Dawn and Dusk OSRS Guide for Beginners and Experts

Dawn and Dusk OSRS Guide for Beginners and Experts

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the Dawn and Dusk boss fight, part of the Grotesque Guardians, offers a thrilling challenge for players seeking unique rewards like the Granite maul, Black tourmaline core, and the coveted Jar of stone. Located atop the Slayer Tower, this duo tests your combat skills, strategy, and preparation. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned slayer, this guide covers everything you need to know about defeating Dawn and Dusk, including mechanics, gear setups, strategies, and rewards. Let’s dive into the essentials to help you conquer these gargoyle guardians.

The Grotesque Guardians, Dawn and Dusk, are a unique Slayer boss encounter requiring a Slayer level of 75 and a specific task to fight them. Unlike standard gargoyles, these two have distinct mechanics, making them a step up from typical Slayer assignments. You’ll need to unlock the “Like a boss” ability from a Slayer master for 200 points to access them, and they can only be fought while on a gargoyle task (or with a Slayer’s respite if you’re extending tasks).

Who Are Dawn and Dusk?

Dawn and Dusk are the two phases of the Grotesque Guardians fight. Dawn, a ranged-based gargoyle, floats above the arena, while Dusk, a melee-focused counterpart, stays grounded. Each has unique attacks and phases, requiring you to switch combat styles and adapt quickly. Their synergy makes the fight dynamic, as they share a health pool in certain phases and unleash special attacks together.

Why Fight the Grotesque Guardians?

Besides the thrill, the Grotesque Guardians drop valuable loot that’s worth the effort. Here’s why players take them on:

  • Unique Drops: The Granite maul, Granite ring, and Black tourmaline core are exclusive to this boss.
  • Pet Chance: A chance at Noon or Midnight, the adorable gargoyle pets.
  • Slayer XP: Decent experience for those grinding Slayer levels.
  • Profit Potential: Consistent drops like runes, ores, and alchables add up.

Preparation for the Fight

Before heading to the Slayer Tower, proper preparation is key to surviving Dawn and Dusk. From gear to inventory, here’s how to set yourself up for success.

Recommended Gear

Your gear should balance defense, offense, and prayer bonuses, as you’ll face both ranged and melee attacks. Below is a suggested setup for mid-to-high-level players:

Slot Item Alternative (Budget)
Head Slayer helmet (i) Black mask
Cape Fire cape Skill cape
Body Bandos chestplate Fighter torso
Legs Bandos tassets Obsidian platelegs
Weapon Abyssal whip Dragon scimitar
Shield Dragon defender Rune defender

Note: Bring a rock hammer or equivalent to finish off gargoyles, as they become immune to damage at low health without it.

Inventory Setup

Your inventory should prioritize sustainability and flexibility. A sample setup includes:

  • 4-6 Prayer potions to maintain Protect from Missiles/Melee.
  • 1-2 Super combat potions for stat boosts.
  • High-healing food like sharks or monkfish (10-12 pieces).
  • Teleportation method (e.g., Slayer ring or House teleport).
  • Rock hammer for finishing blows.
  • Emergency teleport (e.g., Ectophial).

Stat Requirements

While the minimum Slayer level is 75, higher combat stats make the fight smoother. Aim for:

  • Attack/Strength: 70+ for decent damage output.
  • Defence: 70+ to tank hits.
  • Prayer: 43+ for Protect prayers, ideally 70 for Piety.

Mechanics of the Dawn and Dusk Fight

The Grotesque Guardians fight is split into multiple phases, with Dawn and Dusk alternating attacks and abilities. Understanding their mechanics is crucial to avoid unnecessary damage and secure a kill.

Phase 1: Dawn Solo

The fight begins with Dawn alone. She uses ranged attacks, hurling rocks that deal moderate damage. Activate Protect from Missiles and attack her with melee or ranged. Watch for her special attack: she summons energy spheres that explode if you don’t move away. Run to the opposite side of the arena to dodge them.

Phase 2: Dusk Joins

Once Dawn’s health is depleted, Dusk appears. He uses melee attacks, so switch to Protect from Melee. Dusk’s basic attacks hit harder, but he’s slower. Focus on damaging Dusk while keeping an eye on Dawn, who resumes ranged attacks. This phase tests your prayer management and positioning.

Phase 3: Combined Assault

After Dusk takes enough damage, both guardians become active simultaneously, sharing a health pool. They unleash a lightning attack, creating a grid of electric tiles across the arena. Stay alert and move to safe tiles to avoid heavy damage. Continue attacking with melee, as they’re both vulnerable now.

Phase 4: Dusk’s Enrage

When their shared health drops low, Dawn retreats, and Dusk enrages. He gains a rock shield, reflecting some damage back to you. Use caution, hit carefully, and finish him with the rock hammer when prompted. This phase is straightforward if you conserve prayer and food.

Strategies for Success

Beating Dawn and Dusk efficiently requires adapting to their phases and optimizing your approach. Here are proven strategies to streamline your kills.

Prayer Management

Prayer is your lifeline. Alternate between Protect from Missiles and Protect from Melee based on which guardian is active. Use Piety or Chivalry when dealing damage to speed up kills, but sip prayer potions regularly to avoid running dry.

Positioning Tips

Stay near the center of the arena to react quickly to special attacks. When dodging Dawn’s energy spheres or the lightning grid, move diagonally to minimize steps and avoid getting cornered. If Dusk charges, sidestep to avoid his melee slams.

Maximizing Damage

Use a special attack weapon like the Dragon claws or Granite maul during Dusk’s phases for burst damage. If you’re on a budget, stick to consistent DPS with an Abyssal whip or Bludgeon. Avoid overextending—prioritize survival over risky plays.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here’s what trips up many players:

  • Forgetting the rock hammer: You can’t finish the fight without it.
  • Poor prayer switching: Mismanaging prayers leads to quick deaths.
  • Ignoring special attacks: Energy spheres and lightning can wipe you out.
  • Overeating: Don’t waste food early; save it for Dusk’s enrage phase.

Rewards and Loot Table

The Grotesque Guardians are worth fighting for their exclusive drops and consistent profit. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect.

Notable Drops

The highlight of the loot table includes:

  • Black tourmaline core: Used to create the Granite ring or trade for profit.
  • Granite maul: A iconic weapon for PKing and PvM.
  • Jar of stone: A rare flex item for collectors.
  • Noon/Midnight pet: A 1/3,000 chance for these gargoyle companions.

Average Loot Value

Common drops like Adamantite ore, Runes, and Chaos talismans make each kill worth around 30-50k GP, with rare drops spiking profits significantly. On average, expect 500k-1M GP per hour, depending on luck and efficiency.

Is It Worth Farming?

If you’re after Slayer XP, profit, or unique items, the Grotesque Guardians are a solid choice. They’re less competitive than other bosses like Vorkath or Zulrah, and their mechanics keep the fight engaging. However, if you’re solely chasing GP, other bosses might offer higher hourly rates.

Defeating Dawn and Dusk in OSRS is a rewarding experience that blends preparation, skill, and strategy. With the right gear, a solid understanding of their mechanics, and smart positioning, you’ll be racking up kills in no time. Whether you’re here for the loot, the pets, or just to check off another boss, this guide should set you on the path to success. Grab your rock hammer, head to the Slayer Tower, and show those gargoyles who’s boss!