Dragon Slayer OSRS Ironman Guide: Conquer Elvarg Solo in 2025
For Old School RuneScape (OSRS) Ironman players, the Dragon Slayer I quest stands as a monumental challenge and a rite of passage. As one of the most iconic free-to-play (F2P) quests, it pits you against Elvarg, the fearsome dragon of Crandor, with no trading or Grand Exchange to lean on. Completing this quest unlocks the ability to wear rune platebodies and green dragonhide armor, making it a pivotal moment for any Ironman account. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to conquer Dragon Slayer as an Ironman in 2025, from preparation to execution, tailored specifically for solo adventurers.
For Ironman players, who must be entirely self-sufficient, Dragon Slayer I is more than just a quest—it’s a test of resourcefulness and skill. Unlike regular accounts, you can’t buy gear or supplies from other players, so every item must be gathered or crafted by your own hands. This makes the quest uniquely challenging but also incredibly rewarding. Completing it not only boosts your combat capabilities but also opens up new training opportunities, like access to Corsair Cove after the quest, which is ideal for F2P Ironmen.
The Rewards of Dragon Slayer for Ironmen
- Rune Platebody Access: Equip one of the best F2P armors for melee defense.
- Green D’hide Body: A top-tier ranged armor option for F2P.
- Quest Points: 2 points to help unlock future content.
- Experience Boost: 18,650 Strength and Defence XP, a massive early-game leap.
Why It’s Tougher as an Ironman
Ironmen face unique hurdles: gathering steel nails, planks, and combat gear without trading takes time and effort. You’ll need to mine, smith, and scavenge, all while preparing to face Elvarg’s fiery wrath. But with the right strategy, you can triumph solo.
Preparation: Gathering Supplies as an Ironman
Before setting sail for Crandor, preparation is key. As an Ironman, you’ll need to collect every item yourself, so let’s break it down into manageable steps.
Essential Quest Items
You’ll need the following to progress through the quest:
- 90 Steel Nails: Smith these from 6 steel bars (requires 34 Smithing, boostable with a Dwarven Stout).
- 3 Planks: Found at the Graveyard of Shadows (level 19 Wilderness) or in the Camdozaal Vault after Below Ice Mountain.
- Hammer: Pick one up from a goblin drop near Lumbridge or a spawn in the Dwarven Mine.
- 2,000 Coins: Earn these through combat (e.g., Hill Giants) or skilling (e.g., selling ores).
- Anti-Dragon Shield: Obtained from Duke Horacio in Lumbridge Castle during the quest.
Map Piece Requirements
To reach Crandor, you’ll need three map pieces. Here’s how to get them as an Ironman:
- Melzar’s Map Piece: Navigate Melzar’s Maze (south of Falador) with a key from the Champions’ Guild. Kill monsters for colored keys (e.g., red from a rat, orange from a ghost) until you reach the basement chest.
- Thalzar’s Map Piece: Visit the Oracle on Ice Mountain with silk (from Al Kharid), a lobster pot (Port Sarim spawn), an unfired bowl (craft at 8 Crafting), and a Wizard’s Mind Bomb (Falador pub). Use these on the Dwarven Mine’s magic door.
- Lozar’s Map Piece: Buy from Wormbrain in Port Sarim jail for 10,000 coins (grind this via combat or skilling) or kill him and use Telekinetic Grab (33 Magic) on the dropped piece.
Combat Gear and Stats
Elvarg is a level 83 dragon with a max hit of 50 (dragonfire) or 10 (melee). Recommended stats:
- Attack/Strength/Defence: 40+ for better gear and damage.
- Magic: 33+ if using Telekinetic Grab or Magic combat (optional).
- Prayer: 37+ for Protect from Magic (optional but helpful).
Gear Setup:
| Slot | Item | How to Obtain |
|---|---|---|
| Weapon | Rune Scimitar | Fire Giant drop (rare) or Rune Sword from Champions’ Guild |
| Shield | Anti-Dragon Shield | Duke Horacio |
| Body | Mithril Chainbody | Smith from mithril bars (30 Smithing) |
| Legs | Mithril Platelegs | Smith or buy from shop in Al Kharid |
| Food | Lobsters | Fish at Musa Point (40 Fishing/Cooking) |
Step-by-Step Walkthrough for Ironman
With your supplies ready, here’s how to tackle Dragon Slayer I solo.
Starting the Quest
- Talk to the Guildmaster in the Champions’ Guild (32 Quest Points required).
- Visit Oziach in Edgeville, who tasks you with slaying Elvarg.
- Return to the Guildmaster for details on the map pieces and ship.
Securing the Ship
Head to Port Sarim and buy the Lady Lumbridge from Klarense for 2,000 coins. Repair it with your hammer, 90 steel nails, and 3 planks. Speak to Ned on the ship to set sail once you have the map.
Facing Elvarg
- Sail to Crandor and climb the volcano to enter Elvarg’s lair.
- Equip your Anti-Dragon Shield and eat food as needed.
- Use melee (stab attacks work best) or safespot with Magic/Ranged if skilled enough.
- Watch for dragonfire—keep the shield on at all times.
- Defeat Elvarg, take her head, and return to Oziach to finish.
Tips and Strategies for Ironman Success
Here are some pro tips to ensure victory over Elvarg as an Ironman.
Combat Tactics
- Flinching: Attack Elvarg, then step back to avoid her melee hits, repeating until she’s down.
- Safespotting: Use Magic or Ranged from behind the stalagmites in her lair to avoid damage.
- Prayer: Activate Protect from Magic to halve dragonfire damage (pair with shield).
Resource Management
Conserve food by training on Hill Giants or Ogresses beforehand to stockpile lobsters. If you die, you can return via Karamja Volcano (unlocks after opening the wall south of Elvarg’s lair), but you’ll need more planks and nails to repair the ship again.
Skill Training Plan
Focus on these skills pre-quest:
- Mining/Smithing: Get to 34 Smithing for nails and mithril gear.
- Fishing/Cooking: Reach 40 for lobsters.
- Combat: Train on cows, goblins, then Hill Giants for stats and drops.
Post-Quest Benefits and Next Steps
Beating Dragon Slayer opens new doors for your Ironman journey.
Gear Upgrades
Equip your hard-earned rune platebody from the Champions’ Guild or smith it yourself. Green d’hide armor can be crafted from dragonhide dropped by green dragons (P2P) or saved for later.
Training Opportunities
Unlock Corsair Cove Resource Area for maple trees and Ogresses, perfect for Woodcutting, Firemaking, and combat training. This area becomes accessible after completing the quest and The Corsair Curse.
Future Goals
Use your XP boost to push toward 50 Attack/Strength for a rune scimitar or 50 Defence for better armor. Start planning for Dragon Slayer II (P2P) if you’re considering membership.
Dragon Slayer I as an OSRS Ironman is a true test of grit and determination. By gathering your own supplies, mastering combat tactics, and leveraging the rewards, you’ll not only slay Elvarg but also set yourself up for greater adventures in Gielinor. Ready to take on the dragon? Share your Ironman triumphs in the comments below!