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Black D’hide OSRS Ultimate Guide for Ranged Combat
Black D’hide, or Black Dragonhide, is a cornerstone of ranged combat in Old School RuneScape (OSRS). Renowned for its balance of affordability, accessibility, and powerful stats, this armor set is a go-to for players tackling PvP, PvM, and Wilderness activities. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Black D’hide, from its stats and crafting requirements to its strategic uses and comparisons with other armors. Whether you’re a mid-level ranger or a seasoned adventurer, this guide will help you maximize the potential of Black D’hide in OSRS.
Black D’hide is a type of ranged armor crafted from Black Dragonhide, a 100% drop from black dragons, brutal black dragons, lava dragons, and the King Black Dragon. It’s part of the dragonhide armor family, offering excellent ranged bonuses and solid defensive stats, particularly against magic attacks. The armor set includes the Black D’hide body, chaps, vambraces, and shield, each requiring level 70 Ranged to equip, with the body and shield also needing 40 Defence.
Key Features of Black D’hide
- High Ranged Bonuses: Boosts ranged attack and strength, enhancing damage output.
- Magic Defence: One of the best armors for resisting magic attacks, ideal for PvP and PvM.
- Lightweight: Compared to metal armors, it has minimal weight, reducing run energy drain.
- Affordability: Low cost makes it accessible for players of all budgets.
How to Obtain Black D’hide
Acquiring Black D’hide involves either crafting it from Black Dragonhide or purchasing it from the Grand Exchange. Here’s a breakdown of the methods to get this armor.
Farming Black Dragonhide
Black Dragonhide is primarily obtained by killing black dragons, found in locations like:
- Taverley Dungeon: Requires a dusty key or 70 Agility to access.
- Wilderness (Level 30-35): Riskier but accessible for free-to-play players.
- Myths’ Guild Dungeon: Requires completion of Dragon Slayer II.
- Lava Maze Dungeon: Home to lava dragons, a Wilderness-exclusive variant.
Each black dragon drops one hide, which can be tanned into Black Dragon Leather for 20 coins (or 45 in Canifis) at tanners in Al Kharid, Canifis, or the Crafting Guild.
Crafting Black D’hide Armor
To craft Black D’hide, you’ll need Black Dragon Leather, a needle, thread, and the appropriate Crafting level. Here’s a table summarizing the crafting requirements:
| Item | Crafting Level | Leather Required | Experience Gained |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black D’hide Body | 84 | 3 | 258 |
| Black D’hide Chaps | 82 | 2 | 172 |
| Black D’hide Vambraces | 79 | 1 | 86 |
| Black D’hide Shield | 83 | 2 | 172 |
Alternatively, players can obtain Black D’hide pieces as common rewards from Hard Clue Scrolls or purchase them directly from the Grand Exchange for convenience.
Stats and Benefits of Black D’hide
Black D’hide is prized for its balance of offensive and defensive stats, making it a versatile choice for various combat scenarios. Below, we detail its key advantages and compare it to other armors.
Black D’hide Stats Breakdown
The full Black D’hide set (body, chaps, vambraces) provides the following bonuses:
- Ranged Attack Bonus: +50 (Body: +30, Chaps: +17, Vambraces: +8)
- Ranged Defence Bonus: +93
- Magic Defence Bonus: +84
- Melee Defence Bonuses: Comparable to mithril or adamant armor.
The Black D’hide shield adds further defensive bonuses, particularly against ranged and magic attacks, with a +1 prayer bonus in some variants.
Comparison with Other Armors
Black D’hide stands out for its cost-effectiveness compared to higher-tier armors like Armadyl or Karil’s. Here’s how it stacks up:
- Vs. Blessed D’hide: Blessed D’hide offers identical ranged bonuses but higher defensive stats and a +1 prayer bonus per piece. However, it’s harder to obtain (via Treasure Trails) and more expensive.
- Vs. Armadyl Armor: Armadyl provides superior ranged accuracy and strength but costs significantly more, making Black D’hide a better choice for budget-conscious players.
- Vs. Karil’s Armor: Karil’s has slightly better stats but degrades over time, whereas Black D’hide is maintenance-free and far cheaper.
Due to its low cost (often under 20k GP for a full set), Black D’hide is a staple in low-risk Wilderness PvP and PvM setups.
Strategic Uses of Black D’hide in OSRS
Black D’hide’s versatility makes it a favorite across various game modes. Below are some of the best scenarios to use this armor.
PvP in the Wilderness
In the Wilderness, Black D’hide is a popular choice for its magic defence and low cost. It’s ideal for:
- Ragging Setups: Low-risk setups where players prioritize survival over high-value gear.
- Mage Defence: Countering magic-based PKers, as its +84 magic defence bonus reduces hit chances from spells like Ice Barrage.
- Hybrid Builds: Combining with a crossbow or magic shortbow for quick switches between attack styles.
However, its melee defence is only moderate, so pair it with a strong off-hand like a Book of Law or Unholy Book to bolster stats.
PvM and Slayer
For PvM, Black D’hide shines in scenarios where ranged is the primary attack style:
- Black Dragons: Ironically, Black D’hide is great for farming the dragons that drop its materials, thanks to its ranged bonuses.
- God Wars Dungeon: Useful against magic-heavy bosses like Kree’arra when paired with prayer potions.
- Slayer Tasks: Effective for tasks like aberrant spectres or dust devils, where magic defence is crucial.
For optimal performance, combine with an Ava’s device to conserve ammunition and a ranged weapon like the Toxic Blowpipe.
Tips for Maximizing Black D’hide Efficiency
To get the most out of Black D’hide, consider these practical tips:
Upgrading with Variants
Black D’hide has trimmed variants like Black D’hide (t) and (g), obtained from Elite Treasure Trails. These offer identical stats but a stylish look, perfect for flexing in PvP or social hubs. They can also be stored in a Costume Room’s Treasure Chest.
Enhancing Vambraces
Craft Black Spiky Vambraces by adding Kebbit Claws (requires 32 Hunter) to standard vambraces. They retain the same +8 ranged attack bonus but add a unique aesthetic, ideal for role-playing or PvP flair.
Balancing Cost and Performance
Given its low cost, don’t hesitate to use Black D’hide in risky situations. If you’re on a budget, focus on the body and chaps for the best value, as vambraces can be substituted with cheaper alternatives like Green D’hide Vambraces for early-game players.
Training Crafting with Black D’hide
Crafting Black D’hide is a great way to train the Crafting skill while producing usable gear. Use the Tan Leather lunar spell to speed up the tanning process, and sell excess armor on the Grand Exchange for profit.
Black D’hide remains a timeless choice in OSRS for its blend of affordability, versatility, and performance. Whether you’re braving the Wilderness, tackling Slayer tasks, or simply looking for reliable ranged gear, this armor set delivers. By understanding its stats, acquisition methods, and strategic applications, you can make Black D’hide a cornerstone of your OSRS journey. Equip it, craft it, and dominate the battlefield with this iconic ranged armor!