So you wanna find a scythe in Kenshi? Good luck, mate. These things aren't exactly hanging on trees like coconuts. I remember my first playthrough when I spent literal weeks searching for a decent scythe before stumbling onto one completely by accident. That frustration? Let's save you from that.
Finding scythes in Kenshi is like hunting for rare gems in a desert full of beak things. You need to know where to look, what dangers to avoid, and how not to get your squad turned into minced meat along the way. This guide covers everything – vendor hotspots, loot locations, crafting options, and brutal realities those shiny YouTube tutorials never mention. Forget generic advice; we're diving deep into the dusty trenches of Kenshi's weapon economy.
Why Even Bother With Scythes in Kenshi?
Honestly? They're not for everyone. If you're running a squad of martial artists, maybe skip this grind. But if you've got someone with high strength and heavy weapons skill, a quality scythe becomes a bone-cleaving monster. I watched a hired mercenary take out three Dust Bandits in one swing near the Hub once – changed my whole weapon priority list.
Biggest advantages? Massive AoE damage (perfect for crowds) and stagger potential. Downsides? They're heavy as hell and slow. Your guy will swing like he's underwater until that skill hits 30+. Still, nothing beats watching a well-trained fighter mow through bandits like wheat during harvest season.
Personal Take: I prefer Fragment Axes for raw damage, but scythes win for crowd control. If you're farming fogmen or cannibals, this weapon pays for itself.
Reliable Vendor Locations for Kenshi Scythes
If you've got cats to burn, vendors are your safest bet. But finding one actually stocking scythes requires more than checking random weapon shops. Based on my last 500 hours (and multiple restarts), these spots deliver:
The Black Desert City Robotics Shop
Survival tip: Bring gas masks. Lots of them. This volcanic hellscape eats unprotected lungs for breakfast. Once you survive the acid rain, find the Robotics Vendor near the town center. Stock rotates, but I've seen Mark II and III scythes here regularly.
- Prices: 15,000–35,000 cats (quality dependent)
- Restock: Every 48 in-game hours
- Dangers: Acid rain, iron spiders, skeleton bandits
- Route: From the Hub, head northeast through Stoat (avoid Holy Nation patrols if you're non-human)
| Black Desert City Scythe Chances | Quality Tier | Likelihood |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Scythe | Tier 1-2 | High (70%) |
| Desert Sabre (Common Mistake) | N/A | Medium |
| Mark III Scythe | Tier 3 | Low (15%) |
Armour King's Hidden Fortress
This one's a pilgrimage. Nestled in the Leviathan Coast mountains, Armour King sells masterwork gear to those who find him. Be ready for a gauntlet of beak things and skin spiders. His scythe selection? Unmatched. Got my Edgewalker III here after three ingame weeks of camping his shop.
- Prices: 40,000–80,000+ cats (Edgewalker series)
- Restock: Erratic (save scum if desperate)
- Key Requirement: Bring 2 AI Cores for best inventory access
Scraphouse (Northwest Coast)
Expect junk mixed with treasures. Scythes spawn in weapon racks near the back. Requires lockpicking 50+ or stealing. Last visit cost me two recruits to crab raiders – still bitter about that.
Deadly Loot Locations: High Risk, High Reward
Can't afford vendor prices? Time to risk limbs. These spots have consistent scythe spawns if you survive the locals:
Ashlands Dome 3
Home to >!Cat-Lon!
- Recommended Squad: 6+ fighters with 60+ combat stats
- Loot Quality: Mark II/Edgewalker common
- Alternate Route: Enter through the Floodlands to avoid southern patrols
Cannibal Plains Weapon Caches
Cannibal elders often carry rusted scythes. Not glamorous, but free. Set traps at villages like Gutters during fog events. Hide your downed guys though – seen too many recruits get eaten mid-loot.
| Loot Location | Scythe Tier | Threat Level | My Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashlands Dome 3 | Mark II-III | Extreme | 2/5 attempts |
| Cannibal Plains | Tier 1-2 | High | 7/10 attempts |
| Skinner's Roam Ruins | Fragment Axes (Not Scythes!) | Medium | N/A |
Reality Check: Saw a Reddit post claiming scythes spawn in Floodlands ruins. Tested it – got fourteen Fragment Axes and zero scythes after six raids. Don't waste time there.
Crafting Your Own Scythe
Got a skilled smith? Crafting beats RNG hunting. Requires:
- Weapon Smithing Level: 80+ for good quality
- Research: Ancient Weaponry Tech unlocked
- Materials: 10 iron plates, 5 fabrics per attempt
My base near Squin produces Catun 2 scythes consistently now. Took 150+ hours to set up though. Pro tip: Kidnap a Skeleton smith from the Deadlands for instant 50+ skill.
Survival Guide: Getting There Alive
Finding where to get a Kenshi scythe is half the battle. Getting there? That's where squads get wiped. Key preparations:
- Acid Zones: Gas masks + hazard suits (Black Desert)
- Beak Thing Areas: Micro management ON. Never run at night
- Holy Nation Territory: Hide non-humans in backpacks
- Food: Pack triple what you think you'll need. Got stranded near Gut once – ate raw meat to survive
Essential Gear Checklist
| Medical Kits | 3+ per member |
| Splint Kits | 2 per member (limb loss is real) |
| Backup Weapons | Katanas for when scythes get too heavy |
| Bedrolls | Healing without towns |
The Economics of Kenshi Scythes
Let's talk cats. If you're buying from vendors:
- Low Tier: 8,000–15,000 cats (Scraphouse)
- Mid Tier: 20,000–40,000 cats (Black Desert City)
- High Tier: 60,000–100,000+ (Armour King)
Better to steal? Maybe. But getting caught with a 40kg scythe in your pocket tanks escape chances. Trained a specialist thief just for this – took longer than farming the cash.
Frequently Asked Questions (Kenshi Scythe Edition)
Q: What's the fastest way for a new player to get a scythe?
A: Steal from Shinobi Thieves in the Hub (30% chance). Requires lockpick 30+.
Q: Do any factions give scythes as rewards?
A: Tech Hunters sometimes offer them for >!Ancient Science Books!
Q: Can you find scythes in the Great Desert?
A: Rarely. Slave markets occasionally have them, but quality is trash tier.
Q: Are rusty scythes worth repairing?
A: Barely. Repair kits cost more than low-tier replacements.
Final Thoughts from a Kenshi Veteran
Look, the Kenshi where to find scythe struggle is real. My first successful find took 78 in-game days. Was it worth it? For the screenshot of my Shek warrior flattening six fogmen at once? Absolutely. For practicality? Maybe not.
If I had to start over, I'd focus on looting Cannibal Plains early instead of obsessing over vendor stock. Or just craft the darn thing once my smith hits level 70. Save yourself the ulcer.
Whatever route you pick – stay safe out there. Kenshi doesn't care about your weapon dreams. Pack extra medkits.
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