Amethyst Broad Bolts in OSRS: The Ultimate Guide to Crafting and Using Them
If you’re an Old School RuneScape (OSRS) player looking to optimize your ranged combat or make some extra gold, amethyst broad bolts might just be your next go-to item. These powerful bolts offer a unique blend of accessibility, strength, and utility, making them a favorite among mid-to-late-game players. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about amethyst broad bolts in OSRS—from how to craft them to their best uses in combat and even their profitability. Whether you’re a slayer enthusiast or a PvM grinder, this blog post has you covered!
Amethyst broad bolts are enhanced versions of the standard broad bolts in OSRS, tipped with amethyst bolt tips for added power. Introduced as part of the Mining Guild expansion, these bolts are a step up from their regular counterparts, offering a ranged strength bonus of +115, equivalent to runite bolts. They’re particularly notable for their effectiveness against specific Slayer monsters like Turoths and Kurasks, making them a must-have for ranged-focused players.
Key Requirements to Use Amethyst Broad Bolts
To equip and fire amethyst broad bolts, you’ll need:
- 61 Ranged – A moderate requirement that most mid-level players can achieve.
- 65 Slayer – This locks their use to players with some Slayer progression.
- A compatible crossbow: Rune, Dragon Hunter, Dragon, Armadyl, or Zaryte crossbows.
Why Choose Amethyst Broad Bolts?
Unlike enchanted bolts like ruby or diamond, amethyst broad bolts don’t rely on special effects. Instead, they provide consistent, high damage at a relatively low cost. Their strength matches runite bolts, but they’re craftable with the right skills, giving players more control over their supply. Plus, they’re the strongest bolts available for slaying Turoths and Kurasks, thanks to their broad-tipped design.
How to Craft Amethyst Broad Bolts in OSRS
Crafting amethyst broad bolts is a multi-step process that combines Mining, Crafting, and Fletching skills. It’s a rewarding endeavor for players looking to level up their skills while creating valuable ammunition. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
Step 1: Mining Amethyst
Amethyst is the raw material needed for these bolts, and it’s only found in the Mining Guild. You’ll need:
- 92 Mining – A high-level requirement, but worth it for the rewards.
- A pickaxe (preferably Crystal or Dragon for efficiency).
Head to the Mining Guild in Falador, where amethyst crystals are scattered. Each crystal yields one amethyst, granting 240 Mining XP per successful mine. For faster mining, consider wearing Varrock Armour 4 or Expert Mining Gloves to boost your efficiency.
Step 2: Crafting Amethyst Bolt Tips
Once you’ve gathered amethyst, it’s time to turn it into bolt tips:
Use the chisel on an amethyst to select the “make bolt tips” option. This produces 15 amethyst bolt tips per gem and awards 60 Crafting XP. Unlike other bolt tips, this process uses Crafting rather than Fletching, which is a unique quirk of amethyst.
Step 3: Fletching Amethyst Broad Bolts
Now, combine your bolt tips with broad bolts:
- 76 Fletching – The final skill hurdle.
- Broader Fletching Unlock – Costs 300 Slayer reward points from a Slayer Master.
- Broad bolts (purchasable from Slayer Masters or the Grand Exchange).
Fletching amethyst broad bolts is done in sets of 10, granting 10.6 Fletching XP per bolt (or 106 XP per set). It’s a fast process, taking about 12 seconds per set, making it a viable training method for high-level Fletchers.
Combat Applications of Amethyst Broad Bolts
Amethyst broad bolts shine in specific combat scenarios, particularly for Slayer tasks and general ranged training. Let’s explore their best uses.
Slaying Turoths and Kurasks
Turoths and Kurasks are leafy Slayer monsters that require broad-tipped ammunition or specific weapons to damage. Amethyst broad bolts are the top-tier choice here, offering superior damage compared to regular broad bolts (+100 ranged strength) or broad arrows. Pair them with a Rune Crossbow or higher for efficient task completion.
General Ranged Training
For players without access to a Blowpipe or Twisted Bow, amethyst broad bolts provide a cost-effective alternative for training Ranged. Their +115 ranged strength ensures solid damage output, and their craftability keeps costs manageable compared to buying runite bolts outright.
PvM and Bossing
While enchanted bolts like diamond (e) or ruby (e) dominate high-level PvM, amethyst broad bolts can still hold their own in mid-tier content. They’re a reliable choice for budget setups at places like the Fight Caves or when safespotting dragons.
Profitability of Amethyst Broad Bolts
Beyond combat, crafting amethyst broad bolts can be a lucrative money-making method. However, profitability depends on market prices, so let’s break it down.
Cost Analysis
Here’s a rough cost breakdown based on typical Grand Exchange prices (as of April 2025):
| Item | Cost (GP) | Quantity | Total (GP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amethyst | 3,500 | 1 | 3,500 |
| Broad Bolts (10) | 550 | 1 set | 550 |
| Total Input Cost | – | – | 4,050 |
| Amethyst Broad Bolts (10) | 2,700 | 1 set | 2,700 |
Note: Prices fluctuate, so always check the GE before bulk crafting. In this example, you’d lose about 1,350 GP per set, but mining your own amethyst eliminates the 3,500 GP cost, turning it into profit.
Money-Making Tips
- Mine Your Own Amethyst – Cuts costs significantly and doubles as Mining XP.
- Buy Low, Sell High – Purchase broad bolts and amethyst bolt tips overnight due to buy limits (11,000 for tips).
- Test Small Batches – Market volatility can turn profit into loss, so start small.
At peak efficiency, you can fletch around 28,500 bolts per hour, netting 275-300k Fletching XP and potentially 100-200k GP profit if you source materials wisely.
Tips and Tricks for Amethyst Broad Bolts
To get the most out of amethyst broad bolts, consider these pro tips:
Optimizing Skill Training
Combine amethyst mining, crafting, and fletching into a single routine. This not only saves time but also levels three skills simultaneously. Use boosts like the Crafting Cape or Mining Cape to speed up the process if you’ve got them.
Best Gear Pairings
Maximize your ranged damage with:
- Dragon Hunter Crossbow – Ideal for dragon tasks.
- Armadyl Crossbow – Boosts accuracy for tougher foes.
- Ranged gear like Armadyl or Void for overall performance.
Alternatives to Consider
If amethyst broad bolts don’t fit your playstyle, explore these options:
- Ruby Bolts (e) – High burst damage for bossing.
- Diamond Bolts (e) – Armor-piercing for tanky enemies.
- Amethyst Arrows – A cheaper alternative for bow users.
Amethyst broad bolts in OSRS are a versatile and powerful tool for any ranged enthusiast. Whether you’re crafting them for profit, training your skills, or taking down Slayer monsters, they offer a unique balance of accessibility and strength. Start mining those amethyst crystals, unlock Broader Fletching, and see how these bolts can elevate your gameplay. Have you tried using amethyst broad bolts yet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!