Best Cheap Bolts in OSRS: Top Picks for Budget Players in 2025
If you’re playing Old School RuneScape (OSRS) and want to maximize your ranged combat without breaking the bank, choosing the right bolts is key. Crossbows are a popular weapon choice, and the bolts you use can make a huge difference in performance—especially if you’re on a budget. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the best cheap bolts in OSRS that offer great value for money, whether you’re training, slaying, or tackling PvM content. Updated for 2025, this guide will help you stretch your gold pieces while still dealing solid damage. Let’s get started!
Bolts are the ammo that powers your crossbow, and while high-end options like Dragon Bolts (e) or Onyx Bolts (e) pack a punch, they’re often overkill for everyday tasks—and way too expensive for most players. Cheap bolts strike a balance between cost and effectiveness, making them ideal for training, Slayer tasks, or casual PvM. Plus, with the right crossbow and a bit of strategy, you can still hit hard without spending millions. So, what makes a bolt “cheap” and “good”? It’s all about damage output per gold piece, availability, and versatility.
What to Look for in Budget Bolts
- Ranged Strength: Higher bonuses mean more damage—key for efficiency.
- Cost: Affordable prices on the Grand Exchange or easy crafting options.
- Availability: Can you buy or make them in bulk without hassle?
- Requirements: Low skill or Slayer levels to use them.
Top 5 Best Cheap Bolts in OSRS
Here’s our roundup of the best budget-friendly bolts in OSRS. These picks are based on their current Grand Exchange prices (as of April 2025), utility, and how well they perform for the cost. Let’s break them down!
1. Broad Bolts
Ranged Strength: +100
Average Cost: ~55 GP each
Requirements: 55 Slayer, 61 Ranged
Broad Bolts are the go-to choice for budget-conscious players with mid-level stats. Matching the Ranged Strength of Adamant Bolts (+100), they’re significantly cheaper, making them a staple for Slayer tasks and general training. You can buy 250 for 35 Slayer reward points from any Slayer Master, or fletch them yourself with 55 Fletching after unlocking “Broader Fletching” (300 Slayer points). They’re a must for killing Turoths and Kurasks, too!
Why They’re Great: Cheap, strong, and widely available. Pair them with a Rune Crossbow for maximum bang-for-your-buck.
2. Mithril Bolts
Ranged Strength: +82
Average Cost: ~20 GP each
Requirements: 36 Ranged
For low-to-mid-level players, Mithril Bolts are a fantastic option. They’re dirt cheap, easy to craft (53 Smithing and 54 Fletching), and offer decent damage for early-game training. You can fire them from a Mithril Crossbow or higher, making them accessible to newer accounts. They’re not as powerful as higher-tier bolts, but at this price, they’re perfect for grinding Ranged without worrying about costs.
Why They’re Great: Super affordable and ideal for players under 60 Ranged.
3. Steel Bolts
Ranged Strength: +64
Average Cost: ~10 GP each
Requirements: 31 Ranged
Steel Bolts are the ultimate beginner-friendly bolt. With a low Ranged requirement and a rock-bottom price, they’re perfect for early-game training or F2P players using a Steel Crossbow. Craft them with 33 Smithing and 46 Fletching, or grab them from the Grand Exchange in bulk. They’re not flashy, but they get the job done for minimal investment.
Why They’re Great: Practically free and widely available for newbies.
4. Adamant Bolts
Ranged Strength: +100
Average Cost: ~150 GP each
Requirements: 61 Ranged
Adamant Bolts are a step up from Broad Bolts in terms of accessibility—no Slayer requirement here! With +100 Ranged Strength, they match Broad Bolts in power but cost more, averaging around 150 GP each. You can craft them with 73 Smithing and 61 Fletching, or loot them from Iron Dragons and Skeletal Wyverns. They’re a solid pick if you haven’t hit 55 Slayer yet but want that extra damage.
Why They’re Great: High damage without Slayer prerequisites, though pricier than Broad Bolts.
5. Bone Bolts
Ranged Strength: +49
Average Cost: ~15 GP each
Requirements: 28 Ranged (Dorgeshuun Crossbow only)
Bone Bolts are a niche but dirt-cheap option exclusive to the Dorgeshuun Crossbow. You can buy them from Nardok’s Bone Weapons shop in Dorgesh-Kaan for just 4 GP each, though Grand Exchange prices hover around 15 GP. They’re weak compared to higher-tier bolts, but for low-level F2P or Ironman players, they’re a cost-effective way to train Ranged early on.
Why They’re Great: Nearly free and perfect for F2P or early Ironman accounts.
Comparing Cheap Bolts: Which One’s Right for You?
To help you decide, here’s a quick comparison table of our top picks based on key factors:
| Bolt Type | Ranged Strength | Average Cost (GP) | Requirements | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broad Bolts | +100 | 55 | 55 Slayer, 61 Ranged | Slayer, Training |
| Mithril Bolts | +82 | 20 | 36 Ranged | Mid-level Training |
| Steel Bolts | +64 | 10 | 31 Ranged | Beginners, F2P |
| Adamant Bolts | +100 | 150 | 61 Ranged | High Damage, No Slayer |
| Bone Bolts | +49 | 15 | 28 Ranged | F2P, Ironman |
How to Choose Your Bolt
Your choice depends on your Ranged level, Slayer progress, and budget. If you’re above 55 Slayer, Broad Bolts are unbeatable. Below that, Mithril or Steel Bolts keep costs low while you level up. Adamant Bolts are a splurge for extra power, and Bone Bolts are a quirky pick for specific setups.
Tips for Using Cheap Bolts Effectively
Cheap doesn’t mean weak if you use them right. Here’s how to get the most out of your budget bolts:
Pair with the Right Crossbow
Use a crossbow that matches your bolts’ requirements—like a Rune Crossbow for Broad or Adamant Bolts, or a Dorgeshuun Crossbow for Bone Bolts. Upgrading your weapon boosts damage without needing pricier ammo.
Use Ava’s Devices
Equip Ava’s Accumulator (or better) to recover bolts after firing. This cuts costs dramatically, especially during long training sessions or Slayer tasks.
Enchant for Extra Utility
For a small investment, enchant Mithril or Adamant Bolts with gems (e.g., Sapphire or Emerald) using the Enchant Crossbow Bolt spell. This adds effects like prayer drain or poison, boosting their value for PvP or specific PvM scenarios.
Where to Get Cheap Bolts in OSRS
Stocking up on bolts is easy if you know where to look. Here are the best methods:
Grand Exchange
The GE is your one-stop shop for buying bolts in bulk. Prices fluctuate, so check daily—Broad Bolts at 55 GP and Mithril at 20 GP are steals when supply is high.
Crafting Your Own
For Ironmen or thrifty players, crafting bolts saves cash. Stock up on feathers and bars (e.g., Steel or Mithril) from shops or monster drops, then smith and fletch them yourself.
Slayer Rewards
Broad Bolts are a bargain at 35 Slayer points per 250. If you’re grinding Slayer anyway, this is a no-brainer way to keep your quiver full.
Final Thoughts on the Best Cheap Bolts in OSRS
You don’t need to splash out on Dragon or Onyx Bolts to succeed in OSRS. Budget options like Broad Bolts, Mithril Bolts, and Steel Bolts offer incredible value, letting you train Ranged, tackle Slayer, or dip into PvM without draining your bank. For mid-tier players, Broad Bolts reign supreme with their high damage and low cost. Newer players can’t go wrong with Steel or Mithril, while Adamant Bolts bridge the gap if you’re Slayer-locked. Whatever your level, these cheap bolts prove that power doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
What’s your favorite budget bolt? Let us know in the comments, and happy ranging in Gielinor!