Air and Fire Staff in OSRS: Ultimate Guide to the Smoke Battlestaff
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers a variety of magical weapons, but few are as versatile and intriguing as the air and fire staff, commonly known as the smoke battlestaffa. Whether you’re a mage looking to optimize your spellcasting or a player curious about unique equipment, this guide dives deep into the smoke battlestaff—its uses, benefits, and how it fits into your OSRS journey. Let’s explore why this staff, which provides unlimited air and fire runes, is a game-changer for magic enthusiasts.
The smoke battlestaff is an elemental staff in OSRS that combines the power of air and fire runes, offering an unlimited supply of both when equipped. Requiring 30 Attack and 30 Magic to wield, it’s an accessible yet powerful tool for mid-level players. Dropped exclusively by the Thermonuclear Smoke Devil, this staff also supports autocasting, making it a practical choice for combat and training.
Origins and How to Obtain It
The smoke battlestaff isn’t something you can craft or buy from a shop—it’s a rare drop from the Thermonuclear Smoke Devil, a Slayer boss requiring 93 Slayer to face. Located in the Smoke Devil Dungeon south of Castle Wars, this boss offers a 1/512 chance to drop the staff, making it a coveted reward for those willing to take on the challenge.
Upgrading to the Mystic Smoke Staff
For those seeking even more power, the smoke battlestaff can be upgraded into the mystic smoke staff. Bring your battlestaff and 40,000 coins (or less with Kandarin Diaries completed) to Thormac in Varrock after completing the Scorpion Catcher quest. The mystic version requires 40 Attack and 40 Magic and boosts magic accuracy and damage by 10% when casting standard spellbook spells.
Why Use the Smoke Battlestaff?
The smoke battlestaff stands out for its dual-rune functionality and combat utility. Here’s why it’s worth considering for your OSRS adventures:
Unlimited Air and Fire Runes
Air and fire runes are staples in many spells, from combat classics like Fire Bolt to utility spells like High Alchemy. With the smoke battlestaff, you’ll never need to stock up on these runes again, saving inventory space and gold in the long run.
Autocasting Made Easy
Equipping the smoke battlestaff allows you to autocast spells from the standard spellbook, streamlining your combat experience. This is especially useful for training Magic or tackling Slayer tasks efficiently.
Cost-Effective Magic Training
For players looking to level Magic without breaking the bank, the smoke battlestaff shines. Spells like Fire Strike or Fire Bolt become essentially free (aside from other rune costs), making it a budget-friendly option for splashing or alching.
Best Spells to Use with the Smoke Battlestaff
The smoke battlestaff’s unlimited air and fire runes open up a range of spellcasting possibilities. Below are some top spells to pair with this staff, along with their benefits:
- Fire Strike (Level 13 Magic): A low-cost spell requiring only one mind rune per cast with the staff equipped. Great for early Magic training or splashing.
- Fire Bolt (Level 35 Magic): Needs one chaos rune per cast, offering higher damage for mid-level combat or Slayer tasks.
- Fire Blast (Level 59 Magic): A powerful option requiring one death rune, ideal for tougher foes or bossing.
- High Alchemy (Level 55 Magic): Uses one nature rune per cast, perfect for turning junk into gold without worrying about fire rune costs.
- Superheat Item (Level 43 Magic): Requires one nature rune, excellent for Smithing training on the go.
| Spell | Magic Level | Runes Needed (With Staff) | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Strike | 13 | 1 Mind | Splashing, Early Training |
| Fire Bolt | 35 | 1 Chaos | Mid-Level Combat |
| Fire Blast | 59 | 1 Death | Bossing, Slayer |
| High Alchemy | 55 | 1 Nature | Profit |
| Superheat Item | 43 | 1 Nature | Smithing |
Smoke Battlestaff vs. Other Elemental Staves
How does the smoke battlestaff stack up against other staves in OSRS? Let’s compare it to some popular alternatives:
Smoke Battlestaff vs. Staff of Air
The basic Staff of Air provides unlimited air runes and has no wielding requirements, making it a free-to-play favorite. However, it lacks the fire rune supply and higher stats of the smoke battlestaff, limiting its versatility for fire-based spells.
Smoke Battlestaff vs. Staff of Fire
The Staff of Fire offers unlimited fire runes with no requirements, purchasable from Zaff in Varrock. While it’s cheaper and easier to obtain, it doesn’t cover air runes, making the smoke battlestaff a more comprehensive choice for multi-element spells.
Smoke Battlestaff vs. Dust Battlestaff
The dust battlestaff, providing air and earth runes, is another dual-rune option. It’s cheaper and dropped by Dust Devils (65 Slayer), but its spell pool (e.g., Earth Bolt) is less damage-focused compared to the fire-heavy options of the smoke battlestaff.
Smoke Battlestaff vs. Kodai Wand
The Kodai Wand, an endgame weapon, offers unlimited water runes and a 15% magic damage boost. While far superior in stats, it’s significantly more expensive and requires 75 Magic, positioning the smoke battlestaff as a mid-tier alternative.
Tips for Maximizing the Smoke Battlestaff in OSRS
To get the most out of your air and fire staff, consider these practical tips:
Pair with a Rune Pouch
A rune pouch lets you carry three additional rune types, complementing the staff’s air and fire supply. This setup maximizes inventory space for looting or skilling while keeping your spellcasting options open.
Use for Slayer Tasks
The Thermonuclear Smoke Devil itself is weak to magic, and the smoke battlestaff’s fire spells (like Fire Blast) make it a thematic and effective choice for farming more staves or completing tasks.
Combine with Splashing Gear
For AFK Magic training, equip the staff with negative magic bonus gear (e.g., full iron armor) and splash low-level NPCs like rats or spiders. Fire Strike becomes nearly free, offering decent XP rates with minimal effort.
Upgrade Strategically
If you’re nearing 40 Magic and Attack, save up for the mystic smoke staff upgrade. The 10% damage and accuracy boost significantly improves its longevity as you progress to higher-level content.
In conclusion, the smoke battlestaff is a standout choice for OSRS players who value efficiency, versatility, and cost savings in their magical pursuits. Whether you’re training Magic, tackling Slayer, or alching for profit, this air and fire staff delivers. Ready to wield it? Head to the Smoke Devil Dungeon, take on the boss, and claim your own—your spellbook will thank you!