OSRS 3rd Age Sword Ultimate Guide for Old School RuneScape Players
The 3rd Age Sword in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is one of the most coveted and iconic weapons in the game. Known for its rarity, historical significance, and unique design, this melee weapon is a status symbol for players and a fascinating piece of OSRS lore. Whether you’re a collector, a PvM enthusiast, or simply curious about this legendary item, this guide covers everything you need to know about the 3rd Age Sword, from its stats and uses to how to obtain it and its market value in 2025. Let’s dive into the details of this prestigious weapon and why it remains a fan favorite.
The 3rd Age Sword is part of the exclusive 3rd Age equipment set, which hails from the Third Age of Gielinor, a tumultuous era in RuneScape’s lore marked by the God Wars. These items are revered for their rarity and connection to ancient times, making them some of the most sought-after gear in OSRS.
Origins in the God Wars
During the Third Age, Gielinor was ravaged by conflicts among gods like Zamorak, Saradomin, and Bandos. The 3rd Age Sword, like other 3rd Age items, is believed to have been crafted by ancient civilizations or divine followers, imbued with exceptional craftsmanship. Its sleek, ornate design reflects the artistry of that era, setting it apart from modern weapons like the Dragon Scimitar or Abyssal Whip.
Symbol of Prestige
In OSRS, owning a 3rd Age Sword is a badge of honor. Its scarcity and high cost make it a flex for wealthy players, often seen in the hands of those who’ve conquered the toughest challenges or struck gold through rare drops. It’s not just a weapon—it’s a piece of RuneScape history that tells a story of dedication and luck.
Stats and Combat Performance
While the 3rd Age Sword is undeniably prestigious, its combat effectiveness is often debated among players. Let’s break down its stats and practical uses in OSRS to see how it stacks up against other melee weapons.
Weapon Stats
The 3rd Age Sword is a one-handed slash weapon requiring 65 Attack to wield. Below is a table summarizing its key combat stats:
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Attack Bonus (Stab) | +60 |
| Attack Bonus (Slash) | +75 |
| Attack Bonus (Crush) | +50 |
| Strength Bonus | +70 |
| Speed | 4 ticks (2.4 seconds) |
These stats place the 3rd Age Sword in a similar performance bracket to the Dragon Scimitar, though it lacks the special attack or utility of weapons like the Abyssal Whip or Saradomin Sword.
Combat Applications
The 3rd Age Sword is primarily a slash-based weapon, making it effective against enemies weak to slash attacks, such as certain Slayer monsters or low-defense targets. However, its lack of a special attack limits its versatility compared to meta weapons like the Ghrazi Rapier or Blade of Saeldor. Players often use it for:
- Slayer tasks: Effective for monsters like Aberrant Spectres or Dust Devils.
- FashionScape: Paired with other 3rd Age gear for a cohesive, high-status look.
- Low-priority PvM: Suitable for mid-tier bosses but outclassed by endgame weapons.
While it’s not the best choice for high-level content like the Theatre of Blood or Chambers of Xeric, its aesthetic appeal and rarity make it a fun choice for casual play.
How to Obtain the 3rd Age Sword
Acquiring a 3rd Age Sword is no easy feat, as it’s one of the rarest drops in OSRS. Here’s how you can get your hands on this elusive weapon.
Clue Scrolls (Treasure Trails)
The only way to obtain a 3rd Age Sword is through Elite or Master Clue Scrolls, which are part of the Treasure Trails activity. These scrolls require players to solve complex puzzles, defeat powerful enemies, or complete challenging tasks. The drop rate for 3rd Age items, including the sword, is estimated to be around 1/13,000 for Elite clues and slightly better for Master clues, making it a true test of patience and luck.
Strategies for Farming Clue Scrolls
To increase your chances of getting a 3rd Age Sword, focus on efficiently farming Elite or Master Clue Scrolls. Here are some tips:
- High-level Slayer: Monsters like Cerberus or Thermonuclear Smoke Devil often drop Elite clues.
- Skilling methods: Activities like Mining or Fishing can yield clue scrolls, though at a slower rate.
- PvM bosses: Bosses like Zulrah or Vorkath have a chance to drop Elite clues.
- Impling hunting: Catching Eclectic or Magpie Implings in Puro-Puro can reward clue scrolls.
Completing clues quickly with tools like the Alt1 Toolkit or OSRS Wiki guides can streamline the process, but expect a long grind due to the item’s rarity.
Market Value and Trading
The 3rd Age Sword’s value is driven by its scarcity and demand among collectors. As of April 2025, let’s explore its place in the OSRS economy.
Grand Exchange Price
In 2025, the 3rd Age Sword typically sells for around 150–200 million GP on the Grand Exchange, though prices fluctuate based on market trends and game updates. Its high cost reflects its status as a luxury item rather than its combat utility. For comparison, other 3rd Age melee items like the 3rd Age Platebody or Axe often command even higher prices due to their rarity.
Investment Potential
Some players view the 3rd Age Sword as an investment, as 3rd Age items tend to hold or increase in value over time. However, its price can be volatile due to:
- Game updates: New weapons or content can shift meta preferences.
- Supply changes: Increased clue scroll completions can slightly lower prices.
- Collector demand: High-end players drive prices for rare cosmetics.
If you’re considering buying or selling, monitor the GE Tracker or OSRS forums for real-time price trends.
Alternatives to the 3rd Age Sword
Given its high cost and moderate combat performance, many players opt for more practical alternatives. Here’s how the 3rd Age Sword compares to other melee weapons and whether it’s worth the investment.
Comparable Weapons
Several weapons outperform or match the 3rd Age Sword at a fraction of the cost. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Weapon | Attack Req. | Strength Bonus | Special Attack | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd Age Sword | 65 | +70 | No | 150–200M GP |
| Dragon Scimitar | 60 | +66 | Yes | 100K GP |
| Abyssal Whip | 70 | +82 | Yes | 2M GP |
| Ghrazi Rapier | 80 | +94 | No | 80M GP |
The Dragon Scimitar and Abyssal Whip are budget-friendly options with similar or better stats, while the Ghrazi Rapier is a premium choice for endgame content.
When to Choose the 3rd Age Sword
The 3rd Age Sword is ideal for players who:
- Prioritize aesthetics: Its unique design is unmatched for FashionScape.
- Collect rare items: Perfect for players building a 3rd Age set.
- Have excess wealth: If you can afford it without sacrificing meta gear, it’s a fun flex.
For most players, however, investing in stronger weapons or gear like the Bandos Chestplate or Torva Armor will yield better combat returns.
Final Thoughts: The 3rd Age Sword is a masterpiece of OSRS’s loot table, blending lore, rarity, and style. While it may not dominate in combat, its allure lies in its exclusivity and the grind required to obtain it. Whether you’re chasing it through clue scrolls, saving up to buy it, or just admiring it from afar, the 3rd Age Sword embodies the thrill of Old School RuneScape. Share your thoughts or flex your 3rd Age gear in the comments below, and happy ‘Scaping!