Ice Barrage Strategy in OSRS: Master the Ultimate Ancient Magicks Spell

Ice Barrage Strategy in OSRS: Master the Ultimate Ancient Magicks Spell


If you’re diving into the world of Old School RuneScape (OSRS) and looking to wield one of the most powerful spells in the game, the Ice Barrage strategy might just be your ticket to domination. Available at level 94 Magic in the Ancient Magicks spellbook, Ice Barrage is the pinnacle of ice-based spells, offering devastating damage and crowd control. Whether you’re training Magic, engaging in PvP, or tackling multi-combat zones, this guide will break down everything you need to know to master the Ice Barrage strategy in OSRS. Let’s explore how to unlock it, optimize your setup, and dominate your foes!

Ice Barrage is the highest-tier ice spell in the Ancient Magicks spellbook, renowned for its ability to deal up to 30 base damage per cast (without boosts) and freeze targets for 19.2 seconds. Its multi-target capability allows it to hit up to nine enemies in a 3×3 grid, making it a favorite for both training and combat scenarios. Unlocking this spell requires completing the Desert Treasure I quest, a rite of passage for any serious mage in OSRS.

Key Features of Ice Barrage

  • Damage: Base max hit of 30, scalable with gear bonuses.
  • Freeze Duration: Immobilizes targets for 19.2 seconds (32 ticks).
  • Multi-Target: Hits up to nine enemies in a 3×3 area.
  • Rune Cost: 4 Blood Runes, 2 Death Runes, 6 Water Runes per cast.

Why Use Ice Barrage?

Players turn to Ice Barrage for its versatility. It’s a powerhouse for gaining Magic XP in multi-combat areas, a game-changer in PvP due to its freezing effect, and a tactical tool in minigames like Castle Wars. Its ability to lock down opponents while dealing significant damage makes it a must-have in any mage’s arsenal.

How to Unlock Ice Barrage in OSRS

Before you can cast Ice Barrage, you’ll need to meet some prerequisites and complete a challenging quest. Here’s how to get started:

Requirements for Ice Barrage

  • Magic Level: 94 (boostable from 90 with a Magic Potion or 85 with an Imbued Heart).
  • Quest: Completion of Desert Treasure I.
  • Spellbook: Access to the Ancient Magicks spellbook (switch via the Pyramid near the Bandit Camp).

Step-by-Step: Completing Desert Treasure I

This quest is no walk in the park, but it’s worth it for Ice Barrage. You’ll face tough bosses like Dessous and Damis, requiring decent combat stats (suggested 70+ in Magic, Attack, and Defense). Bring plenty of supplies—prayer potions, food, and runes—and prepare for a multi-stage adventure across Gielinor. Once completed, head to the Ancient Pyramid to unlock the spellbook and start casting.

Best Gear and Setup for Ice Barrage Strategy

To maximize your Ice Barrage effectiveness, your gear setup is critical. Whether you’re training or fighting, here’s how to optimize your loadout.

Recommended Gear for Magic Training

For training in multi-combat zones like Kruk’s Dungeon, focus on Magic accuracy and prayer bonuses:

Slot Item Notes
Head Slayer Helmet (i) Boosts damage on Slayer tasks.
Cape Imbued God Cape +15 Magic attack bonus.
Body Virtus Robe Top +35 Magic attack, requires 78 Magic/75 Defense.
Legs Virtus Robe Bottom +26 Magic attack.
Weapon Kodai Wand +28 Magic attack, unlimited water runes.
Amulet Occult Necklace +10% Magic damage boost.

PvP Gear Setup

In PvP, prioritize Magic accuracy and defensive stats to survive counterattacks:

  • Weapon: Master Wand or Kodai Wand.
  • Shield: Arcane Spirit Shield for extra Magic defense.
  • Armor: Ahrim’s Robes for a balance of offense and defense.
  • Ring: Seers Ring (i) for Magic attack boosts.

Inventory Tips

Pack prayer potions, food (like sharks or brews), and extra runes. For training, bring a looting bag to collect drops like prayer potions from maniacal monkeys, offsetting costs.

Ice Barrage Training Strategy: Maxing Magic XP

Ice Barrage shines brightest when training Magic in multi-combat zones. Here’s how to rack up insane XP rates—up to 330,000 XP per hour!

Best Location: Kruk’s Dungeon (MM2 Tunnels)

Unlocked during Monkey Madness II, Kruk’s Dungeon is home to maniacal monkeys—perfect targets for Ice Barrage. These aggressive, low-defense NPCs stack tightly, letting you hit the max nine targets per cast.

  • Setup: Use the gear above, pray Protect from Melee (monkeys hit up to 18).
  • Method: Lure monkeys to a single tile, cast Ice Barrage repeatedly, and sip prayer potions as needed.
  • Cost: Expect to spend 14-15M GP per hour, mitigated by drops like bananas and prayer potions.

Alternative Spots

  • MM1 Tunnels: Skeletal monkeys offer slower XP (around 200K/hour) but are cheaper and easier to access.
  • Slayer Tasks: Use Ice Barrage on multi-combat Slayer tasks like Dust Devils or Nechryaels for XP and profit.

Tips for Efficiency

Position yourself to maximize multi-hits—stand where enemies naturally cluster. Use an autocast setup with Kodai Wand to save water runes, and consider Harmony Island teleport tabs for quick banking.

Ice Barrage in PvP: Freezing Your Foes

In the Wilderness or minigames, Ice Barrage transforms you into a PvP nightmare. Its 19.2-second freeze gives you ample time to combo with high-damage specs or let your team pile in.

PvP Strategy Breakdown

  • Initiate: Cast Ice Barrage to freeze your target, preventing escape.
  • Combo: Follow with a Dragon Claw spec or Granite Maul hit for massive damage.
  • Counterplay: Watch for Protect from Magic—switch to melee/ranged if they pray against you.

Castle Wars Tactics

In Castle Wars, Ice Barrage excels at halting flag carriers or pinning multiple enemies. Coordinate with teammates casting Vengeance to reflect damage back at attackers—an old-school “anti-barraging” trick that can one-shot careless foes.

Surviving the Wilderness

Bring mithril seeds to counter “stand under” tactics, and keep Tele Block ready to trap runners. High Magic accuracy ensures your freezes land, so prioritize gear like the Ancestral Robes or Tormented Bracelet.

Mastering the Ice Barrage strategy in OSRS opens up a world of possibilities—whether you’re chasing 99 Magic, dominating PvP, or shining in minigames. It’s expensive and requires preparation, but the payoff is unmatched power and efficiency. Start with the Desert Treasure I quest, gear up, and freeze your way to glory in Gielinor!