Best Bolts for PvP OSRS Dominating Opponents Guide

Best Bolts for PvP OSRS Dominating Opponents Guide

If you’re diving into the wild world of Old School RuneScape (OSRS) PvP, you know that every little advantage counts. One of the most overlooked yet game-changing choices is picking the right bolts for your crossbow. As someone who’s spent countless hours in the Wilderness, dueling in the Arena, and taking on opponents in Clan Wars, I’ve learned that bolts can make or break a fight. In this guide, I’ll break down the best bolts for PvP in OSRS, share some personal experiences, and help you figure out which bolts will give you the edge in combat. Let’s get into it!

When you’re facing another player, every hit counts. Unlike PvE, where you might focus on consistent damage over time, PvP is all about burst damage, special effects, and outsmarting your opponent. Bolts, when paired with the right crossbow, can deliver devastating effects like poisoning, freezing, or even massive raw damage. But which bolts should you use? And why do they matter so much?

In my early days of PvP, I underestimated bolts. I thought, “Hey, I’ll just grab whatever’s in my bank and go.” Big mistake. I got smoked by a guy using dragon bolts with some nasty enchantments while I was stuck with basic steel bolts. That loss taught me to respect the power of bolts and their enchantments. Let’s dive into the top choices and why they shine in PvP.

Top Bolts for PvP in OSRS

Here’s a rundown of the best bolts you should consider for PvP, based on their damage, effects, and accessibility. I’ll also share how I’ve used them in fights to give you a real-world perspective.

Dragon Bolts (e) The King of Burst Damage

Why Use Dragon Bolts?
Dragon bolts (enchanted) are the cream of the crop for PvP. Their special effect, Dragon’s Breath, can hit up to 48 extra damage if your opponent isn’t protected by an antifire potion or shield. That’s huge in a fight where every hit point matters. These bolts are especially deadly with the Armadyl Crossbow or Dragon Hunter Crossbow due to their high ranged strength.

Personal Experience:
I remember a tense 1v1 in the Duel Arena where I was using dragon bolts (e) with my Armadyl Crossbow. My opponent was a maxed melee build, cocky as hell, thinking he could tank my hits. I landed a Dragon’s Breath proc that hit a 45, followed by a quick switch to my Dragon Dagger for a spec. He was done before he could eat up. That’s the kind of impact these bolts can have.

When to Use:

  • High-stakes fights where you need burst damage.

  • Against opponents without antifire protection.

  • Pair with high-end crossbows for maximum effect.

Cost: Expensive, but worth it for serious PvPers.

Diamond Bolts (e) The Armor-Piercing Choice

Why Use Diamond Bolts?
Diamond bolts (enchanted) have the Armour Piercing effect, which ignores a portion of your opponent’s ranged defense. This makes them perfect for tanky players who stack up on high-defense gear. They can hit up to 66 with the right setup, making them a go-to for deep Wilderness fights.

Personal Experience:
One time in the Wilderness, I was up against a guy in full Justiciar armor. He thought he was untouchable. I switched to diamond bolts (e) with my Rune Crossbow, and the Armour Piercing effect shredded through his defense. I landed a 58, which caught him off guard, and I finished him with a quick Ancient Mace spec. It felt SO good.

When to Use:

  • Against high-defense targets like tanks or maxed mains.

  • When you’re using a mid-tier crossbow like the Rune Crossbow.

  • If you want consistent high hits without relying on special effects.

Cost: Moderate, more affordable than dragon bolts.

Ruby Bolts (e) The Risky High-Reward Option

Why Use Ruby Bolts?
Ruby bolts (enchanted) have the Blood Forfeit effect, which deals 20% of your opponent’s current hitpoints as damage (up to 100). The catch? It also takes 10% of your own hitpoints. These are high-risk, high-reward bolts that shine in the early stages of a fight when your opponent’s HP is high.

Personal Experience:
I used ruby bolts (e) during a clan war, and let me tell you, they’re a gamble. I landed a massive 80 damage hit on a guy with full HP, but I took 9 damage myself. It was worth it, though, because it forced him to eat early, giving my team the upper hand. Just be careful not to overuse these when your own HP is low!

When to Use:

  • Early in fights when your opponent has high HP.

  • In team fights where you can afford to take some self-damage.

  • With a strong crossbow like the Armadyl or Dragon Hunter.

Cost: Moderate, similar to diamond bolts.

Onyx Bolts (e) The Poison Powerhouse

Why Use Onyx Bolts?
Onyx bolts (enchanted) come with the Life Leech effect, which heals you for 25% of the damage dealt and has a chance to inflict venom. In PvP, venom is brutal because it stacks poison damage over time, forcing your opponent to chug antidotes or suffer.

Personal Experience:
I once fought a guy in Edgeville who was spamming brews to stay alive. I switched to onyx bolts (e) and landed a venom proc. The stacking poison forced him to waste his antidotes, and I could focus on stacking damage with my crossbow. It’s not the flashiest bolt, but the venom effect is a game-changer in long fights.

When to Use:

  • In prolonged fights where poison can wear down your opponent.

  • Against players who don’t carry antipoison.

  • When you need a bit of healing to stay in the fight.

Cost: Very expensive, so use sparingly.

Comparing the Best Bolts A Quick Table

To make things easier, here’s a table summarizing the key stats and uses of these bolts:

Bolt Type

Special Effect

Max Hit

Best Against

Cost

Dragon Bolts (e)

Dragon’s Breath

48 (extra)

Non-antifire users

High

Diamond Bolts (e)

Armour Piercing

66

High-defense tanks

Moderate

Ruby Bolts (e)

Blood Forfeit

100

High-HP targets early in fight

Moderate

Onyx Bolts (e)

Life Leech (Venom)

Varies

Long fights, poison-vulnerable

Very High

How to Choose the Right Bolt for Your Build

So, which bolt is the BEST for PvP? It depends on your setup and playstyle. Here are some quick tips to help you decide:

  • Pure Ranged Builds: Go for dragon or diamond bolts (e). Their raw damage output is perfect for stacking hits quickly.

  • Hybrid Builds: Ruby bolts (e) are great for early burst damage, especially if you’re switching between melee or mage.

  • Tank Builds: Onyx bolts (e) can keep you alive longer with their healing effect, especially in multi-combat zones.

  • Budget Players: Stick with diamond or ruby bolts (e). They’re cheaper but still pack a punch.

I usually carry a mix of dragon and diamond bolts (e) when I’m out in the Wilderness. That way, I can switch depending on my opponent’s gear and strategy. Flexibility is key!

Enchanting Bolts A Quick Guide

To use these bolts, you’ll need to enchant them with the Enchant Crossbow Bolt spell from the standard spellbook. Here’s what you need:

  • Dragon Bolts: 10 Fire runes, 1 Cosmic rune, 1 Soul rune, level 84 Magic.

  • Diamond Bolts: 2 Law runes, 1 Cosmic rune, 10 Earth runes, level 57 Magic.

  • Ruby Bolts: 2 Law runes, 1 Cosmic rune, 5 Fire runes, level 49 Magic.

  • Onyx Bolts: 1 Death rune, 1 Cosmic rune, 20 Fire runes, level 87 Magic.

Pro tip: If your Magic level isn’t high enough, you can buy pre-enchanted bolts from the Grand Exchange, but they’ll cost you a bit more. I always enchant my own bolts to save some GP, but when I’m in a rush, the GE is a lifesaver.

Crossbows to Pair with Your Bolts

The bolts are only half the equation. The crossbow you use matters just as much. Here are my go-to crossbows for PvP:

  • Armadyl Crossbow: The king of crossbows. Insane accuracy and strength, perfect for dragon or diamond bolts (e).

  • Dragon Hunter Crossbow: Great for dragon bolts (e) and has a bonus against dragons (not super relevant in PvP, but still strong).

  • Rune Crossbow: Budget-friendly and works well with diamond or ruby bolts (e).

  • Karil’s Crossbow: Fast attack speed, great for stacking poison with onyx bolts (e).

I’ve had the most success with the Armadyl Crossbow, but when I was a newer player, the Rune Crossbow was my trusty sidekick. It’s all about finding what fits your budget and style.

Tips for Using Bolts in PvP

Here are some battle-tested tips from my time in the Wilderness and Duel Arena:

  • Switch Bolts Mid-Fight: Don’t stick to one type of bolt. If your opponent pops an antifire potion, swap dragon bolts (e) for diamond or ruby.

  • Carry Antipoison: If you’re using ruby bolts (e) or facing onyx bolts (e), you’ll need antipoison to avoid getting wrecked by venom.

  • Stack Damage: Pair your bolts with special attacks from weapons like the Dragon Dagger or Ancient Mace for maximum impact.

  • Know Your Opponent: Scout their gear. If they’re in heavy armor, diamond bolts (e) are your friend. If they’re low on HP, ruby bolts (e) lose their edge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

  • Using Unenchanted Bolts: They’re weak and lack special effects. Always enchant your bolts!

  • Ignoring Your Budget: Don’t blow all your GP on onyx bolts (e) if you can’t afford them. Stick to diamond or ruby for cost-effective damage.

  • Not Switching Bolts: If your bolts aren’t hitting hard, swap them out. Sticking with the wrong bolts can cost you the fight.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right bolts for PvP in OSRS is all about knowing your opponent, your build, and your budget. Dragon bolts (e) are my personal favorite for their insane burst potential, but diamond and ruby bolts (e) are fantastic for specific situations. Onyx bolts (e) are a luxury pick for those long, drawn-out fights. Experiment with different bolts, practice your switches, and don’t be afraid to take some risks in the Wilderness. After all, that’s where the real fun happens!

What’s your go-to bolt for PvP? Have you had any epic moments with these bolts? Drop your stories below, and let’s talk about dominating the PvP scene in OSRS!