What is the Best Scythe in Elden Ring? A Grim Reaper’s Guide
The “best” scythe in Elden Ring is, as with many things in the Lands Between, entirely dependent on your build and playstyle. However, if forced to pick one that offers a compelling blend of damage, versatility, and early-game accessibility, the Grave Scythe takes the crown. Its ability to be infused with various Ashes of War opens up tremendous build customization, allowing it to scale effectively with Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, or Arcane. While the Winged Scythe boasts impressive Holy damage and the Halo Scythe offers faith-based potential, the Grave Scythe’s adaptability makes it the most universally effective choice.
Diving Deep into Elden Ring’s Reapers
Elden Ring offers a limited selection of Reapers, a weapon class characterized by long reach, sweeping attacks, and the innate ability to inflict Blood Loss buildup. While the sparse quantity might disappoint some, each scythe presents a unique playstyle and synergistic potential with various builds. Let’s break down each option and discuss their strengths and weaknesses:
- Grave Scythe: The workhorse. Found early in the game, it can be infused with Ashes of War, making it incredibly versatile. It lacks the unique moveset of the standard Scythe but compensates with raw damage potential and scaling flexibility. Its regular scaling is Strength and Dexterity.
- Scythe: The baseline. Boasting a unique moveset that sets it apart, the Scythe excels at catching opponents off guard. However, it cannot be infused with Ashes of War, limiting its customizability. Its scaling is also Strength and Dexterity.
- Winged Scythe: The holy harbinger. This weapon is located in the Tombsward Ruins, its Angel’s Wings ability can actually stop healing (to a degree). This powerful scythe deals significant Holy damage and scales with Strength, Dexterity, and Faith. Its unique weapon skill offers both offense and defense, making it a solid choice for faith-based builds. However, Holy damage falls off against certain bosses.
- Halo Scythe: The faith-fueled finesse weapon. Dropped by Lesser Cleanrot Knights in areas like the Heart of Aeonia, this scythe also scales with Strength, Dexterity, and Faith. Its weapon skill fires a spinning halo of blades, offering ranged damage and utility. Like the Winged Scythe, it relies on Holy damage, making it less effective in certain endgame scenarios.
Why Grave Scythe Stands Out
The Grave Scythe’s strength lies in its flexibility. Its base damage is respectable, but it’s the ability to apply powerful Ashes of War and tailor its scaling to your specific stats that truly elevates it.
- Versatility: Whether you’re a Strength-focused behemoth, a Dexterity-based ninja, or a magic-wielding sorcerer, the Grave Scythe can be adapted to your build.
- Ash of War Infusion: The possibilities are endless. Add Frostbite with Hoarfrost Stomp, bleed with Bloodflame Blade, or simply enhance raw damage with powerful skills like Black Flame Tornado.
- Accessibility: Found relatively early in the game, the Grave Scythe is available to players of all levels.
While the other scythes offer unique benefits, their limitations prevent them from being considered universally “the best.” The Winged Scythe’s reliance on Holy damage, and the Halo Scythe’s dependence on faith-based builds mean they excel in specific situations but struggle against certain enemies. The standard Scythe’s unique moveset is interesting, but the inability to use Ashes of War hurts its overall potential.
Maximizing Scythe Potential: Builds and Strategies
No matter which scythe you choose, optimizing your build and playstyle is crucial. Here are some general tips:
- Prioritize Blood Loss: Reapers inherently inflict Blood Loss buildup. Invest in stats and equipment that enhance this effect for maximum damage output.
- Utilize Range: Scythes have excellent reach. Maintain proper spacing to punish enemies while staying safe.
- Master the Moveset: Experiment with different attacks to find combos and techniques that suit your style.
- Consider Talismans: Equip talismans that boost attack power, increase Blood Loss buildup, or enhance weapon skills.
- Explore Ashes of War: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different Ashes of War to find the perfect fit for your scythe and build.
Remember, the “best” scythe is the one that feels most comfortable and effective in your hands. Experiment with different options, tailor your build to your preferences, and embrace the grim reaper within!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Scythes in Elden Ring
Here are some common questions about scythes in Elden Ring:
1. Are scythes viable in Elden Ring?
Absolutely! While not the most popular weapon class, scythes are certainly viable and can be incredibly effective in the right hands. Their long reach, Blood Loss buildup, and unique movesets make them a force to be reckoned with.
2. Where can I find the Grave Scythe early in the game?
The Grave Scythe can be found in the Deathtouched Catacombs in Limgrave. It is located on a corpse in one of the side passages.
3. How rare is the Halo Scythe drop?
The Halo Scythe has a relatively low drop rate of approximately 2% from Lesser Cleanrot Knights wielding it. Farming can be time-consuming.
4. Does the Winged Scythe’s weapon skill really stop healing?
The Winged Scythe’s weapon skill, Angel’s Wings, inflicts Holy damage and briefly reduces the target’s ability to heal. It’s more of a hindrance than a complete block.
5. What are the best Ashes of War for the Grave Scythe?
This depends on your build. Hoarfrost Stomp is great for Frostbite builds, Bloodflame Blade enhances Blood Loss, and Black Flame Tornado provides raw damage.
6. Which stats should I prioritize for a scythe build?
For Strength/Dexterity scythes, prioritize Strength and Dexterity. For Winged Scythe or Halo Scythe, also invest in Faith.
7. Can I dual-wield scythes in Elden Ring?
Yes! Dual-wielding scythes can be incredibly powerful, especially when focusing on Blood Loss buildup. Try combining a Grave Scythe with another scythe for maximum damage output.
8. What talismans synergize well with scythes?
Lord of Blood’s Exultation (increases attack power when Blood Loss occurs), Marika’s Soreseal (boosts Intelligence, Faith, Arcane), and Ritual Sword Talisman (increases attack power when at full HP) are all good choices.
9. Is the Winged Scythe good for PvP?
The Winged Scythe can be effective in PvP due to its Holy damage, weapon skill, and long reach. However, be mindful of opponents with high Holy resistance.
10. How does the Scythe’s unique moveset differ from the Grave Scythe?
The standard Scythe has a unique spinning attack that the Grave Scythe lacks. This can be useful for catching enemies off guard.
11. Are there any armor sets that complement scythe builds?
Armor sets that boost attack power, increase Blood Loss buildup, or enhance weapon skills are all good choices. The White Mask is a popular option for Blood Loss builds.
12. Does the Golden Scythe from Stardew Valley affect item drop rates in Elden Ring?
No. The golden scythe is not used in Elden Ring, so it would not affect item drop rates in the game.
13. Can I respec my stats if I want to try a different scythe build?
Yes! You can respec your stats by using a Larval Tear at Raya Lucarian Academy after defeating Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon.
14. Where can I learn more about Elden Ring builds and strategies?
There are many online resources available, including wikis, forums, and YouTube channels. Also, for more knowledge on games, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
15. Is Elden Ring’s difficulty enhanced by using Scythes?
While some might argue that scythes are not as overpowered as other weapons, they are certainly viable and can be incredibly effective when used strategically. The difficulty ultimately depends on your skill, build, and playstyle.
Ultimately, choosing the “best” scythe in Elden Ring is a journey of discovery. Embrace experimentation, adapt to your playstyle, and become the fearsome reaper you were always meant to be! Happy Hunting, Tarnished!