Best in Slot Armour OSRS Ultimate Guide
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), equipping the best in slot (BiS) armour can make or break your combat experience. Whether you’re battling bosses, slaying monsters, or diving into PvP, choosing the right gear for melee, ranged, or magic builds is critical. This guide dives into the top-tier armour sets for each combat style, helping you optimize your setup for any challenge in Gielinor. From endgame gear to budget-friendly alternatives, we’ve got you covered with practical insights to elevate your gameplay.
Best in slot armour refers to the gear that provides the highest possible stats for a specific combat style or activity. In OSRS, armour varies by melee, ranged, and magic disciplines, each tied to the combat triangle. Melee gear focuses on strength and defence, ranged prioritizes accuracy and agility, and magic boosts spell power and defence against magic attacks. Knowing which pieces to equip depends on your goals, budget, and the enemies you face.
Why BiS Armour Matters
BiS armour maximizes your damage output, survivability, and efficiency. For example, a single piece like the Primordial Boots can boost your melee strength significantly, while Ancestral Robes amplify magic damage. Choosing the right gear ensures you’re prepared for high-level content like Raids, Slayer tasks, or the Inferno.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Armour
- Combat Style: Match your armour to melee, ranged, or magic.
- Activity: PvM, PvP, or Slayer tasks may require different setups.
- Budget: Endgame gear is costly, but mid-tier options work well.
- Stat Requirements: High-level armour often demands specific skills.
Best in Slot Melee Armour
Melee combat in OSRS thrives on strength, defence, and prayer bonuses. The best melee armour balances offensive power with durability, making it ideal for bossing, Slayer, and tanking roles.
Torva Armour: The Melee King
Torva Armour reigns supreme for melee builds, offering unmatched defensive stats and a strength bonus. Dropped from the Nex boss, it requires 80 Defence and is a staple for endgame PvM.
- Stats: +8 Strength (full set), high stab/slash/crush defence.
- Best For: Theatre of Blood, Chambers of Xeric.
- Cost: ~1.5B GP (varies).
Justiciar Armour: Tanking Excellence
For players prioritizing survivability, Justiciar Armour is the go-to choice. Its set effect reduces damage taken, perfect for tanking in group raids.
- Stats: Massive defence bonuses, +10 Prayer.
- Best For: Group PvM, tank roles.
- Cost: ~200M GP.
Budget Melee Options
Not everyone can afford Torva. Here are solid alternatives:
- Bandos Armour: Affordable strength bonus, ~30M GP.
- Fighter Torso: Free from Barbarian Assault, great for mid-level players.
- Obsidian Armour: Strength-focused, ~3M GP.
| Armour | Strength Bonus | Defence Bonus | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Torva | +8 | High | 1.5B GP |
| Justiciar | 0 | Very High | 200M GP |
| Bandos | +4 | Moderate | 30M GP |
Best in Slot Ranged Armour
Ranged armour emphasizes accuracy and defence against magic, making it versatile for PvM and PvP. The top sets deliver precision and protection for archers.
Masori Armour: Ranged Perfection
Masori Armour (fortified) is the pinnacle of ranged gear, dropped from Tombs of Amascut. It offers exceptional attack and defence bonuses, ideal for high-level content.
Armadyl Armour: Mid-Tier Staple
Armadyl Armour remains a favorite for its balance of cost and performance. It’s widely used for Slayer and mid-tier bossing.
- Stats: +70 Ranged Attack, decent defence.
- Best For: God Wars Dungeon, Slayer.
- Cost: ~50M GP.
Crystal Armour: Niche Ranged Power
Crystal Armour, paired with the Bow of Faerdhinen, boosts ranged damage significantly. It’s a specialized set for specific encounters.
- Stats: +67 Ranged Attack, requires Crystal Shards to maintain.
- Best For: The Gauntlet, Zalcano.
- Cost: ~35M GP + shards.
Best in Slot Magic Armour
Magic armour focuses on boosting spell accuracy and damage while offering defence against magic attacks. The best sets are crucial for mages tackling tough bosses.
Ancestral Robes: Magic Mastery
Ancestral Robes are the ultimate magic gear, providing a 3% damage bonus per piece and top-tier attack stats. They’re a rare drop from Chambers of Xeric.
- Stats: +35 Magic Attack, +49 Magic Defence.
- Best For: Inferno, Raids, high-level PvM.
- Cost: ~380M GP.
Virtus Robes: Emerging Contender
Virtus Robes, introduced in 2023, offer a strong alternative to Ancestral. They provide similar attack bonuses with slightly better defence.
Budget Magic Options
For mages on a budget, these sets deliver solid performance:
- Ahrim’s Robes: Good attack and defence, ~5M GP.
- Mystic Robes: Cheap and accessible, ~500K GP.
- Swampbark Armour: Enhanced defence, ~2M GP.
Accessories and Off-Slot BiS Items
Armour isn’t just about body and legs—accessories and off-slot items like boots, gloves, and capes complete your BiS setup. These pieces often provide critical bonuses.
Best Boots for Each Style
- Melee: Primordial Boots (+2 Strength, ~50M GP).
- Ranged: Pegasian Boots (+12 Ranged Attack, ~40M GP).
- Magic: Eternal Boots (+8 Magic Attack, ~20M GP).
Top Gloves and Rings
- Gloves: Ferocious Gloves (Melee, ~10M GP), Barrows Gloves (Ranged, ~200K GP), Tormented Bracelet (Magic, ~10M GP).
- Rings: Berserker Ring (i) for Melee, Archer’s Ring (i) for Ranged, Seers’ Ring (i) for Magic (~5-10M GP each).
Capes and Amulets
- Capes: Infernal Cape (Melee, ~200M GP or Inferno completion), Ava’s Assembler (Ranged, ~5M GP), Imbued God Cape (Magic, ~2M GP).
- Amulets: Amulet of Torture (Melee, ~15M GP), Necklace of Anguish (Ranged, ~15M GP), Occult Necklace (Magic, ~1M GP).
Tips for Building Your BiS Setup
Assembling a BiS setup takes time, gold, and strategy. Here’s how to approach it effectively.
Prioritize Key Pieces
Focus on items with the biggest impact, like weapons or boots, before splurging on full sets. For example, a Ghrazi Rapier (Melee) or Twisted Bow (Ranged) often outweighs armour upgrades in terms of DPS.
Balance Cost and Performance
If BiS gear is out of reach, mid-tier options like Bandos or Armadyl provide 80% of the benefits for a fraction of the cost. Save for one high-impact piece at a time.
Leverage Activity-Specific Gear
Some armour shines in specific scenarios. For instance, Void Knight Armour boosts damage across all styles but requires Pest Control grinding. Use it for tasks like Fight Caves.
Stay Updated on New Content
OSRS evolves with updates like new raids or bosses, introducing gear like Virtus Robes or Masori Armour. Check community resources or the OSRS Wiki for the latest BiS lists.
Building the best in slot armour setup in OSRS is a journey, but it’s worth it for the edge it provides. Whether you’re chasing Torva for melee supremacy, Masori for ranged dominance, or Ancestral for magical prowess, each piece brings you closer to mastering Gielinor’s toughest challenges. Start with what fits your budget, grind for upgrades, and watch your combat potential soar.