OSRS Best F2P Range Gear: Top Picks for Free-to-Play Rangers
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers an exciting experience for free-to-play (F2P) players, especially those who love to master the art of ranged combat. Whether you’re taking down Hill Giants or facing off against other players in the Wilderness, having the best F2P range gear can make all the difference. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top ranged equipment available in OSRS’s free-to-play worlds, how to get them, and why they’re essential for your journey. Let’s dive into the world of F2P ranging and optimize your setup!
Ranged combat is a versatile and powerful skill in OSRS, allowing players to attack from a distance while avoiding melee retaliation. For F2P players, the options are more limited compared to members, but the available gear is still highly effective when used correctly. The right equipment boosts your accuracy, damage, and survivability, making it easier to train, complete quests, or dominate in PvP scenarios like Clan Wars or the Wilderness.
Key Benefits of Optimizing Your Range Gear
- Increased Accuracy: Higher ranged attack bonuses mean fewer missed shots.
- Improved Damage: Better weapons and ammo maximize your hits.
- Enhanced Survivability: Some gear offers defensive bonuses to keep you alive longer.
- Efficiency: The right setup speeds up training and resource gathering.
Limitations of F2P Ranged Options
While F2P lacks access to high-end items like the Toxic Blowpipe or Armadyl Armour, the gear available is budget-friendly and accessible through crafting, shops, or monster drops. Understanding these limitations helps you focus on maximizing what’s available.
Best F2P Ranged Weapons
Your weapon is the cornerstone of your ranged setup. In F2P, the choices boil down to bows and crossbows, each with unique strengths. Here’s a breakdown of the best options.
Maple Shortbow: The Top-Tier Choice
The Maple Shortbow is widely regarded as the best F2P ranged weapon due to its balance of speed and power. With an attack speed of 3 ticks (1.8 seconds on Rapid), it outpaces longbows and delivers consistent damage.
- Requirements: 30 Ranged
- Ranged Attack Bonus: +29
- How to Get: Purchase from Lowe’s Archery Emporium in Varrock for 400 coins or craft with 50 Fletching using a maple log and bowstring.
- Why It’s Great: Affordable, fast, and pairs well with higher-tier arrows.
Adamant Arrows: Maximizing Damage
Ammo matters just as much as the bow. Adamant Arrows are the strongest arrows available in F2P, offering a significant boost to your max hit.
- Requirements: 30 Ranged (to use with Maple Shortbow)
- Ranged Strength Bonus: +31
- How to Get: Craft with 75 Fletching using adamant arrowtips and headless arrows, or buy from the Grand Exchange.
- Why It’s Great: High damage output for tougher foes like Moss Giants or PvP opponents.
Crossbow Alternatives: Phoenix Crossbow
For a one-handed option, the Phoenix Crossbow stands out. It’s lighter than the standard Crossbow and pairs with a shield for added defense.
- Requirements: 1 Ranged
- Ranged Attack Bonus: +6
- How to Get: Buy from the Grand Exchange or trade with players.
- Why It’s Great: Useful for hybrid setups or safe-spotting with a shield.
Top F2P Ranged Armour
Armour in F2P not only provides defense but also boosts your ranged attack. The best pieces come from the Green Dragonhide set, offering a perfect mix of offense and protection.
Green D’hide Body: Best Chest Slot
The Green D’hide Body is the pinnacle of F2P ranged armour, requiring completion of the Dragon Slayer I quest to wear.
- Requirements: 40 Ranged, 40 Defence, Dragon Slayer I completed
- Ranged Attack Bonus: +15
- Defensive Bonuses: +40 Stab, +32 Slash, +45 Crush, +20 Magic, +40 Ranged
- How to Get: Buy from Oziach in Edgeville for 7,800 coins or the Grand Exchange.
- Why It’s Great: Top-tier ranged bonus and solid defense against melee attacks.
Green D’hide Chaps: Leg Slot Essential
Green D’hide Chaps complement the body perfectly, boosting your ranged capabilities further.
- Requirements: 40 Ranged
- Ranged Attack Bonus: +8
- Defensive Bonuses: +22 Stab, +16 Slash, +24 Crush, +18 Magic, +22 Ranged
- How to Get: Buy from the Champions’ Guild for 3,900 coins or the Grand Exchange.
- Why It’s Great: Lightweight with a decent ranged boost.
Coif: Head Slot Staple
The Coif is the best F2P headgear for rangers, offering a small but valuable ranged bonus.
- Requirements: 20 Ranged
- Ranged Attack Bonus: +2
- Defensive Bonuses: +4 Stab, +6 Slash, +8 Crush, -1 Magic, +4 Ranged
- How to Get: Craft with 38 Crafting using soft leather or buy from the Champions’ Guild for 200 coins.
- Why It’s Great: Affordable and effective for early-to-mid game ranging.
Green D’hide Vambraces: Hand Slot Winner
Green D’hide Vambraces round out the set, providing a slight edge in accuracy.
- Requirements: 40 Ranged
- Defensive Bonuses: +3 Stab, +2 Slash, +4 Crush, +6 Magic, +3 Ranged
- How to Get: Buy from the Champions’ Guild for 2,500 coins or the Grand Exchange.
- Why It’s Great: Best-in-slot gloves for ranged attack in F2P.
Ranged Attack Bonus: +8
Accessories and Miscellaneous Gear
Accessories might not seem as critical, but they can refine your setup and give you an edge in combat.
Amulet of Power: Versatile Boost
The Amulet of Power is the best all-around necklace in F2P, offering a small ranged bonus alongside other stats.
- Ranged Attack Bonus: +6
- Other Bonuses: +6 to Melee Attack/Strength, +6 Defence (all styles), +1 Prayer
- How to Get: Craft with 70 Crafting using a diamond and gold bar, then enchant with 57 Magic, or buy from the Grand Exchange.
- Why It’s Great: Balances offense and defense for hybrid situations.
Leather Boots: Subtle Defence
Leather Boots are the best footwear for rangers in F2P, avoiding the negative ranged penalties of alternatives like Fancy Boots.
- Defensive Bonuses: +1 Stab, +1 Slash, +1 Crush, +1 Ranged
- How to Get: Craft with 1 Crafting using soft leather or buy from the Grand Exchange.
- Why It’s Great: Cheap and no negative impact on ranged accuracy.
Cape: Basic but Effective
A standard Cape (any color) is your best bet in F2P, as team capes add unnecessary weight.
- Defensive Bonuses: +1 Stab, +1 Slash, +1 Crush, +2 Magic, +1 Ranged
- How to Get: Buy from the Varrock Clothing Shop for 30 coins.
- Why It’s Great: Lightweight with minor defensive perks.
F2P Ranged Gear Table: Quick Reference
| Slot | Item | Ranged Attack Bonus | Requirements | How to Get |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weapon | Maple Shortbow | +29 | 30 Ranged | Lowe’s Archery Emporium (400 coins) |
| Ammo | Adamant Arrows | +31 Strength | 30 Ranged | Craft (75 Fletching) or Grand Exchange |
| Head | Coif | +2 | 20 Ranged | Champions’ Guild (200 coins) |
| Chest | Green D’hide Body | +15 | 40 Ranged, 40 Defence, Dragon Slayer I | Oziach (7,800 coins) |
| Legs | Green D’hide Chaps | +8 | 40 Ranged | Champions’ Guild (3,900 coins) |
| Hands | Green D’hide Vambraces | +8 | 40 Ranged | Champions’ Guild (2,500 coins) |
| Neck | Amulet of Power | +6 | None | Craft (70 Crafting, 57 Magic) or Grand Exchange |
| Feet | Leather Boots | 0 | None | Craft (1 Crafting) or Grand Exchange |
| Cape | Cape | 0 | None | Varrock Clothing Shop (30 coins) |
How to Use Your F2P Range Gear Effectively
Having the best gear is only half the battle—knowing how to use it is key. Here are some tips to maximize your ranged potential in F2P.
Training Spots for Ranged Combat
- Hill Giants (Edgeville Dungeon): Great for mid-level training with safe spots.
- Moss Giants (Varrock Sewers): Higher XP rates and decent drops like mossy keys.
- Ogress Shamans (Corsair Cove): Profitable with safe-spotting options.
PvP Tips with F2P Range Gear
In PvP, speed and accuracy are crucial. Use the Maple Shortbow’s Rapid attack style for quick hits, and switch to Accurate for a +3 invisible boost when landing critical strikes. Pair with the Green D’hide set for defense against melee foes, and safe-spot when possible in the Wilderness.
Budget Alternatives for New Players
If you’re just starting, opt for a Shortbow (10 Ranged, +8 attack bonus) and Iron Arrows (+10 strength) from Lowe’s shop. Pair with Leather Armour (available from the Grand Exchange) until you can afford Green D’hide gear.
With this gear and knowledge, you’re ready to take on Gielinor’s challenges as an F2P ranger. Whether you’re training to 99 Ranged or dominating PvP, these items will carry you far. Happy ranging!