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How to Repair Barrows Gear in OSRS: A Complete Guide
Barrows gear is some of the most iconic and powerful equipment in Old School RuneScape (OSRS). Whether you’re wielding Dharok’s greataxe for massive hits or using Guthan’s set to heal during combat, these items are a staple for mid-to-high-level players. However, unlike most gear in OSRS, Barrows equipment degrades over time, requiring repairs to keep it functional. If you’re wondering how to repair Barrows in OSRS, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from degradation mechanics to repair methods, costs, and tips to save gold. Let’s dive in!
Before you can repair your Barrows gear, it’s crucial to understand how it degrades. Barrows equipment doesn’t last forever—after a set amount of combat use, it becomes unusable until fixed. This mechanic makes it unique and adds a layer of maintenance to its power.
How Degradation Works
When you first obtain Barrows gear from the minigame chest, it’s fully repaired with no numbers in its name (e.g., “Dharok’s platebody”). Once you use it in combat, it begins to degrade, progressing through stages:
- 100: Fully repaired, fresh from the chest.
- 75: Slightly worn but still usable.
- 50: Halfway degraded.
- 25: Nearly broken.
- 0: Completely degraded and unusable until repaired.
Fully repaired gear lasts for 15 hours of combat before hitting 0. This timer ticks down whether you’re taking damage, using protection prayers, or simply attacking. Performance doesn’t drop as it degrades—it’s all or nothing once it hits 0.
What Happens When It Hits 0?
Once your Barrows gear reaches 0, you can’t equip it until it’s repaired. If it degrades to 0 while worn, it stays equipped until you remove it, but you won’t be able to re-equip it without fixing it first. Also, gear is only tradeable when fully repaired (100) or fully degraded (0), so repairing partially degraded items is key if you plan to sell.
Methods to Repair Barrows Gear in OSRS
Thankfully, repairing Barrows gear is straightforward. There are two main methods in OSRS: using an NPC or fixing it yourself with an armour stand in a player-owned house (POH). Each has its pros and cons, depending on your gold stack and Smithing level.
Method 1: Repairing with an NPC
The simplest way to repair Barrows gear is by visiting an NPC. Several characters across Gielinor can fix your gear for a fee, making this a convenient option if you don’t have a POH or high Smithing.
NPCs Who Can Repair Barrows Gear:
- Bob: Found in Lumbridge near the axe shop.
- Tindel Marchant: Located in Port Khazard.
- Dunstan: The blacksmith in Burthorpe.
- Squire: At the Void Knights’ Outpost.
To repair, simply bring your degraded gear to one of these NPCs, right-click them, and select the repair option. They’ll fix all your Barrows items at once, charging based on how degraded each piece is.
Method 2: Using an Armour Stand in a POH
For a cheaper alternative, you can repair Barrows gear yourself using an armour stand in a player-owned house. This requires:
- 55 Construction: To build an armour stand in your workshop.
- A Hammer: A basic tool you likely already have.
- Smithing Level: Higher levels reduce repair costs.
Interact with the armour stand, select your degraded gear, and confirm the repair. The cost scales with degradation and is discounted based on your Smithing level, making this ideal for long-term savings.
Barrows Repair Costs: NPC vs. Armour Stand
Repair costs vary depending on the method and how degraded your gear is. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which option suits your budget.
NPC Repair Costs
NPCs charge a base rate per item, adjusted by its degradation level (out of 1,000, where 1,000 is fully degraded). The rates are:
| Item Type | Base Cost (Fully Degraded) |
|---|---|
| Weapon | 100,000 GP |
| Body | 90,000 GP |
| Legs | 80,000 GP |
| Helmet | 60,000 GP |
For example, repairing a fully degraded Dharok’s greataxe costs 100,000 GP, while a partially degraded item at 50% (500/1,000) costs half that—50,000 GP. A full set could cost up to 330,000 GP if all pieces are at 0.
Armour Stand Repair Costs
Using an armour stand cuts costs significantly, with discounts based on your Smithing level. The formula is roughly:
For a fully degraded weapon (100,000 GP at an NPC), the cost at 99 Smithing drops to ~50,000 GP. At 50 Smithing, it’s ~75,000 GP. Boosts like a Dwarven Stout can temporarily lower costs further by raising your Smithing level.
Tips to Optimize Barrows Gear Repairs
Repairing Barrows gear can get expensive, especially if you’re running the minigame often. Here are some practical tips to keep costs down and maximize efficiency.
Repair Early to Save Gold
You don’t have to wait until your gear hits 0 to repair it. Fixing it at 75, 50, or 25 costs less than a full repair, and you can keep using it without interruption. Check degradation by right-clicking and selecting “Check” to monitor its state.
Boost Your Smithing Level
If you use an armour stand, train your Smithing or use temporary boosts (e.g., Spicy Stew with orange spice, +5 Smithing) to lower costs. Even a few extra levels can shave thousands off each repair.
Avoid Dropping Gear
Dropping Barrows equipment instantly degrades it to 0, triggering a full repair cost. If you die and reclaim it from your gravestone, it stays at its current degradation level, so always retrieve it safely.
Use Gear Strategically
Save Barrows gear for situations where its set effects shine—like Guthan’s for Slayer tasks or Dharok’s for high-damage PvM. For casual combat, switch to non-degrading gear like a Dragon Scimitar to preserve durability.
Why Repairing Barrows Gear Matters
Barrows gear isn’t just about stats—it’s a status symbol and a versatile tool in OSRS. Keeping it repaired ensures you can use its unique set effects, trade it when needed, and maintain its value for your account.
The Power of Set Effects
Each Barrows set offers a special effect when all four pieces are worn:
- Dharok’s: Higher damage as HP decreases.
- Guthan’s: Chance to heal based on damage dealt.
- Verac’s: Chance to ignore enemy defense.
- Torag’s: Drains enemy run energy.
- Ahrim’s: Chance to lower enemy Strength.
- Karil’s: Chance to deal extra hits.
These effects are lost if your gear isn’t repaired, making maintenance essential for PvM and PvP.
Trading and Profit
Fully repaired or fully degraded Barrows gear is tradeable, often fetching millions on the Grand Exchange. Repairing partially degraded gear before selling ensures you get top value—vital if you’re farming Barrows for profit.
Mastering how to repair Barrows gear in OSRS is a small but critical skill for any player relying on these sets. Whether you opt for the convenience of an NPC or the savings of an armour stand, keeping your gear in top shape lets you focus on what matters: slaying bosses, completing Slayer tasks, and raking in GP. So, grab your hammer or head to Bob, and keep those Barrows brothers’ legacy alive in your inventory!