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Elden Ring Pontiff Sulyvahn Build

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Elden Ring Pontiff Sulyvahn Build

Pontiff Sulyvahn is not a boss inElden Ring, but he remains one of the most iconic figures fromDark Souls III. Despite this, many players inspired by his dark, dual-wielding style attempt to recreate a Pontiff Sulyvahn build within the world ofElden Ring. By combining elements of frost, fire, and dual greatsword combat, this build captures the menacing presence of the Pontiff while remaining viable for PvE and PvP in the Lands Between. This guide will help you create a thematic and effective Elden Ring Pontiff Sulyvahn build using existing weapons, armor, and spells that evoke his deadly style.

Build Concept and Playstyle

Understanding the Inspiration

Pontiff Sulyvahn was known for his aggressive dual-wielding greatswords, one imbued with fire and the other with magic (often interpreted as frost). He chained fast, wide-reaching combos, punished defensive players, and used aggressive spacing. To mirror this inElden Ring, the build focuses on:

  • Dual-wielding curved or greatswords with elemental infusion.
  • High Dexterity and Intelligence scaling.
  • Aggressive melee with mobility and area control.
  • Thematic aesthetic with armor that feels intimidating and regal.

This build is best suited for mid-to-late game once you’ve gained access to the necessary weapons, upgrade materials, and talismans. It’s great for players who enjoy fast-paced, close-quarters combat with some magical flair.

Stats Allocation

Recommended Level: 120-150

  • Vigor: 40 – To endure close combat and survive burst damage.
  • Mind: 20 – Enough to support weapon skills and buffs.
  • Endurance: 25 – Provides stamina for chaining attacks and equip load for heavy armor.
  • Strength: 20 – For weapon requirements and decent AR with certain greatswords.
  • Dexterity: 30 – Enhances attack speed and scaling for many weapons.
  • Intelligence: 40 – Powers frost-infused weapons and certain sorceries.
  • Faith: 8 – Unused unless opting for hybrid buffs.
  • Arcane: 9 – Base for item discovery and slight resistance, not a focus stat.

This stat distribution balances melee damage output with elemental enhancement. Intelligence plays a key role, especially if you opt to use frost spells or cold-infused weapons to mimic the chilling power Sulyvahn wielded.

Weapon Choices

Dual-Wield Strategy

To stay true to the Pontiff’s dual sword style, use two similar weapons with different elemental infusions. Consider the following pairings:

  • Clayman’s Harpoon (Magic) + Flamberge (Flame Art)– For fire and magic synergy.
  • Nox Flowing Sword + Magma Blade– Mimics Pontiff’s flair and fire aspect.
  • Zweihander (Cold) + Zweihander (Fire)– For a brutal and thematic heavy build.
  • Godrick’s Greatsword + Dark Moon Greatsword (for visual effect)– Great for a boss-like presence.

If you prefer a faster weapon setup, go with curved swords or twinblades, infused with cold and fire respectively. This not only enhances your damage variety but also keeps your attacks unpredictable in PvP.

Ashes of War

Choose weapon skills that enhance aggression and visual spectacle:

  • Flaming Strike: Adds fire damage and fits the Pontiff theme.
  • Glintblade Phalanx: Fires floating magic blades for pressure and style.
  • Bloodhound’s Finesse: A flashy repositioning move ideal for PvP.
  • Ice Spear: Delivers a high-damage frost projectile attack.

Make sure to equip Ashes of War that can scale with Intelligence or can be infused with elemental effects that match Sulyvahn’s style.

Armor and Fashion

Best Armor for the Theme

While Pontiff Sulyvahn’s exact armor doesn’t exist inElden Ring, you can get close with a mix of pieces that evoke his imposing figure and royal menace:

  • Consort’s Set: For a regal and intimidating look.
  • Raging Wolf Set: Offers aggression and sleek armor design.
  • Spellblade Set: Enhances magic damage and matches the frost motif.
  • Lionel’s Set (with altered chest): Bulky yet dignified, great poise for melee brawls.

You can also mix and match. Use a flowing robe or cloak for the chest, combined with heavier greaves and gauntlets to replicate Sulyvahn’s armored skirt aesthetic. Don’t forget a hood or crown that suggests nobility or corruption.

Spells and Buffs

Magic Support for Pontiff Style

Even though the build is melee-focused, certain spells add power and style to your gameplay. Equip a staff like the Carian Glintstone Staff or Lusat’s Glintstone Staff for casting. Recommended spells:

  • Adula’s Moonblade: Delivers frost AoE and visual flair.
  • Glintstone Icecrag: Simple frost projectile, fits the Pontiff theme.
  • Terra Magica: Buffs spell damage within an area great before engaging bosses.
  • Magic Glintblade: Acts like Pontiff’s delayed phantom attacks.

If you want a slight Faith investment, considerFlame, Grant Me Strengthto boost your melee damage. Otherwise, focus purely on Intelligence for thematic and stat synergy.

Talismans and Buffs

Recommended Talismans

  • Radagon’s Scarseal / Sourceal: Boosts Strength for weapon requirements and AR.
  • Magic Scorpion Charm: Increases magic damage output.
  • Green Turtle Talisman: Enhances stamina regeneration, vital for dual-wielding.
  • Shard of Alexander: Increases skill damage essential for Ashes of War.

For PvP, swap in theErdtree’s Favorfor increased HP and stamina, orCarian Filigreed Crestto reduce FP costs of skills.

Gameplay Tips and Strategy

In Combat

The Pontiff Sulyvahn build shines in up-close engagements. You’ll rely on light roll dodging, stamina management, and high DPS windows. Open fights with a projectile sorcery to harass your opponent, then close the gap and unleash pressure through aggressive combos. In PvE, time your frost and fire attacks to stagger enemies and trigger elemental procs.

In PvP

  • Chain light attacks from both weapons to overwhelm defensive players.
  • Use weapon buffs and Ashes of War strategically don’t over-commit.
  • Mix in ranged spells like Glintstone Icecrag to force movement.

The goal is to replicate the boss-like presence Pontiff had inDark Souls III. Your mixture of style and substance should throw off opponents and allow you to dominate both visually and mechanically.

Creating a Pontiff Sulyvahn build inElden Ringis more than just a cosplay it’s about embodying the power, duality, and aggression that defined one of the Soulsborne franchise’s most iconic antagonists. With the right weapons, stats, and flair, you can bring that same dark authority to the Lands Between. Whether in PvE boss fights or PvP duels, this build is designed to challenge and impress, offering both stylish combat and effective performance.