Comparing Bandos Boots and Dragon Boots in Old School RuneScape

Deciding between Bandos boots and Dragon boots in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) can feel like choosing between two legendary weapons in a fantasy novel. Both are iconic, both have their fans, and both can make or break your setup depending on your goals. As someone who’s been grinding OSRS for years, I’ve worn both pairs through countless slayer tasks, boss fights, and even some sweaty PvP moments. Let me break it down for you in a way that’s easy to follow, with a sprinkle of my own experiences to help you decide which boots are right for your adventures.

Boots in OSRS aren’t just about looking cool (though that’s a nice bonus). They’re a key part of your gear, offering stats that can boost your combat performance or even save you from a wipe. Bandos boots and Dragon boots are two of the most popular melee boots in the game, but they cater to slightly different playstyles. Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why you’d even care about these boots.

• Combat stats: Boots can provide strength, attack, or defense bonuses that tilt the scales in tough fights.

• Accessibility: Some boots are easier to get than others, depending on your bank or grinding patience.

• Specialization: Certain boots shine in specific scenarios, like bossing or slayer tasks.

So, which boots are better for you? Let’s compare Bandos boots and Dragon boots to find out.

Bandos Boots Overview

What Are Bandos Boots?

Bandos boots come from the God Wars Dungeon, dropped by General Graardor or his minions. These boots are part of the Bandos armor set, which is all about raw power. They’re known for their strength bonus, a rare stat for boots, making them a favorite for melee players who want to hit harder.

Stats and Requirements

Here’s a quick look at what Bandos boots bring to the table:

Stat	Value
Strength Bonus	+2
Melee Defense	+15 to +20
Ranged Defense	+12
Magic Defense	+10
Requirements	65 Defense

You need 65 Defense to wear these, which makes them accessible to most mid-to-high-level players. The +2 strength bonus is a big deal because it directly boosts your max hit, especially when paired with other strength-boosting gear like the Berserker ring or Bandos chestplate.

My Experience with Bandos Boots

I remember the first time I got Bandos boots from a General Graardor trip. It was a chaotic fight, with my clan yelling in Discord as we dodged Graardor’s massive fists. When those boots dropped, I felt like I’d won the lottery. I slapped them on for my next slayer task, and the difference was noticeable. My whip was hitting just a bit harder, and those extra defense bonuses saved me from a few close calls against Black Demons. But here’s the thing: they’re not cheap. I had to grind for weeks to afford the trip and gear to even attempt God Wars.

When to Use Bandos Boots

Bandos boots shine in situations where you want to maximize your damage output. Here’s where I’d recommend them:

• High-level bossing: Think General Graardor, Kree’arra, or even the Inferno if you’re feeling brave.

• Slayer tasks: Especially against high-defense monsters where that +2 strength makes a difference.

• PvP: The strength bonus can give you an edge in melee fights, though you’ll need to weigh the cost.

But are they always the best choice? Not necessarily. Let’s look at their rival.

Dragon Boots Overview

What Are Dragon Boots?

Dragon boots are a classic, dropped by high-level dragons like Rune Dragons or Vorkath. They’re easier to get than Bandos boots since you don’t need to dive into the God Wars Dungeon. These boots focus more on defensive stats, with a slight edge in melee attack accuracy, making them a solid all-around choice.

Stats and Requirements

Here’s how Dragon boots stack up:

Stat	Value
Strength Bonus	+0
Melee Defense	+16 to +18
Ranged Defense	+15
Magic Defense	+12
Melee Attack Bonus	+4
Requirements	60 Defense

With a 60 Defense requirement, Dragon boots are slightly more accessible than Bandos boots. The +4 melee attack bonus is great for accuracy, especially if you’re using weapons like the Abyssal whip or Saradomin sword that rely on hitting consistently.

My Experience with Dragon Boots

I got my first pair of Dragon boots while farming Rune Dragons for some extra cash. It wasn’t a glamorous drop like Bandos boots, but it felt like a reliable upgrade from my old Rune boots. I used them for a long time during slayer tasks because they were affordable and gave me solid defense. One time, I was fighting Vorkath, and those extra defense bonuses helped me tank a few hits when I messed up my prayer switches. The +4 attack bonus also felt nice when I was struggling to land hits on high-defense monsters like Metal Dragons.

When to Use Dragon Boots

Dragon boots are a fantastic choice for players who want a balance of defense and accessibility. Here’s where they shine:

• Mid-level players: If you’re not quite at 65 Defense or can’t afford Bandos boots, these are a great stepping stone.

• Slayer grinding: The defense and attack bonuses make them versatile for most tasks.

• Solo bossing: If you’re tackling Vorkath or Zulrah, the extra defense can save your bacon.

But do they outshine Bandos boots? That depends on your priorities.

Bandos Boots vs Dragon Boots A Head-to-Head Comparison

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s put these boots side by side and see how they compare in key areas.

Damage Output

Bandos boots win here hands-down. That +2 strength bonus is rare and can noticeably increase your max hit, especially when combined with other strength gear. For example, when I was using a Dragon Scimitar with Bandos boots, I could hit 30s on some monsters, while Dragon boots kept me in the high 20s. If you’re all about DPS, Bandos boots are your pick.

Defensive Stats

Dragon boots edge out slightly in raw defense. Their melee defense bonuses are a bit higher (+16 to +18 vs. +15 to +20 for Bandos), and they also have a slight advantage in ranged defense (+15 vs. +12). This makes Dragon boots a safer choice for tanking hits, especially if you’re not maxed out on gear. I noticed this when I was doing slayer in crowded areas like the Catacombs of Kourend, where I’d get hit by multiple monsters at once.

Accessibility and Cost

This is where Dragon boots dominate. You can get them from dragons like Rune Dragons or Vorkath, which are more solo-friendly than General Graardor. Plus, Dragon boots are way cheaper. As of my last check, Bandos boots cost around 200-300k on the Grand Exchange, while Dragon boots hover around 100-150k. For Ironmen, Dragon boots are also easier to farm since you don’t need a team to kill dragons.

Requirements

Dragon boots have a lower Defense requirement (60 vs. 65), making them more accessible for newer players or those with lower Defense levels. If you’re a pure or a low-Defense build, Dragon boots are your only option here.

Versatility

Dragon boots are more versatile because of their balanced stats. The +4 melee attack bonus helps with accuracy, which is crucial for monsters with high defense, like those pesky Metal Dragons. Bandos boots, on the other hand, are more specialized for raw damage. I found Dragon boots to be my go-to for general slayer, while Bandos boots came out for big boss fights like Cerberus.

Aesthetics

Okay, let’s be real: looks matter. Bandos boots have that rugged, godly vibe with their spiky, metallic design. They scream “I’ve killed a war god.” Dragon boots look sleek and draconic, with a red-and-black color scheme that pairs well with dragon armor. I personally lean toward Bandos boots for the flex, but Dragon boots have a certain charm for dragon-themed setups.

Which Boots Should You Choose?

So, which boots are better? It’s not a simple answer, and it depends on your playstyle, budget, and goals. Let’s break it down:

• Choose Bandos Boots if:

  • You’re focused on maximizing melee damage.

  • You’re tackling high-level bosses like General Graardor or the Theatre of Blood.

  • You can afford the higher price tag or have the skills to farm them.

  • You want to flex a bit (because let’s be honest, they’re rare).

• Choose Dragon Boots if:

  • You’re on a budget or playing as an Ironman.

  • You need a balanced boot for slayer or mid-tier bossing.

  • You’re not at 65 Defense yet.

  • You want something reliable that doesn’t break the bank.

My Personal Pick

If I had to choose, I’d go with Bandos boots for endgame content. That +2 strength bonus is just too good to pass up when you’re trying to squeeze out every bit of DPS. But for newer players or those still building their bank, Dragon boots are a no-brainer. I used Dragon boots for months before I could afford Bandos boots, and they never let me down.

Common Questions About Bandos Boots vs Dragon Boots

Are Bandos Boots Worth the Price?

For high-level players, absolutely. The strength bonus is rare and can make a difference in long boss fights. But if you’re just doing slayer or casual content, Dragon boots are more than enough.

Can I Use Dragon Boots for Endgame Content?

Yes, but they’re not ideal. You’ll miss out on the strength bonus from Bandos boots, which can add up over time. Still, they’re solid for most content if you’re on a budget.

What About Primordial Boots?

Good question! Primordial boots (upgraded from Dragon boots with a primordial crystal) are the best melee boots in the game, with a +2 strength bonus and better defense than Bandos boots. But they’re crazy expensive (think 20-30m) and require 75 Defense and Strength. If you can afford them, they’re the ultimate choice, but they’re overkill for most players.

Tips for Getting Bandos or Dragon Boots

Farming Bandos Boots

• Team up: General Graardor is tough solo unless you’re maxed. Join a clan or some friends.

• Gear up: Bring high-defense gear and prayer potions to survive the God Wars Dungeon.

• Be patient: The drop rate isn’t great, so expect to grind.

Farming Dragon Boots

• Target Rune Dragons or Vorkath: Both have decent drop rates for Dragon boots.

• Bring anti-fire gear: You’ll need protection from dragonfire.

• Use ranged or melee: Dragons are weak to both, so pick your best setup.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between Bandos boots and Dragon boots comes down to what you value most: raw power or affordability. As an OSRS veteran, I’ve loved using both at different points in my journey. Bandos boots feel like a badge of honor, earned through blood and sweat in the God Wars Dungeon. Dragon boots, on the other hand, are like that trusty old sword you keep coming back to because it just works. Whichever you pick, you’re getting a solid pair of boots that’ll carry you through Gielinor’s toughest challenges.

What’s your go-to pair? Let me know in the comments, and happy scaping!