OSRS Bandos Godsword vs Dragon Warhammer: Which Weapon Reigns Supreme?

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), choosing the right weapon can make or break your combat experience. Two standout options for players looking to dominate bosses and PvP scenarios are the Bandos Godsword (BGS) and the Dragon Warhammer (DWH). Both weapons are renowned for their powerful special attacks and ability to lower enemy defenses, but they cater to different playstyles and situations. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the Bandos Godsword vs Dragon Warhammer debate, comparing their stats, special attacks, use cases, and overall value to help you decide which one suits your OSRS adventures best.

The Bandos Godsword is one of the four iconic godswords in OSRS, tied to the war-loving deity Bandos. It’s a two-handed weapon requiring 75 Attack to wield, making it a staple for high-level melee players. Dropped by General Graardor in the God Wars Dungeon, the BGS is prized for its versatility and devastating special attack.

Stats and Requirements

The BGS boasts impressive melee stats: +132 Slash, +80 Strength, and no Attack requirement beyond the 75 needed to equip it. Its two-handed nature means you sacrifice a shield slot, but the trade-off is worth it for the raw power it delivers.

Special Attack: Warstrike

The Bandos Godsword’s special attack, Warstrike, is where it shines. Consuming 50% of your special attack energy, Warstrike doubles your accuracy, deals 21% extra damage, and drains your opponent’s combat stats equal to the damage dealt. The drain follows this order: Defence, Strength, Prayer, Attack, Magic, Ranged. For example, a 50-damage hit on an enemy with 30 Defence would reduce it to 0 and then take 20 off Strength. This cumulative effect makes it a powerhouse in prolonged fights.

Overview of the Dragon Warhammer

The Dragon Warhammer, on the other hand, is a one-handed weapon requiring 60 Strength to wield. Dropped by Lizardman Shamans, it’s less about raw damage and more about its utility in shredding high-defence targets. It’s a favorite among group PvM players and strength pures due to its unique special attack.

Stats and Requirements

The DWH offers +95 Crush and +85 Strength, with no Attack requirement—ideal for pures or players focusing on Strength training. Being one-handed, it pairs well with a defender or shield, giving you more defensive options compared to the BGS.

Special Attack: Smash

The Dragon Warhammer’s special attack, Smash, uses 50% special attack energy and reduces an opponent’s Defence by 30% on a successful hit. Unlike the BGS, this is a flat percentage reduction, not tied to damage dealt. For a boss with 300 Defence, one Smash drops it to 210, and a second to 147. This stacking effect is devastating against tanky foes, making it a go-to for team bossing.

Comparing Special Attacks: Warstrike vs Smash

The core difference between the Bandos Godsword and Dragon Warhammer lies in their special attacks. Let’s break it down:

• Accuracy: Warstrike doubles your accuracy, making it more reliable against high-defence targets, while Smash relies on your base accuracy, which can miss more often without high Attack or gear boosts.
• Defence Reduction: Warstrike drains Defence based on damage (e.g., a 40 hit reduces Defence by 40), while Smash cuts 30% regardless of damage, excelling against enemies with 100+ Defence.
• Additional Effects: Warstrike also drains other stats like Strength and Prayer, adding versatility, whereas Smash focuses solely on Defence.
• Energy Cost: Both use 50%, allowing two uses per full bar, but Warstrike’s higher accuracy often makes it feel more efficient.

When Warstrike Wins

Warstrike excels in scenarios where you need consistent hits and multi-stat drains. It’s ideal for solo PvM against mid-tier bosses or PvP, where lowering an opponent’s Strength or Prayer can turn the tide.

When Smash Takes the Lead

Smash shines against high-defence bosses like Olm’s Melee Hand (270 Defence) or Tekton. In group settings, a few DWH specs can drop a boss’s Defence to near zero, letting DPS players clean up.

Use Cases in PvM and PvP

Both weapons have their niches in OSRS, but their effectiveness depends on the content you’re tackling. Here’s how they stack up in PvM and PvP.

Bandos Godsword in PvM

The BGS is a staple at bosses like General Graardor (ironically), Corporeal Beast, and Vorkath. Its accuracy and stat-draining make it great for solo or small-team runs. For example, at Vorkath, two Warstrikes can lower Defence enough to speed up kills, especially with lower-tier gear.

Dragon Warhammer in PvM

The DWH is king in group PvM, particularly at raids like Chambers of Xeric or Theatre of Blood. Its 30% Defence reduction is unmatched against bosses with 200+ Defence, making it a must-have for speeding up kills in teams. Solo, it’s less consistent due to lower accuracy.

PvP Scenarios

In PvP, the BGS has the edge. Warstrike’s ability to drain Defence and Strength cripples melee opponents, and its higher accuracy ensures it lands. The DWH can work in niche setups (e.g., with a high-accuracy switch), but its single-stat focus and lower reliability make it less popular.

Cost and Accessibility

Price and availability are key factors when choosing between these weapons. Let’s look at the numbers as of April 5, 2025.

Weapon	Grand Exchange Price (Approx.)	Requirements	Drop Source
Bandos Godsword	8-10M GP	75 Attack	General Graardor (1/512 hilt drop)
Dragon Warhammer	40-45M GP	60 Strength	Lizardman Shamans (1/5,000)

Bandos Godsword: Budget-Friendly Power

At roughly 8-10M GP, the BGS is far more affordable. The hilt drop from General Graardor is rare (1/512), but the God Wars Dungeon is accessible with moderate gear, and shards can be farmed from other bosses. It’s a solid investment for mid-to-high-level players.

Dragon Warhammer: Premium Utility

The DWH’s 40-45M GP price tag reflects its rarity (1/5,000 drop from Lizardman Shamans) and PvM dominance. Farming it requires decent combat stats and patience, but its value in endgame content justifies the cost for serious players.

Which Should You Choose?

Deciding between the Bandos Godsword and Dragon Warhammer boils down to your goals, budget, and playstyle. Here’s a quick guide:

• Choose BGS if: You’re on a budget, enjoy solo PvM or PvP, or want a versatile weapon with reliable special attacks.
• Choose DWH if: You’re into group PvM, can afford the higher cost, or need to tackle bosses with massive Defence levels.
• Both? In team settings, combining them is optimal—DWH to slash high Defence, then BGS to finish it off.

Final Verdict

For most players, the Bandos Godsword offers the best bang for your buck. Its affordability, accuracy, and multi-stat drain make it a jack-of-all-trades. The Dragon Warhammer, however, is the ultimate specialist for high-defence PvM, especially in groups. If you can only pick one, the BGS is more forgiving and widely applicable, but the DWH’s niche power is unmatched in the right hands.

Whether you’re swinging the Bandos Godsword or smashing with the Dragon Warhammer, both weapons cement your status as a force to be reckoned with in Gielinor. Which do you prefer? Let us know in the comments, and happy scaping!