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Best Bolts in OSRS: Top Picks for Power and Precision in Old School RuneScape
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers a thrilling ranged combat experience, and choosing the right bolts for your crossbow can make all the difference. Whether you’re slaying bosses, tackling Slayer tasks, or dominating in PvP, the best bolts in OSRS provide the power, precision, and special effects you need to succeed. In this guide, we’ll explore the top bolts available in the game, breaking down their stats, effects, and ideal use cases. From enchanted dragon bolts to budget-friendly options, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the world of OSRS bolts and find the perfect ammunition for your next adventure!
Bolts are the lifeblood of crossbow users in OSRS. Unlike arrows, bolts are heavier, hit harder, and often come with unique enchantments that can turn the tide of battle. Selecting the best bolts isn’t just about raw damage—it’s about matching your ammunition to your combat goals. Are you hunting dragons, training Ranged, or facing off against other players? The right bolt can maximize your efficiency and effectiveness.
How Bolts Work in OSRS
Bolts are crafted using a combination of Smithing and Fletching skills, with metal components forged and feathers added for flight. Some bolts, like dragon bolts, come from monster drops, while others can be enchanted with magic for added effects. Their Ranged Strength bonus determines their base damage, and enchanted variants offer random triggers that can deal extra damage, heal you, or debilitate foes.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Bolts
When picking the best bolts in OSRS, consider your Ranged level, crossbow type, budget, and combat scenario. High-tier bolts like Onyx Bolts (e) pack a punch but come with a steep price tag, while options like Broad Bolts offer affordability and decent power. Your choice should align with your playstyle and goals.
Top 5 Best Bolts in OSRS
Here’s our rundown of the top bolts in OSRS, ranked for their strength, utility, and versatility. These picks cater to various levels and situations, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
1. Onyx Bolts (e) – The Ultimate Powerhouse
Ranged Strength: +120
Special Effect: Life Leech (11% chance in PvP, 10% in PvM) – Deals 20% extra damage and heals you for 25% of the damage dealt
Requirements: 61 Ranged, Rune Crossbow or higher
Onyx Bolts (e) top the list as the best bolts in OSRS for sheer power and utility. Their Life Leech effect makes them invaluable in prolonged fights, especially against high-health bosses like the Corporeal Beast or in PvP scenarios where sustain matters. However, at around 8,000 GP per bolt, they’re a luxury reserved for critical moments. Craft them with 87 Magic and 73 Fletching, or snag them as rare drops.
2. Dragon Bolts (e) – Dragonfire Devastation
Ranged Strength: +122
Special Effect: Dragon’s Breath (6% chance) – Inflicts dragonfire damage, countered by anti-dragon protection
Requirements: 61 Ranged, Rune Crossbow or higher
Dragon Bolts (e) bring the highest Ranged Strength in the game at +122, paired with a devastating dragonfire effect. They shine against low-defense targets without dragonfire protection, making them a PvP favorite. Obtain unfinished dragon bolts from Adamant Dragons, Rune Dragons, or Vorkath, then enchant them with 68 Magic. Their cost and situational use keep them from the top spot, but they’re unmatched for raw damage.
3. Diamond Bolts (e) – Armor-Piercing Precision
Ranged Strength: +105
Special Effect: Armour Piercing (10% chance in PvM, 5% in PvP) – Ignores target defense, boosts max hit by 15%
Requirements: 61 Ranged, Rune Crossbow or higher
Diamond Bolts (e) excel against heavily armored foes, like God Wars Dungeon bosses or tanks in PvP. Their Armour Piercing effect bypasses defense, making them a go-to for high-level PvM. Crafted from adamant bolts with 57 Magic, they’re more affordable than Onyx or Dragon variants, offering a strong balance of cost and performance.
4. Ruby Bolts (e) – Blood Forfeit Bruiser
Ranged Strength: +103
Special Effect: Blood Forfeit (11% chance in PvP, 6% in PvM) – Deals 20% of target’s current HP (up to 100), costs 10% of your HP
Requirements: 46 Ranged, Rune Crossbow or higher
Ruby Bolts (e) are a PvM powerhouse, especially early in boss fights when HP is high. Their Blood Forfeit effect can chunk massive damage, making them ideal for Vorkath or the Chaos Elemental. Crafted with 49 Magic from adamant bolts, they’re a cost-effective choice for mid-to-high-level players, though less useful in PvP due to the HP trade-off.
5. Broad Bolts – Budget-Friendly Brilliance
Ranged Strength: +100
Special Effect: None
Requirements: 55 Slayer, 61 Ranged, Rune Crossbow or higher
Broad Bolts are the best bolts in OSRS for training and general use. With a Ranged Strength of +100, they match Adamant Bolts but are cheaper and required for slaying Turoths and Kurasks. Buy them from Slayer Masters for 35 reward points per 250, or fletch them with 55 Fletching after unlocking Broader Fletching. They’re a staple for budget-conscious adventurers.
Honorable Mentions: Other Notable Bolts
While the top five steal the spotlight, these bolts deserve recognition for their niche roles and accessibility.
Emerald Bolts (e) – Poisonous Potential
Ranged Strength: +83
Special Effect: Magical Poison (55% chance, 60.5% with Kandarin Hard Diary) – Deals 5 poison damage per tick
Requirements: 36 Ranged, Mithril Crossbow or higher
Emerald Bolts (e) are a mid-level gem, offering poison damage that’s perfect for prolonged fights or low-level PKing. Crafted from mithril bolts with 27 Magic, they’re affordable and effective for early-game players.
Amethyst Broad Bolts – Upgraded Affordability
Ranged Strength: +115
Special Effect: None
Requirements: 55 Slayer, 61 Ranged, Rune Crossbow or higher
Amethyst Broad Bolts boost the Broad Bolt formula with a +115 Ranged Strength, rivaling Runite Bolts. Craft them with 76 Fletching and Broader Fletching unlocked, making them a strong mid-to-late-game training option.
Comparing the Best Bolts: A Quick Reference Table
| Bolt Type | Ranged Strength | Special Effect | Cost (GP) | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onyx Bolts (e) | +120 | Life Leech | ~8,000 | High-level PvM/PvP |
| Dragon Bolts (e) | +122 | Dragon’s Breath | ~1,000 | PvP, low-defense targets |
| Diamond Bolts (e) | +105 | Armour Piercing | ~300 | High-defense PvM |
| Ruby Bolts (e) | +103 | Blood Forfeit | ~200 | Boss fights |
| Broad Bolts | +100 | None | ~50 | Training, Slayer |
Tips for Maximizing Bolt Effectiveness
To get the most out of your bolts, follow these strategies:
Boost Your Bolt Effects with Kandarin Diary
Completing the Hard Kandarin Diary increases enchanted bolt effect activation by 10%. This is a must for Onyx, Dragon, Diamond, and Ruby Bolts (e), amplifying their impact.
Pair with the Right Crossbow
High-tier bolts like Dragon Bolts (e) shine with the Zaryte or Armadyl Crossbow, while Broad Bolts work fine with a Rune Crossbow. Match your weapon to your ammo for optimal damage.
Stock Up Smartly
For expensive bolts, use them sparingly in key moments. Stockpile Broad or Amethyst Broad Bolts for everyday training to save GP.
Conclusion: Which Bolt is Right for You?
The best bolts in OSRS depend on your needs. Onyx Bolts (e) reign supreme for endgame power, while Dragon Bolts (e) dominate with raw damage. Diamond and Ruby Bolts (e) offer situational brilliance, and Broad Bolts keep your wallet happy. Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran, there’s a bolt here to elevate your game. Equip your crossbow, stock your quiver, and take on Gielinor with confidence!
Ready to bolt into action? Share your favorite OSRS bolts in the comments below, and let us know how they’ve helped you conquer the game!