Executioners Axe OSRS A Deep Dive into the Soulreaper Axe Component

Executioners Axe OSRS A Deep Dive into the Soulreaper Axe Component

Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is packed with iconic weapons, but few carry the mystique and power of the Soulreaper Axe, a two-handed beast forged from rare components, including the elusive Executioner’s Axe Head. This blog post explores everything you need to know about the Executioner’s Axe Head in OSRS, from its origins and acquisition to its role in crafting the Soulreaper Axe. Whether you’re a seasoned Ironman or a new adventurer, this guide will help you navigate the grind and wield this legendary weapon.

The Executioner’s Axe Head is a critical component dropped by Vardorvis, one of the four formidable bosses introduced in the Desert Treasure II – The Fallen Empire quest. It’s one of four untradeable items needed to craft the Soulreaper Axe, alongside the Eye of the Duke, Siren’s Staff, and Leviathan’s Lure. When inspected, the in-game dialogue reads: “It’s the head of Vardorvis‘ axe. You might be able to combine it with something else.” This hints at its purpose in the forging process, requiring players to gather all components and 2,000 blood runes to create the axe.

Role in Crafting the Soulreaper Axe

The Executioner’s Axe Head is non-functional on its own but becomes invaluable when combined with the other three components. Crafting the Soulreaper Axe requires 80 Attack, 80 Strength, and 75 Magic (non-boostable), making it a high-level endeavor. The resulting weapon is a powerhouse, known for its unique Soul Stack mechanic, which we’ll dive into later.

How to Obtain the Executioners Axe Head

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Securing the Executioner’s Axe Head is no small feat, as it’s exclusively dropped by Vardorvis, a boss known for his relentless attacks and high kill count (KC) requirements for rare drops. Let’s break down the process.

Defeating Vardorvis

Vardorvis is one of the four post-quest bosses in Desert Treasure II, located in the Ancient Vault. To face him, you’ll need to complete the quest and have a solid combat setup. Vardorvis is particularly challenging due to his melee-heavy attacks and enrage phases, which can be mitigated with the right strategy.

  • Gear Setup: Use high-damage melee gear like the Bandos armor, Dragonfire Shield, and a strong weapon such as the Abyssal Whip or Blade of Saeldor.
  • Inventory: Bring Saradomin Brews, Super Restores, and high-healing food like Sharks or Manta Rays.
  • Prayers: Prioritize Protect from Melee and Piety to maximize damage output.
  • Strategy: Dodge Vardorvis’ special attacks, like his ground spikes, and maintain high health to survive his enrage phase.

Drop Rate and Grind

The Executioner’s Axe Head has a rare drop rate, often requiring hundreds of kills. Community posts on Reddit suggest players may see it around 333 KC or even as high as 4202 KC for some unlucky grinders. Ironmen face an especially tough journey, as the component is untradeable, forcing solo grinds. To improve your chances:

  • Farm Vardorvis consistently, aiming for 10-20 kills per session.
  • Use a Slayer Task if possible to boost drop rates with a Slayer Helm (i).
  • Track your KC to stay motivated—Reddit user Upping celebrated their drop at 333 KC, a testament to persistence.

Understanding the Soulreaper Axe

Once you’ve secured the Executioner’s Axe Head and the other components, you can forge the Soulreaper Axe, a weapon that’s both powerful and risky. Let’s explore its mechanics and why it’s worth the grind.

Soul Stack Mechanic

The Soulreaper Axe’s defining feature is its Soul Stack system. Each attack generates a stack, costing 8 Hitpoints but boosting your Strength level by 6%. You can accumulate up to five stacks, granting a maximum 30% Strength boost. This makes the Thin makes it ideal for high-damage scenarios like Slayer Tasks or Nightmare Zone.

Special Attack Behead

The axe’s special attack, Behead, consumes all Soul Stacks without using special attack energy. For each stack consumed, it:

  • Increases accuracy and damage by 6%.
  • Heals the player for 8 Hitpoints per stack, up to 40 Hitpoints.

This makes Behead a strategic tool, allowing players to recover health and deal devastating blows, especially against smaller enemies (1×1 or 2×2 sizes).

Executioners Axe Head in the Community

The Executioner’s Axe Head and the Soulreaper Axe have sparked lively discussions in the OSRS community, particularly on platforms like Reddit. Here’s what players are saying.

Community Insights and Controversies

The Executioner’s Axe Head grind is a hot topic among Ironmen and group PvMers. A Reddit thread by noparkinghere highlighted a debate about the axe’s contribution to MVP status in group bossing, like at the Wardens. The axe’s ability to deal massive damage (up to 750 per hit) during enrage phases can skew loot distribution, leading some to call for a nerf. However, others argue it’s a fair reward for the health sacrifice and grind.

Pros of Soulreaper Axe Cons of Soulreaper Axe
High damage output with 30% Strength boost 8 HP loss per attack
Behead special attack heals and boosts accuracy Rare components require long grinds
Excels against smaller enemies Less effective against 3×3+ monsters

Notable Player Achievements

Players have shared epic milestones, like u/Upping securing the Executioner’s Axe Head at 333 KC and u/Struyk reporting loot worth 870M from 4202 KC at Vardorvis, including five Ultor Rings. These stories inspire and caution players about the grind’s highs and lows.

Tips for Maximizing the Soulreaper Axe

To make the most of your Soulreaper Axe, consider these practical tips:

Optimizing Combat Scenarios

The axe shines in prolonged combat where you can maintain Soul Stacks. Use it in:

  • Slayer Tasks: The constant combat keeps stacks active.
  • Nightmare Zone: Aggressive enemies ensure easy stack maintenance.
  • Small Bosses: It outperforms weapons like the Elder Maul against 1×1 or 2×2 targets.

Managing Health Costs

The 8 HP cost per attack can add up, so:

  • Use Regeneration items like the Ring of Endurance.
  • Combine with Guthan’s Armor for passive healing.
  • Time Behead to recover health when low, especially at full stacks.

The Executioner’s Axe Head is more than just a drop—it’s a gateway to one of OSRS’s most dynamic weapons. The grind to obtain it and the skill to wield the Soulreaper Axe make it a badge of honor for any player. Whether you’re chasing it for PvM glory or Ironman pride, this component is a cornerstone of high-level gameplay. Happy grinding, and may your KC be low!