Best Uses for Bowfa in OSRS: Maximize Your Ranged Gameplay

The Bow of Faerdhinen, commonly known as Bowfa in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), is one of the most versatile and powerful ranged weapons in the game. Introduced with the Prifddinas update, this crystal bow has quickly become a favorite among players for its zero-ammo cost, high damage output, and flexibility across various content. Whether you’re an Ironman looking to save on supplies or a main account holder aiming to optimize your DPS, the Bowfa offers incredible value. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best uses for Bowfa in OSRS, diving into its top applications, strategies, and why it’s a must-have in your arsenal. Let’s get started!

The Bowfa isn’t just another ranged weapon—it’s a game-changer. Unlike the Toxic Blowpipe, which requires constant resupplying of Zulrah’s scales and darts, or the Twisted Bow, which comes with a steep price tag, the Bowfa strikes a balance between accessibility and power. Requiring 80 Ranged and 70 Agility to wield, it’s attainable for mid-to-late-game players, especially Ironmen who can farm it from the Gauntlet. Its lack of ammo cost, paired with the synergy of Crystal Armour, makes it a low-maintenance, high-impact choice.

How Bowfa Works

The Bowfa is powered by Crystal Armour, which boosts its accuracy and damage. Without the full set (helm, body, and legs), its stats are decent but unremarkable. With the set, however, it rivals top-tier weapons in specific scenarios. Its attack speed is 3 ticks (1.8 seconds) on rapid, slower than the Blowpipe’s 2 ticks, but its higher base damage and lack of upkeep cost often make it the better choice.

Comparing Bowfa to Other Ranged Weapons

• Toxic Blowpipe: Faster attack speed but requires scales and darts, making it costly over time.
• Twisted Bow: Best-in-slot for high magic-level targets, but its 1.5B+ GP price is prohibitive for most.
• Armadyl Crossbow: Solid for special attacks with ruby bolts, but slower and less DPS overall.

For budget-conscious players or those tackling low-to-mid-defense targets, Bowfa often outshines these alternatives.

Top PvM Uses for Bowfa

The Bowfa shines brightest in Player vs. Monster (PvM) scenarios, where its consistent damage and zero supply cost make it a go-to weapon. Here are some of the best places to use it.

Zulrah

Zulrah is one of the most profitable mid-game bosses, and Bowfa simplifies the fight significantly. Its range allows you to stay out of melee distance, and its accuracy ensures reliable hits against Zulrah’s moderate defenses. Pair it with a Trident of the Seas for magic phases, and you’ve got a budget-friendly setup that rivals Blowpipe kills in efficiency.

Corrupted Gauntlet

Ironically, the Bowfa is both a reward from and a powerhouse in the Corrupted Gauntlet. Once you’ve obtained it, subsequent runs become a breeze. The weapon’s high damage output tears through the Hunllef’s defenses, and the lack of ammo cost means you can focus resources on food and potions. It’s a self-sustaining cycle for Ironmen grinding Crystal Armour seeds.

Hydra

The Alchemical Hydra is a Slayer staple, and Bowfa performs admirably here. While the Blowpipe with dragon darts edges out slightly in DPS, Bowfa’s zero cost makes it the better long-term choice for extended trips. Use it with a Slayer helmet and Crystal Armour for maximum efficiency.

Bowfa in Slayer Training

Slayer is a grind, but Bowfa turns it into a profit-driven adventure. Its versatility makes it ideal for a variety of tasks, especially those with low-to-moderate defense monsters.

Lizardman Shamans

Lizardman Shamans are a popular task for their Dragon Warhammer drops, and Bowfa excels here. Its range keeps you safe from their melee attacks, and its DPS outpaces crossbows when paired with Crystal Armour. You’ll clear tasks faster and save on supplies compared to using a Blowpipe.

Dust Devils and Nechryaels

These mid-tier Slayer monsters have low ranged defense, making Bowfa a cost-effective choice. Set up a cannon and let the Bowfa rip through them—no need to worry about ammo costs eating into your profits. It’s especially great for bursting tasks when combined with Ancient Magicks.

Bosses Where Bowfa Excels

Beyond Slayer and mid-tier PvM, Bowfa holds its own against several bosses, offering a middle ground between budget setups and endgame gear.

General Graardor (Bandos GWD)

In the God Wars Dungeon, Bowfa is a fantastic option for Bandos. Its range lets you kite General Graardor effectively, and its DPS is sufficient for solo or small-team kills. While the Twisted Bow is king for high-defense targets, Bowfa is a fraction of the cost and still gets the job done.

Kree’arra (Armadyl GWD)

Against Kree’arra, Bowfa’s accuracy shines. The boss’s ranged weakness pairs perfectly with the Crystal Armour bonuses, and you can stay at a safe distance to avoid melee hits. It’s a solid alternative to the Armadyl Crossbow for those without access to Chinchompas.

Vorkath

Vorkath is another boss where Bowfa proves its worth. While the Dragon Hunter Crossbow (DHCB) is optimal, Bowfa is a close second for players without it. Its consistent damage and range make it viable for 2-3 kills per trip, and the lack of ammo cost boosts your profit margins.

Bowfa in Raids and High-Level Content

For endgame players, Bowfa remains relevant in raids and challenging PvM, though it’s not always best-in-slot.

Chambers of Xeric (CoX)

In CoX, Bowfa is aprevailing wisdom suggests using it on low-defense targets like Tekton or Vasa Si’nakala. Its range and DPS make it excellent for rooms like Olm’s ranged hand or tightrope, where precision is key. While the Twisted Bow dominates against high-magic bosses like Vespula, Bowfa is a budget-friendly alternative for learners or mid-tier accounts.

Theatre of Blood (ToB)

Bowfa has niche uses in ToB, particularly for Verzik Vitur’s first phase or clearing Nycolas’s minions. However, its slower attack speed means it’s often outclassed by the Blowpipe’s spec or crossbows with ruby bolts for healing. Still, it’s a viable backup weapon for Ironmen or those conserving supplies.

Tips to Optimize Your Bowfa Usage

To get the most out of your Bowfa, consider these strategies:

• Full Crystal Armour: Always wear the helm, body, and legs to maximize accuracy and damage.
• Rigour Prayer: Boosts your ranged stats significantly—unlock it if you haven’t already.
• Salve Amulet (e): Perfect for undead bosses like Vorkath or Barrows for extra DPS.
• Longrange vs. Rapid: Use Longrange for safe-spotting; switch to Rapid for raw DPS.

Location	Bowfa Effectiveness	Recommended Gear
Zulrah	High	Crystal Armour, Trident
Corrupted Gauntlet	Very High	Crystal Armour, Food/Potions
Hydra	High	Slayer Helm, Crystal Armour
Bandos GWD	Moderate	Crystal Armour, Protect Prayers
CoX	Moderate	Crystal Armour, Rigour

Gearing Up for Success

The Bowfa’s strength lies in its synergy with Crystal Armour, but don’t sleep on accessories. An Anguish Necklace, Archer’s Ring (i), and Ava’s Assembler (even though it doesn’t retrieve ammo) boost your stats further. For Ironmen, every piece counts—grind those Gauntlet runs!

When to Swap Bowfa Out

While versatile, Bowfa isn’t ideal everywhere. Against high-defense targets (e.g., Olm’s melee hand) or where special attacks shine (e.g., ToB’s Sotetseg), consider alternatives like the Blowpipe or Twisted Bow. Know your enemy’s stats to make the call.

The Bow of Faerdhinen is a standout weapon in OSRS, offering a blend of power, affordability, and sustainability. From Slayer tasks to bossing and even raids, its best uses span the game’s breadth, making it a worthy investment. Whether you’re farming GP at Zulrah, chasing PBs in the Gauntlet, or tackling GWD, Bowfa has you covered. Equip it, master it, and watch your ranged gameplay soar!