Today we're kicking down the katana cult and stepping into something far superior, objectively, scientifically, and spiritually: the Gravescythe. That's right Elden Ring Items, it's time to toss those edgy blades aside and embrace your inner Grim Reaper.
And no, this isn't a hot take. This is lore-approved, Miyazaki-certified truth. So buckle up, sharpen your scythe, and let's get into the build that turns you into death incarnate in Elden Ring PvP.
Why the Gravescythe Is Better Than Katanas
Katanas are flashy, yes. They've got bleed. They've got style. They've even got anime credibility. But let's look at the facts:
Gravescythe scales with Strength, not just Dexterity, opening it up to beefy builds.
It has built-in bleed, just like your favorite katana.
It's compatible with all Ashes of War, so it's just as customizable.
Oh, and did I mention the range? This thing swings like a damn farming tool of the gods. You can hit players before they even know you're in their zip code.
Pair it with some status effects like Frost or Poison, and suddenly you've created a combo of bleed + frostbite that will chunk health bars like you're slicing through cake with a chainsaw.
Building the Reaper: Weapon Setup & Spells
Let's get into the nuts and bolts of our Grim Reaper Build:
Weapons: Dual Gravescythe Setup
Main Hand Gravescythe: Ash of War: Frost Mist
Adds frost buildup to stack with the scythe's innate bleed.
Turns your strikes into deathblades of the cold void.
Off-Hand Gravescythe: Ash of War: Cragblade
Cragblade buffs your poise damage and makes every swing heavier than your emotional baggage.
Plus, it looks cool. Style points matter, my friends.
Spells: Black Flame Package
You're death incarnate, right? Then you need Black Flame spells to finish the look.
Black Flame-Great for chip damage and chasing runners.
Scouring Black Flame-For crowd control and zoning.
Black Flame Ritual-AoE mayhem if you're ever surrounded.
These spells scale with Faith, so if you're running a hybrid Strength/Faith build, you're in business.
Into the Arena: PvP Duels With the Reaper Build
Let's hop into the Colosseum and test this thing in action.
Round 1: Duelist Meister vs. The Grim Reaper
He comes in confident-probably dual katanas. We pop Cragblade, toss some Black Flame balls, and guess what?
Charge in, break his shield, frost mist on the follow-up, and finish it off with-you guessed it-Black Flame.
He tried to run. He tried to heal. He tried to parry. But he couldn't stop what was already dead.
Round 2: Mr. Sloane, the Moonwalking Menace
We enter the arena and… what is happening?
He's moonwalking, T-posing, sliding around like a possessed NPC. Honestly? Terrifying. And gross.
In the panic, he ends it with an emote. This man didn't fight me-he spiritually defeated me. It was a psychological horror duel, and I lost.
Round 3: Meister Returns for Revenge
Back again with the Duelist Meister. This time he means business. He's aggressive, landing early hits.
But we know how to adapt. Distance him with Cragblade, bait his rush with a Black Flame backstep, and suddenly-BOOM. Perfectly timed scythe swing right to his jawline.
What Makes the Grim Reaper Build So Good in PvP?
1. Range and Zoning
Gravescythe has amazing reach. Opponents who are used to mid-range katanas or curved swords get caught off guard. You can space them out, punish rolls, and harass them with spells at mid-distance.
2. Dual Status Effects
Bleed + Frost? Or Bleed + Poison? You can pick your flavor of pain. Both work wonders in PvP, applying constant pressure and punishing passive play.
3. Spell Support
Black Flame spells keep opponents guessing. When they're not dodging scythe swings, they're rolling away from death orbs or ritual circles of doom.
4. Style and Roleplay
Let's be honest-sometimes the best builds are the ones that look sick. This build delivers. You feel like an undead harbinger of the apocalypse, and that's something no katana can replicate.Final Thoughts: Should You Drop Your Katana for the Scythe?
Look, I get it. Katanas are easy to love. They're sleek, deadly, and clean. But there's something far more satisfying and brutal about swinging a massive scythe, watching frost and blood pour out of your enemies as Black Flame erupts in the background.
The Gravescythe build isn't just viable-it's elite.
You can run it in Strength builds.
You can run it in Strength/Faith hybrids.
You can customize your Ashes of War for whatever fits your playstyle.
And above all-it's fun as hell.
So next time you're getting ready to duel, put away the Uchigatana cosplay and embrace death. Become the scythe-wielding legend your Tarnished dreams always wanted to be.
Bonus Tips for the Reaper Life
Fashion Souls: Rock the Skeletal Mask or anything draped in black buy Elden Ring Items. Appearance matters.
Talisman Picks: Consider Lord of Blood's Exultation (for bleed synergy) and Fire Scorpion Charm (if using Black Flame).
Poise Balance: You don't need to tank, but a little poise helps avoid being stunlocked mid-cast.