Best Bolts for Crossbow in OSRS: Top Picks for 2025

If you’re diving into the world of Old School RuneScape (OSRS) and wielding a crossbow, choosing the right bolts can make or break your adventure. Bolts are the lifeblood of crossbow combat, offering everything from raw power to special effects that can turn the tide in PvM, PvP, or Slayer tasks. With so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the best bolts for crossbow in OSRS, updated for 2025. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, you’ll find the perfect ammunition to suit your needs right here.

In OSRS, crossbows are a versatile ranged weapon, and the bolts you pair with them determine your damage output, cost-efficiency, and tactical edge. Unlike bows and arrows, crossbows offer unique enchanted bolt effects, making them a favorite for specific scenarios like bossing or PvP. Picking the right bolts isn’t just about damage—it’s about balancing power, availability, and your budget. Let’s explore the top contenders that’ll keep you ahead of the game.

Understanding Bolt Stats and Compatibility

Bolts come with a Ranged Strength bonus that dictates their base damage. Higher-tier crossbows can fire stronger bolts, but damage caps at the crossbow’s level if the bolt exceeds it. For example, using dragon bolts (+122 Ranged Strength) with a rune crossbow (level 61) limits their potential. Always match your bolts to your crossbow and combat needs for optimal results.

Top 5 Best Bolts for Crossbow in OSRS

Here’s my rundown of the top bolts you should consider stocking up on. These picks are based on power, utility, and practicality for various playstyles in 2025.

1. Dragon Bolts (e) – The PvP Powerhouse

Ranged Strength: +122
Requirements: 64 Ranged, Dragon Crossbow or higher
Special Effect: Dragon’s Breath (enchanted with Dragonstone)

Dragon bolts enchanted with Dragonstone are the kings of raw power. With a Ranged Strength of +122, they’re the strongest base bolts in OSRS. Their Dragon’s Breath effect unleashes dragonfire, dealing massive extra damage—perfect for PvP against low-defense targets. They shine with high-end crossbows like the Dragon Hunter Crossbow or Zaryte Crossbow, especially if you’ve completed the Hard Kandarin Diary for a 10% effect boost. However, they’re pricey and less effective against fire-immune foes like dragons.

• Pros: Highest damage, devastating in PvP
• Cons: Expensive, situational effect
• Best For: PvP, high-stakes PvM

2. Onyx Bolts (e) – The Healing Heavyweight

Ranged Strength: +120
Requirements: 61 Ranged, Rune Crossbow or higher
Special Effect: Life Leech (enchanted with Onyx)

Onyx bolts (e) trade a smidge of damage for incredible utility. With a +120 Ranged Strength, they’re near the top tier, but their Life Leech effect steals the show—dealing 20% extra damage and healing you for 25% of it. This makes them a godsend for solo boss fights or prolonged Slayer tasks. The catch? They’re insanely expensive, often costing more than all other bolts combined. Use them sparingly for maximum impact.

• Pros: Healing effect, high damage
• Cons: Prohibitively costly
• Best For: Bossing, Ironman accounts

3. Diamond Bolts (e) – The Armor-Piercing Choice

Ranged Strength: +105 (Adamant base)
Requirements: 46 Ranged, Adamant Crossbow or higher
Special Effect: Armour Piercing (enchanted with Diamond)

Diamond bolts (e) are a budget-friendly yet powerful option. Built from adamant bolts, they offer a +105 Ranged Strength and a 10% chance (5% in PvP) to ignore enemy defense while boosting damage by 15%. They’re a go-to for high-defense targets like bosses or PvM encounters, especially with a rune or dragon crossbow. Affordable and effective, they’re a staple for mid-to-high-level players.

• Pros: Cost-effective, great against armored foes
• Cons: Lower base damage than top-tier bolts
• Best For: Slayer, mid-tier bossing

4. Ruby Bolts (e) – The High-HP Slayer

Ranged Strength: +103 (Adamant base)
Requirements: 46 Ranged, Adamant Crossbow or higher
Special Effect: Blood Forfeit (enchanted with Ruby)

Ruby bolts (e) excel against enemies with massive health pools. Their Blood Forfeit effect sacrifices 10% of your HP to deal 20% of the target’s current HP (capped at 100 damage), with an 11% chance in PvP and 6% in PvM. Pair them with a dragon crossbow for God Wars Dungeon runs or Vorkath fights. They’re cheaper than dragon or onyx bolts, making them a solid mid-tier pick.

• Pros: Devastating against high-HP targets, affordable
• Cons: Self-damage, situational
• Best For: Bossing, dragons

5. Broad Bolts – The Budget All-Rounder

Ranged Strength: +100
Requirements: 61 Ranged, 55 Slayer, Rune Crossbow or higher

Broad bolts are the unsung heroes of OSRS. Matching adamant bolts’ +100 Ranged Strength, they’re dirt-cheap and ideal for training or Slayer tasks against Turoths and Kurasks. Buy them from Slayer Masters for 35 points per 250 or craft them with the right skills. They’re a no-frills option that gets the job done without breaking the bank.

• Pros: Cheap, versatile
• Cons: No special effects, Slayer requirement
• Best For: Training, Slayer

How to Get the Best Bolts in OSRS

Acquiring these bolts involves crafting, enchanting, or buying. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Crafting and Enchanting Bolts

Most bolts start with a metal base (e.g., adamant, runite) made via Smithing, then feathers added with Fletching. Enchanted variants require the Enchant Crossbow Bolt spell and gem tips:

Bolt	Base	Fletching Level	Magic Level	Gem Tip
Dragon (e)	Dragon	84	68	Dragonstone
Onyx (e)	Runite	69	87	Onyx
Diamond (e)	Adamant	61	57	Diamond
Ruby (e)	Adamant	61	49	Ruby
Broad	Broad (unf)	55	N/A	N/A

Dragon bolts drop from high-level monsters like Vorkath, while broad bolts come from Slayer rewards.

Buying Bolts from the Grand Exchange

For convenience, hit the Grand Exchange. Prices fluctuate, but as of April 2025, expect:
– Dragon Bolts (e): ~300-400 gp each
– Onyx Bolts (e): ~20,000+ gp each
– Diamond Bolts (e): ~150-200 gp each
– Ruby Bolts (e): ~120-150 gp each
– Broad Bolts: ~50-60 gp each

Best Bolts for Specific Scenarios

Different situations call for different bolts. Here’s how to match them to your goals.

PvP Combat

Dragon bolts (e) dominate PvP with their dragonfire burst, especially against low-defense pures. Diamond bolts (e) are a cheaper alternative for piercing tanky opponents.

PvM and Bossing

Ruby bolts (e) shred high-HP bosses like Vorkath, while Onyx bolts (e) sustain you against tough foes like the Corporeal Beast. Diamond bolts (e) handle armored targets efficiently.

Slayer Tasks

Broad bolts are your bread and butter for everyday Slayer, with amethyst broad bolts (+115 Ranged Strength) as a step-up if you’ve got 65 Slayer and can mine amethyst.

Tips to Maximize Your Crossbow Bolt Efficiency

To get the most out of your bolts, consider these strategies:

• Use Ava’s Devices: Ava’s Assembler or Accumulator recovers bolts, saving you gp.
• Complete Hard Kandarin Diary: Boosts enchanted bolt effects by 10%.
• Match Your Gear: Pair high-tier bolts with top crossbows like Armadyl or Zaryte for full potential.
• Stockpile Smart: Buy in bulk during price dips on the Grand Exchange.

With these bolts and tips in your arsenal, you’re ready to tackle Gielinor in 2025. Whether you’re sniping players in the Wilderness or grinding Slayer, the right bolts will keep you on top. Happy hunting!