Dominate the Lands Between as the harbinger of death with this meticulously crafted Grim Reaper build in Elden Ring. Centered around the iconic Grave Scythe, this setup blends bleed procs, frostbite accumulation, and faith-based incantations for unparalleled crowd control and single-target annihilation, especially effective in New Game+ at level 150 and beyond.
Why Choose the Grim Reaper Archetype?
The Grim Reaper playstyle evokes the classic fantasy of a spectral warrior reaping souls with a massive scythe. In Elden Ring, this translates to long-range pokes, sweeping area-of-effect attacks, and status effect synergies that punish grouped enemies and resilient bosses alike. This build shines in its versatility: quick successive strikes build bleed rapidly, while frostbite adds percentage-based damage, and optional faith elements introduce black flames or storm assaults for hybrid offense.
Ideal for players who enjoy methodical positioning and timing jump attacks or weapon arts over raw strength spam. It scales well into late-game NG+ cycles, where high poise damage from scythes breaks enemy guards effortlessly.
Core Stats and Leveling Path
Aim for level 150 in NG+ for optimal scaling. Prioritize Vigor for survival, then Strength/Dexterity for scythe damage, with points in Endurance for stamina and equip load. Faith unlocks powerful buffs and incantations.
| Stat | Target Value | Priority | Scaling Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vigor | 60 | High | HP pool for NG+ bosses |
| Mind | 20-25 | Medium | FP for weapon arts/incants |
| Endurance | 40-50 | High | Stamina, equip load |
| Strength | 40-50 | High | Primary scythe scaling |
| Dexterity | 40-50 | High | Bleed buildup, attack speed |
| Intelligence | 20 (frost variant) | Low | Frost affinity |
| Faith | 30-40 | Medium | Black Flame incants |
| Arcane | Base | Low | Optional bleed boost |
Start as Confessor or Prophet for early Faith access, then respec at Rennala if needed. Pump Vigor to 40 by Stormveil, then branch into physical stats.
Essential Weapons and Ashes of War
The Grave Scythe is the cornerstone, available early from Tibia Mariner in Summonwater Village. Its innate bleed (55 buildup) pairs perfectly with successive attacks. Dual-wield for dual status procs.
- Main Hand: Grave Scythe +25 – Spinning Strikes or Phantom Slash Ash of War for multi-hit bleeds and frost application. Base physical 144, max 352 slash damage.
- Off-Hand: Grave Scythe +25 – Stormcaller for AoE devastation against packs or Stormveil-era foes.
- Backup: Winged Scythe +10 – Faith scaling (24 req), holy/bleed hybrid with Angel’s Wings art (213 physical, 254 holy at max).
Upgrade path: Farm Somber Smithing Stones post-Margit, visit Roundtable Hold. Apply Cold affinity for frostbite synergy on one scythe, Occult for pure bleed on the other.
Armor and Fashion Souls
Medium armor load for optimal rolls. Focus on poise (50+) to trade hits during scythe combos.
- Helms: White Mask (bleed boost) or Pumpkin Helm (poise).
- Body: Blaidd’s Armor, Raptor’s Set, or Fingerprint for high poise/negation.
- Gauntlets/Legs: Carian Knight or Radahn pieces for balanced defense.
Confessor set works early-game. Prioritize physical negation over elemental resists unless facing specific bosses.
Top Talismans for Maximum Reaper Power
Talismans amplify status procs and survivability.
- Lord of Blood’s Exultation: +20% attack power on nearby bleeds.
- Rotten Winged Sword Insignia: Boosts successive attacks, perfect for scythe chains.
- Millicent’s Prosthesis: Dexterity and charged attack power.
- Dragoncrest Greatshield: Physical damage negation.
- Pouch variants: Crimson for HP regen during long fights.
Incantations and Buffs
Faith investment enables devastating spells. Use Finger Seal or Gravel Stone Seal.
- Black Flame Blade: Quick fire/bleed enchant, roll-cast into Phantom Slash.
- Bloodflame Blade: Hemorrhage buildup while roaming.
- Golden Vow/Flame, Grant Me Strength: Pre-boss buffs.
- Bestial Vitality: Passive regen.
Acquire from D, Hunter’s People, or Third Church of Marika portals to Caelid.
Combat Tactics and Playstyle
Basic Rotation: Buff with Bloodflame Blade, R1 poke while mobile, jump R2 for poise breaks. Against groups, lure into Stormcaller AoE. Bosses: Phantom Slash into bleed procs, frostbite for 20% HP shatter.
Early Game (Limgrave/Stormveil): Summonwater Village scythe, upgrade before Margit (who resists holy—use physical). Third Church for Deathroot trades.
Mid-Game (Altus/Caelid): Dual scythes, black flame hybrids. Melt Radahn with frost/bleed.
Late-Game/NG+: Stormcaller bosses like Malenia. Successive attacks solo most encounters.
Progression Milestones
- Level 60: Scythe +5, Faith 24, Dex 30. Clear Stormveil.
- Level 100: Dual wield, talismans slotted. Ranni questline.
- Level 150+: Full buffs, NG+ ready. Haligtree/Mountaintops.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Pros: Insane status damage, range, AoE options. Low skill floor with high ceiling.
Cons: Slow windups vulnerable to fast enemies. FP management key.
Counter lightning-resistant foes with backup physical weapons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best starting class?
Confessor for Faith/Dex base, or Warrior for pure physical ramp-up.
Can this work in PvP?
Yes, bleed procs shine in invasions, but watch for parry bait.
How to farm runes fast?
Mohgwyn Palace birds with scythe jumps.
Frost or pure bleed?
Frost for bosses (percentage HP), bleed for mobs.
Patch 1.07 changes?
Balanced Ash of War timings favor successive hits.
Advanced Variants
Frost Reaper: Cold infusion, Intelligence 20+, Hoarfrost Stomp art.
Faith Reaper: Winged Scythe main, Black Flame tornadoes.
Experiment post-150 for personal tweaks.
References
- Grave Scythe Build Guide In Elden Ring Patch 1.07 — AOEAH. 2023. https://www.aoeah.com/news/1363–elden-ring-best-107-grim-reaper-build–grave-scythe-build-guide-in-elden-ring-patch-107
- How To Build A Black Flame Reaper In Elden Ring — TheGamer. 2023. https://www.thegamer.com/elden-ring-black-flame-reaper-build-guide/
- Elden Ring Builds — Fextralife Wiki. 2024. https://eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com/Builds