OSRS Blue Dragonhide Shield Comprehensive Guide

OSRS Blue Dragonhide Shield Comprehensive Guide

The Blue Dragonhide Shield is a notable piece of equipment in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), valued for its balance of defensive stats and accessibility for mid-level players. Crafted from blue dragonhide, this shield is a staple for rangers and those seeking affordable ranged gear. In this guide, we’ll explore its stats, crafting process, uses, comparisons, and tips to maximize its potential, ensuring you understand why it’s a solid choice for your adventures in Gielinor.

The blue dragonhide shield, often called the “blue d’hide shield,” is a ranged shield requiring 50 Ranged and 40 Defence to equip. It’s crafted using the Crafting skill, making it accessible to players who engage in skilling or combat activities like dragon slaying. Its popularity stems from its decent defensive bonuses and relatively low cost compared to higher-tier shields.

Key Stats and Requirements

  • Level Requirements: 50 Ranged, 40 Defence
  • Defensive Bonuses:
    • Stab: +17
    • Slash: +20
    • Crush: +18
    • Magic: +15
    • Ranged: +20
  • Attack Bonuses: None
  • Other: No prayer or strength bonuses

These stats make it a reliable choice for mid-level players facing various combat scenarios, particularly where ranged defence is crucial.

Comparison with Green Dragonhide Shield

The blue d’hide shield is an upgrade over the green dragonhide shield, which requires only 40 Ranged and 40 Defence. The blue variant offers slightly better defensive bonuses, making it worth the investment for players progressing through mid-level content.

Shield Ranged Requirement Stab Defence Ranged Defence
Green D’hide Shield 40 +14 +17
Blue D’hide Shield 50 +17 +20

Crafting the Blue Dragonhide Shield

Crafting the blue d’hide shield is a straightforward process that appeals to skillers and combat enthusiasts alike. It requires a decent Crafting level and specific materials, making it a rewarding activity for players looking to profit or equip themselves.

Materials Needed

  • 2 Blue Dragonhides: Obtained from blue dragons, commonly found in Taverley Dungeon or the Heroes’ Guild.
  • 1 Yew Shield: Crafted using the Fletching skill (requires 69 Fletching) or purchased from the Grand Exchange.
  • 1 Steel Nail: Easily obtained from shops or the Grand Exchange.
  • Hammer: A common tool available in most tool stores or player inventories.

Crafting Process and Requirements

To craft the shield, you need 55 Crafting, which grants 140 Crafting XP per shield. Follow these steps:

  1. Ensure you have the required materials in your inventory.
  2. Use the blue dragonhide on the yew shield with a hammer and steel nail in your inventory.
  3. Confirm the crafting action in the interface to create the shield.

This process is relatively quick and can be profitable if you source materials efficiently, such as by killing blue dragons for hides.

Profitability of Crafting

Crafting blue d’hide shields can be a decent money-making method, depending on Grand Exchange prices. As of recent data, blue dragonhides and yew shields are moderately priced, and the finished shield often sells for a small profit margin. Check the Grand Exchange for real-time prices to ensure profitability.

Obtaining Blue Dragonhides

Since blue dragonhides are a key component, knowing how to acquire them efficiently is essential. Blue dragons are the primary source, and they’re popular among mid-level players for both combat training and profit.

Best Locations for Blue Dragons

  • Taverley Dungeon: Requires a dusty key or 70 Agility to access. It’s a popular spot with multiple safespots for rangers.
  • Heroes’ Guild: Accessible after completing the Heroes’ Quest, offering a quieter location with fewer players.
  • Myth’s Guild Basement: Requires completion of Dragon Slayer II, ideal for high-level players with access to this exclusive area.

Each location has its advantages, with Taverley being the most accessible for mid-level players.

Combat Tips for Killing Blue Dragons

Blue dragons have a combat level of 111 and primarily use melee and dragonfire attacks. Here are some tips to farm them efficiently:

  • Use Safespots: In Taverley Dungeon, position yourself behind rocks or pillars to avoid melee damage.
  • Anti-Dragon Shield or Dragonfire Protection: Equip an anti-dragon shield or use Protect from Magic to negate dragonfire damage.
  • Ranged Gear: Use crossbows or bows with decent ranged bonuses to maximize damage output.
  • Inventory Setup: Bring teleportation runes, food, and a looting bag to extend trips and collect hides and bones.

Blue dragons drop blue dragonhide and dragon bones 100% of the time, making them a consistent source of materials.

Uses of the Blue Dragonhide Shield

The blue d’hide shield is versatile, fitting into various combat scenarios and player builds. Its defensive stats make it a go-to for mid-level rangers, but it also has niche uses.

PvM Applications

In PvM, the shield shines in scenarios where ranged defence is key. It’s effective against monsters with ranged or melee attacks, such as those in Slayer tasks or mid-level bosses like the Giant Mole. Pair it with blue d’hide armour for a cohesive ranged setup.

PvP Considerations

In PvP, the blue d’hide shield is less common due to its lack of offensive bonuses, but it can be a budget-friendly option for rangers in low-risk wilderness activities. Its defensive stats help mitigate damage from melee or ranged opponents, though higher-tier shields like the Book of Law are preferred for serious PvP.

Budget-Friendly Option for Ironmen

For Ironmen, the blue d’hide shield is a practical choice. Since blue dragonhides are farmable and the crafting process is straightforward, it’s an achievable upgrade without relying on rare drops. Ironmen can use it for Slayer tasks or early-game bossing until they access better gear.

Alternatives and Upgrades

While the blue d’hide shield is solid, there are alternatives and upgrades to consider as you progress in OSRS. Knowing when to upgrade can optimize your combat effectiveness.

Higher-Tier Dragonhide Shields

  • Red D’hide Shield: Requires 60 Ranged and 40 Defence, offering improved defensive bonuses.
  • Black D’hide Shield: Requires 70 Ranged and 40 Defence, with even better stats.
  • Blessed D’hide Shields: Aligned with gods (e.g., Ancient, Armadyl), these require 70 Ranged and 40 Defence and offer prayer bonuses.

Other Shield Options

For non-ranged setups or specific scenarios, consider:

When to Upgrade

Upgrade from the blue d’hide shield when you reach 60-70 Ranged or acquire enough wealth for red/black d’hide shields. For end-game content, consider blessed shields or off-hand weapons like the Unholy Book for better offensive stats.

In conclusion, the OSRS blue dragonhide shield is a versatile, accessible piece of gear that serves mid-level players well in PvM, crafting, and budget setups. By understanding its crafting process, combat applications, and upgrade paths, you can make the most of this shield in your RuneScape journey. Whether you’re slaying blue dragons or tackling Slayer tasks, this shield is a reliable companion.