Best Ironman Weapons in Old School RuneScape for 2025
Playing as an Ironman in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a test of self-sufficiency, where every piece of gear must be earned through your own efforts. Choosing the right weapons is critical for tackling the game’s toughest challenges, from Slayer tasks to high-level bossing. This guide dives into the best Ironman weapons in OSRS for 2025, tailored to help you progress efficiently while navigating the restrictions of Ironman mode. Whether you’re a Standard, Hardcore, or Ultimate Ironman, these weapons will set you up for success across melee, ranged, and magic combat styles.
Ironman mode disables trading, the Grand Exchange (except for bonds), and picking up other players’ drops, making gear acquisition a grind. Weapons must balance accessibility, effectiveness, and utility, as you can’t simply buy upgrades. Early-game weapons should be easy to obtain, while mid- and late-game options need to deliver high damage per second (DPS) or special effects to handle diverse content. This guide prioritizes weapons that align with Ironman progression, factoring in quest rewards, monster drops, and skill requirements.
Melee Weapons for Ironman Mode
Melee is the backbone of many Ironman accounts due to its reliability in Slayer and early-game combat. Here are the top melee weapons to pursue.
Rune Scimitar
The Rune Scimitar is a staple for early-game Ironmen. Requiring 40 Attack, it’s fast, reliable, and accessible through Smithing (89+1) or as a drop from monsters like Ogress Warriors. Hardcore Ironmen can also obtain runite bars from Bryophyta to craft it.
- Pros: High slash accuracy, affordable for F2P Ironmen.
- Cons: Outclassed by higher-tier weapons later.
Dragon Scimitar
After completing Monkey Madness I, the Dragon Scimitar becomes a go-to with 60 Attack. Its speed and slash bonuses make it ideal for training and Slayer tasks until you unlock better options.
- Pros: Quest-locked, so guaranteed for Ironmen.
- Cons: Requires significant questing.
Abyssal Whip
The Abyssal Whip is a mid-game icon, dropped by Abyssal Demons (85 Slayer). With 70 Attack, its fast attack speed and +82 Slash/Strength bonuses make it a versatile choice for Slayer and bossing.
- Pros: Excellent DPS, widely applicable.
- Cons: RNG-dependent drop, high Slayer requirement.
Ghrazi Rapier
For late-game Ironmen, the Ghrazi Rapier (75 Attack) from Theatre of Blood is a top-tier stab weapon. Its +94 Stab Attack and +89 Strength bonuses excel against dragons, Vasa Nistirio, and other stab-weak foes.
- Pros: Best-in-slot for many PvM scenarios.
- Cons: Rare drop, requires raid experience.
Dragon Warhammer
The Dragon Warhammer (60 Attack) is a must-have for its special attack, which lowers an enemy’s Defence by 30%. Dropped by Lizardman Shamans, it’s invaluable for bossing, especially for Hardcore Ironmen tackling high-Defence targets.
- Pros: Game-changing special attack.
- Cons: Tedious grind (1/5000 drop rate).
Ranged Weapons for Ironman Progression
Ranged weapons are crucial for safespotting and tackling magic-weak bosses. Ironmen need ammo-efficient options due to crafting constraints.
Dorgeshuun Crossbow
The Dorgeshuun Crossbow is a fantastic early-game ranged weapon, available after The Lost Tribe. With bone bolts (cheaply bought from Nardok’s Bone Weapons), it’s perfect for low-level Slayer and Pest Control.
- Pros: Low requirements, affordable ammo.
- Cons: Weak compared to later options.
Magic Shortbow (i)
The Magic Shortbow (i) (50 Ranged) is a mid-game powerhouse, upgraded with a scroll from Last Man Standing or Wilderness Slayer Cave drops. Paired with rune or broad arrows, it’s great for Slayer and early PvM.
- Pros: Fast attack speed, decent DPS.
- Cons: Ammo gathering can be slow.
Bow of Faerdhinen
The Bow of Faerdhinen (80 Ranged) from The Corrupted Gauntlet is a late-game ranged beast. Its +128 Ranged Attack and +106 Strength bonuses make it best-in-slot for most ranged scenarios, especially with crystal armor.
- Pros: Unmatched DPS, ammo-free.
- Cons: Requires Song of the Elves, tough grind.
Magic Weapons for Ironman Accounts
Magic weapons are trickier for Ironmen due to rune costs, but they’re essential for safespotting and certain bosses. Focus on staves with built-in spells or rune-saving features.
Staff of the Dead
The Staff of the Dead (75 Magic/Attack) from K’ril Tsutsaroth is a versatile mid-to-late-game option. It provides infinite fire runes, a +15 Magic Attack bonus, and a special attack that reduces damage taken by 50% for one minute.
- Pros: Hybrid utility, rune-efficient.
- Cons: God Wars Dungeon grind.
Trident of the Seas
The Trident of the Seas (75 Magic) is a Slayer-locked weapon (87 Slayer for Kraken). Its built-in spell scales with Magic level, making it ideal for Slayer and bossing without needing runes.
- Pros: High DPS, low maintenance.
- Cons: High Slayer requirement.
Kodai Wand
The Kodai Wand (80 Magic) from Chambers of Xeric is the ultimate magic weapon. With a +28 Magic Attack bonus, 15% chance to save runes, and unlimited water runes, it’s perfect for endgame PvM and PvP.
- Pros: Best-in-slot, rune-saving.
- Cons: Rare raid drop, high skill ceiling.
Special Attack Weapons for Ironmen
Special attack weapons can turn the tide in tough fights, offering utility like Defence reduction or burst damage. Here are the best picks.
Saradomin Godsword
The Saradomin Godsword (75 Attack) from God Wars Dungeon heals HP and Prayer with its special attack, making it a lifesaver for Ironmen, especially Hardcore, during extended boss fights.
- Pros: Sustain-focused special attack.
- Cons: Expensive to maintain, niche use.
Dragon Claws
The Dragon Claws (60 Attack) from Chambers of Xeric deliver a devastating four-hit special attack, ideal for burst damage in PvM and PvP. They’re a status symbol for late-game Ironmen.
- Pros: Massive burst potential.
- Cons: Rare drop, situational.
Weapon Progression Table for Ironmen
To help plan your grind, here’s a table summarizing key weapons, their requirements, and sources:
| Weapon | Combat Style | Level Req. | Source | Key Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rune Scimitar | Melee | 40 Attack | Smithing, Ogress drops | Early-game training |
| Dragon Scimitar | Melee | 60 Attack | Monkey Madness I | Mid-game Slayer |
| Abyssal Whip | Melee | 70 Attack | Abyssal Demons (85 Slayer) | Slayer, PvM |
| Ghrazi Rapier | Melee | 75 Attack | Theatre of Blood | Late-game PvM |
| Dragon Warhammer | Melee | 60 Attack | Lizardman Shamans | Bossing (Defence drain) |
| Dorgeshuun Crossbow | Ranged | 28 Ranged | The Lost Tribe | Early-game training |
| Magic Shortbow (i) | Ranged | 50 Ranged | Last Man Standing, Wilderness | Mid-game PvM |
| Bow of Faerdhinen | Ranged | 80 Ranged | Corrupted Gauntlet | Endgame PvM |
| Staff of the Dead | Magic | 75 Magic/Attack | K’ril Tsutsaroth | Hybrid combat |
| Trident of the Seas | Magic | 75 Magic | Kraken (87 Slayer) | Slayer, bossing |
| Kodai Wand | Magic | 80 Magic | Chambers of Xeric | Endgame magic |
| Saradomin Godsword | Melee | 75 Attack | God Wars Dungeon | Sustain in bossing |
| Dragon Claws | Melee | 60 Attack | Chambers of Xeric | Burst damage |
Tips for Efficient Weapon Grinding
- Quest Early: Unlock weapons like the Dragon Scimitar and Dorgeshuun Crossbow through quests to skip early grinds.
- Prioritize Slayer: Weapons like the Abyssal Whip and Trident of the Seas come from Slayer, which also provides resources.
- Learn PvM Mechanics: Late-game weapons (Ghrazi Rapier, Bow of Faerdhinen) require mastering raids or gauntlets.
- Manage Inventory (Ultimate Ironmen): Focus on storable weapons like the Fighter Torso or Proselyte armor to complement your arsenal.
With these weapons, Ironmen can conquer Gielinor’s challenges, from humble beginnings to endgame raids. Plan your progression, grind smart, and enjoy the self-sufficient journey!