Unveiling the Highest Damage Scythe in Elden Ring: A Reaper’s Guide

The quest for power in the Lands Between often leads Tarnished warriors to seek out the most potent weaponry. Among the diverse arsenal available in Elden Ring, scythes, or Reapers as they are known in-game, offer a compelling blend of reach, damage, and status effect potential. So, which scythe reigns supreme in terms of raw damage output? The answer, while nuanced, leans towards the Winged Scythe, especially in the early to mid-game. While its Holy damage may fall off against certain late-game bosses with high Holy resistance, its initial impact and unique weapon skill make it a formidable contender for the highest damage scythe overall.

Scythes in Elden Ring: An Overview

Scythes, categorized as Reapers, are a unique weapon class in Elden Ring. They generally scale with Strength and Dexterity, although some, like the Winged Scythe, also incorporate Faith scaling. This allows for diverse build options, blending melee prowess with incantations. Scythes are often favored for their long reach, allowing players to maintain a safe distance while inflicting damage. Many also inflict the Blood Loss effect, adding to their offensive capabilities. Dual wielding scythes via power stancing is a viable option, offering a unique moveset and increased damage potential. However, like any weapon class, scythes have their strengths and weaknesses, making careful consideration crucial when building your character.

Winged Scythe: Early Game Powerhouse

The Winged Scythe is a highly sought-after weapon early in the game due to its accessible location and impressive damage output. It requires Strength 16, Dexterity 16, and Faith 24, making it suitable for hybrid builds. Its unique weapon skill, Angel’s Wings, allows you to leap into the air and unleash a powerful slashing attack, dealing substantial damage. The Winged Scythe deals a combination of physical and Holy damage, making it particularly effective against enemies vulnerable to Holy. However, the effectiveness of the Holy damage decreases later in the game as many bosses have Holy resistance. This is where adaptability and the strategic infusion of Ashes of War become crucial.

Grave Scythe: Versatility and Customization

The Grave Scythe is another notable Reaper, primarily scaling with Strength and Dexterity. It distinguishes itself through its customizability, allowing players to apply various Ashes of War to imbue it with different affinities and weapon skills. While it might not possess the innate Holy damage of the Winged Scythe, its versatility allows for optimizing its damage output based on the enemy’s weaknesses. Its slightly shorter reach compared to the Scythe is a minor drawback. However, its potential for enhanced scaling and specialized damage types makes it a compelling option for various builds. You can obtain the Grave Scythe by farming Skeleton Mages, typically found in graveyard areas.

Halo Scythe: Holy Damage and Rare Drop

The Halo Scythe is another formidable option, boasting inherent Holy damage. The Halo Scythe deals holy damage. It is a rare drop from the Cleanrot Knights who use it in battle, making it a challenging weapon to acquire. Although the exact damage output is close to the Winged Scythe, depending on the build, the rarity makes it harder to optimize and test.

Other Notable Reapers

The Scythe is the most basic option, generally found early in the game. While its damage output may be lower than some of the other options, its availability and standard moveset make it a decent starting point. The Rosus’ Axe scales with Intelligence as well as Strength and Dexterity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to deepen your understanding of scythes in Elden Ring:

1. Are scythes good in Elden Ring? Yes, scythes are viable weapons in Elden Ring. They offer long reach, decent damage, and the ability to inflict Blood Loss. Their effectiveness depends on your build and playstyle.

2. What stats do scythes scale with in Elden Ring? Most scythes scale with Strength and Dexterity. The Winged Scythe also scales with Faith, while Rosus’ Axe scales with Intelligence as well as Strength and Dexterity.

3. Where can I find the Winged Scythe? The Winged Scythe is found in the Tombsward Ruins in the Weeping Peninsula.

4. Can you dual wield scythes in Elden Ring? Yes, you can dual wield scythes via power stancing, requiring 1.5x the stat requirements for each weapon to unlock the moveset. This enhances your attack power and provides a unique moveset.

5. What is the best Ashes of War for the Grave Scythe? The best Ashes of War for the Grave Scythe depend on your build. Options like Bloodflame Blade or Chilling Mist can add extra elemental damage.

6. Is the Halo Scythe rare? Yes, the Halo Scythe is a rare drop from Cleanrot Knights, making it one of the more challenging scythes to acquire.

7. What does Holy damage do in Elden Ring? Holy damage is effective against certain enemies, particularly those of the undead or those associated with darker powers. However, many bosses have high Holy resistance.

8. What are the pros and cons of using a Winged Scythe? Pros: High early game damage, unique weapon skill, Holy damage. Cons: Holy damage falls off against certain late-game bosses.

9. Are Reapers the best weapon class in Elden Ring? While Reapers are a strong weapon class, whether they are “the best” depends on individual preferences, playstyle, and build optimization.

10. Where can I find the Grave Scythe? The Grave Scythe drops from Skeleton Mages found in graveyard areas.

11. What is the best early game weapon in Elden Ring? The Winged Scythe is a great early-game weapon due to its accessibility and damage output. Other strong early options include the Grafted Blade Greatsword.

12. How do I get the Giant-Crusher? The Giant-Crusher is located in the outer ward of Leyndell, Royal Capital. You can find it in a chest at the back of a carriage surrounded by wooden spikes.

13. What are some good alternatives to the Winged Scythe if Holy damage is ineffective? Consider the Grave Scythe with a different Ash of War that inflicts Bloodflame Blade or Chilling Mist or status effect that the boss is vulnerable to.

14. What is the best build for using scythes in Elden Ring? A Faith/Dexterity build works well for the Winged Scythe, while a Strength/Dexterity build is suitable for the Grave Scythe. Hybrid builds can also be effective.

15. Are scythes good for PvP in Elden Ring? Scythes can be effective in PvP due to their long reach and ability to inflict Blood Loss. However, their slow attack speed can leave you vulnerable to faster weapons.
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Conclusion: Embracing the Reaper’s Path

In the relentless world of Elden Ring, choosing the right weapon is crucial for survival. While the Winged Scythe offers a compelling combination of damage, reach, and Holy affinity, the Grave Scythe‘s versatility makes it a solid option to have if you want to change the Ash of War. Ultimately, the best scythe for you depends on your build, playstyle, and the challenges you face. Experiment with different Reapers, explore their unique movesets, and master the art of reaping souls in the Lands Between.