Introduction
The Pontiff Knight Curved Sword in Dark Souls 3 is a sought-after weapon for players seeking a unique blend of damage and debilitating status effects. Renowned for its ability to inflict Frostbite upon enemies, this curved sword offers a distinctive combat style that sets it apart from many other weapons in the game. While not boasting the highest raw damage output, its Frostbite potential and versatile moveset make it a valuable addition to any warrior’s arsenal, especially for those specializing in Dexterity-focused builds. However, acquiring this elegant blade requires patience, persistence, and a solid understanding of where to find and how to farm the elusive Pontiff Knights who wield it. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of how to obtain the Pontiff Knight Curved Sword in Dark Souls 3, equipping you with the knowledge and strategies needed to add this formidable weapon to your collection.
Prerequisites and Requirements Before the Hunt
Before embarking on the quest to acquire the Pontiff Knight Curved Sword, you must first reach Irithyll of the Boreal Valley. This area is unlocked after defeating High Lord Wolnir in the Catacombs of Carthus. Progressing through the Catacombs and overcoming Wolnir is a prerequisite, so ensure you’ve conquered this challenge before proceeding.
Irithyll of the Boreal Valley presents a considerable step up in difficulty compared to previous areas. The enemies are more resilient, deal increased damage, and often employ challenging attack patterns. It is generally recommended to be at a relatively comfortable soul level, with a weapon that has undergone a few reinforcement levels to effectively navigate this region. This preparation will significantly improve your chances of survival and success when facing the Pontiff Knights.
Finding and Farming the Pontiff Knights for their Prized Weapon
The Pontiff Knights reside primarily within Irithyll of the Boreal Valley. To efficiently farm them for the Pontiff Knight Curved Sword, utilizing a specific bonfire and strategically navigating the area is crucial.
Optimal Farming Locations for the Curved Sword
The Church of Yorshka bonfire serves as an ideal starting point for your farming endeavors. Upon warping to the Church of Yorshka, exit the building, turn left, and descend the stairs. As you venture down, be cautious of the patrolling Pontiff Knight. This enemy is your target, and persistence in defeating him is key to potentially acquiring the sought-after Pontiff Knight Curved Sword.
While the area near the Church of Yorshka offers a convenient farming location, explore other areas in Irithyll that may contain Pontiff Knights wielding the curved sword. Diversifying your farming route can prevent monotony and potentially increase your chances of encountering the desired enemy.
Identifying the Correct Enemy
Not all Pontiff Knights carry the curved sword. It’s essential to distinguish the correct enemy from other variations within Irithyll. The Pontiff Knights wielding the desired weapon are characterized by their distinct armor and the ethereal blue flames emanating from their weapons. Be mindful to not focus your efforts on Pontiff Knights wielding greatswords, fire-imbued weapons, or those assisted by other Irithyll enemies.
Distinguishing these knights from other enemies in the area is crucial. Irithyll Slaves are common and easily mistaken for the knights in a quick glance. Similarly, focus should only be directed towards the Pontiff Knights carrying the specific curved sword to ensure that your farming efforts are not wasted on enemies that cannot drop the target weapon.
Farming Strategies for Success
Defeating the Pontiff Knights efficiently requires a strategic approach. Employing effective combat tactics, such as backstabbing and parrying, can significantly reduce the risk of taking excessive damage. Experimenting with different weapon types can also reveal optimal damage output, potentially shortening the time spent in each encounter.
Spacing and timing are equally vital when facing these knights. Their attacks can be swift and punishing, so carefully observing their patterns and learning to dodge or block effectively is paramount to survival. Patience is key in this process, as repeated attempts may be required before mastering their attack sequences.
Increasing Item Discovery for a Better Chance
The Pontiff Knight Curved Sword has a relatively low drop rate. To improve your chances of obtaining it, increasing your item discovery is highly recommended. Several methods can boost this crucial stat:
The Covetous Gold Serpent Ring, found in Irithyll Dungeon, significantly increases item discovery. This ring is a valuable asset for any player engaging in item farming.
The Symbol of Avarice, obtained by defeating Mimics or by receiving it as a rare drop from them, provides another substantial boost to item discovery. However, this item comes at the cost of gradually draining your health, so weigh the benefits against the risks.
Rusted Coin and Rusted Gold Coin can be purchased from certain merchants or found throughout the game world. These consumables temporarily increase item discovery, providing a short-term advantage during farming sessions.
The Crystal Sage’s Rapier, obtained by transposing the soul of the Crystal Sage, provides a passive item discovery bonus even when not wielded. Simply having this weapon equipped in one of your inventory slots increases your chances of finding rare items.
Dealing with the Drop Rate and Persistence
It’s important to acknowledge that obtaining the Pontiff Knight Curved Sword may require considerable time and effort. The drop rate is intentionally low, designed to test your resolve and commitment. Do not be discouraged if you don’t acquire the sword after a few attempts. Stay persistent and continue employing the strategies and methods outlined above.
Motivation can wane during extended farming sessions. Remind yourself of the weapon’s unique capabilities and the potential it holds for enhancing your character’s combat prowess. Break up your farming sessions into manageable chunks to avoid burnout, and celebrate small victories along the way.
Remember that consistent application of item discovery boosting methods is key to maximizing your chances of success. Even small increases in item discovery can significantly impact the drop rate over time.
The Pontiff Knight Curved Sword: Stats and Usage in Battle
Once you’ve finally obtained the Pontiff Knight Curved Sword, understanding its stats and effectively utilizing its moveset are essential to unleashing its full potential.
Weapon Stats Unveiled
The Pontiff Knight Curved Sword requires a Dexterity stat, along with a Strength stat, to wield effectively. The weapon’s damage values consist of physical damage and a substantial Frostbite buildup. As you level up, the sword scales primarily with Dexterity and Strength, making it an ideal choice for characters specializing in these attributes. Weighing in at a manageable weight, it allows for agile movements and efficient stamina consumption during combat.
Moveset and Combat Applications to Consider
The Pontiff Knight Curved Sword possesses a distinct moveset that sets it apart from other curved swords. Its unique attacks allow for aggressive engagements, allowing the player to maintain forward momentum. Experimenting with different attack combinations is key to discovering the most effective combos for various combat scenarios.
The weapon’s Frostbite buildup is its primary advantage. Repeatedly inflicting Frostbite on enemies can severely hamper their movement and damage output, creating opportunities for decisive strikes. Understanding how to effectively manage Frostbite buildup is crucial to maximizing the weapon’s effectiveness.
This weapon is particularly well-suited for Dexterity-focused builds. Players who invest heavily in Dexterity and maintain an adequate level of Strength can reap the full benefits of the sword’s scaling and damage output. These builds often prioritize speed and agility, making the Pontiff Knight Curved Sword a natural fit.
Upgrading the Sword to Maximize Potential
Upgrading the Pontiff Knight Curved Sword requires various Titanite materials. Titanite Shards are used for the early levels, Large Titanite Shards become necessary as you progress, Titanite Chunks are required for further upgrades, and a Titanite Slab is needed to reach the maximum upgrade level.
These upgrade materials can be found throughout the game world, purchased from certain merchants, or obtained as drops from specific enemies. Explore diligently to locate these materials and enhance your weapon’s capabilities.
Conclusion: The Quest for the Pontiff Knight Curved Sword
Acquiring the Pontiff Knight Curved Sword in Dark Souls 3 requires patience, persistence, and a strategic approach. By locating the Pontiff Knights in Irithyll of the Boreal Valley, employing effective farming strategies, increasing your item discovery, and understanding the weapon’s stats and usage, you can successfully add this formidable blade to your collection.
The Pontiff Knight Curved Sword offers a unique combat style and provides a powerful advantage against enemies susceptible to Frostbite. Experiment with different builds, master its moveset, and unleash its full potential to become a true force to be reckoned with in the world of Dark Souls 3. Now venture forth, Ashen One, and claim the Pontiff Knight Curved Sword as your own!
