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Tome of Water OSRS: The Ultimate Guide to Mastering Water Magic in Old School RuneScape
The Tome of Water in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a unique off-hand magic item that has captured the attention of players looking to enhance their water-based spellcasting. Introduced as a reward from the Tempoross boss, this tome offers a blend of utility and combat boosts that make it a valuable addition to any mage’s arsenal. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting your journey in Gielinor, this comprehensive guide will dive deep into everything you need to know about the Tome of Water OSRS—from how to obtain it, its uses, and why it’s worth your time. Let’s explore how this item can elevate your gameplay and help you dominate in both PvE and PvP scenarios.
The Tome of Water is an off-hand magic book wielded in place of a shield, requiring level 50 Magic to equip. Released on March 24, 2021, as part of the Tempoross update, it serves as a counterpart to the popular Tome of Fire. Unlike its fiery sibling, the Tome of Water focuses on enhancing water spells and providing unlimited water runes when charged, making it a versatile tool for mages across various activities in OSRS.
Key Features of the Tome of Water
- Unlimited Water Runes: When charged with soaked pages, it provides an infinite supply of water runes, saving inventory space.
- Combat Boosts: Increases accuracy and damage of water spells by 10% against NPCs and 20% against players, consuming one charge per cast.
- Curse Enhancements: Boosts curse spell accuracy by 20% and stat-draining effects by 50%, adding strategic depth.
- Equipment Stats: Offers +8 Magic Attack and +8 Magic Defence bonuses, matching the Tome of Fire.
How Does It Compare to Other Tomes?
Compared to the Tome of Fire, which boosts fire spell damage by 50%, the Tome of Water leans more toward utility than raw power. While fire spells dominate in terms of DPS, water spells gain niche advantages with the Tome of Water, especially in PvP or situations requiring binds and curses. The Tome of Frost from RuneScape 3, another water-focused off-hand, isn’t available in OSRS, making the Tome of Water the go-to option for water magic enthusiasts in Old School RuneScape.
How to Obtain the Tome of Water in OSRS
Getting your hands on the Tome of Water requires tackling Tempoross, the Fishing skill boss located at the Ruins of Unkah. This group activity is accessible to players of all levels, though having decent Fishing and combat stats will make the process smoother.
Step-by-Step Guide to Acquiring the Tome
- Travel to Tempoross: Head to Al Kharid, take the ferry to the Ruins of Unkah, and join the Spirit Anglers.
- Subdue Tempoross: Participate in the encounter by harpooning fish, loading cannons, and managing the storm’s intensity.
- Earn Reward Permits: Successfully defeating Tempoross grants permits to fish in the reward pool.
- Fish for Rewards: Use your permits at the reward pool for a chance to snag the Tome of Water (empty) or soaked pages.
- Charge the Tome: Add soaked pages (20 charges per page) to unlock its full potential.
Drop Rates and Costs
The Tome of Water (empty) is a rare reward from Tempoross, with an estimated drop rate of around 1/1000 per permit, though this can vary based on performance. Soaked pages are more common, and fully charging the tome (1,000 pages or 20,000 charges) costs approximately 2-3 million GP on the Grand Exchange, depending on page prices (around 100-150 GP each as of April 2025).
| Item | Approx. Cost (GP) | Charges Provided |
|---|---|---|
| Tome of Water (empty) | 500,000 – 1,000,000 | 0 |
| Soaked Page | 100 – 150 | 20 |
| Fully Charged Tome | 2,000,000 – 3,000,000 | 20,000 |
Best Uses for the Tome of Water in OSRS
The Tome of Water shines in specific scenarios where water spells or curses play a pivotal role. While it may not match the raw damage output of fire spells, its utility makes it a sleeper hit for creative players.
PvP Applications
In player-versus-player combat, the Tome of Water excels with its 20% accuracy boost to binds like Entangle and Snare, paired with enhanced curses like Vulnerability (lowering Defence by 15% instead of 10%). This makes it a strong choice for hybrid setups or team fights where controlling opponents is key.
PvE and Bossing
For PvE, the tome’s unlimited water runes are a godsend for training Magic with low-cost spells like Water Strike or Wave. It’s also useful at bosses like Zulrah or Chambers of Xeric, where Vulnerability can soften targets for your team, and the infinite runes simplify inventory management during long fights.
Skilling and Utility
Beyond combat, the Tome of Water is a handy tool for clue scroll hunters. Pair it with a dust staff and a rune pouch containing fire and law runes, and you’ll have access to most teleports without juggling extra runes. It’s also great for Firemaking orbs or any activity requiring water runes in bulk.
Is the Tome of Water Worth It?
The question of whether the Tome of Water is worth your time and gold depends on your playstyle and goals in OSRS. Let’s break it down.
Pros of Using the Tome of Water
- Cost Efficiency: Saves on water rune costs over time, especially for high-volume spellcasting.
- Versatility: Useful in combat, skilling, and utility tasks.
- Niche Power: Enhances underutilized spells, offering strategic advantages.
Cons to Consider
- Lower DPS: Water spells lag behind fire spells in damage, even with the tome’s boosts.
- Charge Maintenance: Regularly recharging with soaked pages can be a hassle.
- Competition: Alternatives like the Kodai Wand offer broader benefits for endgame mages.
Verdict
For mid-tier players, Ironmen, or those who enjoy experimenting with magic, the Tome of Water is a fantastic investment. Its utility and niche combat boosts make it a worthy addition, though maxed-out mages might prefer the Kodai Wand or Tome of Fire for raw power. If you’re grinding Tempoross anyway, picking up the tome is a no-brainer.
Tips and Strategies to Maximize the Tome of Water
To get the most out of your Tome of Water, consider these practical tips and strategies tailored to OSRS gameplay.
Optimize Your Spellbook
Focus on spells that benefit from the tome’s boosts. Water Wave (max hit 18) and Water Surge (max hit 24) become more viable with the 10-20% damage increase, while Vulnerability and Entangle shine in group content or PvP. Avoid wasting charges on non-combat spells, as they don’t consume charges but still benefit from the infinite runes.
Efficient Charging
Stockpile soaked pages during Tempoross runs or buy them in bulk when prices dip on the GE. You can also trade an empty tome to the Retired Sailor for 25 soaked pages (worth ~3,000-4,000 GP), making it a decent fallback if you’re short on charges.
Pairing with Gear
Combine the Tome of Water with magic-boosting gear like Ahrim’s robes, an Occult Necklace, and a Staff of the Dead for maximum effect. For PvP, a tanky off-hand switch like an Ancient Wyvern Shield can complement its control-focused role.
In conclusion, the Tome of Water OSRS is more than just a novelty—it’s a practical tool that rewards creative and strategic play. Whether you’re binding foes in the Wilderness, softening up bosses, or simply saving runes on your next adventure, this tome has a place in your inventory. Dive into Tempoross, charge it up, and unleash the power of water magic in Old School RuneScape today!