable bosses in the game, a testament to the creative potential and design complexities behind Dark Souls 3.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pontiff Sulyvahn and Dark Souls 3
1. Who is the true final boss in Dark Souls 3?
The final boss in Dark Souls 3 is the Soul of Cinder. It represents the culmination of all the Lords of Cinder who have linked the First Flame throughout history.
2. Is Pontiff Sulyvahn the main villain in Dark Souls 3?
No, Pontiff Sulyvahn is considered one of the two secondary antagonists, alongside Aldrich, Devourer of Gods.
3. Is Pontiff Sulyvahn a required boss?
Yes, Pontiff Sulyvahn is a mandatory boss. You must defeat him to progress further into Irithyll of the Boreal Valley.
4. What is the hardest mandatory boss in Dark Souls 3?
Many players consider the Nameless King to be the most challenging mandatory boss in Dark Souls 3.
5. What did Pontiff Sulyvahn want?
Pontiff Sulyvahn’s ultimate goal was to usher in the Age of the Deep Sea, a new era influenced by Aldrich’s ideals and the power of the Deep. His machinations involved manipulating the royal family of Lothric and consolidating power in Irithyll.
6. What did Pontiff Sulyvahn do to the Dancer?
Sulyvahn conscripted the Dancer as an Outrider Knight, gifting her twin blades imbued with power mirroring his own.
7. Is Pontiff Sulyvahn a human?
While Sulyvahn appears humanoid, his origins are somewhat ambiguous. Some theories suggest he may have a connection to the Painted World.
8. How evil was Pontiff Sulyvahn?
Pontiff Sulyvahn was responsible for numerous atrocities, including feeding Gwyndolin to Aldrich, corrupting the city of Anor Londo, and transforming individuals like the Dancer and Vordt into monstrous beings.
9. Who is the true villain in Dark Souls 3?
While Sulyvahn is an important figure, the argument for Aldrich, Devourer of Gods, as the true villain is strong. Aldrich’s insatiable hunger and desire to plunge the world into the Age of the Deep make him a formidable and terrifying antagonist.
10. Who is Lothric’s mother?
Gwynevere is the mother of Lothric. From the Divine Blessing from Dark Souls 1: Holy water from Goddess Gwynevere.
11. Who is the goddess in Anor Londo?
Gwynevere is the princess of Sunlight and ruled over Anor Londo with her family and the other gods.
12. What is the saddest boss in Dark Souls 3?
Many bosses in Dark Souls 3 have tragic backstories, but The Nameless King is often cited as one of the saddest due to his betrayal of his father, Lord Gwyn. Other contenders include Slave Knight Gael, Iudex Gundyr, and the Twin Princes Lothric & Lorian.
13. Is Gael the true final boss of the entire Dark Souls series?
Slave Knight Gael, found in The Ringed City DLC, is often considered the final boss of the Dark Souls saga due to the epic scale of his battle and his connection to the series’ overarching themes.
14. Why is Gwyn considered a villain?
Gwyn’s decision to link the First Flame prolonged the Age of Fire but also perpetuated a cycle of suffering and the Undead Curse. His actions, though arguably motivated by a desire to protect humanity, ultimately led to the world’s decay.
15. Who is the strongest Dark Souls protagonist?
The Ashen One from Dark Souls 3 is widely considered the most powerful protagonist due to their ability to overcome numerous formidable foes and ultimately decide the fate of the First Flame.