Was Pontiff supposed to be the final boss?

Was Pontiff Supposed to be the Final Boss?

In the highly acclaimed Dark Souls III game, Pontiff Sulyvahn has been the subject of intense debate and speculation among the gaming community. Specifically, many have wondered whether Pontiff Sulyvahn was originally intended to be the final boss of the game.

Initially, the Main Antagonist

Early on, Pontiff Sulyvahn was established as the primary antagonist and a formidable force in the world of Dark Souls III. He led the Deep with an iron fist, suppressing the people with his powers and serving High Lord Gwyn. However, as the story progressed, it became evident that he was not the final opponent.

Shifting Allegiances and Changes

Hidetaka Miyazaki, the director and creator of Dark Souls, revealed that the storyline and character design underwent significant changes during the game’s development. At one point, Sulyvahn was intended to be the final boss, but this plan changed due to the introduction of new elements and characters, such as Aldrich Devourer of Gods and Iudex Gundyr.

A New Roadmap Emerge

Instead of serving as the ultimate foe, Pontiff Sulyvahn became an important mid-boss in the game. His encounters were designed to be memorable and challenging for players. This shift may have led to a richer narrative with more complex conflicts and multiple storylines intersecting with each other.

Aldrich: A New Powerbroker

Meanwhile, Aldrich Devourer of Gods emerged as a pivotal figure in Dark Souls III‘s plot. He not only added depth to the story but also presented players with unique challenges and abilities. With his arrival, Pontiff Sulyvahn‘s role adjusted, allowing players to see the world in a broader context.

Pontiff Sulyvahn as a Mid-Boss: A Better Representation

Fighting Sulyvahn on his home turf in the Cathedral of the Deep can be a daunting task. His varied attacks and powerful magic push players to their limits, making it a thrilling confrontation. Furthermore, Hidetaka Miyazaki confirmed that this fight is designed to push players away from the comfortable "button-mashing" approach. Instead, he encourages an active and creative strategy for success.

Key Events and Changes Explained in a Table

Conclusion

So, what does this new information say about Pontiff Sulyvahn as the final boss? Originally, Pontiff Sulyvahn was indeed intended to be the primary antagonist, and it remains an important opponent in Dark Souls III. However, development changes transformed his role and led to a richer experience for the player. Fighting Pontiff Sulyvahn on its own provides an engaging confrontation, serving as a catalyst for various storylines, characters, and gameplay systems. Despite the changes, Pontiff Sulyvahn remains an exciting and intimidating foe in this critically acclaimed game.