Best OSRS Melee Weapons for Dominating Gielinor

Best OSRS Melee Weapons for Dominating Gielinor

Old School RuneScape (OSRS) thrives on its combat system, and melee remains the go-to style for warriors looking to crush foes up close. Whether you’re tackling Slayer tasks, bossing, or diving into PvP, choosing the right melee weapon can make or break your adventure. This guide dives into the best OSRS melee weapons, breaking down their stats, uses, and why they shine in Gielinor’s toughest challenges. From iconic classics to endgame powerhouses, we’ve got you covered.

Melee weapons in OSRS come in three damage types—stab, slash, and crush—each effective against specific enemies based on their weaknesses. Attack speed, strength bonuses, and special attacks also play a huge role in a weapon’s performance. Whether you’re a low-level adventurer or a maxed-out veteran, picking a weapon tailored to your needs is key to maximizing damage and efficiency.

Why Damage Type Matters

Monsters and players have varying defenses against stab, slash, or crush. For example, dragons are weak to stab, while crush dominates against enemies like the Kalphite Queen. Knowing your target’s weakness ensures you’re hitting harder and faster.

Attack Speed vs. Raw Power

Faster weapons like the Abyssal Whip prioritize DPS (damage per second) for consistent output, while slower, heavier hitters like the Elder Maul deliver devastating single strikes. Balancing speed and power depends on your combat scenario—Slayer tasks often favor speed, while bossing might demand raw strength.

Top Melee Weapons for Every Playstyle

Osrs weapon tier list

Here’s where we get to the good stuff. Below are the best melee weapons in OSRS, ranked for their versatility, power, and accessibility. Each excels in specific scenarios, so let’s break them down.

Abyssal Whip

The Abyssal Whip is a legend in OSRS, beloved for its blazing attack speed and affordability. Dropped by Abyssal Demons (requiring 85 Slayer), it’s a one-handed slash weapon needing 70 Attack.

  • Stats: +82 Slash, +82 Strength
  • Why It’s Great: With a 4-tick attack speed, it’s perfect for Slayer tasks and mid-tier PvM like God Wars Dungeon minions.
  • Best For: General training, low-defense monsters, budget builds.

Pro tip: Upgrade it with a Kraken Tentacle to create the Abyssal Tentacle for a +8 Slash and +4 Strength boost, though it degrades after 10,000 hits.

Ghrazi Rapier

For stab-focused warriors, the Ghrazi Rapier is a beast. Obtained as a rare drop from Theatre of Blood, this one-handed weapon requires 80 Attack and boasts elite stats.

  • Stats: +94 Stab, +89 Strength
  • Why It’s Great: Best-in-slot for stab-weak enemies like dragons, Vasa Nistirio, and the Kalphite Queen. Its speed matches the Whip, ensuring high DPS.
  • Best For: High-level PvM, raids, and PvP.

It’s pricey (around 100M GP), but its precision makes it a must-have for serious melee setups.

Scythe of Vitur

The Scythe of Vitur is a two-handed slash weapon that redefines power. Another Theatre of Blood drop, it demands 80 Attack and 90 Strength.

  • Stats: +110 Slash, +75 Stab, +50 Crush, +105 Strength
  • Why It’s Great: Its unique AoE (area-of-effect) attack hits up to three targets or one large enemy thrice, making it ideal for clustered Slayer tasks (e.g., Nechryaels) or bosses with minions.
  • Best For: Multi-target PvM, raids, and flexing your bank.

Costing over 1B GP, it’s a flex, but its unmatched versatility justifies the price for endgame players.

Osmumten’s Fang

The Osmumten’s Fang, a stab weapon from Tombs of Amascut, scales with enemy defense, making it a standout choice. It requires 82 Attack.

  • Stats: +105 Stab, +75 Slash, +103 Strength
  • Why It’s Great: Its passive effect boosts accuracy and damage against high-defense targets, shining against bosses like Bandos or the Corporeal Beast.
  • Best For: High-defense PvM, budget endgame (around 30-40M GP).

It’s a cost-effective alternative to the Rapier for stab-heavy encounters.

Inquisitor’s Mace

Crush enthusiasts, meet the Inquisitor’s Mace. Dropped by The Nightmare, this one-handed weapon needs 75 Attack.

  • Stats: +95 Crush, +89 Strength
  • Why It’s Great: Fast attack speed and top-tier crush bonuses make it the go-to for enemies weak to crush, like Cerberus or Tekton. Pair it with Inquisitor’s armor for a set bonus.
  • Best For: Crush-specific PvM, Slayer tasks.

At ~250M GP, it’s a niche but powerful addition to any melee arsenal.

Honorable Mentions

Not every situation calls for a billion-GP weapon. These honorable mentions offer great value for specific scenarios or budget players.

Dragon Scimitar

A mid-level favorite, the Dragon Scimitar requires 60 Attack and completion of Monkey Madness I.

  • Stats: +67 Slash, +66 Strength
  • Why It’s Great: Affordable (~100K GP) and fast, with a special attack (Sever) that disables Protection Prayers in PvP.
  • Best For: Mid-level training, PvP on a budget.

Abyssal Bludgeon

The Abyssal Bludgeon, a two-handed crush weapon, is crafted from Abyssal Sire drops and needs 70 Attack and Strength.

  • Stats: +102 Crush, +85 Strength
  • Why It’s Great: Its damage scales with Prayer points, making it a niche pick for bosses like Cerberus or The Nightmare.
  • Best For: Prayer-heavy PvM, crush-weak enemies.

Soulreaper Axe

The Soulreaper Axe, from Desert Treasure II bosses, leans toward Strength with 80 Attack required.

  • Stats: +134 Slash, +121 Strength
  • Why It’s Great: Its special attack stacks souls for boosted stats and healing, ideal for sustained PvM or PvP fights.
  • Best For: High-defense targets, hybrid builds.

Comparing the Best Melee Weapons

Choosing the right weapon depends on your budget, combat style, and target. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide.

Weapon Damage Type Attack Req. Strength Bonus Best Use Approx. Cost
Abyssal Whip Slash 70 +82 Slayer, General PvM 2-3M GP
Ghrazi Rapier Stab 80 +89 High-level PvM, PvP 100M GP
Scythe of Vitur Slash 80 +105 Multi-target PvM 1B+ GP
Osmumten’s Fang Stab 82 +103 High-defense PvM 30-40M GP
Inquisitor’s Mace Crush 75 +89 Crush-specific PvM 250M GP

Tips for Maximizing Melee Performance

Having the best weapon is only half the battle. Here are some tips to get the most out of your melee setup.

Pair with the Right Gear

Weapons like the Ghrazi Rapier shine with strength-boosting gear like the Amulet of Torture or Ferocious Gloves. For crush weapons, Inquisitor’s armor boosts accuracy and damage. Always check your setup for synergy.

Leverage Special Attacks

Weapons like the Dragon Scimitar or Soulreaper Axe have game-changing special attacks. Use them strategically in PvP to disrupt opponents or in PvM to burst down bosses.

Know Your Enemy

Check monster weaknesses on the OSRS Wiki before fighting. A stab weapon against a crush-weak enemy wastes your potential. Tailor your loadout to each encounter.

Train Smart

Low on GP? Stick to the Abyssal Whip or Dragon Scimitar for efficient training at places like Nightmare Zone or Sand Crabs. Save up for endgame weapons by flipping items or grinding raids.

With these weapons and tips, you’re ready to carve your name into Gielinor’s history. Whether you’re bonking Slayer mobs or taking down raid bosses, the right melee weapon will carry you far. Grab your favorite, sharpen your skills, and let the battles begin!