Mid Level Bosses in OSRS Best Strategies and Rewards

Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers a thrilling array of bosses that challenge players at every skill level. For mid-level players—typically with combat stats between 60 and 90—these bosses provide an exciting step up from basic PvM (Player vs Monster) content. They offer rewarding loot, unique mechanics, and a chance to hone your combat skills before tackling endgame content like Zulrah or the Chambers of Xeric. This guide dives into the best mid-level bosses in OSRS, covering strategies, gear setups, and the loot that makes them worth your time.

Mid-level bosses bridge the gap between beginner-friendly foes like the Giant Mole and high-tier challenges like Cerberus. They teach players essential mechanics—such as prayer switching, positioning, and inventory management—while offering loot that boosts your bank value and gear progression. These encounters are perfect for players looking to improve their PvM skills without the overwhelming requirements of endgame bosses.

Skill Development Through Bossing

Fighting mid-level bosses helps you master OSRS combat fundamentals. You’ll learn to:

• Switch prayers to mitigate damage from specific attack styles.
• Manage inventory for food, potions, and teleports.
• Understand mechanics like special attacks or phase transitions.

Loot That Fuels Progression

The drops from these bosses often include gear upgrades, alchables, and resources that fund further training or better equipment. For example, items like the Dragon Boots or Barrows gear can significantly enhance your combat capabilities.

Top Mid-Level Bosses to Farm

Here’s a rundown of the most accessible and rewarding mid-level bosses in OSRS. Each offers unique challenges and loot, making them ideal for players in the mid-game grind.

Barrows Brothers

The Barrows Brothers, located in Morytania, are a fan-favorite for mid-level players. This minigame-style boss fight involves defeating six brothers, each with distinct combat styles, followed by a loot run in their crypt.

• Requirements: 43 Prayer (for protection prayers), 70+ combat stats recommended.
• Strategy: Use a combination of Magic (to deal with melee brothers) and Ranged or Melee (for Ahrim). Prayer potions and high Magic Defence gear like Black Dragonhide help. Prioritize killing Dharok last, as his damage scales with missing health.
• Rewards: Barrows armor sets (Dharok’s, Guthan’s, etc.), runes, and bolt racks. Average loot value is 100k–200k per run, with rare sets fetching millions.

Giant Mole

Found beneath Falador Park, the Giant Mole is a straightforward boss ideal for players new to PvM. Its simple mechanics make it a low-pressure entry point.

• Requirements: 60+ Melee stats, Falador Hard Diary for mole locator (optional).
• Strategy: Use Melee with a Stab weapon (e.g., Dragon Dagger) and light sources (bring a tinderbox). The Mole burrows frequently, so track it with a spade or diary perk. Protect from Melee isn’t needed—focus on DPS and bring stamina potions for mobility.
• Rewards: Mole skins/claws (alchable), Long/Adamant bones, and a chance at the Baby Mole pet.

Crazy Archaeologist

Located in the Wilderness (Ruins south of Lava Maze), the Crazy Archaeologist is one of three Wilderness Slayer bosses. Its chaotic attacks keep you on your toes, but the rewards are worth the risk.

• Requirements: 60+ Ranged/Magic, 40 Slayer for tasks.
• Strategy: Use Ranged (Black Dragonhide, Ava’s Device) and stay mobile to avoid his explosive book attacks. Protect from Magic reduces damage. Be cautious of PKers—bring minimal risk (e.g., 3–4 valuable items) and a teleport like Burning Amulet.
• Rewards: Onyx bolts, Ancient Diary pages, Rune Crossbow, and a 1/1000 chance at the Fedora.

Recommended Gear and Stats

To tackle these bosses efficiently, you’ll need a balanced setup that maximizes damage output and survivability. Mid-level players should aim for affordable yet effective gear.

Melee Setup

Melee is versatile for bosses like Barrows and Giant Mole. A sample setup includes:

Slot	Item	Alternative
Head	Helm of Neitiznot	Obsidian Helmet
Body	Fighter Torso	Rune Platebody
Legs	Obsidian Platelegs	Rune Platelegs
Weapon	Abyssal Whip	Dragon Scimitar

Stats: 70 Attack, 70 Strength, 60 Defence.

Ranged Setup

Ranged shines against the Crazy Archaeologist and certain Barrows brothers.

• Head: Archer’s Helm or Coif.
• Body: Black Dragonhide Body.
• Weapon: Magic Shortbow (i) or Rune Crossbow.
• Stats: 70 Ranged, 50+ Defence.

Magic Setup

Magic is key for Barrows (against melee brothers) and safe-spotting certain attacks.

• Head: Mystic Hat or Ahrim’s Hood.
• Body: Mystic Robe Top.
• Weapon: Trident of the Seas or Iban’s Staff.
• Stats: 70 Magic, 50+ Defence.

Preparation Tips for Success

Before heading into battle, proper preparation can make or break your bossing session. Here are essential steps to ensure smooth runs.

Inventory Management

A well-organized inventory balances damage, healing, and safety:

• Prayer Potions: 2–4 for Barrows or prolonged fights.
• Food: Sharks or Monkfish (10–15 pieces).
• Teleport: One-click teleports like Ectophial (Barrows) or Burning Amulet (Wilderness).
• Stamina Potions: For Giant Mole or chasing mobile bosses.

Quest and Diary Boosts

Completing certain quests and diaries unlocks shortcuts or buffs:

• Priest in Peril: Access to Morytania for Barrows.
• Falador Hard Diary: Mole locator for Giant Mole.
• Wilderness Medium Diary: Faster teleports for Crazy Archaeologist.

Maximizing Profits and Efficiency

Bossing isn’t just about the thrill—it’s about making your time count. Here’s how to optimize your runs for gold and experience.

Prioritize High-Value Targets

Focus on bosses with the best loot-to-effort ratio:

• Barrows: High chance of armor sets, especially with high reward potential (87%+).
• Crazy Archaeologist: Onyx bolts and Rune Crossbows are consistent money-makers.
• Giant Mole: Quick kills for steady alchables, ideal for low-risk farming.

Use Boosts and Consumables

Potions and buffs increase your damage and survivability:

• Super Combat Potions: Boost Attack, Strength, and Defence.
• Ranging Potions: Enhance Ranged accuracy for Wilderness bosses.
• Magic Potions: Improve Magic damage for Barrows.

Track Your Progress

Keep a log of kills and loot to gauge profitability. Tools like RuneLite’s Loot Tracker plugin can automate this, helping you decide which boss is most worth your time.

Mid-level bosses in OSRS are a fantastic way to level up your PvM game while raking in valuable loot. Whether you’re tunneling under Falador for the Giant Mole, braving the crypts of Barrows, or dodging explosions from the Crazy Archaeologist, each fight offers unique challenges and rewards. Start with the boss that matches your combat level and gear, and don’t be afraid to experiment with strategies. With practice, you’ll be ready to take on OSRS’s tougher challenges in no time.