Finding a reliable Faith weapon early in Elden Ring can significantly ease your initial journey across the Lands Between. The Winged Scythe stands out as an exceptional holy armament that combines extended reach with passive blood loss build-up. Because it can be acquired without defeating any major bosses, it is a top target for players building holy casters or hybrid melee characters.
Where to Find the Winged Scythe in Lands Between
The Winged Scythe is located in the southern territory known as the Weeping Peninsula, which becomes accessible shortly after leaving Limgrave. To reach it, travel toward the central region of the peninsula until you locate the Tombsward Ruins. These ruined structures sit conveniently between the Church of Pilgrimage and the Fourth Church of Marika.
Once you arrive at the ruins, search the crumbling walls to find an underground stairway leading down into a dark cellar. Head down the steps to find a doorway guarding the inner chamber. Inside this lower room, a treasure chest holds the weapon, though two hostile Page enemies stand guard and will attack on sight.
How to Clear the Tombsward Ruins Cellar
Navigating the subterranean chamber requires caution because Pages deal rapid physical damage with their crossbows and rapiers. Closing the distance quickly prevents them from peppering you with ranged bolts from across the small room. Using aggressive melee strikes or heavy stance attacks can interrupt their combos before they overwhelm your defense.
After defeating the guards, proceed to the wooden door at the rear of the cellar room. Open the door to safely reach the chest and claim your reward. Since no fog wall or boss fight is required, low-level characters can easily sprint past hazards to secure the weapon early.
Stat Requirements and Unique Weapon Capabilities
Wielding the Winged Scythe effectively requires a investment in multiple stats, specifically demanding 16 Strength, 16 Dexterity, and 24 Faith. While these requirements are somewhat steep for fresh characters, the holy damage scaling and inherent bleed status make the investment worthwhile. Upgrading the weapon requires Somber Smithing Stones, which allows its power to scale rapidly in early regions.
The defining feature of this scythe is its powerful unique Ash of War, known as Angel's Wings. Executing this skill launches your character into the air for a sweeping double strike that deals heavy holy damage. Additionally, this attack prevents target enemies and player invaders from using healing flasks for a limited duration.
Why the Winged Scythe Fits Early Faith Builds
For players initiating a holy spellcasting or hybrid paladin playstyle, finding a suitable weapon often presents a major hurdle. The Winged Scythe resolves this issue by providing long melee range and powerful shield-piercing attacks that bypass turtle defenses. Its holy affinity scales naturally alongside incantation stats, ensuring your physical attacks remain potent throughout the adventure.
Combining bleed buildup with holy damage gives players a versatile tool capable of handling diverse enemy types. Whether tackling armored knights or fast-moving creatures, the weapon offers consistent crowd control and burst capability. Securing it early creates a solid foundation for any Tarnished looking to dominate early encounters.