So, you're diving into the Lands Between and wondering if the Scythe is a good weapon in Elden Ring? Well, let's break it down. Scythes in Elden Ring offer a unique blend of range, damage, and style. They aren't your typical swords or hammers; they bring a different flavor to your combat encounters. Whether the Scythe is a good choice really depends on your playstyle and what you're looking for in a weapon. For those who love to keep their distance while dealing significant damage, the Scythe can be a fantastic option. Its sweeping attacks can hit multiple enemies, making it great for crowd control. Plus, let's be honest, running around as the Grim Reaper in Elden Ring is just plain cool!

But before you commit to a Scythe build, there are some things you should consider. Scythes often require a mix of Strength and Dexterity, so you'll need to invest in both stats. They also might not be the best choice against heavily armored enemies, as their damage type is typically Slash or Standard, which can be less effective against tough hides. However, with the right Ashes of War and infusions, you can overcome these weaknesses and turn your Scythe into a formidable weapon. So, is the Scythe a good weapon in Elden Ring? The answer is a resounding it depends, but with the right approach, it can definitely be a powerful and stylish choice.

Understanding Scythes in Elden Ring

Okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty of understanding Scythes in Elden Ring. These weapons aren't just about looking cool (though they definitely nail that part). Scythes occupy a unique space in the arsenal, offering a different combat experience compared to swords, hammers, or spears. Their defining characteristic is their long reach, which allows you to maintain a safe distance from enemies while still dishing out damage. This is especially useful in a game like Elden Ring, where enemies can be relentless and aggressive.

Scythes generally deal Slash or Standard damage, which is effective against many types of enemies but can struggle against heavily armored foes. However, this can be mitigated by using different Ashes of War or weapon infusions to change the damage type. For example, adding Fire damage can help you deal with enemies that are resistant to Slash damage. Furthermore, Scythes often have unique weapon skills that can turn the tide of battle. Some Scythes might have skills that inflict status effects like Bleed or Frostbite, adding another layer to your combat strategy. Understanding these nuances is crucial for making the most out of your Scythe build.

Another thing to consider is the stat requirements. Most Scythes require a mix of Strength and Dexterity, so you'll need to balance your stats accordingly. Some Scythes might also require Intelligence or Faith, depending on their unique properties. Investing in the right stats will not only allow you to wield the weapon effectively but also maximize its damage output. So, when choosing a Scythe, take a close look at its stat requirements and make sure it aligns with your overall build. By understanding these aspects of Scythes, you can make an informed decision and create a powerful and versatile character in Elden Ring.

Pros and Cons of Using a Scythe

Alright, let's dive into the pros and cons of wielding a Scythe in Elden Ring. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages will help you decide if this weapon type is the right fit for your Tarnished.

Pros:

• Excellent Range: Scythes have fantastic reach, allowing you to hit enemies from a safe distance. This is super useful for avoiding damage and controlling the battlefield. You can poke and slash without getting too close to danger, which is a massive advantage against aggressive enemies and bosses.
• Crowd Control: The wide, sweeping attacks of Scythes make them ideal for dealing with groups of enemies. You can cleave through hordes of foes, making them perfect for clearing out dungeons and open-world areas.
• Unique Movesets: Scythes have unique and stylish movesets that can catch opponents off guard. Their attacks are different from typical swords or hammers, giving you a distinct combat style.
• Status Effect Buildup: Many Scythes can inflict status effects like Bleed or Frostbite. These effects can deal significant damage over time or debuff enemies, giving you an edge in tough fights.
• Cool Factor: Let's be honest, running around with a Scythe just looks awesome. You'll definitely turn heads and strike fear into your enemies with this weapon.

Cons:

• Damage Type Issues: Scythes typically deal Slash or Standard damage, which can be less effective against heavily armored enemies. You might struggle against knights and other heavily protected foes.
• Stat Investment: Scythes often require a mix of Strength and Dexterity, which means you'll need to invest in both stats. This can spread your stats thin if you're trying to build a hybrid character.
• Attack Speed: Scythes are generally slower than swords or daggers, which can make it harder to react to fast-moving enemies. You'll need to time your attacks carefully to avoid getting hit.
• Stamina Consumption: The wide, sweeping attacks of Scythes can consume a lot of stamina. You'll need to manage your stamina carefully to avoid running out in the middle of a fight.
• Limited Availability: Scythes are relatively rare compared to other weapon types. You might have to search far and wide to find the Scythe you want.

By weighing these pros and cons, you can decide if the Scythe is the right weapon for your Elden Ring adventure. If you value range, crowd control, and style, then the Scythe might be a perfect fit. However, if you prefer fast attacks and dealing with heavily armored enemies, you might want to consider other options.

Best Scythes in Elden Ring and Where to Find Them

Okay, so you're sold on the Scythe life? Awesome! Let's talk about some of the best Scythes you can find in Elden Ring and where to snag them. Knowing where to look will save you time and help you gear up for your Reaper build.

1. Grave Scythe: This is one of the earliest Scythes you can find, and it's a solid choice for the early to mid-game. It deals Physical damage and has decent scaling with Strength and Dexterity. Plus, it has a passive effect that increases your resistance to Death Blight. You can farm the Grave Scythe from Skeleton enemies in the Graveyard areas, such as those found in the Limgrave and Liurnia regions.
2. Winged Scythe: The Winged Scythe is a fantastic option for Faith builds. It deals Physical and Holy damage and scales well with Strength, Dexterity, and Faith. Its weapon skill, Angel's Wings, allows you to leap into the air and slam down with a powerful Holy attack. You can find the Winged Scythe in the Tombsward Ruins, located in the Weeping Peninsula. Look for a chest inside the ruins.
3. Bloodboon Ritual Spear: Okay, this one is technically a spear, but it functions a lot like a Scythe with its sweeping attacks. It deals Physical and Fire damage and scales with Strength, Dexterity, and Arcane. Its weapon skill, Bloodboon Ritual, coats the spear in bloodflame, increasing its damage and inflicting Blood Loss buildup. You get this weapon by defeating Mohg, Lord of Blood, in Mohgwyn Palace. So, you'll have to put in some work to get it.
4. Scythe: Yes, there's a Scythe simply named "Scythe". It's a basic but reliable option that deals Physical damage and scales with Strength and Dexterity. You can purchase the Scythe from the Nomadic Merchant near the Castle Morne Rampart site of grace in the Weeping Peninsula.

When choosing a Scythe, consider your build and playstyle. If you're a Faith build, the Winged Scythe is a no-brainer. If you're focusing on Strength and Dexterity, the Grave Scythe or the basic Scythe are solid choices. And if you're going for an Arcane build, the Bloodboon Ritual Spear can be a game-changer. Happy hunting, Tarnished!

Tips and Tricks for Mastering the Scythe

Alright, you've got your Scythe, you've leveled it up, and you're ready to wreak havoc in the Lands Between. But before you go charging into battle, let's go over some tips and tricks for mastering the Scythe in Elden Ring. These strategies will help you maximize your weapon's potential and become a true Scythe-wielding master.

• Spacing is Key: Scythes excel at range, so use that to your advantage. Keep your distance from enemies and use your long reach to poke and slash without getting hit. Practice your spacing to maintain the optimal distance for your attacks.
• Use Rolling Attacks: The rolling attacks with a Scythe can be incredibly effective. They often have good range and can catch enemies off guard. Experiment with different rolling attacks to find the ones that suit your playstyle.
• Jump Attacks: Jump attacks can be a great way to close the distance and deal significant damage. Use jump attacks to punish enemies that are trying to heal or cast spells.
• Weapon Skills: Don't forget to use your Scythe's weapon skill. Some skills can deal massive damage, inflict status effects, or provide utility. Experiment with different weapon skills to find the ones that complement your build.
• Infuse with Ashes of War: Ashes of War can significantly enhance your Scythe's capabilities. Choose Ashes of War that complement your build and playstyle. For example, you might want to add Fire damage to deal with enemies that are resistant to Slash damage, or add Bloodflame Blade to increase blood loss buildup.
• Status Effect Builds: Consider building your character around status effects like Bleed or Frostbite. Many Scythes have innate status effect buildup, and you can further enhance this with talismans and armor. The Lord of Blood's Exultation talisman and the White Mask helmet are great choices for Bleed builds.
• Manage Stamina: Scythes can consume a lot of stamina, so manage your stamina carefully. Avoid spamming attacks and use quick dodges to conserve stamina. The Green Turtle Talisman can help increase your stamina recovery speed.
• Practice Your Timing: Scythes are slower than swords or daggers, so you'll need to practice your timing. Learn the attack patterns of different enemies and time your attacks accordingly. Patience and precision are key to mastering the Scythe.

By following these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to becoming a Scythe-wielding master in Elden Ring. So, go out there, experiment with different builds, and have fun reaping souls in the Lands Between!

Final Verdict: Is the Scythe Worth It?

So, after all that, is the Scythe worth it in Elden Ring? The answer, as with many things in the Lands Between, is it depends. But let's recap what we've discussed to help you make the best decision for your playthrough.

If you're looking for a weapon with excellent range, crowd control capabilities, and a unique moveset, then the Scythe is definitely worth considering. Its ability to keep you at a safe distance while dealing significant damage can be a game-changer, especially in tough boss fights and crowded dungeons. The cool factor is also undeniable – who doesn't want to run around as the Grim Reaper?

However, if you prefer fast attacks and dealing with heavily armored enemies, the Scythe might not be the best choice. Its slower attack speed and Slash/Standard damage type can be a hindrance against certain foes. You'll also need to invest in a mix of Strength and Dexterity, which can spread your stats thin if you're trying to build a hybrid character.

Ultimately, the Scythe is a viable and fun weapon in Elden Ring, but it requires a specific playstyle and build to truly shine. If you're willing to put in the time and effort to master its nuances, you'll be rewarded with a powerful and versatile weapon that can carry you through the game.

So, should you try the Scythe? Absolutely! Experiment with different Scythes, Ashes of War, and builds to find what works best for you. Elden Ring is all about exploration and discovery, and the Scythe is just one of many paths you can take. Happy gaming, Tarnished!