OSRS Ava’s Device: The Ultimate Guide to Unlocking and Using This Essential Ranged Gear

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), optimizing your gear is key to mastering combat, and Ava’s Device stands out as a must-have for ranged enthusiasts. Whether you’re training Slayer, tackling bosses, or simply exploring Gielinor, this handy item saves time and resources by automatically retrieving your ammunition. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about Ava’s Device—how to unlock it, its upgrades, benefits, and tips for making the most of it. Let’s get started!
Ava’s Device is a series of back-slot items in OSRS designed to enhance your ranged experience. Introduced as part of the Animal Magnetism quest, these devices automatically pick up most of your fired ammunition, reducing the hassle of manually collecting arrows, bolts, or other projectiles. Beyond convenience, they offer small but valuable ranged bonuses, making them a staple for any ranged-focused player.
Origins of Ava’s Device
Ava’s Device originates from the quirky NPC Ava, a scientist residing in Draynor Manor. Completing her quest, Animal Magnetism, unlocks the first version of the device. It’s a reward that ties into the game’s lore, blending humor with practical utility—a hallmark of OSRS’s charm.
Versions of Ava’s Device
There are three main versions of Ava’s Device, each tied to your progress in the game:
- Ava’s Attractor: The entry-level version for players with a Ranged level below 50.
- Ava’s Accumulator: An upgraded version for those with 50+ Ranged, offering better bonuses.
- Ava’s Assembler: The top-tier version, requiring the Dragon Slayer II quest and additional items.
How to Unlock Ava’s Device
Getting your hands on Ava’s Device starts with the Animal Magnetism quest. This mid-level quest is accessible to most players and provides a solid foundation for ranged training. Here’s how to unlock it step-by-step.
Animal Magnetism Quest Requirements
Before you can claim Ava’s Device, you’ll need to meet these prerequisites:
- Skills: 18 Slayer, 19 Crafting, 30 Ranged, 35 Woodcutting.
- Quests: Completion of The Restless Ghost and Ernest the Chicken.
- Items: Mithril axe, 5 iron bars, hammer, ghostspeak amulet, 20 ecto-tokens (or resources to make them), holy symbol, polished buttons, and a hard leather.
Quest Walkthrough Summary
The Animal Magnetism quest involves helping Ava with her experiments. You’ll gather materials, craft a few items, and navigate Draynor Manor’s spooky halls. Key steps include:
- Speaking to Ava in Draynor Manor.
- Obtaining undead chickens and crafting a container.
- Defeating an animated tree spirit (level 30).
- Delivering the finished device components to Ava.
Upon completion, you’ll receive Ava’s Attractor if your Ranged level is below 50, or Ava’s Accumulator if it’s 50 or higher.
Upgrading Ava’s Device
Once you’ve got the base device, upgrading it unlocks better stats and functionality. Here’s how to take it to the next level.
From Attractor to Accumulator
If you start with Ava’s Attractor and hit 50 Ranged, return to Ava with 75 steel arrows and 999 coins (or 75 arrows and an Ava’s Accumulator if replacing a lost one). She’ll upgrade it to the Accumulator, boosting its ranged attack bonus from +0 to +4 and adding a +2 ranged strength bonus.
Unlocking Ava’s Assembler
Ava’s Assembler is the pinnacle of this gear line, offering superior stats and ammo retention. To upgrade to the Assembler, you’ll need:
- Quest: Completion of Dragon Slayer II.
- Items: Ava’s Accumulator and Vorkath’s head (obtained from defeating Vorkath, with a 1/50 drop rate).
- Cost: 75 mithril arrows and 4,999 coins (for replacement if lost).
The Assembler provides a +8 ranged attack bonus and +2 ranged strength, plus an increased ammo retrieval rate.
Benefits and Mechanics of Ava’s Device
Ava’s Device isn’t just a cosmetic item—it’s a game-changer for ranged combat. Let’s break down its perks and how it works.
Ammo Retrieval Mechanics
The core feature of Ava’s Device is its ability to retrieve ammunition. Here’s how it operates:
- Retrieval Rate: Recovers about 72% of your ammo (Assembler slightly higher).
- Compatible Ammo: Works with arrows, bolts, javelins, and throwing knives (but not chinchompas or similar explosives).
- Behavior: Ammo is either returned to your quiver or dropped at your feet if your inventory is full.
This mechanic saves millions of GP over time, especially when using expensive ammo like dragon arrows or amethyst bolts.
Stat Bonuses Comparison
Each version of Ava’s Device offers unique stats. Here’s a quick comparison:
Device | Ranged Attack Bonus | Ranged Strength Bonus | Requirements |
---|---|---|---|
Ava’s Attractor | +0 | +0 | Animal Magnetism, Ranged < 50 |
Ava’s Accumulator | +4 | +2 | Animal Magnetism, Ranged 50+ |
Ava’s Assembler | +8 | +2 | Dragon Slayer II, Vorkath’s head |
Additional Perks
Beyond ammo retrieval, Ava’s Device doubles as a decent back-slot item for mid-to-late game players. It’s lightweight (0.453 kg) and provides a small prayer bonus (+1 for Assembler), making it versatile for various setups.
Tips for Maximizing Ava’s Device in OSRS
To get the most out of Ava’s Device, consider these practical tips for training, bossing, and general gameplay.
Best Uses for Ranged Training
Ava’s Device shines in ranged training spots like the Nightmare Zone, Slayer tasks, or cannon setups. Pair it with a blowpipe or crossbow for efficient XP gains while minimizing ammo costs. For low-level players, the Attractor is perfect for training at crabs or the Chaos Temple.
Bossing with Ava’s Device
For boss fights like Vorkath, Zulrah, or the Fight Caves, the Assembler is invaluable. Its high retrieval rate and stat bonuses make it a top choice over capes like the Fire Cape in certain scenarios. Always check if the boss’s mechanics (e.g., Jad’s prayer switches) align with your gear setup.
Managing Lost Devices
If you lose your device (e.g., in the Wilderness), don’t panic. Return to Ava with the required items and GP to replace it. For the Assembler, dying in an instanced area like Vorkath keeps it safe, but untradeable status means you’ll need to reclaim it manually if lost elsewhere.
Combining with Other Gear
Ava’s Device pairs well with items like the Toxic Blowpipe, Armadyl Crossbow, or Twisted Bow. For maximum efficiency, use it alongside a Slayer helmet on-task or a Max Cape for endgame players needing extra utility. Avoid using it with chinchompas, as the device won’t retrieve them.
Whether you’re a beginner sniping chickens or an endgame player taking on Vorkath, Ava’s Device is an essential tool in OSRS. Unlocking it early sets you up for long-term success, saving GP and boosting your ranged prowess. Start the Animal Magnetism quest today, and take your ranged game to the next level!