Farming the Grave Scythe in Elden Ring

The Grave Scythe stands out as one of the most formidable reaper weapons in Elden Ring, prized for its wide sweeping attacks and innate ability to build up blood loss on foes. This colossal weapon demands patience to acquire, as it drops randomly from specific skeleton enemies scattered across the Lands Between. With a mere 2% drop chance, targeted farming becomes essential for players seeking to wield its devastating power early or late in their adventure. This guide delves into the best farming spots, step-by-step methods, enhancement options, and synergistic builds to help you claim this scythe swiftly and integrate it into your arsenal.

Why Choose the Grave Scythe?

Reapers like the Grave Scythe excel in crowd control, thanks to their extended reach and arc-shaped swings that cleave through multiple enemies. Its default passive effect includes a substantial 55 blood loss buildup per hit, making it ideal for staggering bosses and shredding groups of foes. Unlike shorter blades, this weapon allows safer engagement distances, crucial in Elden Ring‘s punishing combat. Players often pair it with bleed-focused setups for rapid health depletion on vulnerable targets, turning it into a rune-farming powerhouse.

Beyond offense, the scythe boosts Vitality and Immunity by 35 points when equipped, enhancing survivability against status ailments. Its versatility shines through customizable Ashes of War and affinities, adapting to Strength/Dexterity hybrids or even arcane scalers. Early accessibility post-Godrick the Grafted makes it a game-changer for new playthroughs.

Prime Farming Location: Liurnia Graveyard

The undisputed best spot for farming the Grave Scythe lies in the graveyard west of the Lake-Facing Cliffs Site of Grace in Liurnia of the Lakes. This area unlocks shortly after defeating Godrick, providing an early-game opportunity. Three skeletons wielding Grave Scythes patrol here, respawning reliably upon rest or reload.

Step-by-Step Directions:

• Fast travel to Lake-Facing Cliffs Site of Grace.
• Mount Torrent and gallop west along the cliffside path toward the misty graveyard.
• Dismount amid the tombstones where the three scythe skeletons awaken.
• Engage them swiftly to check drops before they revive.
• Rest at the grace to reset if no scythe drops, repeating the cycle.

This loop takes under a minute per run, optimizing efficiency. For added yield, consume a Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot to boost item discovery temporarily.

Alternative Spots for Variety

While Liurnia reigns supreme, other graveyards offer supplementary farms. West of the Church of Irith, two additional Grave Scythe skeletons join one with an Executioner’s Greataxe—ideal for diversifying your route. Scattered skeletons across the Lands Between carry a 2% drop chance, but density favors Liurnia.

Use this table to plan routes based on your progress.

Combat Tactics for Efficient Clears

Skeletons revive unless severed with a critical hit post-defeat, complicating farms. Equip an Ash of War like Sacred Blade for holy damage that prevents resurrection. Quick combos or mounted charges on Torrent dispatch them rapidly.

Recommended Loadout for Farming:

• Weapon: Any with Sacred or holy infusion.
• Consumable: Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot (crafted from fowl and silver firefly).
• Talisman: Silver Scarab (+item discovery).
• Physick: Strength-Knot Crystal Tear for faster kills.

Aim for headshots or backstabs to instantly kill and check glowing drop indicators.

Weapon Stats and Requirements

The Grave Scythe requires 20 Strength, 20 Dexterity, and 14 Faith to wield initially, scaling primarily with Dex (B at +25) and Str (D). Base physical damage starts at 117, with cold upgrades pushing to 180+ at +12.

Data derived from max upgrades; actuals vary by affinity. It upgrades via Smithing Stones, with special paths for affinities like Cold or Blood.

Best Ashes of War and Infusions

Customize with Ashes like Spinning Slash for AoE or Seppuku for bleed synergy. Blood affinity amplifies hemorrhage to devastating levels. Cold adds frostbite, stacking statuses for bosses. Avoid Magic infusions, as they underperform without Int investment.

Bleed Build Synergy

Pair with Lord of Blood’s Exultation talisman and high Arcane for proc acceleration. Stats: 50 Vig, 50 End, 40 Str, 50 Dex, 50 Arc. Use White Mask helm for 10% attack boost on bleeds. This setup farms runes from elites effortlessly.

Advanced Tips and Troubleshooting

Boost discovery via Goldfowl Foot variants or Godskin Swaddling. If drops stall, switch worlds via New Game+ or co-op. Farm at night for denser spawns. Troubleshoot low drops by verifying Silver Scarab equip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the drop rate for the Grave Scythe?

Approximately 2% from equipped skeletons.

Can I get it early in the game?

Yes, immediately after Godrick in Liurnia.

Does it work with bleed builds?

Perfectly, with 55 innate buildup and infusion options.

How do I stop skeletons from reviving?

Deliver a final hit to their remains.

Best upgrade path?

Blood or Occult for bleed/Arcane scalers.