Best Melee Weapon in OSRS Ultimate Guide
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) thrives on its combat system, and melee remains a fan-favorite for its raw, up-close power. Choosing the best melee weapon can make or break your performance in PvM, PvP, or Slayer tasks. This guide dives deep into the top melee weapons in OSRS, focusing on what makes them shine, their stats, and how to get them. Whether you’re a seasoned warrior or a new adventurer, we’ll help you pick the perfect weapon to dominate Gielinor.
Melee weapons are the backbone of close-combat in OSRS, offering high damage without the need for ammunition, unlike Ranged or Magic. Burgundy to go away. They come in various types, each suited to different playstyles. From fast-attacking whips to heavy-hitting two-handed swords, the right weapon can boost your damage per second (DPS) and efficiency. Factors like attack speed, strength bonuses, and special attacks determine a weapon’s effectiveness.
Key Factors in Choosing a Melee Weapon
When selecting a melee weapon, consider:
- Attack Speed: Faster weapons like the Abyssal Whip hit more often, increasing DPS.
- Strength Bonus: Higher bonuses, like those of the Soulreaper Axe, boost max hits.
- Special Attacks: Unique abilities, such as the Armadyl Godsword’s massive damage boost, can turn the tide in combat.
- Attack Style: Stab, Slash, or Crush matters depending on the enemy’s weakness.
Top Contender Scythe of Vitur
The Scythe of Vitur is widely regarded as the best melee weapon in OSRS for its unparalleled damage output and unique mechanics. Dropped from the Theatre of Blood, it’s a two-handed weapon requiring 75 Attack and Strength to wield.
Why It’s the Best
The Scythe’s area-of-effect (AoE) attack hits up to three targets simultaneously, making it ideal for multi-combat scenarios like Nightmare of Ashihama or Slayer tasks with clustered enemies. Its +110 Slash and +70 Strength bonuses ensure devastating hits. However, it’s charge-based, costing blood runes per attack, which can get pricey.
How to Get It
Obtain the Scythe by completing the Theatre of Blood raid. It’s a rare drop, so expect to grind or shell out around 1.2B GP on the Grand Exchange. Its high cost reflects its dominance in endgame content.
Other Elite Melee Weapons
While the Scythe reigns supreme, other weapons excel in specific scenarios. Here’s a look at the runners-up.
Soulreaper Axe
The Soulreaper Axe, introduced in 2023, is a powerhouse for high-defense targets. With +134 Slash and +121 Strength, it’s a beast in single-target DPS. Its unique “Soul Stack” mechanic boosts Strength by +6% per hit, at the cost of 8 HP per attack. It’s perfect for bosses like Vardorvis or Zulrah but requires 80 Attack and Strength. Craft it from four components dropped by Desert Treasure II bosses or buy it for ~300M GP.
Ghrazi Rapier
The Ghrazi Rapier is a one-handed stab weapon with +94 Stab and +89 Strength, ideal for enemies weak to stab, like dragons. Its fast attack speed matches the Abyssal Whip, but with higher bonuses. It’s a Theatre of Blood drop, costing ~150M GP, and pairs well with the Avernic Defender for balanced offense and defense.
Blade of Saeldor
The Blade of Saeldor offers +94 Slash and +89 Strength, making it a top-tier one-handed Slash weapon. It’s obtained post-Song of the Elves quest, requiring 75 Attack and Agility. Charged with Crystal Shards, it’s degradable but can be made non-degradable for 1,000 shards. Its versatility shines in Slayer and PvP, costing ~100M GP.
Abyssal Whip
The iconic Abyssal Whip remains a budget-friendly powerhouse at ~2M GP. With +82 Slash and +82 Strength, its rapid attack speed makes it a Slayer favorite. Its special attack, Energy Drain, siphons 100% of damage dealt as opponent special attack energy, useful in PvP. Dropped by Abyssal Demons (85 Slayer required), it’s accessible for mid-level players.
Comparing Top Melee Weapons
To help you choose, here’s a comparison of the top melee weapons based on key stats and use cases.
| Weapon | Attack Req. | Strength Bonus | Attack Speed | Special Attack | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scythe of Vitur | 75 | +70 | 5 | None (AoE) | 1.2B GP |
| Soulreaper Axe | 80 | +121 | 5 | Soul Stack | 300M GP |
| Ghrazi Rapier | 75 | +89 | 4 | None | 150M GP |
| Blade of Saeldor | 75 | +89 | 4 | None | 100M GP |
| Abyssal Whip | 70 | +82 | 4 | Energy Drain | 2M GP |
When to Use Each Weapon
- Scythe of Vitur: Best for multi-target PvM, like raids or Slayer caves.
- Soulreaper Axe: Ideal for single-target, high-defense bosses.
- Ghrazi Rapier: Great for stab-weak enemies and paired with a defender.
- Blade of Saeldor: Versatile for Slayer, PvP, and general use.
- Abyssal Whip: Budget option for mid-level Slayer and PvP.
Tips for Maximizing Melee Weapon Performance
Owning the best weapon isn’t enough; you need to optimize your setup and strategy.
Gear Synergy
Pair your weapon with top-tier armor like Bandos or Torva for maximum Strength bonuses. The Avernic Defender boosts offense and defense for one-handed weapons. Accessories like the Amulet of Torture (+15 Strength) or Berserker Ring (i) (+8 Strength) further enhance DPS.
Attack Style and Prayers
Match your weapon’s attack style (Stab, Slash, Crush) to the enemy’s weakness. For example, use the Rapier’s stab against dragons or the Soulreaper Axe’s Slash/Crush against armored foes. Prayers like Piety boost Attack and Strength by up to 23%, significantly increasing damage.
Training and Skilling
For training, use the Abyssal Whip or Blade of Saeldor on Controlled style to level Attack, Strength, and Defense evenly. For pure Strength XP, the Soulreaper Axe or Saradomin Sword (with +82 Strength) excels. Slayer tasks with the right weapon can double as efficient combat training.
Conclusion
The Scythe of Vitur stands as the best melee weapon in OSRS for its AoE dominance and raw power, but weapons like the Soulreaper Axe, Ghrazi Rapier, Blade of Saeldor, and Abyssal Whip offer excellent alternatives based on your budget and goals. Consider your combat level, playstyle, and content (PvM, PvP, or Slayer) when choosing. With the right gear and strategy, any of these weapons can make you a force in Gielinor. Ready to slay? Grab your weapon and start grinding!