Elden Ring scythes stand out as eerie, long-range tools that turn patient players into grim reapers gliding across the Lands Between. These weapons combine sweeping arcs, strong magic scaling, and an intimidating visual presence that many builds center around.
Designed for those who prefer spacing foes with chilling sorcery or spectral companions, Elden Ring scythes reward precise timing and map control. By understanding their movesets, weapon arts, and Spirit Ashes, you can turn every harvest into a calculated performance.
| Scythe | Type | Scaling | Weight Class | Notable Traits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deathbird Scythe | Intelligence | Int, Fai | Medium | Fast overhead slam, strong in PvE and PvP |
| Grafted Scorpion Tail | Dexterity | Dex, Arc | Light | Poison infusion, quick thrust and sweep mixups |
| Sickle Claws | Dexterity | Dex, Arc | Light | Fast multi-hit, ideal for Spirit Ashes pairing |
| Dark Scythe | Arcane | Arc, Fai | Medium | Slow but powerful charged R1 attack |
| Morgott's Scythe | Strength | Str, Arc | Medium | Heavy guard counter, great against bosses |
Mastering the Scythe Moveset
Each Elden Ring scythe shares a base moveset of light and heavy attacks, but their unique weapon arts define how you engage. Light R2 chains are typically fast fillers, while the R1 weapon art delivers a dramatic sweeping reaper slash that can punish overextended enemies.
Because most scythes are medium or light weight, you can dodge, jump, and reposition with relative safety. Pairing quick evasions with the R1 window turns these tools into excellent punishers against both NPCs and human opponents in multiplayer.
Choosing the Right Stat Build
Intelligence and Arcane Focus
Intelligence-centric scythes like the Deathbird thrive on raw spell damage and lowered casting times, making them strong for warp-based sorceries. Arcane builds lean toward skills and effects that amplify spell buff potency and casting consistency.
Dexterity and Strength Options
Dexterity scythes such as the Grafted Scorpion Tail emphasize poison buildup and quick manual hits, while Strength variants like Morgott's Scythe reward shield proficiency and guard counters. Balancing Vigor or Endurance can help you maintain a safe distance without being punished for staying mobile.
Spirit Ashes and Companion Synergy
Scythes shine when paired with Spirit Ashes that can control space while you land safe ripostes. Popular choices include the Fell Hawk for aerial pressure, the Mimic Tear for damage mirrors, or even cooperative summons that keep enemies clustered for sweeping hits.
Positioning is key: use your Spirit Ash to draw aggro, then float in with a charged R1 or quick aerial combo. Against groups, the scythe’s wide arcs let you thread through slower enemies while maintaining pressure on your primary target.
Refined Play with Elden Ring Scythes
- Use charged R1 weapon arts to break enemy guard and punish whiff punish opportunities.
- Keep range with Spirit Ashes that can zone, such as the Fell Hawk or Mimic Tear.
- Monitor enemy tracking; sidestep-heavy opponents require spaced overhead slams instead of flat attacks.
- Stack Intelligence or Arcane carefully, balancing equip load to maintain dodge windows.
- Experiment with poison-focused Grafted Scorpion Tail for extended crowd control in open areas.
FAQ
Reader questions
Are Elden Ring scythes viable for endgame content?
Yes, scythes remain viable in endgame scenarios when built around strong spell scaling, efficient Spirit Ashes, and well-timed weapon arts. Their mix of range, crowd control, and burst damage makes them effective against even late-game bosses and PvP opponents.
Which stat should I prioritize for a scythe build?
Prioritize Intelligence or Arcane for spell-based scythes, and Dexterity or Strength for tool-assisted variants. Complement with enough Vigor to survive punishment and Endurance for mobility, but avoid over-investing in weight that slows your footwork.
Can I use a Spirit Ash while wielding a scythe?
Absolutely, Spirit Ashes work independently of your weapon and can be summoned to distract, tank, or damage enemies. Coordinate their summons with your scythe’s R1 windows to maximize damage output and survivability.
What are the best poise defenses for scythe users?
Medium poise armor sets help you stay upright during trades, especially against heavier weapons. Combine with shields that have good guard boost or fast parry timing to turn scythe duels in your favor without sacrificing mobility.