Best Capes in OSRS Free-to-Play for Every Adventurer
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), capes are more than just cosmetic accessories—they provide defensive bonuses, showcase achievements, and add flair to your character. For free-to-play (F2P) players, the cape slot is limited but still offers solid options to enhance your gameplay. This guide explores the best capes available in OSRS F2P worlds, focusing on their stats, accessibility, and unique benefits. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned F2P veteran, these capes will elevate your adventures in Gielinor.
Capes in OSRS F2P provide modest but meaningful boosts, primarily in defensive stats, which are crucial for surviving tough enemies like Lesser Demons or Hill Giants. Unlike pay-to-play (P2P) worlds, F2P capes don’t offer offensive bonuses or special perks, but their accessibility and low cost make them ideal for budget-conscious players. Choosing the right cape can complement your combat style and enhance your overall experience without requiring a membership.
Key Factors for Choosing an F2P Cape
- Defensive Bonuses: Most F2P capes offer small defensive boosts, which help reduce damage taken.
- Accessibility: Ease of obtaining the cape, especially for low-level players.
- Cost: F2P capes are generally affordable or free, fitting tight budgets.
- Style: A cape’s appearance can make your character stand out in crowded F2P hubs like Lumbridge or Varrock.
Top Capes for OSRS Free-to-Play Players
Below, we rank the best capes available in F2P worlds, focusing on their stats, how to get them, and why they’re worth equipping. These capes are accessible to all F2P players, regardless of combat level or wealth.
Team Capes: The Best All-Around Choice
Team Capes are the standout choice for F2P players due to their balanced defensive stats and low cost. Available in approximately 50 different colors and designs, these capes offer a +2 bonus to all defensive stats, making them the strongest F2P capes for combat. They’re sold by cape merchants scattered across the Wilderness, with the easiest vendor, Richard, located in Edgeville near the Wilderness ditch.
- Stats: +2 to all defensive bonuses (Stab, Slash, Crush, Magic, Ranged).
- Cost: 50 coins per cape.
- How to Get: Purchase from Richard in Edgeville or other Wilderness cape sellers.
- Why Choose It: Affordable, decent stats, and a variety of designs for personalization.
Tip: Be cautious when venturing into the Wilderness to buy these capes, as it’s a PvP area. Stick to Edgeville for safety, and avoid carrying valuable items.
Castle Wars Cloaks: Stylish and Rare
Castle Wars Cloaks come in two variants—red (Zamorak) and blue (Saradomin)—and are earned through the Castle Wars minigame. These cloaks offer the same +2 defensive bonuses as Team Capes but stand out due to their rarity and unique appearance. They require 10 Castle Wars tickets, which take about 2 hours (4-5 games) to earn.
- Stats: +2 to all defensive bonuses.
- Cost: 10 Castle Wars tickets.
- How to Get: Play Castle Wars and exchange tickets at the ticket exchange in the lobby.
- Why Choose It: Rare, visually appealing, and a symbol of minigame dedication.
Tip: Pair the cloak with a matching hood (10 additional tickets) for a complete look. Castle Wars is safe, so it’s a great option for low-level players.
Basic Capes: Free and Accessible
Basic Capes (e.g., Red Cape, Blue Cape) are the most accessible F2P capes, available from the Fancy Clothes Store in Varrock or as drops from monsters like Goblins. They offer +1 to all defensive bonuses, making them a step below Team Capes but perfect for new players with limited funds.
- Stats: +1 to all defensive bonuses.
- Cost: 2-5 coins on the Grand Exchange or free from drops.
- How to Get: Buy from the Fancy Clothes Store or kill low-level monsters.
- Why Choose It: Free or cheap, widely available, and sufficient for early-game combat.
Tip: Use these capes while saving up for a Team Cape or Castle Wars Cloak. They’re also great for cosmetic variety.
Comparing F2P Capes: Stats and Accessibility
To help you choose the best cape, here’s a comparison of the top F2P capes based on their stats, cost, and ease of acquisition.
| Cape | Defensive Bonuses | Cost | How to Get | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team Cape | +2 Stab, Slash, Crush, Magic, Ranged | 50 coins | Buy from Wilderness cape sellers (e.g., Richard in Edgeville) | Common |
| Castle Wars Cloak | +2 Stab, Slash, Crush, Magic, Ranged | 10 Castle Wars tickets | Earn tickets in Castle Wars minigame | Rare |
| Basic Cape | +1 Stab, Slash, Crush, Magic, Ranged | 2-5 coins or free | Buy from Fancy Clothes Store or monster drops | Very Common |
Note: Team Capes and Castle Wars Cloaks are functionally identical in stats, so your choice depends on whether you prioritize cost (Team Capes) or prestige (Castle Wars Cloaks).
Can F2P Players Get Skillcapes?
Many F2P players wonder if they can obtain Skillcapes, which are iconic capes awarded for reaching level 99 in a skill. Unfortunately, Skillcapes are not accessible in F2P worlds. Even for F2P skills like Mining or Woodcutting, you must be a member to purchase and wear a Skillcape, as most cape masters are located in P2P areas. If a former P2P player with a Skillcape loses their membership, they can still wear it in F2P, but it loses its +9 defensive bonuses and +4 prayer bonus, rendering it purely cosmetic.
Workaround for Skillcape Prestige
While Skillcapes are out of reach, F2P players can still showcase their dedication with Castle Wars Cloaks, which require time and effort to earn. These cloaks offer a similar sense of achievement without requiring a membership.
Tips for Maximizing Your Cape’s Value
To get the most out of your F2P cape, consider these strategies to enhance its utility and complement your gameplay.
Pair with the Right Gear
Combine your cape with other F2P best-in-slot gear to maximize your combat effectiveness:
- Melee: Pair a Team Cape with a Rune Scimitar and Rune Platebody for balanced offense and defense.
- Ranged: Use with Green D’hide Armor and a Maple Shortbow to boost survivability.
- Magic: Equip with a Wizard Robe and Staff of Air for a cohesive magic setup.
Focus on Accessibility
If you’re a low-level player, start with Basic Capes from monster drops to save coins. As you earn more gold, upgrade to a Team Cape for better stats. If you enjoy minigames, invest time in Castle Wars for a prestigious cloak.
Customize for Style
F2P worlds are crowded, so a unique cape can make your character stand out. Experiment with different Team Cape colors or show off a Castle Wars Cloak to flex your dedication.
In OSRS Free-to-Play, capes may not offer the flashy perks of P2P worlds, but they’re still essential for combat and style. Team Capes are the best overall due to their affordability and +2 defensive bonuses, while Castle Wars Cloaks add prestige for dedicated players. Basic Capes are perfect for beginners, offering a free or cheap entry point. By choosing the right cape and pairing it with optimal gear, you’ll be ready to tackle any challenge in Gielinor’s F2P worlds. Which cape will you equip on your next adventure?