Abyssal Dagger P++ OSRS Ultimate Guide
The Abyssal Dagger (p++) in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a coveted weapon for players seeking a powerful, poison-enhanced melee option. Known for its sleek design and deadly capabilities, this dagger is a staple for strength training, Slayer tasks, and niche PvP scenarios. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Abyssal Dagger (p++), from obtaining it to maximizing its potential in combat.
The Abyssal Dagger (p++) is the most potent poisoned variant of the Abyssal Dagger, requiring 70 Attack to wield. Infused with Weapon Poison (++), it delivers extra poison damage, making it ideal for prolonged fights where consistent damage over time is key. Its primary role as a stab weapon, combined with its high strength bonus, makes it a versatile choice for various activities in OSRS.
Key Stats and Features
- Attack Bonuses: +75 Stab, +40 Slash, +1 Magic
- Strength Bonus: +75
- Special Attack: Abyssal Puncture (50% special attack energy, two hits with 25% increased accuracy, 15% reduced damage)
- Poison Effect: Starts at 6 damage, ticking every minute, enhancing DPS
- Attack Speed: 4 ticks (2.4 seconds)
Compared to other daggers, the Abyssal Dagger (p++) stands out for its balance of speed, strength, and poison utility, though its special attack is often criticized for being underwhelming compared to the Dragon Dagger (p++).
How to Obtain the Abyssal Dagger P++
Acquiring an Abyssal Dagger (p++) involves multiple steps, starting with obtaining the base dagger and then applying the poison upgrade. Here’s a breakdown of the process.
Farming the Abyssal Dagger
The Abyssal Dagger is primarily obtained through two methods:
- Abyssal Sire (1/492 chance): Defeating the Abyssal Sire boss may yield an Unsired, which has a 13/64 (~20.3%) chance of granting the dagger when used at the Font of Consumption in the Abyssal Nexus. This makes the effective drop rate roughly 1/492 per kill.
- Abyssal Demons (1/32,768 chance): A much rarer drop from Abyssal Demons, this method is less practical but viable for Slayer enthusiasts.
The Abyssal Sire method is far more reliable, though it requires high combat stats (85 Slayer, 80+ Attack/Strength/Defence recommended) and familiarity with the boss’s mechanics.
Upgrading to P++
Once you have the Abyssal Dagger, apply Weapon Poison (++) to create the (p++) variant. You can craft Weapon Poison (++) via the Herblore skill (level 82 required) using ingredients like cave nightshade and poison ivy berries or purchase it from the Grand Exchange. The poison enhances the dagger’s damage output, making it ideal for Slayer and PvP.
Combat Applications of the Abyssal Dagger P++
The Abyssal Dagger (p++) shines in specific scenarios due to its poison effect and high strength bonus. Below, we explore its primary uses.
Strength Training
The dagger is a popular choice for training Strength, especially for pures or players avoiding unwanted Defence XP. Its +75 Strength bonus and aggressive combat style grant a +1 max hit over alternatives like the Zamorakian Hasta, making it efficient for Nightmare Zone (NMZ) or Slayer tasks. However, some players prefer unpoisoned daggers to maximize XP rates, as poison damage doesn’t grant XP.
Slayer Tasks
For Slayer, the (p++) variant increases kills per hour due to its poison ticks, slightly boosting XP rates. It’s particularly effective against monsters weak to stab, such as dragons or wyverns. Pair it with a Dragon Defender for optimal accuracy and damage.
PvP Scenarios
In PvP, the Abyssal Dagger (p++) is niche but viable for low-risk or “rag” setups. The poison effect adds pressure in prolonged fights, though its special attack, Abyssal Puncture, is less competitive than the Dragon Dagger’s (p++) due to lower max hits (40-40 vs. 47-47) and higher energy cost (50% vs. 25%). Use it in edge-style PKing or as a secondary weapon for poison stacking.
Comparing Abyssal Dagger P++ to Alternatives
To understand the dagger’s value, let’s compare it to other popular weapons in its class.
Abyssal Dagger P++ vs. Dragon Dagger P++
The Dragon Dagger (p++) is a tier 60 weapon with a lower strength bonus (+40) but a superior special attack (Puncture: 25% energy, +15% accuracy, +15% damage). For spec-focused PvP, the Dragon Dagger is preferred due to its higher max hits and efficiency. However, the Abyssal Dagger (p++) excels in regular attacks and poison DPS, making it better for Slayer or general combat.
Abyssal Dagger P++ vs. Zamorakian Hasta
The Zamorakian Hasta matches the dagger’s +75 Strength bonus but offers +85 Stab accuracy, a prayer bonus, and defensive stats. However, its combat styles are limited to Controlled and Defensive, reducing its max hit compared to the dagger’s Aggressive style. The dagger is often chosen for its speed and poison utility in non-defensive scenarios.
| Weapon | Stab Bonus | Strength Bonus | Special Attack | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abyssal Dagger (p++) | +75 | +75 | Abyssal Puncture (50%, 25% accuracy, 15% less damage) | Slayer, Strength training |
| Dragon Dagger (p++) | +40 | +40 | Puncture (25%, 15% accuracy/damage boost) | PvP special attacks |
| Zamorakian Hasta | +85 | +75 | Shove (50%, pushes target) | Defensive PvM |
Tips for Maximizing the Abyssal Dagger P++
To get the most out of your Abyssal Dagger (p++), consider these strategies.
Optimal Gear Pairings
Enhance the dagger’s performance with the following gear:
- Off-hand: Dragon Defender or Avernic Defender for increased accuracy and strength.
- Armor: Bandos armor or Obsidian set for strength bonuses.
- Amulet: Amulet of Torture or Salve Amulet (e) for undead targets.
- Ring: Berserker Ring (i) for melee boosts.
Special Attack Usage
Reserve the Abyssal Puncture special attack for high-accuracy situations, such as against bosses with low slash defence. Its 25% accuracy boost can help land hits, but the 15% damage reduction limits its burst potential. In PvP, use it sparingly to conserve energy for poison ticks.
Economic Considerations
The Abyssal Dagger (p++) is relatively affordable, with prices fluctuating around 2.8M-3.2M GP (as of 2025). Its poisoned variants sometimes trade at odd prices due to low volume, so check the Grand Exchange for deals. Flipping opportunities exist, but be cautious of price inaccuracies.
When to Use Unpoisoned vs. P++
For pure Strength training, some players prefer the unpoisoned dagger to avoid “wasted” poison damage, which doesn’t grant XP. However, the (p++) variant is superior for Slayer and PvP, where poison ticks increase overall DPS and pressure. The XP loss from poison is minimal (less than 1.4k XP/hour), making (p++) generally more efficient for most players.
In conclusion, the Abyssal Dagger (p++) is a versatile weapon that excels in Slayer, Strength training, and niche PvP scenarios. While its special attack lags behind competitors, its poison effect and high strength bonus make it a worthy addition to any melee setup. Whether you’re grinding XP or battling in the Wilderness, this dagger is a sharp choice for OSRS adventurers.