OSRS Helm of Neitiznot Faceguard Ultimate Guide

The Neitiznot Faceguard is one of the most sought-after helmets in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), offering exceptional defensive stats and a powerful strength bonus. As an upgraded version of the Helm of Neitiznot, it’s a staple for players engaging in high-level PvM and PvP content. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about the Neitiznot Faceguard, including how to obtain it, its stats, uses, and comparisons with other helmets. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the Fremennik Isles, this guide will help you maximize the potential of this iconic OSRS item.

The Neitiznot Faceguard is an upgraded version of the Helm of Neitiznot, requiring 70 Defence and completion of The Fremennik Exiles quest to equip. It’s renowned for its doubled strength bonus compared to the base helm, making it the second-highest strength bonus helmet in OSRS, only surpassed by the Torva Full Helm. Its untradeable nature and unique crafting process add to its prestige, while its versatility makes it a go-to choice for melee-focused players.

Key Features of the Neitiznot Faceguard

High Defensive Stats: Offers improved stab, slash, crush, and ranged defense over the Helm of Neitiznot.
Strength Bonus: Boasts a +6 strength bonus, ideal for maximizing melee damage.
Prayer Bonus: Provides a +3 prayer bonus, aiding in prolonged combat scenarios.
Non-Degradable: Unlike some high-tier gear, it doesn’t degrade, saving repair costs.
Untradeable: Adds exclusivity, as players must craft it themselves.

Why It’s Popular in OSRS

The Neitiznot Faceguard’s popularity stems from its balance of affordability and performance. While the Torva Full Helm offers a slightly higher strength bonus (+8), it’s significantly more expensive and harder to obtain. The Faceguard, with its +6 strength bonus, is a cost-effective alternative for players tackling bosses like Vorkath, Bandos, or Chambers of Xeric. Its lack of negative magic or ranged attack penalties also makes it versatile for hybrid setups.

How to Obtain the Neitiznot Faceguard

Crafting the Neitiznot Faceguard requires specific items and quest completions, making it a rewarding milestone for OSRS players. Below is a step-by-step guide to acquiring this powerful helmet.

Prerequisites

Before you can craft the Faceguard, you must meet the following requirements:

70 Defence: Necessary to equip the Neitiznot Faceguard.
The Fremennik Isles Quest: Grants access to the Helm of Neitiznot (55 Defence to equip).
The Fremennik Exiles Quest: Unlocks the ability to craft and wear the Faceguard.
Basilisk Jaw: A rare drop from Basilisk Knights, with a drop rate of 1/5,000 (1/1,000 on a Basilisk Slayer task).

Step-by-Step Crafting Process

Obtain the Helm of Neitiznot: Complete The Fremennik Isles quest to receive the helm as a reward. Alternatively, purchase it from the Grand Exchange (approximately 50,000 coins) or buy a replacement from Mawnis Burowgar for 50,000 coins.
Acquire a Basilisk Jaw: Kill Basilisk Knights, located in the Jormungand’s Prison, to obtain the jaw. Using a Slayer task significantly boosts the drop rate.
Speak to Olaf the Bard: With the Basilisk Jaw and Helm of Neitiznot in your inventory, talk to Olaf the Bard in Rellekka. Ask about basilisk jaw stories to unlock the crafting option.
Craft the Faceguard: Combine the Helm of Neitiznot and Basilisk Jaw to create the untradeable Neitiznot Faceguard.

Tips for Farming Basilisk Jaw

Farming the Basilisk Jaw can be time-consuming due to its rarity. Here are some tips to improve efficiency:

Use a Slayer Task: Assign Basilisks via a Slayer Master to increase the drop rate to 1/1,000.
Optimize Gear: Equip high-damage melee gear, such as a Dragon Hunter Lance or Abyssal Whip, to speed up kills.
Prayer Management: Use Protect from Melee and Piety to sustain longer trips.
Inventory Setup: Bring a mirror shield to avoid stat-draining attacks and teleports for quick banking.

Neitiznot Faceguard Stats and Comparisons

Understanding the Neitiznot Faceguard’s stats is crucial for determining its value in your gear setup. Below is a detailed breakdown and comparison with other popular helmets.

Stat Breakdown

Stat	Neitiznot Faceguard	Helm of Neitiznot	Torva Full Helm	Serpentine Helm
Stab Defence	+36	+31	+46	+50
Slash Defence	+34	+29	+48	+52
Crush Defence	+36	+34	+42	+55
Magic Defence	+3	+3	+8	+0
Ranged Defence	+34	+30	+48	+50
Strength Bonus	+6	+3	+8	+5
Prayer Bonus	+3	+3	+1	+0

Comparison with Other Helmets

Vs. Torva Full Helm: The Torva offers +8 strength and higher defensive stats but requires 80 Defence and is far more expensive (crafted from Nex drops). The Faceguard is a budget-friendly alternative for most players.
Vs. Serpentine Helm: The Serpentine Helm provides venom immunity and higher defensive stats but has a lower +5 strength bonus and requires scales for upkeep, making it less cost-effective. The Faceguard’s +3 prayer bonus is also advantageous for extended fights.
Vs. Slayer Helmet: On Slayer tasks, the Slayer Helmet (i) is best-in-slot due to its 16.67% accuracy and damage boost. Off-task, the Faceguard is superior for melee-focused content.

Best Uses for the Neitiznot Faceguard

The Neitiznot Faceguard excels in various combat scenarios, particularly where melee damage and defensive stats are critical. Here are its top applications.

PvM Scenarios

Boss Fights: Ideal for melee-based bosses like Bandos, Vorkath (melee setup), and Zulrah (hybrid setups), where its strength and prayer bonuses shine.
Raids: A staple in Chambers of Xeric and Theatre of Blood for players not using a Slayer Helmet or Torva.
General Combat Training: Perfect for training at Nightmare Zone or Sand Crabs, offering a balance of offense and defense.

PvP Scenarios

In PvP, the Faceguard’s high defensive stats and +6 strength bonus make it a strong choice for melee builds. Its lack of negative penalties allows flexibility in hybrid setups. However, if lost in PvP, it reverts to a Helm of Neitiznot and Basilisk Jaw, so weigh the risk before bringing it into the Wilderness.

When to Avoid Using It

Slayer Tasks: The Slayer Helmet (i) is better due to its task-specific bonuses.
Magic/Ranged Bosses: For bosses like Zulrah (ranged phase) or Saradomin, prioritize helmets with higher magic/ranged defense, like the Armadyl Helmet.

Tips for Maximizing the Neitiznot Faceguard

To get the most out of your Neitiznot Faceguard, consider these practical strategies:

Optimal Gear Pairings

Body/Legs: Pair with Bandos Chestplate and Tassets for maximum strength bonuses.
Weapons: Use high-damage weapons like the Abyssal Bludgeon, Scythe of Vitur, or Dragon Hunter Lance to capitalize on the +6 strength bonus.
Accessories: Equip an Amulet of Torture and Ferocious Gloves to further boost melee damage.

Combat Strategies

Prayer Usage: Leverage the +3 prayer bonus by using Piety or Protect from Melee to extend trips.
Switching Gear: For hybrid bosses, switch to ranged or magic gear during non-melee phases while keeping the Faceguard equipped for its defensive stats.
Know Your Enemy: Study boss mechanics to optimize damage output, as the Faceguard’s strength bonus is most effective against high-hitpoint targets.

Maintaining and Reverting

The Faceguard can be reverted to its components (Helm of Neitiznot and Basilisk Jaw) at any time, allowing you to sell the jaw if needed. If lost in PvP, it automatically reverts, preserving its value. Always store it in a Player-Owned House armour stand to avoid accidental loss during death in safe activities.