The Best F2P Ranged Gear in OSRS: A Comprehensive Guide
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers a rich experience for free-to-play (F2P) players, and mastering the Ranged skill is a fantastic way to tackle enemies from a safe distance. Whether you’re training on moss giants, battling in the Wilderness, or taking on PvP foes, having the best F2P Ranged gear can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll explore the top Ranged gear available in OSRS’s free-to-play worlds, breaking down each piece, its stats, and how to get it. Let’s dive into the world of Gielinor and gear up for success!
Ranged is one of the three combat styles in OSRS, alongside Melee and Magic, and it shines in F2P for its ability to deal damage without getting up close and personal. The right gear boosts your accuracy, damage, and survivability, making it easier to train efficiently or dominate in combat. For F2P players, options are limited compared to members, but there’s still a solid progression of gear that can carry you from level 1 to 99 Ranged.
Understanding Ranged Stats
Ranged gear in OSRS provides two key bonuses: Ranged Attack (improving accuracy) and Ranged Strength (increasing max hit). Defensive stats also matter, especially in F2P, where you might face aggressive monsters or other players. Balancing offense and defense is key to optimizing your setup.
F2P Limitations and Strengths
Unlike pay-to-play (P2P), F2P lacks access to high-end items like Armadyl armor or the Toxic Blowpipe. However, the available gear is affordable, accessible, and effective for training and PvP. With the right setup, you can achieve decent XP rates and hold your own in combat.
Best F2P Ranged Gear Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the best Ranged gear you can equip in OSRS F2P worlds. Each piece is chosen for its stats, availability, and practicality for Ranged-focused players.
Head Slot: Coif
The Coif is the best F2P headgear for Ranged, requiring 20 Ranged to wear. It offers a +2 Ranged Attack bonus and moderate defensive stats, making it a solid choice for both training and combat.
- Stats: +2 Ranged Attack, +4 Stab/Slash/Crush Defense, +2 Magic Defense, -1 Magic Attack
- How to Get: Buy from the Champions’ Guild for 200 coins or craft with 38 Crafting using soft leather.
Body Slot: Green D’hide Body
The Green Dragonhide Body is the top-tier Ranged body armor in F2P, requiring 40 Ranged and 40 Defence, plus completion of the Dragon Slayer I quest. It’s a must-have for any serious F2P ranger.
- Stats: +15 Ranged Attack, +40 Stab/Slash/Crush Defense, +20 Magic Defense, -35 Magic Attack
- How to Get: Purchase from Oziach in Edgeville for 7,800 coins after Dragon Slayer I.
Legs Slot: Green D’hide Chaps
Green Dragonhide Chaps complement the body piece perfectly, offering a strong Ranged Attack bonus and decent defense without any quest requirements beyond 40 Ranged.
- Stats: +8 Ranged Attack, +22 Stab/Slash/Crush Defense, +14 Magic Defense, -10 Magic Attack
- How to Get: Buy from the Champions’ Guild for 3,900 coins.
Hands Slot: Green D’hide Vambraces
The Green Dragonhide Vambraces are the best gloves for F2P Ranged, providing a small but valuable boost to your accuracy.
- Stats: +8 Ranged Attack, +5 Stab/Slash Defense, +6 Crush Defense, +4 Magic Defense, -10 Magic Attack
- How to Get: Purchase from the Champions’ Guild for 2,500 coins.
Feet Slot: Leather Boots
Leather Boots are the best F2P footwear for Ranged due to their lack of negative penalties, unlike alternatives like Stronghold boots, which reduce Ranged Attack by -1.
- Stats: +2 Stab/Slash/Crush Defense, +1 Magic Defense
- How to Get: Buy from the Grand Exchange or craft with 1 Crafting using soft leather.
Cape Slot: Team Cape
While capes don’t offer Ranged bonuses in F2P, a Team Cape provides slight defensive stats and looks stylish. It’s a minor addition but worth considering.
- Stats: +2 Stab/Slash/Crush/Magic/Ranged Defense
- How to Get: Buy from cape sellers in the Wilderness or the Grand Exchange (prices vary).
Neck Slot: Amulet of Power
The Amulet of Power is the best all-around amulet in F2P, offering a small Ranged Attack boost alongside defensive bonuses and a +1 Prayer bonus.
- Stats: +6 Ranged Attack, +6 Stab/Slash/Crush/Magic/Ranged Defense, +1 Prayer
- How to Get: Craft with 57 Crafting (gold bar, diamond, amulet mould) or buy from the Grand Exchange for around 2,000 coins.
Weapon Slot: Maple Shortbow
The Maple Shortbow is the top F2P Ranged weapon, requiring 30 Ranged. Its fast attack speed (1.8 seconds) makes it ideal for training and PvP.
- Stats: +29 Ranged Attack
- How to Get: Buy from Lowe’s Archery Emporium in Varrock for 400 coins or the Grand Exchange.
Ammunition: Adamant Arrows
Adamant Arrows are the best F2P arrows, offering the highest Ranged Strength bonus available. Pair them with the Maple Shortbow for maximum damage.
- Stats: +31 Ranged Strength
- How to Get: Buy from the Grand Exchange (around 60-80 coins each) or fletch with 60 Fletching (adamant arrowtips + headless arrows).
Optimal F2P Ranged Gear Setup
Here’s the ultimate F2P Ranged gear setup, combining all the best pieces for maximum effectiveness:
| Slot | Item | Ranged Attack Bonus | Ranged Strength Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head | Coif | +2 | 0 |
| Body | Green D’hide Body | +15 | 0 |
| Legs | Green D’hide Chaps | +8 | 0 |
| Hands | Green D’hide Vambraces | +8 | 0 |
| Feet | Leather Boots | 0 | 0 |
| Cape | Team Cape | 0 | 0 |
| Neck | Amulet of Power | +6 | 0 |
| Weapon | Maple Shortbow | +29 | 0 |
| Ammo | Adamant Arrows | 0 | +31 |
| Total | +68 | +31 |
This setup gives you a +68 Ranged Attack bonus and +31 Ranged Strength, alongside solid defensive stats, making it perfect for training on monsters like ogress shamans or PvP in the Wilderness.
How to Get Started with F2P Ranged Gear
Acquiring this gear doesn’t have to break the bank. Here’s a step-by-step plan to get equipped:
Early Game (Levels 1-20)
Start with a Shortbow (free from Lowe’s Archery Emporium) and Bronze Arrows. Wear basic leather armor (Leather Cowl, Body, and Chaps) to get some early Ranged bonuses. Train on chickens or cows in Lumbridge to build your stats.
Mid Game (Levels 20-40)
Upgrade to an Oak Shortbow (80 coins) and Iron Arrows. Swap to a Coif and add Green D’hide Vambraces and Chaps as you hit 20 Ranged. Target hill giants in Edgeville Dungeon for better XP and drops like big bones.
Late Game (Levels 40+)
Complete Dragon Slayer I to unlock the Green D’hide Body, then grab the Maple Shortbow and Adamant Arrows. Finish your setup with the Amulet of Power and Leather Boots. Train on moss giants or ogress shamans for optimal XP and profit.
Tips for Using F2P Ranged Gear Effectively
Gear alone won’t make you a master ranger—here’s how to maximize its potential:
Safespotting
Use obstacles like rocks or walls to attack monsters without taking damage. Moss giants in Varrock Sewers and ogress shamans in Corsair Cove are great safespot targets.
Ammo Conservation
Stick to Iron or Steel Arrows for training to save coins, reserving Adamant Arrows for tougher fights or PvP. Pick up arrows after combat to stretch your supplies.
PvP Considerations
In the Wilderness, pair your Ranged gear with food (like swordfish) and a Strength Potion for hybrid setups with a Rune Scimitar. The Green D’hide set’s Magic Defense helps against mages.
Training Locations
Top F2P Ranged Training Spots:
- Cows/Chickens (Lumbridge): Levels 1-20, safe and easy.
- Hill Giants (Edgeville Dungeon): Levels 20-40, good drops.
- Moss Giants (Varrock Sewers): Levels 40-70, safespottable.
- Ogress Shamans (Corsair Cove): Levels 50+, profitable with safespots.
With this gear and strategy, you’ll be well on your way to 99 Ranged or dominating F2P combat. Happy ranging, and may your arrows fly true in Gielinor!