Fang vs Rapier in OSRS – Which Weapon Reigns Supreme

Fang vs Rapier in OSRS – Which Weapon Reigns Supreme

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), choosing the right weapon can make or break your combat experience. Two standout melee weapons, the Ghrazi Rapier and Osmumten’s Fang, dominate discussions among players due to their unique strengths. Whether you’re slaying bosses, tackling Slayer tasks, or diving into PvP, understanding these weapons is crucial. This guide compares the Fang and Rapier, breaking down their stats, use cases, and performance to help you decide which is best for your playstyle.

Both the Rapier and Fang are top-tier melee weapons, but they cater to different combat scenarios. The Rapier, obtained from the Theatre of Blood, is renowned for its speed and precision. The Fang, dropped in the Tombs of Amascut, excels in high-damage scenarios, particularly against high-defense targets. Let’s dive into their core attributes.

Ghrazi Rapier – Speed and Precision

The Ghrazi Rapier is a one-handed stab weapon with a 4-tick attack speed (2.4 seconds per attack). Its key stats include:

  • Attack Bonus: +94 Stab, +89 Strength
  • Special Attack: None
  • Requirements: 80 Attack

The Rapier shines in situations where fast, consistent hits are needed, making it a favorite for PvP and low-defense Slayer tasks.

Osmumten’s Fang – Power and Accuracy

Osmumten’s Fang, also a one-handed stab weapon, has a 5-tick attack speed (3.0 seconds per attack). Its stats are:

  • Attack Bonus: +105 Stab, +103 Strength
  • Special Attack: None
  • Requirements: 82 Attack

The Fang’s unique passive effect doubles accuracy rolls, making it exceptionally effective against high-defense enemies, such as bosses.

Combat Performance – Where Each Weapon Excels

The choice between Fang and Rapier often comes down to the combat scenario. Let’s explore their performance in key areas.

PvE – Bossing and High-Defense Targets

In PvE, especially against bosses like Zulrah, Corporeal Beast, or Akkha in Tombs of Amascut, the Fang typically outperforms the Rapier. Its higher accuracy and strength bonuses, combined with the double-roll passive, result in more consistent damage against high-defense targets. For example, DPS calculations show the Fang dealing 8.00 DPS against Akkha, compared to the Rapier’s 6.78 DPS.

PvE – Slayer and Low-Defense Mobs

For Slayer tasks involving low-defense monsters like Ankou or Cave Horrors, the Rapier’s faster attack speed gives it an edge. Against a level 98 Ankou, the Rapier achieves 9.88 DPS, while the Fang manages 9.10 DPS. However, the Fang remains competitive, rarely falling far behind, making it a versatile choice if you can only afford one weapon.

PvP – Speed vs. Power

In PvP, the Rapier is generally preferred due to its faster attack speed, allowing for quicker combos and better synergy with special attacks from weapons like the Dragon Claws. The Fang’s slower speed can be a drawback in fast-paced player combat, though its high accuracy can still make it viable against heavily armored opponents.

Cost and Accessibility

Price and availability are critical factors when choosing between these weapons. Here’s how they stack up.

Market Price Comparison

As of May 2025, the Grand Exchange prices are:

Weapon Approximate Price (GP)
Ghrazi Rapier 150-200M
Osmumten’s Fang 100-150M

The Fang is generally more affordable, making it attractive for players with budget constraints. However, prices fluctuate, so check the Grand Exchange before buying.

Obtaining the Weapons

The Rapier requires completing the challenging Theatre of Blood, which demands a team and high combat stats. The Fang, while also requiring skill to obtain from Tombs of Amascut, can be more accessible for solo players progressing through raids. Both have a steep learning curve, but the Fang’s lower price often reflects its slightly easier acquisition.

Practical Use Cases and Recommendations

Choosing between the Fang and Rapier depends on your goals and playstyle. Here are tailored recommendations.

Best Scenarios for the Rapier

The Rapier is ideal for:

  • Slayer tasks with low-defense monsters (e.g., Ankou, Turoth)
  • PvP combat where speed is critical
  • Low-defense bosses like Kree’arra or General Graardor

Players prioritizing attack speed and versatility in lighter content should lean toward the Rapier.

Best Scenarios for the Fang

The Fang excels in:

  • High-defense bossing (e.g., Zulrah, Cerberus, Tombs of Amascut bosses)
  • General PvE where accuracy matters more than speed
  • Budget-conscious builds due to its lower cost

If you’re focused on end-game PvE or can only afford one weapon, the Fang is often the better choice.

Combining with Other Gear

Both weapons pair well with off-hand items like the Dragon Defender or Avernic Defender. For Slayer, combining the Fang with a Tentacle Whip covers most tasks effectively, as the Whip handles low-defense mobs where the Fang underperforms. The Rapier, while less versatile, synergizes with high-strength gear like the Bandos Chestplate for maximum DPS in PvP setups.

Community Insights and Final Thoughts

The OSRS community remains divided on the Fang vs. Rapier debate. Reddit discussions highlight the Fang’s dominance in high-defense scenarios, with some players calling the Rapier a “noob trap” due to its high cost and niche use cases. However, others defend the Rapier for its Slayer and PvP prowess.

What the Math Says

DPS calculators reveal that the Rapier outperforms the Fang by up to 15% against zero-defense mobs, but the Fang surpasses it against anything with defense comparable to a Bronze Dragon or higher. For most end-game content, the Fang’s accuracy edge makes it the go-to choice.

Which Should You Choose?

If you’re a Slayer-focused player or enjoy PvP, the Rapier’s speed makes it worth considering. For bossing or a versatile, budget-friendly option, the Fang is hard to beat. Ideally, owning both alongside a Tentacle Whip gives you maximum flexibility, but if you must choose one, the Fang’s broader applicability and lower cost make it the smarter investment for most players.

In conclusion, both the Ghrazi Rapier and Osmumten’s Fang are exceptional weapons, each with distinct strengths. By understanding your combat needs and budget, you can pick the one that elevates your OSRS experience. Have you tested both? Share your thoughts in the comments below!