Best weapons and armor in RuneScape Dragonwilds

In the dangerous and unpredictable world of Dragonwilds, choosing the right weapons and armor can make the difference between victory and defeat. For melee combat, Abyssal Whip and Dragon Scimitar are popular choices due to their speed and strength, while Dragon Dagger (p++) is favored for quick special attacks. Ranged players often rely on Rune Crossbow with Dragon Bolts, or Karil’s Crossbow for high accuracy and damage. Magic users prefer Ancient Staff or Trident of the Seas when casting powerful spells like Ice Barrage for crowd control. Choosing the right weapon depends on your role in battle and your team’s overall strategy.

As for armor, Barrows sets such as Dharok’s or Verac’s provide strong defensive bonuses and special set effects, making them top-tier for experienced players. Black d’hide armor is a solid choice for rangers due to its magic resistance and lightweight stats. Mages benefit from gear like Ahrim’s robes or Mystic robes for boosting magic damage. For riskier fights, some players opt for welfare gear like Rune armor or Monk’s robes to reduce risk upon death. The best loadout balances power, defense, and risk depending on the situation in Dragonwilds.

Why Gear Matters in RuneScape: Dragonwilds

In Dragonwilds, weapons and armor determine your ability to tackle increasingly difficult enemies, from goblins to dragons. Weapons come in melee (swords, clubs, axes), ranged (bows), and magic (staves) types, each tied to skills like Attack, Ranged, and Magic. Armor, crafted at the Crafting Table, provides defensive bonuses and stamina benefits, crucial for prolonged fights. Unlike Old School RuneScape, where dragon equipment like Orikalkum armor is tier 60, Dragonwilds focuses on craftable gear with magical enhancements, reflecting Ashenfall’s anima-infused environment. With enemy difficulty scaling in multiplayer (up to four players), equipping the best gear ensures your team can handle tougher foes and raids.

Crafting Basics for Weapons and Armor

Before diving into the best gear, understanding the crafting system is essential. Crafting in Dragonwilds revolves around the Crafting Table, unlocked by completing Doric’s quest (collecting 4x Ash Logs). Advanced gear requires additional stations like the Spinning Wheel (for Coarse Thread) and Rune Altar (for Runes). Here’s a quick overview:

Crafting Table: Build with 4x Ash Logs. Crafts basic weapons (clubs, axes) and armor (chest, pants).
Spinning Wheel: Unlocked after collecting Flax and speaking to Zanik. Crafts Coarse Thread for bows and advanced armor.
Rune Altar: Unlocked by bringing Zanik 50x Ash Logs. Crafts Runes (e.g., Air, Fire) for magic weapons and spells.
Resources: Gather Ash Logs, Stone, Flax, Rune Essence, and animal drops (fangs, feathers) to craft gear.
Repairs: Use the Crafting Table’s repair screen (costs resources) or unlock Magical Mending (Artisan Level 27) for field repairs.

Note: The game’s early access limits skill levels to 40, affecting gear tiers. Higher-tier items may be added as the roadmap progresses toward the 2026 launch.

Best Weapons in RuneScape: Dragonwilds

Weapons in Dragonwilds are categorized by combat style: melee, ranged, and magic. Each type suits different playstyles and roles in multiplayer (e.g., Fighter, Support). Below, we list the top weapons available in early access, based on damage, accessibility, and utility.

Weapon	Type	Damage/Power	Crafting Requirements	Best Use
Ash Shortbow	Ranged	Power Level 2 (with Fang Arrows)	1x Ash Log, 1x Coarse Thread (Spinning Wheel)	Hunting deer, fighting dragons from a distance
Magic Stave	Magic	Varies (based on Runes)	Rune Essence, Coarse Thread; requires Runecrafting level	Casting elemental spells; versatile for ambushes
Iron Club	Melee	Moderate; scales with Attack level	4x Ash Logs, 2x Iron Ore (Crafting Table)	Early-game melee; reliable for goblins
Iron Axe	Melee	Moderate; dual-purpose	4x Ash Logs, 2x Iron Ore (Crafting Table)	Melee combat and woodcutting; versatile for Gatherers

1. Ash Shortbow

The Ash Shortbow is the best ranged weapon in early access due to its accessibility and effectiveness against distant enemies like deer and dragons. Crafted at the Crafting Table, it requires a Spinning Wheel to produce Coarse Thread from Flax. Pair it with Fang Arrows (crafted from 1x Small Animal Fang, 1x Feather, 1x Ash Log) for higher damage (Power Level 2) compared to Stone Arrows. The bow excels in multiplayer, allowing Fighters to kite enemies while Gatherers collect resources.

How to Unlock: Complete the main quest to unlock the Spinning Wheel (speak to Zanik after collecting Flax). Craft at the Crafting Table.
Strategy: Use Fang Arrows for maximum damage. Hunt chickens for feathers and giant rats for fangs (found in Temple Woods’ ruined windmill). Stockpile 99 arrows (3x crafting batches) for long excursions.
Skill Synergy: Ranged skill progression is planned for future updates, but Attack levels (e.g., Parry at Level 5) enhance combat efficiency.

2. Magic Stave

The Magic Stave is the go-to weapon for magic users, offering versatile ranged attacks using Runes (Air, Fire) as ammo. Crafted at the Crafting Table, it requires Rune Essence (mined from Rune Geisers) and Coarse Thread. While the Magic skill tree is marked “Coming Soon,” the stave’s elemental attacks (e.g., fireballs) make it ideal for Support players casting spells like Fire Spirit (Runecrafting Level 20).

How to Unlock: Level Runecrafting to unlock the stave recipe (requires Rune Altar). Gather Flax for Coarse Thread.
Strategy: Equip Air or Fire Runes for damage; Fire Runes (Runecrafting Level 13) are stronger. Use in multiplayer to support Fighters by attacking from a distance.
Skill Synergy: Runecrafting (e.g., Windstep at Level 8) enhances mobility, making it easier to dodge dragon attacks.

3. Iron Club

The Iron Club is a reliable early-game melee weapon, offering decent damage for goblins and garou. Crafted at the Crafting Table, it’s accessible after mining Iron Ore (requires Mining level). It’s best for Fighters focusing on close-quarters combat, especially when paired with skills like Parry (Attack Level 5).

How to Unlock: Unlock the Crafting Table via Doric’s quest. Mine Iron Ore to craft.
Strategy: Use with a shield for blocking (right-click). Upgrade to a Whetstone (Attack Level 40) to sharpen for increased damage.
Skill Synergy: Attack skills (e.g., Tempest Shield at Level 11) improve survivability in melee fights.

4. Iron Axe

The Iron Axe doubles as a melee weapon and woodcutting tool, making it ideal for hybrid Gatherer/Fighter roles. Its damage is comparable to the Iron Club but shines in utility, allowing players to gather resources while prepared for combat.

How to Unlock: Same as Iron Club; craft at the Crafting Table with Iron Ore.
Strategy: Equip for gathering runs in dangerous biomes (e.g., Emberfang Peaks). Switch to a dedicated weapon for bosses.
Skill Synergy: Woodcutting (e.g., Axtral Projection at Level 11) speeds up resource gathering, freeing time for combat.

Pro Tip: Prioritize the Ash Shortbow for its range and damage, especially in multiplayer, where kiting dragons is safer. Magic Staves are great for Support players but require Runecrafting investment.

Best Armor in RuneScape: Dragonwilds

Armor in Dragonwilds is crafted at the Crafting Table and provides defensive bonuses, stamina reduction, and durability. Early access offers limited armor tiers, with basic sets available in the starting zone (Bramblemead Valley). Below are the top armor sets, focusing on accessibility and effectiveness.

Armor	Type	Bonuses	Crafting Requirements	Best Use
Magic Armor	Light	Magic damage boost; stamina reduction	Flax, Coarse Thread, Runes (Crafting Table)	Support players; casting spells in combat
Iron Armor	Heavy	High defense; stamina reduction	Iron Ore, Ash Logs (Crafting Table)	Fighters; tanking dragon and boss attacks
Basic Cloth Armor	Light	Minor defense; stamina reduction	4x Ash Logs (Crafting Table)	Early-game survival; all roles

1. Magic Armor

Magic Armor is the best choice for Support players or magic-focused Fighters, enhancing spell damage and reducing stamina costs. Crafted with Flax, Coarse Thread, and Runes, it’s tied to the Runecrafting skill and complements the Magic Stave. It’s lightweight, allowing faster movement during ambushes.

How to Unlock: Unlock the Spinning Wheel and Rune Altar. Craft at the Crafting Table after collecting Flax and Runes.
Strategy: Equip for dragon fights to cast spells like Fire Spirit or healing runes. Repair with Magical Mending (Artisan Level 27) for efficiency.
Skill Synergy: Runecrafting (e.g., Essential Strength at Level 27) reduces Rune Essence weight, aiding resource gathering.

2. Iron Armor

Iron Armor is the top heavy armor for Fighters, offering high defense against dragons and world bosses like Azhagor. Crafted with Iron Ore and Ash Logs, it’s durable but heavier, slowing movement slightly. It’s ideal for tanking in multiplayer, protecting Gatherers and Crafters.

How to Unlock: Mine Iron Ore and craft at the Crafting Table after Doric’s quest.
Strategy: Pair with a shield and Iron Club for melee combat. Use in boss fights to absorb damage while Support players heal.
Skill Synergy: Attack (e.g., Melee Weapon Special Actions at Level 8) enhances combat versatility.

Source: GameRant

3. Basic Cloth Armor

Basic Cloth Armor (chest and pants) is the default starting gear, craftable with minimal resources. While it offers minor defense, its low stamina cost makes it viable for early-game survival across all roles.

How to Unlock: Available at the Crafting Table after spawning (4x Ash Logs).
Strategy: Use until Iron or Magic Armor is crafted. Upgrade quickly to avoid wipes in ambushes.
Skill Synergy: Artisan (e.g., -1% Durability Loss per level) extends gear lifespan.

Pro Tip: Magic Armor is best for Support and magic users, while Iron Armor suits Fighters. Upgrade from Basic Cloth Armor as soon as possible to survive raids.

Strategies for Optimizing Gear in Multiplayer

To maximize the effectiveness of these weapons and armor in multiplayer, consider the following strategies:

Role-Based Gear: Assign gear to roles. Fighters wear Iron Armor and wield Iron Clubs or Ash Shortbows, Support players use Magic Armor and Staves, and Gatherers/Crafters carry Iron Axes with Basic Cloth for mobility.
Centralize Resources: Store Iron Ore, Flax, and Runes in communal chests to streamline crafting. Crafters should prioritize Magic Armor for the team’s Support player.
Repair Regularly: Use the Crafting Table or Magical Mending to maintain gear durability, especially after dragon attacks. Stockpile Ash Logs and Iron Ore for repairs.
Coordinate Combat: In dragon fights, Fighters in Iron Armor tank damage, while ranged players with Ash Shortbows and Magic Staves attack from a distance. Support players cast healing or buff runes.
Upgrade Stations: Build a Spinning Wheel and Rune Altar early to unlock advanced gear. Upgrade the Crafting Table (future updates) for higher-tier items.

Note: The early access roadmap promises new skills (e.g., Ranged, Magic) and gear tiers, potentially introducing dragon-themed equipment like Orikalkum armor from Old School RuneScape. Stay updated via the in-game roadmap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the best weapon for early-game survival in RuneScape: Dragonwilds?
A: The Iron Club or Iron Axe is best for early-game melee combat due to their accessibility and decent damage. Craft them at the Crafting Table with Iron Ore.

Q: How do I craft the Ash Shortbow?
A: Unlock the Spinning Wheel by collecting Flax and speaking to Zanik. Craft Coarse Thread, then use 1x Ash Log and 1x Coarse Thread at the Crafting Table. Pair with Fang Arrows for optimal damage.

Q: Is Magic Armor worth crafting over Iron Armor?
A: Magic Armor is better for Support players or magic users, boosting spell damage and mobility. Iron Armor is ideal for Fighters needing high defense in melee combat.

Q: How do I repair weapons and armor?
A: Use the Crafting Table’s repair screen (costs resources like Ash Logs or Iron Ore). At Artisan Level 27, unlock Magical Mending for field repairs using Runes.

Q: Are there higher-tier weapons and armor coming?
A: Yes, the roadmap indicates new skills and gear tiers, potentially including dragon-themed equipment, as the skill cap rises from 40 to 99 by the 2026 launch.

Q: Can I use ranged weapons to level the Ranged skill?
A: Not yet. Ranged skill progression is planned for future updates, but using the Ash Shortbow still improves combat effectiveness.

Q: How do I get Runes for the Magic Stave?
A: Mine Rune Essence from Rune Geisers, then craft Air or Fire Runes at the Rune Altar (unlocked by bringing Zanik 50x Ash Logs).

Conclusion

RuneScape: Dragonwilds offers a thrilling survival experience where the right weapons and armor can make or break your adventure in Ashenfall. The Ash Shortbow stands out for its ranged versatility, perfect for kiting dragons, while the Magic Stave empowers Support players with elemental spells. For melee, the Iron Club and Iron Axe provide reliable early-game damage, and Magic Armor and Iron Armor cater to different playstyles—spellcasting or tanking. By mastering the crafting system, centralizing resources, and coordinating roles in multiplayer, your team can conquer ambushes and bosses like Azhagor. Despite early access limitations (e.g., skill cap at 40, missing Ranged progression), the game’s roadmap promises exciting updates, including new gear tiers and skills. Keep grinding your Attack, Runecrafting, and Artisan skills, stockpile resources, and prepare for the Dragon Queen. Wishlist Dragonwilds on Steam, gather your friends, and forge your legend in this magical, dragon-filled world.