Is the OSRS Dragon Harpoon Worth It A Comprehensive Guide
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the dragon harpoon is a coveted tool for players looking to level up their Fishing skill efficiently. With its unique benefits, such as a 20% increased catch rate and a special attack that boosts Fishing levels, many players wonder: is the dragon harpoon worth its price tag? This guide dives deep into its features, costs, benefits, and whether it’s a smart investment for your gameplay goals.
The dragon harpoon is a wieldable fishing tool in OSRS that requires 61 Fishing to use and 60 Attack to wield. Unlike a regular harpoon, it offers a 20% faster catch rate when fishing at harpoon spots, such as those for tuna, swordfish, and sharks. It’s also notable for its special attack, Fishstabber, which provides a temporary +3 Fishing boost at the cost of 100% special attack energy.
How to Obtain the Dragon Harpoon
The dragon harpoon isn’t crafted like other dragon equipment; it’s primarily obtained as a rare drop from wyrms (1/2,000 chance on a Slayer task) or purchased from the Grand Exchange. Its rarity contributes to its fluctuating market price, which can range from 1.5M to 3M GP, depending on demand and game updates.
Key Features of the Dragon Harpoon
- 20% Faster Catch Rate: Increases efficiency at harpoon fishing spots.
- Fishstabber Special Attack: Grants a +3 Fishing boost, useful for catching higher-level fish.
- Combat Utility: Comparable to a dragon dagger in combat stats, though one tick slower.
- Storage: Can be stored in a tackle box for convenience.
Breaking Down the Cost vs. Benefit
The dragon harpoon’s price can feel steep, especially for mid-level players. To determine if it’s worth it, let’s analyze its cost-effectiveness for different playstyles, including casual fishing, XP grinding, and money-making.
Cost Analysis
As of April 2025, the dragon harpoon’s Grand Exchange price hovers around 2M GP. For comparison, a regular harpoon is essentially free, requiring only 35 Fishing to use. The upfront cost of the dragon harpoon is a significant investment, but its resale value remains high due to consistent demand. You can sell it back when you’re done, mitigating the financial risk.
XP Gains and Efficiency
The 20% faster catch rate translates to more fish caught per hour, which directly impacts Fishing XP. For example, at 76 Fishing, shark fishing with a regular harpoon yields about 30,000–35,000 XP per hour. With the dragon harpoon, this increases to approximately 36,000–42,000 XP per hour. Over time, this boost can shave hours off your grind to 99 Fishing.
| Fishing Method | XP/Hour (Regular Harpoon) | XP/Hour (Dragon Harpoon) | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharks (Level 76+) | 30,000–35,000 | 36,000–42,000 | 20% |
| Swordfish/Tuna (Level 50+) | 25,000–30,000 | 30,000–36,000 | 20% |
Money-Making Potential
Fishing for profit with the dragon harpoon can be lucrative, particularly with sharks, which sell for around 800–1,000 GP each. With the faster catch rate, you might catch 150–200 sharks per hour compared to 120–160 with a regular harpoon, potentially earning 120,000–200,000 GP per hour. However, you’d need to fish for 10–17 hours to recoup the harpoon’s 2M GP cost, assuming you sell the fish.
Who Should Use the Dragon Harpoon
Not every player will benefit equally from the dragon harpoon. Its value depends on your goals, playstyle, and account type. Let’s explore who stands to gain the most.
Ironman Accounts
For Ironmen, the dragon harpoon is a game-changer. Since they can’t rely on the Grand Exchange, obtaining one via wyrm Slayer tasks is a milestone. The faster catch rate and +3 Fishing boost make gathering high-level fish like sharks easier, which are crucial for Herblore (shark-based potions) and Cooking.
Main Accounts Grinding to 99 Fishing
If you’re aiming for 99 Fishing, the dragon harpoon’s efficiency can save dozens of hours. The +3 boost from Fishstabber is particularly useful at levels 97–98, where it slightly increases your catch rate for sharks or swordfish, though the effect diminishes at 99 due to the level cap.
Casual Players and Low Budgets
For casual players or those with limited GP, the dragon harpoon might not be worth it. If you only fish occasionally or prefer methods like barbarian fishing (which doesn’t benefit from the harpoon’s boost), a regular harpoon or alternative methods like minnows may suffice.
Alternatives to the Dragon Harpoon
Before investing, consider other fishing methods and tools that might align better with your goals. Here are some alternatives and how they compare.
Crystal Harpoon
The crystal harpoon, requiring 71 Fishing and Song of the Elves, offers a 35% faster catch rate over a regular harpoon (12.5% better than the dragon harpoon). It’s untradeable and degrades with use, but its superior efficiency makes it a long-term goal for dedicated fishers. However, the high requirements and quest lock make it inaccessible for many.
Infernal Harpoon
Created by combining a dragon harpoon with a smouldering stone (75 Fishing, 85 Cooking), the infernal harpoon cooks one-third of caught fish for Cooking XP, destroying them in the process. It’s ideal for players prioritizing Cooking or Tempoross points but less practical for profit or pure Fishing XP due to the fish loss.
Barbarian Fishing and Minnows
Barbarian fishing (trout/salmon) offers up to 50,000 XP per hour with tick manipulation and provides Agility and Strength XP, making it a popular alternative. Minnows, available after completing the Fishing Contest quest, yield 40,000–50,000 XP per hour and small profits via sharks, but require more attention. Neither method benefits from the dragon harpoon’s boost.
Final Verdict Is It Worth It
The dragon harpoon is a worthwhile investment for players committed to harpoon fishing, especially those chasing 99 Fishing or playing Ironman accounts. Its 20% catch rate boost and Fishstabber special attack provide tangible benefits, particularly for sharks and swordfish. However, its high cost and niche application make it less appealing for casual players or those using alternative fishing methods.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 20% faster catch rate saves time and boosts XP.
- Fishstabber special attack aids high-level fishing.
- High resale value minimizes financial loss.
- Essential for Ironmen needing efficient fish gathering.
Cons:
- Expensive upfront cost (1.5M–3M GP).
- Only benefits harpoon fishing spots.
- Diminishing returns at 99 Fishing.
- Alternatives like barbarian fishing may be more efficient for some.
Tips for Maximizing Value
- Use at Fishing Guild: Combine with the guild’s +7 invisible boost for maximum efficiency.
- Sell When Done: Recoup most of your investment by selling on the Grand Exchange.
- Focus on Sharks: At 76+ Fishing, sharks offer the best XP and profit synergy.
- Pair with Admiral Pies: For a +5 Fishing boost, stack with Fishstabber for higher catch rates.
Ultimately, the dragon harpoon shines for dedicated fishers but isn’t a one-size-fits-all tool. Weigh your goals, budget, and preferred methods before diving in. If you’re ready to harpoon your way to 99, this dragon-tier tool might just be your best catch yet.