Dragon Longsword OSRS Guide Everything You Need to Know
The Dragon Longsword in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a fan-favorite weapon for mid-level players looking to pack a punch without breaking the bank. Known for its iconic red hue and powerful stats, it’s a staple for those who’ve just completed the Lost City quest and are ready to dive into serious combat. In this guide, we’ll explore its history, stats, uses, and strategies to maximize its potential, all while keeping it optimized for search engines to help you find the best info fast.
Introduced on February 27, 2002, the Dragon Longsword quickly became a symbol of prestige in RuneScape’s early days. Before the arrival of the abyssal whip and dragon scimitar in 2005, it was the go-to weapon for player killing and melee training. Its affordability and strength made it a must-have for adventurers tackling PvM and PvP alike.
Origins in Zanaris
The sword is tied to the mystical city of Zanaris, accessible only after completing the Lost City quest. You can buy it from Jukat in the Zanaris marketplace for 100,000 coins, though you’ll need a diamond to enter. This lore connection adds a layer of charm, making it feel like a reward for your fairy-tale journey.
Evolution Over Time
While it’s no longer the top-tier weapon it once was, the Dragon Longsword remains relevant for its accessibility. Updates like the special attack “Cleave” and the imbued (bh) variant have kept it competitive, especially in specific PvP scenarios like Bounty Hunter.
Dragon Longsword Stats and Requirements
To wield this beast, you need 60 Attack and must have finished Lost City. It’s a one-handed slash weapon, meaning you can pair it with a shield for extra defense—perfect for tanky builds or Slayer tasks.
Base Stats
Here’s a quick breakdown of its combat stats:
| Stat | Bonus |
|---|---|
| Stab Attack | +58 |
| Slash Attack | +71 |
| Strength | +69 |
| Attack Speed | 5 (3.6 seconds) |
These stats make it a solid choice for slashing through enemies weak to slash attacks, like those in cloth or leather armor.
Special Attack: Cleave
The Cleave special attack boosts your maximum hit by 25% for one strike, using 25% of your special attack energy. It’s great for landing a heavy blow, though its accuracy depends on your selected attack style versus the opponent’s slash defense. The imbued (bh) version is even spicier, with a +25% accuracy boost, only 15% energy cost, and a faster attack speed (2.4 seconds) for one hit.
How to Get the Dragon Longsword
Acquiring this weapon is straightforward but requires some prep. Here are your options:
- Purchase from Jukat: Head to Zanaris and buy it for 100,000 coins. You’ll need a diamond for market access, which can cost extra if you don’t have one.
- Elite Treasure Trails: A rare reward from elite clue scrolls, though this is less reliable due to RNG.
- Grand Exchange: Typically priced around 60,000–70,000 coins, making it cheaper than Jukat’s rate but without the adventure.
Quest Requirements
Completing Lost City is non-negotiable. It’s a relatively short quest requiring 31 Crafting and 36 Woodcutting, plus the ability to defeat a level 101 Tree Spirit without weapons or armor. Stock up on food and potions if your combat level is low!
Imbued Variant (bh)
For PvP enthusiasts, the Dragon Longsword (bh) is a step up. You’ll need a Dragon Longsword imbue scroll from Bounty Hunter rewards, which enhances its stats (+4 stab, +6 slash) and special attack. Note that it’s only usable in specific areas like Daimon’s Crater, Castle Wars, Clan Wars, and Soul Wars.
Best Uses for the Dragon Longsword
This weapon shines in various scenarios, especially for players transitioning from rune gear to dragon-tier equipment. Let’s break down its top applications.
PvM and Slayer
The Dragon Longsword is excellent for mid-level Slayer tasks and general PvM. Its high slash bonus makes it effective against monsters like:
- Green Dragons: Found in the Wilderness, they’re weak to slash and drop valuable bones.
- Kalphites: Their leather armor crumbles under slash attacks.
- Hellhounds: A common Slayer target with low slash defense.
Pair it with a Dragon Defender or Anti-Dragon Shield for balanced offense and defense.
PvP Combat
In PvP, the Dragon Longsword’s Cleave can surprise opponents, especially in low-to-mid-level brackets. It’s often used as a finisher after softening targets with faster weapons like the Dragon Dagger (p++). The (bh) variant is a niche favorite in Bounty Hunter due to its enhanced special attack, letting you chain hits faster.
Training Melee
For Strength training, the Dragon Longsword is decent but outclassed by the Dragon Scimitar (post-Monkey Madness) due to the latter’s faster attack speed (4 vs. 5 ticks). Still, it’s a strong choice if you’re sticking to slash-focused enemies or haven’t unlocked the scimitar yet.
Dragon Longsword vs. Other Weapons
How does it stack up against its peers? Let’s compare it to popular alternatives to help you decide if it’s worth your coins.
Dragon Longsword vs. Dragon Scimitar
The Dragon Scimitar is faster (4 ticks) and has a special attack that disables protection prayers, making it superior for PvP and most PvM. However, the Longsword hits harder per swing (+69 vs. +66 Strength) and is easier to obtain since it only requires Lost City, not Monkey Madness. If you’re quest-locked, the Longsword is your best bet.
Dragon Longsword vs. Dragon Sword
The Dragon Sword, a stab-focused weapon dropped by wyrms, has a higher stab bonus (+65 vs. +58) and a special attack (Wild Stab) that ignores Protect from Melee. It’s better for stab-weak enemies like dragons, but the Longsword’s slash focus and higher strength bonus make it more versatile for general use.
Dragon Longsword vs. Dragon Dagger
The Dragon Dagger’s Puncture special attack delivers two quick hits with boosted accuracy, ideal for burst damage in PvP or boss fights. It’s faster (4 ticks) but has lower base stats (+40 stab, +35 Strength). Many players carry both, using the Dagger for specs and the Longsword for consistent damage.
| Weapon | Attack Speed | Strength Bonus | Special Attack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dragon Longsword | 5 | +69 | Cleave (25% hit boost) |
| Dragon Scimitar | 4 | +66 | Sever (blocks prayers) |
| Dragon Sword | 4 | +65 | Wild Stab (ignores prayer) |
| Dragon Dagger | 4 | +35 | Puncture (2 hits) |
Pro Tip: If you’re torn, consider your goals. For quick DPS, the Scimitar or Sword edges out. For a budget-friendly, hard-hitting option with no extra quests, the Longsword delivers.
The Dragon Longsword OSRS remains a versatile and accessible weapon for mid-level players. Whether you’re slashing through Slayer tasks, dipping into PvP, or just flexing that iconic dragon gear, it’s a worthy addition to your arsenal. Grab one from the Grand Exchange or Zanaris, and start cleaving your way to glory!