Best Bolts for Dragons in OSRS: Top Picks for Slaying Draconic Foes

Best Bolts for Dragons in OSRS: Top Picks for Slaying Draconic Foes


If you’re an Old School RuneScape (OSRS) player looking to take down dragons efficiently, choosing the right bolts for your crossbow is key. Dragons like Vorkath, Rune Dragons, and even the humble Green Dragons can be tough nuts to crack, but with the right ammunition, you’ll be raking in loot in no time. In this guide, we’ll explore the best bolts for dragons in OSRS, breaking down their strengths, special effects, and ideal use cases. Whether you’re a seasoned dragon slayer or just starting out, this post will help you optimize your ranged setup for maximum efficiency.

Bolts are the lifeblood of any crossbow user in OSRS, and when it comes to dragons, they can make or break your trip. Dragons often have high defense and hitpoints, and many deal devastating dragonfire damage. The right bolts not only boost your damage output but can also trigger special effects to give you an edge. Pairing these with a strong crossbow like the Dragon Hunter Crossbow (DHCB) can turn a grueling fight into a smooth slaying session.

Key Factors in Choosing Bolts for Dragons

  • Ranged Strength: Higher ranged strength means more raw damage per hit.
  • Special Effects: Enchanted bolts can proc effects like extra damage or healing, which are clutch against dragons.
  • Cost Efficiency: Some bolts are pricey—balancing power and affordability is crucial.
  • Dragonbane Bonus: The DHCB’s bonus damage against dragons pairs best with high-strength bolts.

Top 5 Best Bolts for Dragons in OSRS

FTB Infinity Dragon Slaying Draconic Energy 9 YouTube

Let’s dive into the cream of the crop—the bolts that’ll have you dominating dragons like a pro. These picks are based on their performance against draconic foes, availability, and overall value.

1. Dragon Bolts (Unenchanted)

Dragon Bolts are the pinnacle of non-enchanted bolts in OSRS, boasting a massive +122 Ranged Strength. When paired with the Dragon Hunter Crossbow, they deliver unmatched raw damage against dragons. They’re craftable with 84 Fletching by attaching Dragon Bolt Tips to Runite Bolts, or you can snag them from the Grand Exchange.

  • Pros: Highest base damage, no enchantment needed, works with any high-tier crossbow.
  • Cons: Expensive (around 1k GP each), no special effects.
  • Best For: General dragon slaying, especially Vorkath or Rune Dragons.

2. Ruby Dragon Bolts (e)

Ruby Dragon Bolts (e) combine the +122 Ranged Strength of Dragon Bolts with the Blood Forfeit effect. This has a 11% chance (6% in PvP) to deal 20% of the target’s current HP as extra damage, capped at 100, while sacrificing 10% of your own HP. Against high-HP dragons like Vorkath, this can chunk them early in the fight.

  • Pros: Massive burst damage, great for early fight phases.
  • Cons: Self-damage can be risky, less effective as HP drops.
  • Best For: Vorkath, King Black Dragon (KBD), or other high-HP dragons.

3. Diamond Dragon Bolts (e)

Diamond Dragon Bolts (e) offer +122 Ranged Strength and the Armour Piercing effect, with a 10% chance (5% in PvP) to ignore the target’s defense and boost max hit by 15%. This is a game-changer against dragons with sky-high defense like Rune Dragons or Mithril Dragons.

  • Pros: Guaranteed hits with bonus damage, excels vs. high-defense targets.
  • Cons: Costly (around 1.5k GP each), situational proc.
  • Best For: Rune Dragons, Mithril Dragons, or tanky dragons.

4. Dragonstone Dragon Bolts (e)

Dragonstone Dragon Bolts (e) also have +122 Ranged Strength and feature the Dragon’s Breath effect. This has a 6% chance to deal 20% of the target’s max HP as dragonfire damage (capped at 25), bypassing defense. However, it’s useless against dragons with dragonfire immunity (most of them), making it situational.

  • Pros: High potential damage, strong in PvP or non-dragonfire-immune foes.
  • Cons: Ineffective vs. most dragons due to immunity.
  • Best For: Non-dragon PvM or PvP, not ideal for dragon slaying.

5. Onyx Dragon Bolts (e)

Onyx Dragon Bolts (e) bring +122 Ranged Strength and the Life Leech effect, with an 11% chance (10% in PvP) to deal 20% extra damage and heal you for 25% of the damage dealt. While expensive (around 8k GP each), the healing can be a lifesaver during long dragon fights.

  • Pros: Healing effect boosts survivability, high damage.
  • Cons: Extremely costly, overkill for most dragons.
  • Best For: Solo Vorkath runs or prolonged dragon fights.

Comparing Bolt Performance: A Handy Table

To make your decision easier, here’s a quick comparison of these top bolts tailored for dragon slaying in OSRS:

Bolt Type Ranged Strength Special Effect Cost (GP) Best Dragon Target
Dragon Bolts +122 None ~1,000 Vorkath, Rune Dragons
Ruby Dragon Bolts (e) +122 Blood Forfeit (20% HP dmg) ~1,200 Vorkath, KBD
Diamond Dragon Bolts (e) +122 Armour Piercing (15% max hit) ~1,500 Rune Dragons, Mithril Dragons
Dragonstone Dragon Bolts (e) +122 Dragon’s Breath (20% max HP) ~1,300 Non-dragon foes
Onyx Dragon Bolts (e) +122 Life Leech (20% dmg + heal) ~8,000 Vorkath (solo)

Budget-Friendly Alternatives for Dragon Slaying

Not everyone can afford to sling Dragon Bolts like they’re going out of style. If you’re on a budget but still want to tackle dragons, here are some solid alternatives.

Broad Bolts

Broad Bolts are dirt cheap (around 50 GP each) with a respectable +100 Ranged Strength. They’re a go-to for training or low-budget dragon runs, especially with the DHCB’s dragonbane bonus.

  • Pros: Affordable, decent damage, easy to stockpile.
  • Cons: No special effects, lower damage ceiling.
  • Best For: Green Dragons, Bronze/Iron Dragons.

Runite Bolts

Runite Bolts offer +115 Ranged Strength and are a middle ground between Broad and Dragon Bolts. At around 100-150 GP each, they’re a cost-effective step-up for mid-tier dragon fights.

  • Pros: Strong damage, affordable, craftable (88 Smithing, 69 Fletching).
  • Cons: No special effects.
  • Best For: Steel Dragons, mid-level dragon tasks.

Tips for Maximizing Bolt Efficiency Against Dragons

Choosing the right bolts is only half the battle. Here’s how to get the most out of your dragon-slaying adventures in OSRS.

Pair with the Dragon Hunter Crossbow

The DHCB’s 25% damage and accuracy boost against dragons is a must-have. It amplifies the effectiveness of any bolt, especially high-strength ones like Dragon or Diamond Dragon Bolts (e).

Use Antifire Protection

Dragons hit hard with dragonfire, so always pack an Antifire Potion or Dragonfire Shield. This lets you focus on dealing damage without worrying about getting roasted.

Boost Your Ranged Stats

Potions like Ranging Potions or prayers like Rigour can push your damage higher. Combine these with your bolts’ special effects for devastating results.

Switch Bolts Strategically

Start with Ruby Dragon Bolts (e) to chunk a dragon’s HP, then switch to Diamond or plain Dragon Bolts for consistent damage as the fight progresses.

Final Thoughts on the Best Bolts for Dragons in OSRS

When it comes to slaying dragons in OSRS, Dragon Bolts and their enchanted variants reign supreme. For raw power, unenchanted Dragon Bolts are hard to beat, while Ruby and Diamond Dragon Bolts (e) offer situational burst and defense-piercing potential. If you’re balling on a budget, Broad or Runite Bolts get the job done without breaking the bank. Pair your bolts with the Dragon Hunter Crossbow, some antifire gear, and a solid strategy, and you’ll be a dragon-slaying legend in no time.

Which bolts do you swear by for dragons? Drop your thoughts below, and happy hunting in Gielinor!