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Fletching Broad Bolts in OSRS: A Comprehensive Guide to Efficient Training
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers players a variety of skills to master, and Fletching stands out as one of the fastest and most versatile. Among the many Fletching methods, fletching broad bolts is a popular choice for players looking to level up quickly while potentially turning a profit. Whether you’re an Ironman, a casual player, or someone chasing that coveted 99 Fletching cape, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about fletching broad bolts in OSRS. From requirements and methods to experience rates and profitability, we’ve got you covered.
Broad bolts are a staple in OSRS for both training and combat, offering a unique blend of accessibility, speed, and utility. Unlike some high-level Fletching methods that require rare materials or significant investment, broad bolts strike a balance that appeals to a wide range of players. Here’s why they’re worth considering:
Accessibility for Mid-Level Players
Fletching broad bolts becomes available at level 55 Fletching, making it an excellent mid-tier option. You don’t need to grind to the high 80s or 90s to start seeing decent experience rates, which is a big plus for newer players or those leveling alternate accounts.
Combat Utility
Broad bolts aren’t just for training—they’re also practical in combat. With a Ranged strength bonus of +100 (equivalent to adamant bolts), they’re a cost-effective choice for slaying Turoths and Kurasks, two Slayer monsters that require broad-tipped ammo. This dual-purpose nature makes them a smart investment.
Potential for Profit
While profitability can fluctuate with Grand Exchange prices, fletching broad bolts often yields a small profit or breaks even, unlike faster methods like darts that burn through gold. This makes it a budget-friendly option for players who want to minimize losses while skilling.
Requirements for Fletching Broad Bolts
Before you can start fletching broad bolts, you’ll need to meet a few prerequisites. These ensure you have the skills and unlocks necessary to begin crafting efficiently.
Skill and Slayer Requirements
- Fletching Level: 55
- Slayer Level: 55 (to equip and use broad bolts)
- Ranged Level: 61 (to wield broad bolts with compatible crossbows)
You’ll also need to unlock the “Broader Fletching” perk from a Slayer master, which costs 300 Slayer reward points. This perk is essential as it allows you to combine feathers with unfinished broad bolts.
Materials Needed
The process is straightforward, requiring just two items:
- Unfinished Broad Bolts: Purchase these from Slayer masters or the Grand Exchange.
- Feathers: Easily obtained from shops (like the Port Sarim fishing shop) or the Grand Exchange.
Both items are stackable, making this method inventory-friendly and ideal for multitasking with other activities like Agility or questing.
Recommended Tools
No special tools are required beyond your hands and the materials. However, using mouse keys or playing on OSRS Mobile can significantly boost your efficiency by allowing faster clicks or taps.
How to Fletch Broad Bolts: Step-by-Step Method
Fletching broad bolts is a repetitive but rewarding process. Here’s how to do it efficiently:
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Stock up on unfinished broad bolts and feathers. Slayer masters sell unfinished broad bolts for 55 coins each (or in packs of 100 for 5,500 coins), while feathers typically cost 2-3 coins each on the Grand Exchange. For maximum efficiency, buy in bulk—unfinished broad bolts have a buy limit of 7,000 on the GE, so plan overnight purchases if needed.
Step 2: Unlock Broader Fletching
Visit any Slayer master (like Turael in Burthorpe or Nieve in the Tree Gnome Stronghold) and spend 300 Slayer points to unlock “Broader Fletching.” Without this, you can’t craft broad bolts, so don’t skip this step.
Step 3: Start Fletching
Use the feathers on the unfinished broad bolts (or vice versa). You’ll fletch 10 bolts at a time, earning 3 Fletching XP per bolt, or 30 XP per set. The action takes one game tick (0.6 seconds), but skilled players can complete multiple sets per tick with rapid clicking or mouse keys.
Step 4: Optimize Your Speed
To maximize XP per hour, practice clicking or tapping quickly. On average, players can fletch 180,000 to 240,000 broad bolts per hour, translating to 540,000-720,000 XP. Using mouse keys (e.g., Windows Mouse Keys with numpad shortcuts) or the mobile app’s tap precision can push you toward the higher end of this range.
Experience Rates and Efficiency Tips
Fletching broad bolts offers some of the best mid-tier XP rates in OSRS, making it a go-to method for players aiming for 99 Fletching without breaking the bank. Let’s break down the numbers and how to optimize your training.
XP Per Hour Breakdown
| Efficiency Level | Bolts Per Hour | XP Per Hour |
|---|---|---|
| Basic (Manual Clicking) | 180,000 | 540,000 |
| Advanced (Mouse Keys/Mobile) | 240,000 | 720,000 |
These rates assume consistent clicking. For comparison, fletching darts (like adamant or dragon) can exceed 1 million XP per hour, but at a much higher cost.
Tips to Boost Efficiency
- Use Mouse Keys: Configure your numpad to alternate between clicking feathers and bolts for rapid sets.
- Multitask: Fletch while training Agility, Farming, or during idle quest moments to “hide” the time spent.
- Stockpile Overnight: Buy unfinished broad bolts on the GE overnight to bypass the 7,000 buy limit bottleneck.
- Minimize Distractions: Focus on rhythm to maintain high output, especially without automation.
Cost vs. XP Analysis
At current GE prices (as of April 2025, subject to fluctuation):
- Unfinished broad bolts: ~55-60 gp each
- Feathers: ~2-3 gp each
- Total cost per bolt: ~57-63 gp
- Sell price of broad bolts: ~60-65 gp
This results in a small profit of 2-5 gp per bolt, or a net gain of 360,000-1,200,000 gp per hour at max efficiency. Always check live prices before committing, as margins can shift.
Pros and Cons of Fletching Broad Bolts
Like any training method, fletching broad bolts has its strengths and weaknesses. Weighing these can help you decide if it’s the right fit for your goals.
Advantages
- High XP Rates: Up to 720,000 XP per hour rivals many high-level methods.
- Low Cost or Profitable: Unlike darts or dragon bolts, broad bolts often break even or earn a profit.
- Ironman-Friendly: Supplies are easily bought in bulk from Slayer masters, ideal for self-sufficient accounts.
- Stackable Materials: Perfect for training on the go with minimal inventory management.
Disadvantages
- Click-Intensive: Without mouse keys or mobile optimization, it can strain your hands.
- Slayer Point Barrier: The 300-point unlock can be a hurdle for early-game players.
- Not the Fastest: Methods like dragon darts outpace it, though at a steeper cost.
- Market Dependency: Profit relies on GE prices, which can dip unexpectedly.
Who Should Use This Method?
Fletching broad bolts is ideal for:
- Mid-level players (55-75 Fletching) seeking fast XP without massive investment.
- Ironmen needing ammo for Slayer tasks like Turoths and Kurasks.
- Budget-conscious players who want to avoid the heavy losses of dart fletching.
If you’re chasing the absolute fastest 99 or have millions to spare, higher-tier methods might suit you better.
In conclusion, fletching broad bolts in OSRS is a fantastic option for players balancing speed, cost, and utility. With the right setup and a bit of practice, you can turn this method into a smooth path to 99 Fletching while keeping your coin pouch intact. Grab your feathers, stock up on unfinished bolts, and start crafting today—your Fletching cape awaits!