Best Cheap Bolts in OSRS for Budget Players

Best Cheap Bolts in OSRS for Budget Players

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), bolts are the ammunition of choice for crossbow users, offering hard-hitting power and versatility for ranged combat. Whether you’re training Ranged, tackling Slayer tasks, or dipping your toes into PvM, choosing the right bolts can make or break your experience—especially if you’re on a tight budget. This guide dives into the best cheap bolts in OSRS, balancing cost, damage, and accessibility to help you maximize your GP efficiency. We’ll explore affordable options, their stats, and the best scenarios to use them, ensuring you get the most bang for your buck.

Crossbows are a popular choice for ranged training and combat due to their high damage output and the ability to use a shield for defense. However, bolts can get pricey, especially for high-end options like Dragon or Onyx bolts. For budget players, cheap bolts offer a cost-effective way to train, complete Slayer tasks, or even take on low-to-mid-tier bosses without draining your coin pouch. By focusing on bolts with solid Ranged Strength and low cost, you can maintain efficiency while saving GP for gear upgrades or membership.

Key Factors for Choosing Budget Bolts

  • Cost per Bolt: Affordable bolts should cost less than 100 GP each to keep expenses low.
  • Ranged Strength: Higher Ranged Strength means more damage, critical for training and combat.
  • Accessibility: Bolts should be easy to craft, buy, or obtain via drops to avoid hassle.
  • Crossbow Compatibility: Ensure the bolts work with your crossbow (e.g., Steel, Rune, or Dragon).
  • Special Effects: Some budget bolts have enchantments or effects that add utility without breaking the bank.

Top Cheap Bolts for Budget Players

Old School RuneScape OSRS Best Bolts to Use Gamer Empire

Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best cheap bolts in OSRS, focusing on affordability and performance. These bolts are ideal for players with limited GP, mid-level Ranged (50–80), and access to common crossbows like the Rune or Dragon Crossbow. All prices are based on Grand Exchange averages as of May 2025 and may fluctuate.

1. Broad Bolts

Ranged Strength: +100
Cost: ~55 GP each
Requirements: 55 Slayer, 61 Ranged, Rune Crossbow or better

Broad bolts are the go-to choice for budget players, offering the same Ranged Strength as Adamant bolts (+100) at a fraction of the cost. They’re a staple for Slayer tasks, especially against Turoth and Kurasks, which require broad-tipped ammo for Ranged kills. You can buy 250 Broad bolts for 35 Slayer points from any Slayer Master or fletch them yourself with 55 Fletching after unlocking the ability for 300 Slayer points. Their low cost and high damage make them perfect for everyday training and Slayer.

Best Uses:

  • Slayer tasks (e.g., Turoth, Kurasks)
  • Ranged training at mid-levels
  • Low-budget PvM (e.g., Barrows, early bossing)

2. Steel Bolts

Ranged Strength: +46
Cost: ~20 GP each
Requirements: 46 Ranged, Steel Crossbow or better

Steel bolts are a fantastic option for low-to-mid-level players starting their Ranged journey. With a modest Ranged Strength of +46, they’re affordable and easy to craft (33 Smithing, 37 Fletching) or purchase from the Grand Exchange. They pair well with budget crossbows like the Steel or Dorgeshuun Crossbow, making them accessible for early-game players. While not as powerful as Broad bolts, their dirt-cheap price makes them ideal for training or casual combat.

Best Uses:

  • Early Ranged training (e.g., crabs, ammonite crabs)
  • Low-level Slayer tasks
  • F2P players using crossbows

3. Mithril Bolts

Ranged Strength: +70
Cost: ~30 GP each
Requirements: 46 Ranged, Mithril Crossbow or better

Mithril bolts strike a balance between cost and power, offering a Ranged Strength of +70 for around 30 GP each. They’re craftable with 53 Smithing and 54 Fletching, or you can buy them in bulk from the Grand Exchange. These bolts are a step up from Steel bolts and a great choice for players who haven’t unlocked Broad bolts yet (due to the 55 Slayer requirement). They’re versatile for training and Slayer tasks, especially if you’re using a Mithril or Adamant Crossbow.

Best Uses:

  • Mid-level Ranged training
  • Slayer tasks before unlocking Broad bolts
  • General PvM for budget players

4. Emerald Bolts (e)

Ranged Strength: +85
Cost: ~70 GP each
Requirements: 46 Ranged, 27 Magic, Mithril Crossbow or better

Emerald bolts (e) are enchanted Mithril bolts with a 55% chance to apply a Magical Poison debuff, dealing 5 extra poison damage (6 with Zaryte Crossbow). They require level 27 Magic to enchant and are surprisingly affordable for their utility. The poison effect is great for drawn-out fights, making these bolts a budget-friendly option for Slayer tasks or low-level PvM. If you’ve completed the Hard Kandarin Diary, the poison proc chance increases by 10%, boosting their value.

Best Uses:

  • Slayer tasks with poisonable monsters
  • Low-level PvM (e.g., God Wars minions)
  • PvP for budget PKers

5. Bone Bolts

Ranged Strength: +49
Cost: ~10 GP each
Requirements: 28 Ranged, Dorgeshuun Crossbow

Bone bolts are the cheapest bolts on this list, costing just 10 GP each and offering a Ranged Strength of +49. They’re exclusive to the Dorgeshuun Crossbow, available after completing the Lost Tribe quest. You can buy them from Nardok’s Bone Weapons shop in Dorgesh-Kaan, making them a great F2P-friendly option. While their damage is low, their rock-bottom price makes them perfect for early-game training or F2P players on a shoestring budget.

Best Uses:

  • F2P Ranged training
  • Early-game combat with Dorgeshuun Crossbow
  • Budget grinding for low-level players

Comparison Table of Cheap Bolts

Bolt Type Ranged Strength Cost (GP) Requirements Best For
Broad Bolts +100 ~55 55 Slayer, 61 Ranged Slayer, Training, PvM
Steel Bolts +46 ~20 46 Ranged Early Training, F2P
Mithril Bolts +70 ~30 46 Ranged Mid-level Training
Emerald Bolts (e) +85 ~70 46 Ranged, 27 Magic Slayer, PvM, PvP
Bone Bolts +49 ~10 28 Ranged F2P, Early Training

Tips for Maximizing Bolt Efficiency

Using cheap bolts doesn’t mean sacrificing effectiveness. Here are some strategies to get the most out of your budget bolts:

Use Ava’s Devices

Equip Ava’s Accumulator (or better) to recover a portion of your bolts after firing, significantly reducing costs over time. Complete the Animal Magnetism quest to unlock this essential ranged tool.

Train at High-Hitpoint Monsters

Target monsters like rock crabs, ammonite crabs, or hill giants for Ranged training. Their high HP and low defense make them ideal for practicing with cheap bolts like Steel or Mithril.

Unlock Broad Bolts ASAP

If you’re close to 55 Slayer, prioritize unlocking Broad bolts via Slayer points. They’re a game-changer for budget players due to their high damage and low cost.

Consider Enchanting for Specific Tasks

Emerald bolts (e) are worth the slight extra cost for poisonable Slayer monsters or PvM. If you have the Magic level, enchanting your own bolts can save GP compared to buying pre-enchanted ones.

When to Upgrade from Cheap Bolts

While cheap bolts are great for budget players, you may eventually want to upgrade as your Ranged level and GP stack grow. Here’s when to consider moving to pricier options:

High-Level Slayer and PvM

At 80+ Ranged, consider Adamant or Runite bolts with gem tips (e.g., Ruby or Diamond) for bossing or high-defense monsters. These are costlier but offer better damage and special effects.

Endgame Content

For raids, Vorkath, or Zulrah, Dragon bolts (e) or Onyx bolts (e) provide unmatched power. Save these for when you can afford the high cost (~1,000–10,000 GP each).

PvP Scenarios

In PvP, enchanted bolts like Sapphire or Topaz can offer utility (e.g., draining Prayer or Magic levels). Upgrade when you’re confident in your PKing skills and have GP to spare.

By sticking to cheap bolts like Broad, Steel, Mithril, Emerald (e), or Bone bolts, you can train Ranged, complete Slayer tasks, and tackle early PvM without breaking the bank. Prioritize Broad bolts for their unmatched value, and use Ava’s devices to stretch your GP further. As you progress, keep an eye on your budget and upgrade strategically to keep your crossbow firing strong. Happy ranging, and may your bolts always hit true!