Best Dragon Bolts in OSRS A Comprehensive Guide
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), dragon bolts are among the most powerful and versatile ammunition for crossbow users, offering a base Ranged Strength bonus of +122. These bolts, usable only with high-tier crossbows like the Dragon Crossbow, Armadyl Crossbow, Dragon Hunter Crossbow, or Zaryte Crossbow, require a Ranged level of 64. Their ability to accept various gem bolt tips (excluding amethyst) and be enchanted makes them a favorite for both PvM and PvP scenarios. This guide explores the best dragon bolts in OSRS, their enchantments, use cases, and strategies to maximize their effectiveness, helping you dominate bosses, Slayer tasks, and player-killing.
Dragon bolts are crafted by adding feathers to unfinished dragon bolts, requiring 84 Fletching and granting 12 experience per bolt. Unlike other bolts, they cannot be smithed and are primarily obtained as drops from monsters like Vorkath. Their high Ranged Strength makes them ideal for endgame content, but their true potential lies in enchanted variants, which add special effects that trigger in combat. Completing the Hard Kandarin Diary boosts the activation chance of these effects by 10%, making it a must for serious ranged players.
Why Choose Dragon Bolts?
Dragon bolts stand out due to their versatility and raw power. Here’s why they’re a top choice:
- High Ranged Strength: +122 bonus, unmatched by most bolts.
- Enchantment Options: Can be tipped with various gems for unique effects.
- Endgame Viability: Essential for bosses like Vorkath, Zulrah, and raids.
- PvP Potential: Enchanted variants can deal devastating burst damage.
Top Enchanted Dragon Bolts Ranked
Not all dragon bolts are created equal. Below, we rank the best enchanted dragon bolts based on their damage, utility, and situational effectiveness, focusing on their special effects and practical applications.
1. Ruby Dragon Bolts (e) – Best for High-HP Targets
Ruby Dragon Bolts (e) are the go-to for PvM against high-health bosses. Enchanted with the Enchant Crossbow Bolt (Ruby) spell (level 49 Magic), they have a 6% base chance (6.6% with Hard Kandarin Diary) to trigger the Blood Forfeit effect, which deals damage equal to 20% of the target’s current hitpoints, capped at 100 damage. This makes them ideal for bosses with large health pools, such as Vorkath, Nex, or Chambers of Xeric (CoX).
Use Cases:
- Vorkath: Maximize damage during early phases when HP is high.
- Nex: Effective in team settings for consistent burst damage.
- ToA (Tombs of Amascut): Great for high-HP bosses like Zebak.
Cost: Approximately 1,000-1,200 GP each on the Grand Exchange, making them cost-effective for their damage output.
2. Diamond Dragon Bolts (e) – Armor-Piercing Power
Diamond Dragon Bolts (e), enchanted with the Enchant Crossbow Bolt (Diamond) spell (level 57 Magic), feature the Armour Piercing effect, which has a 6% base chance (6.6% with diary) to ignore the target’s defense and boost damage by 15%. These bolts excel against high-defense enemies where accuracy is a challenge, such as Kree’arra or high-level PvP opponents.
Use Cases:
- Kree’arra (God Wars Dungeon): Bypasses high defense for consistent hits.
- PvP: Useful against heavily armored players in the Wilderness.
- Leviathan (DT2): Effective for piercing its defense in solo runs.
Cost: Around 1,800-2,000 GP each, slightly pricier but worth it for specific encounters.
3. Dragonstone Dragon Bolts (e) – PvP Burst Damage
Dragonstone Dragon Bolts (e) are enchanted with the Enchant Crossbow Bolt (Dragonstone) spell (level 68 Magic) and trigger Dragon’s Breath effect, which has a 6% chance (6.6% with diary) to deal up to 50% extra damage via Dragonfire. These are less common in PvM but shine in PvP due to their ability to deal massive burst damage against players without anti-dragon protection.
Use Cases:
- Wilderness PKing: High damage potential against unprepared opponents.
- Low-Defense PvM: Situationally useful against low-defense monsters.
Cost: Around 1,500-1,800 GP each, making them a premium choice for PvP.
4. Onyx Dragon Bolts (e) – Niche Healing Utility
Onyx Dragon Bolts (e), enchanted with the Enchant Crossbow Bolt (Onyx) spell (level 87 Magic), have a 10% chance (11% with diary) to trigger the Life Leech effect, dealing 20% extra damage and healing the user for 20% of the damage dealt. These are expensive and niche, primarily used in specific PvM scenarios like the Fight Caves to save inventory space for prayer potions.
Use Cases:
- Fight Caves: Heal during Jad waves to conserve supplies.
- High-Damage PvP: Sustain in prolonged fights.
Cost: Around 9,000-10,000 GP each, making them a luxury option.
5. Opal Dragon Bolts (e) – PvP Utility
Opal Dragon Bolts (e), enchanted with the Enchant Crossbow Bolt (Opal) spell (level 4 Magic), have a 5% chance (5.5% with diary) to trigger Lucky Lightning, dealing additional damage based on 10% of visible ranged damage. These are less common but can be surprisingly effective in PvP for unexpected burst damage.
Use Cases:
- PvP: Catch opponents off-guard with extra damage.
- Low-Level Bossing: Budget option for early-game players.
Cost: Around 1,000 GP each, making them an affordable enchanted option.
Comparison Table of Enchanted Dragon Bolts
| Bolt Type | Effect | Activation Chance | Best Use | Approx. Cost (GP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruby (e) | Blood Forfeit (20% of target’s HP, max 100) | 6% (6.6% with diary) | High-HP PvM (Vorkath, Nex) | 1,000-1,200 |
| Diamond (e) | Armour Piercing (ignores defense, +15% damage) | 6% (6.6% with diary) | High-defense PvM/PvP (Kree’arra, PKing) | 1,800-2,000 |
| Dragonstone (e) | Dragon’s Breath (up to 50% extra damage) | 6% (6.6% with diary) | PvP, low-defense PvM | 1,500-1,800 |
| Onyx (e) | Life Leech (20% extra damage, heal 20% of damage) | 10% (11% with diary) | Fight Caves, PvP | 9,000-10,000 |
| Opal (e) | Lucky Lightning (10% of ranged damage) | 5% (5.5% with diary) | PvP, budget PvM | ~1,000 |
Strategies for Using Dragon Bolts Effectively
To get the most out of dragon bolts, consider these strategies:
Optimize Your Gear
Use high-tier crossbows like the Dragon Hunter Crossbow for dragon-specific content or the Zaryte Crossbow for overall power. Pair with Elite Void, Masori, or Armadyl armor, and use Rigour prayer and ranging potions to boost DPS.
Switch Bolts Mid-Fight
For bosses, switch between Ruby (e) for early high-HP phases and Diamond (e) for later high-defense phases. For example, at Vorkath, start with Ruby (e) and switch to Diamond (e) when its health drops below 20%.
Farm Efficiently
Vorkath is the best source for dragon bolts, dropping unfinished bolts regularly. Aim for 200-300 kills to stock up, balancing time spent farming versus using cheaper adamant bolts for non-critical tasks.
PvP Tactics
In PvP, use Dragonstone (e) or Opal (e) for burst damage, but carry a small stack of Onyx (e) for sustainability in prolonged fights. Always check opponents’ gear to avoid wasting expensive bolts on low-defense targets.
Are Dragon Bolts Worth It?
Dragon bolts are a significant investment, but their versatility and power make them worth it for endgame content. For Ironmen, farming Vorkath is essential, while main accounts can buy them from the Grand Exchange. However, for budget-conscious players or early-game content, adamant bolts (e) offer similar effects at a lower cost. Reserve dragon bolts for high-stakes scenarios like raids, God Wars Dungeon, or competitive PvP.
Final Thoughts: Ruby and Diamond Dragon Bolts (e) are the best all-around choices for PvM, while Dragonstone and Opal shine in PvP. Onyx bolts are niche but valuable in specific scenarios. By understanding their effects and optimizing your setup, you can make dragon bolts a game-changer in OSRS.