Understanding the Pontiff Knights
The world of Dark Souls 3 is riddled with formidable enemies and alluring weaponry, each offering unique combat styles and strategic advantages. Among the more sought-after blades is the Pontiff Knight Curved Sword, a sleek and deadly armament wielded by the chilling knights of Irithyll. Its distinctive design and frost-imbued properties make it a favorite among players looking to add a touch of elegance and brutality to their arsenal. This guide will walk you through the process of acquiring the Pontiff Knight Curved Sword, transforming you from a humble Ashen One into a wielder of frost-touched steel.
Before embarking on the quest for the Pontiff Knight Curved Sword, it’s essential to understand the foes that guard it. The Pontiff Knights are imposing figures draped in dark armor, their movements swift and their attacks relentless. They serve Pontiff Sulyvahn, the tyrannical ruler of Irithyll of the Boreal Valley. These knights are primarily found patrolling the areas surrounding the Pontiff Sulyvahn boss fight, their presence a constant threat to any who dare trespass. Their combat style is characterized by rapid strikes, sweeping attacks, and the ability to inflict frostbite, making them formidable opponents, especially in groups. Understanding their attack patterns and weaknesses is paramount to efficiently farming them for their coveted weapon.
Preparing for the Grind
The Pontiff Knight Curved Sword, like many desirable items in Dark Souls 3, is not simply handed out; it requires a dedicated farming process. The drop rate is relatively low, meaning you will likely need to defeat numerous Pontiff Knights before one finally relinquishes its prized weapon. Therefore, optimizing your Item Discovery stat is crucial to increase your chances of success. Several methods can be employed to achieve this.
Optimizing Item Discovery
First, consider equipping the Symbol of Avarice. This grotesque headpiece, obtained from Mimics, significantly boosts Item Discovery, but comes at the cost of continuously draining your health. While the health drain can be a nuisance, the increased drop rate often makes it a worthwhile trade-off.
Next, the Crystal Sage’s Rapier is a valuable tool, especially if you aren’t using it as your primary weapon. Simply having this rapier equipped, even on your back, provides a passive boost to Item Discovery. It’s easily obtainable relatively early in the game, making it an accessible option for most players.
The Gold Serpent Ring is another essential item for any aspiring item farmer. This ring exists in multiple tiers, each offering an increased boost to Item Discovery. The higher the tier, the more significant the boost. Locating the Gold Serpent Ring requires exploration, with different versions found in various locations throughout the game, often guarded by challenging enemies. Seek out the highest tier you can obtain to maximize your farming efficiency.
Finally, using Rusted Coins can temporarily boost your Item Discovery. These coins are relatively common and can be purchased from certain merchants or found scattered throughout the world. While their effect is temporary, they can provide a noticeable increase in drop rates, especially when combined with other Item Discovery-boosting items.
Choosing a Farming Location
Choosing the optimal farming location is also crucial. The Church of Yorshka bonfire is the most convenient starting point. From this bonfire, you can quickly reach several Pontiff Knights patrolling the nearby area. This allows for efficient farming runs, minimizing travel time and maximizing your time spent engaging the knights.
Recommended Equipment
Regarding equipment, choose a weapon that allows you to quickly and efficiently dispatch the Pontiff Knights. Greatswords, with their wide sweeping attacks, are particularly effective for dealing with multiple enemies at once. Alternatively, magic users can utilize spells like Great Soul Arrow or Soul Greatsword to quickly eliminate knights from a distance. Regarding armor, prioritize mobility over raw defense. Being able to dodge and reposition quickly is essential for avoiding the knights’ relentless attacks.
The Farming Process: Step by Step
To begin your farming run, start at the Church of Yorshka bonfire. Exit the church and proceed towards the area leading to the Distant Manor bonfire. You’ll encounter at least two Pontiff Knights patrolling this area. Engage them one at a time if possible, using the environment to your advantage.
When facing a Pontiff Knight, pay close attention to their attack patterns. They often use a combination of thrusting and sweeping attacks, both of which can inflict significant damage. Dodge their attacks carefully, and look for opportunities to counterattack. Backstabbing is a highly effective strategy against Pontiff Knights, as is parrying their attacks. Mastering the timing of parries can significantly reduce the difficulty of the encounter.
After defeating the first two Pontiff Knights, continue towards the Distant Manor bonfire. There may be additional knights patrolling this area, depending on your progress in the game. Engage them using the same strategies, prioritizing safety and efficiency. Once you have cleared the area of Pontiff Knights, return to the Church of Yorshka bonfire and repeat the process. This cyclical farming run will allow you to efficiently defeat numerous knights, increasing your chances of obtaining the Pontiff Knight Curved Sword.
Remember to remain vigilant during your farming runs. The area is also populated by other enemies, such as Irithyllian Slaves, which can pose a threat if you are not careful. Avoid unnecessary risks and focus on eliminating the Pontiff Knights as quickly and efficiently as possible. Patience is key; the drop rate is low, so be prepared to repeat the process numerous times.
Dealing with the Grind’s Frustration
The process of farming for rare items in Dark Souls 3 can be incredibly frustrating. The low drop rate of the Pontiff Knight Curved Sword means that you may spend hours defeating knights without any reward. It’s essential to acknowledge this potential for frustration and develop strategies for maintaining your motivation.
Taking breaks is crucial. Spending hours grinding without a break can lead to burnout and decreased performance. Take regular breaks to stretch, relax, and clear your mind. Return to the game feeling refreshed and ready to continue farming.
Listening to music or podcasts can also help to alleviate the monotony of the grind. Choose something that you enjoy and that will keep you entertained while you’re farming. This can help to make the process feel less tedious and more enjoyable.
Farming with friends, if possible in online mode, can also make the experience more bearable. Collaborating with others can make the grind feel less lonely and more rewarding. Additionally, friends can help to speed up the process by sharing strategies and assisting in combat.
Utilizing the Pontiff Knight Curved Sword
Once you have finally obtained the Pontiff Knight Curved Sword, it’s time to put it to use. This weapon boasts impressive stats and scaling, making it a viable option for a variety of builds. It primarily scales with Dexterity and Strength, making it well-suited for quality builds. It also has decent scaling with Intelligence, owing to its frost-based properties.
The Pontiff Knight Curved Sword features a unique moveset, characterized by swift and elegant strikes. Its light attacks are quick and fluid, allowing for rapid combos. Its heavy attacks are more powerful, but also slower, requiring careful timing.
The weapon’s most distinctive feature is its Weapon Art, Frost Weapon. Activating this ability coats the blade in a layer of frost, increasing its frostbite buildup. This can be incredibly effective in combat, as frostbite deals a burst of damage and slows enemy movement.
The Pontiff Knight Curved Sword synergizes well with builds that focus on Dexterity and Strength, as well as those that emphasize frostbite buildup. It’s a versatile weapon that can be used effectively in both PvE and PvP. In PvE, it’s capable of dealing significant damage to enemies and bosses. In PvP, its speed and frostbite potential can make it a formidable weapon in the hands of a skilled player.
Conclusion
Obtaining the Pontiff Knight Curved Sword in Dark Souls 3 requires patience, dedication, and a little bit of luck. By optimizing your Item Discovery, choosing an efficient farming location, and employing effective combat strategies, you can significantly increase your chances of success. The process may be frustrating at times, but the reward is well worth the effort. The Pontiff Knight Curved Sword is a powerful and stylish weapon that can enhance your gameplay experience. Experiment with its moveset, find a build that suits your playstyle, and unleash its frost-imbued fury upon your enemies. Remember to persist, Ashen One, and victory will be yours.
