Best in Slot Range Helm OSRS – Ultimate Guide for Ranged Builds
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), choosing the right gear is crucial for maximizing your ranged combat effectiveness. The head slot, in particular, plays a significant role in boosting accuracy, damage, and survivability. Whether you’re tackling high-level bosses, PvP, or Slayer tasks, selecting the best in slot range helm can make or break your performance. This guide dives into the top ranged helms in OSRS, their stats, uses, and how to get them, helping you optimize your ranged setup for any scenario.
The head slot for ranged builds is more than just a piece of armor—it’s a balance of offensive and defensive bonuses tailored to your playstyle. A good range helm enhances your ranged attack and strength while offering protection against enemy attacks, especially in PvM or PvP. With so many options available, from budget-friendly to endgame gear, understanding which helm suits your needs is essential for progressing efficiently.
Key Factors to Consider
When picking a range helm, consider the following:
- Ranged Attack Bonus: Higher bonuses improve accuracy, critical for hitting tough enemies.
- Ranged Strength: Boosts damage output, though rare in helms.
- Defensive Stats: Protection against melee, ranged, or magic attacks, depending on the content.
- Requirements: Level requirements or quests that gate access.
- Cost vs. Benefit: Is the helm worth its price for your current build?
Top Best in Slot Range Helms for Different Scenarios
Not every helm is a one-size-fits-all solution. Below, we break down the best ranged helms for various situations, from early-game to endgame content, ensuring you know exactly which one to aim for.
Masori Mask (Fortified)
The Masori Mask (Fortified) is the undisputed best in slot range helm for most high-level ranged setups in OSRS. Introduced with the Tombs of Amascut raid, this helm offers unparalleled offensive and defensive stats, making it ideal for endgame PvM like Chambers of Xeric, Theatre of Blood, or Nex.
- Stats: +12 Ranged Attack, +2 Ranged Strength, +8 Melee Defense, +10 Magic Defense, +12 Ranged Defense, +2 Prayer.
- Requirements: 80 Ranged, 80 Defense, 30 Prayer.
- How to Get: Crafted by combining a Masori Mask with an Amethyst to fortify it. The base mask is a rare drop from Tombs of Amascut.
- Cost: Approximately 150-200M GP (varies by market).
The fortified version is degradable but lasts longer than the regular Masori Mask, making it cost-effective for extended use. Its high ranged attack bonus and decent defensive stats make it perfect for situations where you need both damage and survivability, like fighting Vorkath or Zulrah.
Armadyl Helmet
Before the Masori Mask, the Armadyl Helmet was the go-to for high-level rangers. It remains a strong contender, especially for players who can’t yet afford or access the Masori gear. Dropped by Kree’arra in the God Wars Dungeon, this helm is a staple for mid-to-late-game ranged builds.
- Stats: +10 Ranged Attack, +8 Melee Defense, +10 Magic Defense, +10 Ranged Defense, +3 Prayer.
- Requirements: 70 Ranged, 70 Defense.
- How to Get: Rare drop from Kree’arra (God Wars Dungeon).
- Cost: Around 20-30M GP.
The Armadyl Helmet is excellent for Slayer tasks and mid-tier bosses like Cerberus or Sarachnis. Its lower cost compared to the Masori Mask makes it more accessible, though it lacks the ranged strength bonus of its pricier counterpart.
Void Ranger Helm
For players prioritizing damage over defense, the Void Ranger Helm paired with the full Void Knight set is a game-changer. This helm is part of the Void Knight equipment, offering a unique set effect that boosts ranged accuracy and damage.
- Stats: Minimal base stats, but grants +10% Ranged Accuracy and +10% Ranged Damage when worn with the full Void set.
- Requirements: 42 Attack, Strength, Defense, Hitpoints, Ranged, Magic, and 22 Prayer.
- How to Get: Purchased with 850 Pest Control points from the Pest Control minigame.
- Cost: Free (requires time investment in Pest Control).
The Void Ranger Helm shines in scenarios where accuracy isn’t an issue, such as fighting Vorkath or low-defense Slayer monsters. However, its low defensive stats make it risky for high-damage bosses unless you’re confident in your mechanics.
Budget and Early-Game Range Helm Options
Not everyone has millions of GP or high-level stats to throw at endgame gear. Fortunately, OSRS offers solid ranged helms for early-game players or those on a budget.
Coif
The Coif is a cheap, accessible option for low-level rangers. It’s a great starting point for players just getting into ranged combat.
- Stats: +2 Ranged Attack, +4 Magic Defense, +2 Ranged Defense.
- Requirements: 20 Ranged.
- How to Get: Crafted with 38 Crafting or bought for ~200-300 GP.
- Cost: Extremely affordable.
While it’s quickly outclassed, the Coif is perfect for training Ranged at crabs or early Slayer tasks. Its low cost makes it a no-brainer for new accounts.
Archer Helm
The Archer Helm is a step up for mid-level players, offering better stats than the Coif while remaining relatively easy to obtain.
- Stats: +6 Ranged Attack, +6 Melee Defense, +8 Magic Defense, +6 Ranged Defense.
- Requirements: 45 Defense, completion of The Fremennik Trials.
- How to Get: Purchased from Skulgrimen in Rellekka for 78,000 GP after completing The Fremennik Trials.
- Cost: ~80K GP.
This helm is ideal for players tackling mid-level content like the Giant Mole or early God Wars Dungeon trips. Its balanced stats make it versatile for budget builds.
Specialized Range Helms for Niche Situations
Some helms excel in specific contexts, like Slayer tasks or unique boss fights. These options might not be best in slot for general use but are worth considering for particular activities.
Slayer Helmet (i)
The Slayer Helmet (i) is a must-have for ranged Slayer tasks. While not a pure ranged helm, its utility makes it best in slot when on-task.
- Stats: Matches the Black Mask’s stats (+15% Ranged Accuracy and Damage on-task), with additional defensive bonuses based on upgrades.
- Requirements: 10 Defense, 55 Crafting, and Slayer unlocks.
- How to Get: Crafted with a Black Mask and Slayer items, then imbued via Nightmare Zone or Soul Wars.
- Cost: ~1-2M GP for components and imbue.
The Slayer Helmet (i) is unbeatable for Slayer efficiency, boosting both damage and experience rates. It’s less useful off-task, so pair it with another helm for general content.
God Blessed D’Hide Coifs
God Blessed D’Hide Coifs (e.g., Saradomin, Zamorak) offer a niche blend of ranged and prayer bonuses, great for prayer-heavy fights.
- Stats: +7 Ranged Attack, +13 Melee Defense, +11 Magic Defense, +17 Ranged Defense, +1 Prayer.
- Requirements: 70 Ranged, 40 Defense.
- How to Get: Obtained from hard or elite Treasure Trails.
- Cost: 100K-500K GP depending on the variant.
These coifs are excellent for budget players needing prayer bonuses in God Wars Dungeon or extended boss fights. Their stats are comparable to Black D’Hide but with added utility.
Comparison Table of Top Range Helms
To help you decide, here’s a quick comparison of the top ranged helms in OSRS:
| Helm | Ranged Attack | Ranged Strength | Key Defensive Stats | Requirements | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masori Mask (Fortified) | +12 | +2 | +8 Melee, +10 Magic, +12 Ranged | 80 Ranged, 80 Defense, 30 Prayer | 150-200M GP |
| Armadyl Helmet | +10 | 0 | +8 Melee, +10 Magic, +10 Ranged | 70 Ranged, 70 Defense | 20-30M GP |
| Void Ranger Helm | 0 | +10% Damage (set) | Minimal | 42 Combat Stats, 22 Prayer | Pest Control Points |
| Slayer Helmet (i) | +15% (on-task) | +15% (on-task) | Varies by upgrades | 10 Defense, Slayer Unlocks | 1-2M GP |
| Coif | +2 | 0 | +4 Magic, +2 Ranged | 20 Ranged | 200-300 GP |
Tips for Choosing Your Range Helm
With so many options, picking the right helm depends on your goals and resources. Here are some final tips to guide your decision:
- Early-Game: Stick with the Coif or Archer Helm for affordable upgrades while training Ranged.
- Mid-Game: Invest in the Armadyl Helmet or Void Ranger Helm for a balance of cost and performance.
- Endgame: Save for the Masori Mask (Fortified) for top-tier stats, especially if you’re tackling raids or Nex.
- Slayer Focus: Prioritize the Slayer Helmet (i) for maximum efficiency on tasks.
- Budget Builds: God Blessed D’Hide Coifs offer solid stats for prayer-heavy content without breaking the bank.
Ultimately, the best range helm depends on your current level, budget, and the content you’re tackling. By understanding each helm’s strengths, you can make an informed choice that boosts your ranged prowess in Gielinor.
Ready to upgrade your ranged setup? Start grinding for your dream helm today, and watch your damage soar in OSRS!