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Best Bolts in OSRS: Top Picks for Crossbow Users in 2025
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), bolts are the lifeblood of any crossbow-wielding adventurer. Whether you’re slaying dragons, tackling Slayer tasks, or dominating in PvP, choosing the right bolts can make or break your strategy. With a variety of options ranging from affordable training ammo to high-powered enchanted bolts, knowing which ones stand out is key to maximizing your ranged combat potential. In this guide, we’ll dive into the best bolts in OSRS as of April 2025, breaking down their stats, effects, and ideal use cases. Let’s explore the top-tier ammunition that every crossbow user should have in their quiver!
Bolts aren’t just ammunition—they’re a critical component of your ranged setup. Unlike arrows, bolts are designed for crossbows, offering unique effects and higher damage potential when paired with the right weapon. From the humble Steel Bolt to the devastating Onyx Bolt (e), each type serves a purpose, whether it’s cost-effective training or delivering massive hits in boss fights. With the right bolts, you can optimize your damage output, trigger special effects, and even turn the tide in PvP encounters.
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 special bolts drop from monsters or are bought from shops, adding variety to your arsenal. Enchanted bolts, tipped with gems and imbued with magic, bring additional effects that activate randomly in combat, making them a game-changer in specific scenarios.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Bolts
When picking the best bolts for your needs, consider:
- Ranged Strength: Higher bonuses mean more damage.
- Special Effects: Enchanted bolts offer unique perks like poison or armor-piercing.
- Cost: Budget-friendly options are key for training, while expensive bolts shine in high-stakes fights.
- Availability: Can you craft them, or do they require rare drops?
- Crossbow Compatibility: Ensure your weapon can fire the bolts effectively.
Top 5 Best Bolts in OSRS
Here’s our rundown of the top bolts in OSRS, ranked for their power, utility, and versatility as of 2025. These picks cater to different playstyles, from budget-conscious Ironmen to endgame PvM enthusiasts.
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.
How to Get: Enchant Runite Bolts with Onyx Bolt Tips (87 Magic, 73 Fletching) or loot from Corporeal Beast.
Onyx Bolts (e) top the list as the strongest bolts in OSRS for their raw power and healing effect. With a +120 Ranged Strength bonus, they hit hard, and the Life Leech effect makes them invaluable in prolonged fights like those against high-level bosses or in PvP. However, at around 8,000-9,000 GP per bolt, they’re a luxury reserved for critical moments—think Zulrah or Theatre of Blood. For Ironmen, High Alchemy can offset the cost, but their price makes them impractical for everyday use.
2. Dragonstone Bolts (e) – Dragonfire Devastation
Ranged Strength: +117
Special Effect: Dragon’s Breath (6% chance) – Unleashes dragonfire, dealing massive damage unless countered by anti-dragon protection.
Requirements: 61 Ranged, Rune Crossbow or higher.
How to Get: Enchant Runite Bolts with Dragonstone Bolt Tips (68 Magic, 84 Fletching) or buy from the Grand Exchange.
Dragonstone Bolts (e) bring a fiery punch with their Dragon’s Breath effect, excelling against foes with low defense or no dragonfire protection. They’re perfect for PvP against unprepared opponents or PvM scenarios like low-defense Slayer tasks. Paired with a Zaryte Crossbow, the effect’s potency increases, making them a favorite for high-damage builds. At a moderate cost, they’re more accessible than Onyx Bolts (e) but still a premium choice.
3. Diamond Bolts (e) – Armor-Piercing Precision
Ranged Strength: +105
Special Effect: Armour Piercing (10% chance in PvM, 5% in PvP) – Ignores target defense, boosting max hit by 15%.
Requirements: 46 Ranged, Adamant Crossbow or higher.
How to Get: Enchant Adamant Bolts with Diamond Bolt Tips (57 Magic, 61 Fletching).
Diamond Bolts (e) shine against heavily armored targets like bosses or PvP tanks. The Armour Piercing effect bypasses defense, making them a go-to for God Wars Dungeon or Vorkath. Their +105 Ranged Strength is solid for mid-to-high-level players, and they’re more affordable than Onyx or Dragonstone variants, striking a balance between cost and power.
4. Ruby Bolts (e) – Blood-Forfeiting Burst Damage
Ranged Strength: +103
Special Effect: Blood Forfeit (11% chance in PvP, 6% in PvM) – Sacrifices 10% of your HP to deal 20% of the target’s HP (capped at 100 damage).
Requirements: 46 Ranged, Adamant Crossbow or higher.
How to Get: Enchant Adamant Bolts with Ruby Bolt Tips (49 Magic, 61 Fletching).
Ruby Bolts (e) are a PvM staple, especially early in boss fights when HP pools are high. The Blood Forfeit effect can chunk massive damage—ideal for Vorkath or General Graardor—though it’s less effective against low-HP targets or in PvP due to the HP cost. At a reasonable price, they’re a strong pick for mid-game players looking to punch above their weight.
5. Broad Bolts – Budget-Friendly Brilliance
Ranged Strength: +100
Special Effect: None
Requirements: 55 Slayer, 61 Ranged, Rune Crossbow or higher.
How to Get: Buy from Slayer Masters (35 Slayer Points for 250) or craft with 55 Fletching after unlocking Broader Fletching.
Broad Bolts are the unsung heroes of OSRS ranged training. Matching Adamant Bolts’ +100 Ranged Strength at a fraction of the cost (around 50-60 GP each), they’re perfect for Slayer tasks like Turoth and Kurasks, where they’re required. Their accessibility and affordability make them a must-have for leveling Ranged without breaking the bank.
Honorable Mentions: Other Notable Bolts
While the top five dominate in power and utility, these bolts deserve a shoutout for specific niches.
Amethyst Broad Bolts
Ranged Strength: +115
Requirements: 65 Slayer, 61 Ranged, 76 Fletching.
How to Get: Craft with Amethyst Bolt Tips and Broad Bolts.
A step up from regular Broad Bolts, these offer near-Runite Bolt damage at a lower cost, ideal for mid-to-high-level Slayer and training.
Emerald Bolts (e)
Ranged Strength: +83
Special Effect: Magical Poison (55% chance) – Deals 5 poison damage over time.
Requirements: 36 Ranged, Mithril Crossbow or higher.
How to Get: Enchant Mithril Bolts with Emerald Bolt Tips (27 Magic, 58 Fletching).
Great for low-to-mid-level PvP or PvM, these poison-tipped bolts wear down enemies over time, boosted further by the Kandarin Hard Diary.
Bolts Comparison Table
| Bolt Type | Ranged Strength | Special Effect | Cost (GP) | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onyx Bolts (e) | +120 | Life Leech | 8,000-9,000 | High-level PvM/PvP |
| Dragonstone Bolts (e) | +117 | Dragon’s Breath | 1,000-1,500 | PvP, Low-defense PvM |
| Diamond Bolts (e) | +105 | Armour Piercing | 300-400 | High-defense PvM |
| Ruby Bolts (e) | +103 | Blood Forfeit | 200-300 | Boss fights |
| Broad Bolts | +100 | None | 50-60 | Training, Slayer |
Tips for Maximizing Bolt Effectiveness
To get the most out of your bolts, follow these strategies:
Pair with the Right Crossbow
High-tier bolts like Onyx or Dragonstone need a Rune Crossbow or better (e.g., Dragon Hunter or Zaryte) to shine. Lower-tier options like Broad Bolts still perform well with mid-range weapons.
Boost Special Effect Chances
Complete the Hard Kandarin Diary for a 10% increased chance of enchanted bolt effects triggering—crucial for Diamond, Ruby, and more.
Stock Up Smartly
For training, hoard Broad Bolts from Slayer rewards. For bossing, invest in a small stack of enchanted bolts and switch to cheaper ammo once the special effects aren’t needed.
Conclusion: Which Bolts Should You Use?
The best bolts in OSRS depend on your goals. Broad Bolts are your go-to for training and Slayer on a budget. Ruby Bolts (e) and Diamond Bolts (e) excel in PvM against bosses, while Dragonstone Bolts (e) dominate in PvP. For the ultimate power, Onyx Bolts (e) reign supreme but demand a hefty investment. Stock your bolt pouch with a mix of these top picks, and you’ll be ready for any challenge Gielinor throws your way in 2025!