OSRS Onyx Bolt E Guide Best Uses and Strategies
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the Onyx Bolt (e) is a powerful and often underutilized item that can turn the tide in combat scenarios. Known for their high cost and unique special effect, these enchanted bolts offer strategic advantages for players who know how to wield them effectively. Whether you’re a PvP enthusiast, a PvE grinder, or simply curious about this premium ammunition, this guide dives into everything you need to know about Onyx Bolts (e), from their mechanics to practical applications.
Onyx Bolts (e) are enchanted crossbow bolts in OSRS, created by enchanting Onyx Bolts with the Enchant Crossbow Bolt (Onyx) spell, requiring 87 Magic and the appropriate runes. These bolts are notable for their Life Leech special effect, which has a chance to deal extra damage and heal the user based on the damage inflicted.
How the Life Leech Effect Works
The Life Leech effect activates randomly when firing Onyx Bolts (e). When triggered, it boosts the damage dealt by up to 20% and heals the player for 25% of the damage inflicted. For example, if you hit a 40, the effect could increase it to 48 and heal you for 12 hitpoints. This makes the bolts particularly valuable in prolonged fights where sustainability is key.
Requirements for Using Onyx Bolts (e)
To use Onyx Bolts (e), you need:
- Ranged Level: 60 or higher to equip a crossbow compatible with Onyx Bolts.
- Crossbow: A rune crossbow or better (e.g., Armadyl Crossbow, Dragon Hunter Crossbow).
- Magic Level: 87 to enchant the bolts, or you can purchase pre-enchanted bolts from the Grand Exchange.
Cost Considerations
Onyx Bolts (e) are expensive, typically costing around 8,000-9,000 GP each on the Grand Exchange. Their high price stems from the cost of raw Onyx Bolts (requiring an onyx gem) and the niche demand for their effect. Players must weigh the cost against the benefits, especially for frequent use.
Crafting and Enchanting Onyx Bolts (e)
Crafting Onyx Bolts (e) is a multi-step process that requires both Fletching and Magic skills. Here’s how to make them from scratch.
Step-by-Step Crafting Process
- Obtain Onyx Tips: Cut an onyx gem (purchased from the Grand Exchange or obtained from high-level PvM) into bolt tips using a chisel, requiring 73 Fletching. This yields 24 bolt tips per gem.
- Create Onyx Bolts: Combine the onyx bolt tips with rune bolts (unf) at 69 Fletching to make Onyx Bolts.
- Enchant the Bolts: Use the Enchant Crossbow Bolt (Onyx) spell, which requires 87 Magic, 20 fire runes, 1 cosmic rune, and 1 death rune per 10 bolts.
Experience Gains
Crafting and enchanting Onyx Bolts (e) offers modest experience:
| Activity | Skill | Experience per Action |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting Onyx into Bolt Tips | Fletching | 7.5 XP per tip (180 XP per gem) |
| Making Onyx Bolts | Fletching | 9.4 XP per bolt |
| Enchanting Onyx Bolts | Magic | 97 XP per 10 bolts |
Is Crafting Worth It?
Crafting Onyx Bolts (e) can be profitable if you source materials at a discount or obtain onyx gems through PvM (e.g., from Zulrah or the Chambers of Xeric). However, buying pre-made bolts from the Grand Exchange is often more convenient for players focused on combat rather than skilling.
Best Uses for Onyx Bolts (e) in Combat
The Life Leech effect makes Onyx Bolts (e) versatile for specific combat scenarios. Here’s where they shine.
PvP Situations
In player-versus-player combat, Onyx Bolts (e) are a high-risk, high-reward choice. Their ability to heal can catch opponents off guard, especially in edge-style fights or deep Wilderness PKing. Use them with a high-damage crossbow like the Armadyl Crossbow to maximize the effect’s potential.
High-Level PvE Encounters
For PvE, Onyx Bolts (e) are effective against high-hitpoint bosses where sustained healing reduces reliance on food. Examples include:
- Zulrah: The bolts’ healing can offset chip damage during rotations.
- Vorkath: Useful for extended trips to conserve supplies.
- Chambers of Xeric: Helps maintain health during long raids.
Switching Strategy
Due to their cost, many players use Onyx Bolts (e) as a switch item, firing them only when the Life Leech effect is likely to proc (e.g., when low on health). Pair them with cheaper bolts like Diamond Bolts (e) for armor piercing or Broad Bolts for general use.
Comparing Onyx Bolts (e) to Other Bolts
To understand the value of Onyx Bolts (e), let’s compare them to other popular enchanted bolts.
Onyx Bolts (e) vs. Dragon Bolts (e)
Dragon Bolts (e) have a Dragon’s Breath effect that deals area-of-effect damage, making them ideal for multi-target fights. However, Onyx Bolts (e) are better for single-target sustainability due to their healing mechanic.
Onyx Bolts (e) vs. Diamond Bolts (e)
Diamond Bolts (e) offer an armor-piercing effect, increasing damage against high-defense targets. While cheaper and more consistent, they lack the healing of Onyx Bolts (e), making them less suited for prolonged engagements.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Bolt Type | Approx. Cost (GP) | Special Effect | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onyx Bolt (e) | 8,000-9,000 | Life Leech (heal 25% of damage) | High HP bosses, PvP |
| Dragon Bolt (e) | 1,000-1,500 | Dragon’s Breath (AoE damage) | Multi-target fights |
| Diamond Bolt (e) | 300-400 | Armor piercing | High-defense targets |
Tips for Maximizing Onyx Bolts (e) Efficiency
Given their price, using Onyx Bolts (e) wisely is crucial. Here are some strategies to get the most out of them.
Optimize Your Gear
Pair Onyx Bolts (e) with gear that boosts Ranged strength, such as:
- Armadyl Crossbow: High accuracy and damage.
- Necklace of Anguish: Increases Ranged bonus.
- Ava’s Assembler: Recovers bolts to offset costs.
Know When to Use Them
Reserve Onyx Bolts (e) for situations where the healing effect provides a clear advantage, like boss fights or PKing scenarios where food is scarce. Avoid using them against low-HP targets, as the Life Leech effect is less impactful.
Monitor Grand Exchange Prices
Prices for Onyx Bolts (e) fluctuate based on demand and gem availability. Check the Grand Exchange regularly to buy at dips or sell crafted bolts for profit.
Practice Bolt Switching
Master bolt switching in your inventory to combine Onyx Bolts (e) with other bolts during combat. This preserves your expensive ammo while maintaining versatility.
By understanding the mechanics, crafting process, and strategic uses of Onyx Bolts (e), you can make informed decisions about when and how to use them in OSRS. Whether you’re aiming to dominate in PvP or survive tough PvE challenges, these bolts offer a unique edge for dedicated players.