The Ultimate Guide to the OSRS Hunters’ Sunlight Crossbow: Stats, Uses, and More

The Ultimate Guide to the OSRS Hunters’ Sunlight Crossbow: Stats, Uses, and More


Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is packed with exciting weapons, but few have made as big an impact in the midgame as the Hunters’ Sunlight Crossbow. Introduced with the Varlamore update in March 2024, this upgraded ranged weapon has quickly become a favorite for adventurers and ironmen alike. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just diving into the Hunter Guild’s offerings, this guide will break down everything you need to know about the Hunters’ Sunlight Crossbow—from its stats and crafting requirements to its practical uses in combat. Let’s explore why this crossbow is a game-changer and how it can elevate your OSRS experience.

The Hunters’ Sunlight Crossbow is an enhanced version of the base Hunters’ Crossbow in OSRS. It’s a one-handed ranged weapon that blends speed, power, and accessibility, making it a standout choice for players looking to optimize their combat setups without breaking the bank. Released as part of the Hunter Guild content in Varlamore, this weapon ties into the region’s hunting-themed mechanics, requiring both Ranged and Hunter skills to wield effectively.

Origins and Lore

Crafted from the horn of a sunlight antelope, this crossbow reflects the rugged ingenuity of Varlamore’s hunters. The sunlight antelope, a creature native to the region, drops antlers that skilled fletchers transform into this powerful weapon. It’s a testament to OSRS’s ability to weave skilling and combat into a cohesive gameplay loop.

Key Requirements

To wield the Hunters’ Sunlight Crossbow, you’ll need:

  • 66 Ranged: A moderate requirement that fits nicely into midgame progression.
  • 50 Hunter: Ties it to the Hunter skill, encouraging players to engage with Varlamore’s content.
  • 74 Fletching: Required to craft the crossbow by combining a Hunters’ Crossbow with a sunlight antelope antler and a chisel.

These stats make it accessible to a wide range of players, particularly those advancing through the midgame or building ironman accounts.

Stats and Performance of the Hunters’ Sunlight Crossbow

The Hunters’ Sunlight Crossbow isn’t just a shiny new toy—it’s a practical weapon with stats that rival some of the game’s more established ranged options. Let’s dive into what makes it tick.

Base Stats

Here’s a quick rundown of its core attributes:

Attribute Value
Attack Speed 4 ticks (2.4 seconds, or 1.8 on Rapid)
Ranged Accuracy +79
Ammo Types Sunlight Bolts (+55 Ranged Strength), Moonlight Bolts (+60 Ranged Strength)
Attack Range 8 tiles

The 4-tick attack speed matches that of a Magic Shortbow (i), while its +79 Ranged Accuracy edges out the MSB(i)’s +75. Paired with its unique bolts, it delivers a punch that’s hard to ignore.

Comparison to Other Weapons

How does it stack up against popular alternatives? Let’s compare:

  • Magic Shortbow (i): Similar attack speed, but the crossbow’s Moonlight Bolts (+60 Ranged Strength) outdamage Amethyst Arrows (+55), and it supports an offhand slot.
  • Rune Crossbow: Slower (5 ticks) and less accurate (+78), though it can use stronger bolts like Dragon Bolts. The Hunters’ Sunlight Crossbow wins for speed and cost-efficiency.
  • Toxic Blowpipe: Far superior DPS, but it’s expensive to run and requires Zulrah scales. The crossbow is a budget-friendly alternative.

For midgame players or ironmen skipping Barrows for Song of the Elves, this crossbow offers a sweet spot of power and affordability.

How to Obtain the Hunters’ Sunlight Crossbow

Getting your hands on this weapon involves a mix of combat, hunting, and crafting. Here’s the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Acquire a Hunters’ Crossbow

The base Hunters’ Crossbow is purchased from Leon in Yanille for 1,300 coins. It requires 50 Ranged to wield and serves as the foundation for the upgrade.

Step 2: Hunt Sunlight Antelopes

Head to Varlamore and hunt sunlight antelopes using pitfall traps (50 Hunter required). These creatures drop sunlight antelope antlers, the key ingredient for the upgrade. Expect a moderate grind, as the drop isn’t guaranteed.

Step 3: Craft the Crossbow

With 74 Fletching, combine the Hunters’ Crossbow, a sunlight antelope antler, and a chisel in your inventory. The result? Your very own Hunters’ Sunlight Crossbow.

Bolt Crafting

You’ll also need ammo:

  • Sunlight Bolts: Crafted from sunlight antelope horns (lower-tier option).
  • Moonlight Bolts: Made from moonlight antelope horns, offering +60 Ranged Strength for maximum damage.

Both bolts are relatively cheap on the Grand Exchange, with Moonlight Bolts often costing less than Amethyst Arrows, making this weapon economical to use.

Best Uses for the Hunters’ Sunlight Crossbow

This crossbow shines in specific scenarios, particularly for midgame players and ironmen. Here’s where it excels:

Slayer Tasks

With its fast attack speed and solid accuracy, the Hunters’ Sunlight Crossbow is a budget-friendly alternative to the Toxic Blowpipe for Slayer. It performs well against low-to-medium defense monsters like Lizardman Shamans or Basilisk Knights, especially when paired with Moonlight Bolts.

PvM on a Budget

For players avoiding high-cost gear like the Bow of Faerdhinen, this crossbow offers decent DPS—around 85% of a Bowfa’s output against squishy targets when paired with a Twisted Buckler. It’s a great stepping stone before endgame upgrades.

Ironman Meta

Ironmen love this weapon for its accessibility and one-handed design. Pair it with an offhand like the Book of Law for prayer bonus or an Odium Ward for extra damage. It’s a direct upgrade from the Magic Shortbow (i) and fits perfectly into the midgame grind toward Song of the Elves or God Wars.

Tips and Tricks for Maximizing the Hunters’ Sunlight Crossbow

To get the most out of this weapon, consider these strategies:

Optimize Your Gear

Boost its potential with the right setup:

  • Offhand: Twisted Buckler for max DPS, or Book of Law for prayer sustainability.
  • Armor: Blessed D’hide or Armadyl gear to maximize Ranged bonuses.
  • Prayers: Eagle Eye or Rigour to push accuracy and damage higher.

Stock Up on Bolts

Moonlight Bolts are the way to go for serious combat, but don’t sleep on Sunlight Bolts for training or low-stakes tasks. Their lower cost makes them perfect for casual use.

Combine with Skilling

Since it’s tied to Hunter and Fletching, integrate crossbow crafting into your skilling routine. Hunt antelopes for XP and profit, then fletch bolts to level up while preparing for combat.

Know Its Limits

While powerful, it falls short against high-defense targets like those in God Wars or Chambers of Xeric. Use it as a midgame tool, not an endgame replacement for Blowpipe or Bowfa.

By April 9, 2025, the Hunters’ Sunlight Crossbow remains a staple in the OSRS meta, especially for players balancing cost and performance. Its blend of speed, accessibility, and utility ensures it’s not just a niche weapon but a versatile option for countless adventures. Whether you’re slaying monsters, tackling quests, or building an ironman empire, this crossbow deserves a spot in your arsenal. Ready to give it a shot? Head to Varlamore and start hunting!