OSRS We Do Raids A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners and Pros

Raids in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) are the ultimate test of skill, teamwork, and preparation. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newbie stepping into the Chambers of Xeric or Theatre of Blood for the first time, raids are thrilling, chaotic, and incredibly rewarding. I’ve been raiding in OSRS for years, and let me tell you, nothing beats the rush of taking down a boss with your team and seeing that rare drop hit the floor. In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about raids, share personal tips, and help you avoid the mistakes I made when I started. Ready to dive into the world of OSRS raids? Let’s get started.

Raids are high-level, multiplayer PvE (player versus environment) content in OSRS, designed for groups of players to tackle challenging bosses and puzzles. There are two main raids: Chambers of Xeric (CoX) and Theatre of Blood (ToB). Both require coordination, good gear, and a solid understanding of game mechanics. If you’re wondering what makes raids so special, it’s the combination of strategy, teamwork, and the chance to snag some of the game’s rarest loot, like the Twisted Bow or Scythe of Vitur.

Why Should You Try Raids?

Why bother with raids? For me, it’s the adrenaline of working with a team to overcome tough challenges and the joy of finally mastering a boss after wiping a dozen times. Plus, the loot is insane! Raids offer unique rewards you can’t get anywhere else, and they’re a great way to bond with friends or meet new players. Have you ever tried a raid before? If not, you’re missing out on some of the most fun content in OSRS.

Chambers of Xeric The Beginner-Friendly Raid

The Chambers of Xeric, or CoX, is where most players start their raiding journey. It’s more forgiving than ToB and scales to your team size, making it perfect for small groups or even solo runs if you’re feeling brave. My first CoX run was a disaster I forgot to bring stamina potions and died to the first boss because I ran out of energy. Don’t be like me! Here’s what you need to know to succeed.

Getting Started with CoX

To start CoX, head to the Chambers of Xeric in the Lizardman Settlement, north of Shayzien. You’ll need a team (or go solo if you’re experienced) and some basic gear. Here’s a quick checklist to prepare:

Combat Stats: Aim for at least 90+ in combat stats (Attack, Strength, Defence, Magic, Ranged).
Gear: A mix of melee, ranged, and magic gear. Budget options like Void or Blessed D’hide work great.
Supplies: Bring potions like Super Combats, Ranging Potions, and Stamina Potions. Don’t skimp on food Sharks or better.
Inventory Tip: Always carry a Teleport to House tablet for quick escapes.

My First CoX Experience

I’ll never forget my first CoX run. My clan and I were clueless, arguing over who should do the puzzle rooms. We wiped at Vasa Nistirio because no one knew how to dodge his crystal attacks. But after a few tries, we got the hang of it, and pulling off our first completion felt AMAZING. The key? Communication and practice. If you’re new, don’t stress about messing up everyone does at first.

CoX Bosses and Strategies

CoX has a variety of bosses, each with unique mechanics. Here’s a quick rundown of some key ones:

Boss	Difficulty	Key Mechanic	Tip
Tekton	Medium	Heavy melee hits	Stay out of his hammer range and use Ranged.
Vasa Nistirio	Hard	Crystal teleport and AoE attacks	Dodge the crystals and focus on DPS.
Olm (Final Boss)	Very Hard	Multiple phases, rotating mechanics	Assign roles (e.g., runner, mage) and pray.

Pro Tip: Learn the puzzle rooms first. The Crab Puzzle and Ice Demon can be tricky, but watching a YouTube guide beforehand saved me hours of frustration.

Theatre of Blood The Ultimate Challenge

If CoX is the beginner raid, Theatre of Blood (ToB) is the endgame. Located in Meiyerditch, ToB is a linear raid with fixed bosses and no scaling, meaning you need a solid team of 4-5 players. My first ToB run was terrifying I died to Sotetseg’s red ball attack because I didn’t know how to pass it. But once you learn the mechanics, it’s incredibly rewarding.

Why ToB Is Tougher Than CoX

ToB is less forgiving than CoX. Every boss has complex mechanics, and one mistake can wipe your team. You’ll need high-level gear (Bandos, Ancestral, or Justiciar), maxed combat stats, and a team that communicates well. Have you ever wiped in a raid because someone missed a mechanic? It happens a lot in ToB, but that’s what makes it so thrilling.

ToB Bosses and Strategies

Here’s a quick overview of ToB’s bosses and how to tackle them:

The Maiden of Sugadinti: Avoid blood pools and kill crabs in the right order. Pro Tip: Use a Blowpipe for quick crab kills.
Pestilent Bloat: Dodge the falling flies and pray against its attacks. My team used to panic here, but staying calm and timing your movements is key.
Sotetseg: Pass the red ball to a teammate to avoid massive damage. I learned this the hard way after eating a 70-hit.
Xarpus: Watch for poison pools and stay on the move. Ranged is your best friend here.
Verzik Vitur (Final Boss): This multi-phase fight is brutal. Coordinate with your team and pray correctly.

My ToB Learning Curve

When I started ToB, I was intimidated by the mechanics and the need for perfect coordination. My first completion took 20+ attempts, but the moment we killed Verzik, I was hooked. The loot table, including items like the Scythe of Vitur, makes every run worth it. If you’re struggling, join a clan or use the We Do Raids Discord to find a team that can teach you.

Tips for Raiding Success

Raiding isn’t just about gear and stats it’s about strategy and teamwork. Here are some tips I’ve learned from hundreds of raid runs:

Join a Clan or Discord: The We Do Raids Discord is a lifesaver for finding teams and learning mechanics. I found my regular raid group there, and it made all the difference.
Practice Solo CoX First: Solo CoX teaches you mechanics without the pressure of letting a team down.
Watch Guides: YouTube channels like SoupOSRS or Lucid have amazing raid guides.
Don’t Skimp on Supplies: I used to bring cheap food to save money, but it’s not worth dying mid-raid.
Communicate: Use voice chat if possible. Calling out mechanics in ToB can save your team.

What’s your biggest raiding struggle? For me, it was learning to stay calm during chaotic fights like Verzik.

Gear and Loadouts for Raids

Your gear can make or break a raid. When I started, I used budget setups, but as I got better, I invested in BIS (best-in-slot) items. Here’s a breakdown of recommended gear for both raids:

Slot	CoX Budget	CoX BIS	ToB Budget	ToB BIS
Helmet	Void Helm	Ancestral Hat	Void Helm	Ancestral Hat
Chest	Void Top	Armadyl Chestplate	Void Top	Armadyl Chestplate
Legs	Void Bottom	Armadyl Chainskirt	Void Bottom	Armadyl Chainskirt
Weapon	Dragon Crossbow	Twisted Bow	Dragon Crossbow	Twisted Bow
Shield	Elysian Spirit Shield	Elysian Spirit Shield	Book of Law	Arcane Spirit Shield

Pro Tip: If you can’t afford a Twisted Bow, a Blowpipe with Adamant Darts is a solid budget option for both raids.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made my fair share of mistakes in raids, and I’ve seen others do the same. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Not Praying Correctly: Always check the boss’s attack style and pray accordingly. I once died to Olm because I forgot to switch to Protect from Magic.
Ignoring Puzzles: In CoX, skipping puzzle rooms properly can slow your team down.
Poor Inventory Management: Bring the right potions and food. I used to overpack brews and forget restores.
Not Communicating: Silent teams wipe. Speak up or use text chat to coordinate.

What’s the worst raiding mistake you’ve made? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments!

The Rewards of Raiding

Raids are worth the effort because of the incredible loot. In CoX, you can get items like the Twisted Bow, Dragon Claws, or Ancestral Robes. ToB drops are even crazier Scythe of Vitur, Justiciar Armour, and Sanguinesti Staff are game-changers. My first big drop was a Dexterous Prayer Scroll from CoX, and I nearly screamed when I saw it. The GP (gold pieces) from raids can also fund your entire OSRS journey.

Is Raiding Worth It?

Absolutely. Beyond the loot, raids teach you how to be a better player. You’ll learn to manage inventory, switch prayers, and work as a team. Plus, the sense of accomplishment is unmatched. Have you ever gotten a rare drop? It’s a feeling like no other.

How to Find a Raid Team

Finding a good raid team can be tough, especially if you’re new. Here’s how I built my raid squad:

We Do Raids Discord: This community is amazing for finding learner raids or experienced teams.
Clan Chats: Join a PvM-focused clan like OSRS Advice or PvM Hub.
Friends List: Add players you vibe with during raids. My best raid buddies came from random CoX runs.
Forums: The OSRS forums have LFG (looking for group) threads for raids.

What’s your go-to way to find a raid team? I’m always looking for new tips!

Solo Raids vs. Team Raids

Solo raids are a whole different beast. I started soloing CoX after getting comfortable with team runs, and it’s a great way to learn mechanics at your own pace. However, solo raids require better gear and more experience. Team raids, on the other hand, are more forgiving but rely on good communication. I prefer team raids for the social aspect, but solo runs are perfect when I want to focus.

Should You Try Solo Raids?

If you’re new, stick to team raids first. Solo CoX is doable with mid-tier gear, but ToB solo is only for the most skilled players. Have you tried a solo raid yet? It’s a wild ride!

Final Thoughts

Raids in OSRS are some of the most exciting content in the game. Whether you’re tackling Chambers of Xeric with a budget setup or sweating through Theatre of Blood with a maxed team, the experience is unforgettable. My journey from a nervous newbie to a confident raider taught me patience, teamwork, and how to laugh at my own mistakes. If you’re hesitant to start, don’t be just jump in, find a team, and have fun. What’s stopping you from trying raids today? Grab your gear, join a team, and let’s raid!