Scythe Farming in Elden Ring: A Comprehensive Guide
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The most reliable location to farm for the Grave Scythe in Elden Ring is in the Liurnia of the Lakes region. Specifically, look for areas populated by Skeleton Mages, the enemies that wield and drop the Grave Scythe. A particularly effective spot is near the Eastern Liurnia Lake Shore Site of Grace. Numerous Skeleton Mages spawn in the graveyard area to the southeast. This offers ample opportunity to acquire the desired weapon, though drop rates can be somewhat low, so patience is key.
Understanding Scythes in Elden Ring
Scythes, or Reapers as they’re categorized in Elden Ring, are unique weapons offering distinct advantages. They are not the most common weapon type, and they’re known for their distinctive movesets and valuable utility in specific combat situations. One of their significant advantages is their ability to partially bypass shield negation, making them effective against heavily shielded opponents in both PvE and PvP scenarios.
Grave Scythe Farming Strategy
The Grave Scythe is a particularly sought-after early-to-mid game weapon. As mentioned, the Skeleton Mages in Liurnia of the Lakes are your primary target. Here’s a breakdown of the farming strategy:
- Location: Head to the Eastern Liurnia Lake Shore Site of Grace.
- Enemies: Proceed southeast towards the graveyard area. You’ll encounter several Skeleton Mages who are readily identifiable by their hooded attire and, most importantly, the Grave Scythe they wield.
- Farming: Defeat the Skeleton Mages. If the Grave Scythe doesn’t drop, rest at the Site of Grace to respawn the enemies and repeat the process.
- Item Discovery: Boost your Item Discovery stat to increase the likelihood of the scythe dropping. You can do this by:
- Using the Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot: This consumable temporarily boosts your Item Discovery.
- Equipping the Silver Scarab Talisman: This talisman permanently increases your Item Discovery.
- Patience: The Grave Scythe is a relatively rare drop. Don’t get discouraged if it takes multiple attempts. Consistent farming will eventually yield results.
Alternative Scythe Locations and Considerations
While the Skeleton Mages in Liurnia are a reliable farming spot, there are other locations where you might find scythes, either as a drop or a fixed location. The Cliffbottom Catacombs, also in Liurnia of the Lakes, contain the Scythe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Scythes in Elden Ring
Here are some common questions about scythes in Elden Ring, offering more insights into their usage, availability, and overall effectiveness:
1. What is the easiest scythe to obtain early in Elden Ring?
The Winged Scythe, located at the Tombsward Ruins in the Weeping Peninsula, is generally considered the easiest scythe to obtain early in the game. The area is accessible almost immediately after starting, making it a viable option for players looking to incorporate a scythe into their build from the outset.
2. Is the Winged Scythe a good weapon overall?
The Winged Scythe is a decent weapon, particularly for Faith-based builds. It deals Holy Damage and scales with Dexterity, Strength, and Faith. However, it is noted that other weapons might offer superior physical damage output. Its unique skill, Angel’s Wings, is quite useful for dealing damage and repositioning.
3. How rare is the Grave Scythe drop?
The Grave Scythe is a relatively rare drop from Skeleton Mages. While the exact drop rate isn’t officially disclosed, players often report needing to farm for a significant amount of time before obtaining it. Boosting your Item Discovery is highly recommended when farming for this weapon.
4. Are scythes effective against all types of enemies?
Scythes are effective against a variety of enemies, especially those reliant on shields due to their shield-piercing capabilities. However, their effectiveness can vary depending on the enemy’s armor and resistance. Experimentation is key to determining when a scythe is the optimal weapon choice.
5. What stats should I focus on for a scythe build?
The ideal stats depend on the specific scythe. For example, the Winged Scythe scales with Dexterity, Strength, and Faith, so leveling these stats will maximize its damage output. The Grave Scythe primarily scales with Strength and Dexterity.
6. Can I apply Ashes of War to scythes?
Yes, most scythes can be infused with Ashes of War, allowing you to customize their skills and scaling. This adds a layer of versatility to scythe builds, enabling you to tailor your weapon to your preferred playstyle.
7. What are some good Ashes of War for scythes?
Good Ashes of War for scythes depend on your build and playstyle. Some popular options include: * Bloodflame Blade: Inflicts bleed buildup on enemies. * Hoarfrost Stomp: Creates a wave of frost that deals damage and inflicts frostbite. * Black Flame Tornado: Unleashes a powerful spinning attack dealing Black Flame damage.
8. Is the Halo Scythe considered a good weapon?
The Halo Scythe is a unique scythe that deals Holy damage and has a distinctive weapon art. It is considered to be powerful, but it is also one of the rarer weapons in the game. It is acquired from the Cleanrot Knights in Elden Ring, making it more challenging to obtain.
9. How does Item Discovery affect scythe farming?
Item Discovery directly impacts the likelihood of enemies dropping items, including the Grave Scythe. Increasing your Item Discovery stat through consumables like the Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot or equipment like the Silver Scarab Talisman significantly improves your farming efficiency.
10. What is the best early-game weapon in Elden Ring besides scythes?
Aside from scythes, some powerful early-game weapons include the Uchigatana, the Twinblade, and the Morning Star. These weapons are relatively easy to obtain and can carry you through the early stages of the game. The Games Learning Society recognizes the strategic value of these weapons in skill development.
11. Are there any scythes that inflict bleed buildup?
Yes, certain scythes, especially when infused with appropriate Ashes of War, can inflict bleed buildup. This makes them effective against enemies vulnerable to bleed, allowing you to quickly deplete their health.
12. How do scythes compare to katanas in Elden Ring?
Scythes and katanas offer distinct advantages. Katanas are generally faster and consume less stamina, while scythes excel in range and shield-piercing capabilities. The best choice depends on your playstyle and the specific combat situation.
13. What is the hardest weapon to acquire in Elden Ring?
Some of the rarest weapons in Elden Ring include the Noble’s Estoc and Noble’s Slender Sword, known for their extremely low drop rates. The Cleanrot Spear and Halo Scythe are also notoriously difficult to obtain.
14. Where else can I find Skeleton Mages in Elden Ring?
Besides Liurnia of the Lakes, Skeleton Mages can be found in other graveyard areas throughout the Lands Between. Exploring regions like the Weeping Peninsula and certain areas in Caelid may reveal additional farming opportunities.
15. Are there any unique scythes I should look out for in the late game?
The Winged Scythe remains a viable option throughout the game, but exploring late-game areas may yield other powerful weapons that complement a scythe-focused build. Experimentation and exploration are key to discovering your preferred weapon.
Ultimately, mastering scythes in Elden Ring requires understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and optimal usage scenarios. Efficient farming, proper stat allocation, and strategic use of Ashes of War can transform these unconventional weapons into formidable tools in the Lands Between. For more information on game strategies and learning, check out GamesLearningSociety.org.