How to Get the Ancient Staff in OSRS – Ultimate Guide

How to Get the Ancient Staff in OSRS – Ultimate Guide

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the Ancient Staff is a coveted magical weapon prized for its ability to autocast spells from the Ancient Magicks spellbook. Whether you’re a mage looking to dominate in PvP or tackle challenging PvE content, this staff is a must-have. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining the Ancient Staff, including requirements, methods, and tips to make the process smoother. Let’s dive into the desert sands and uncover the secrets of this iconic weapon!

What Is the Ancient Staff?

The Ancient Staff is a one-handed magical weapon in OSRS that requires 50 Attack and 50 Magic to wield, along with the completion of the Desert Treasure I quest. It’s decorated with the symbol of Zaros and is notable for its ability to autocast spells from both the Ancient Magicks and standard spellbooks. With a +20 Magic Attack bonus and a negative Prayer bonus (-1), it’s a favorite for high-level player-killing due to its accuracy and versatility in hybrid combat builds. OSRS Wiki

Why Is the Ancient Staff Important?

The Ancient Staff is essential for players utilizing Ancient Magicks, which include powerful combat spells like Ice Barrage and Blood Rush. Its affordability (around 80,000 coins) and accessibility make it a staple for mid-to-high-level mages. Additionally, it’s required for specific tasks, such as a Master Clue Scroll step that demands a negative Prayer bonus and the Staff on Stryke achievement, where you must kill a desert strykewyrm while wielding it.

Requirements for Obtaining the Ancient Staff

Quest Prerequisites

To get the Ancient Staff, you must complete the Desert Treasure I quest, a challenging members-only quest that unlocks the Ancient Magicks spellbook. Here are the requirements:

The quest involves defeating four tough bosses (level 84-174), so prepare with good gear, food, and potions. Check the OSRS Wiki for a detailed quest guide.

Skill and Item Requirements

Beyond the quest, you’ll need:

  • 50 Attack and 50 Magic to wield the staff.
  • 80,000 coins to purchase it from Eblis (or Grand Exchange).
  • Optional: Combat gear for monster drops (e.g., rune crossbow, magic shortbow).

For Ironman accounts, note that you can only buy the staff once from Eblis, making monster drops critical if you lose it.

Methods to Obtain the Ancient Staff

Purchasing from Eblis

The easiest and most direct way to get the Ancient Staff is by buying it from Eblis after completing Desert Treasure I. Here’s how:

  1. Complete the Desert Treasure I quest.
  2. Travel to the Bandit Camp in the Kharidian Desert (use a Ring of Dueling to teleport to the Duel Arena and walk south).
  3. Find Eblis near the mirrors used during the quest (east of the Bandit Camp bar).
  4. Purchase the Ancient Staff for 80,000 coins. Note: This is a one-time purchase per account (except for a second purchase if you received it as a quest reward).

Tip: Bring a waterskin and desert clothing to avoid taking damage from the desert heat.

Buying from the Grand Exchange

If you’ve already bought the staff from Eblis or need another, the Grand Exchange is your next best option. The Ancient Staff typically costs around 80,000-100,000 coins, aligning with Eblis’ price. Simply search for “Ancient staff” on the Grand Exchange in Varrock and purchase it. This method is ideal for non-Ironman accounts but unavailable for Ironmen due to trade restrictions.

Monster Drops

For Ironman players or those seeking adventure, the Ancient Staff can be obtained as a rare drop from specific monsters. Below is a table of monsters that drop the staff, along with their drop rates and requirements:

Monster Location Drop Rate Requirements
Mummies Jaldraocht Pyramid 1/513 Desert Treasure I, 103 Combat
Chaos Fanatic Wilderness (level 42) 1/128 Multi-combat, 202 Combat
Vet’ion Wilderness (level 35-40) 1/43 High Combat, Wilderness gear
Thermonuclear Smoke Devil Smoke Devil Dungeon 1/107 93 Slayer, 175 Combat

Best Choice for Ironmen: Chaos Fanatic (1/128 drop rate) is the most accessible due to its lower requirements and decent drop table. Use a rune crossbow or magic shortbow with protect-from-magic prayer to mitigate damage.

Tips and Strategies for Efficient Acquisition

Preparing for Desert Treasure I

The Desert Treasure I quest is no walk in the park. To succeed:

  • Gear Up: Use dragonhide armor for Magic defense and a strong weapon (e.g., rune scimitar or dragon dagger).
  • Inventory: Bring sharks, super restore potions, and antipoison for boss fights.
  • Teleports: Carry a house teleport tablet or enchanted jewelry for quick escapes.
  • Practice Safe Spots: Learn boss mechanics (e.g., safespotting Dessous with ranged attacks).

Completing the quest not only grants access to the Ancient Staff but also unlocks the powerful Ancient Magicks spellbook, making it a double win.

Farming Monsters for Drops

If you’re going for monster drops, optimize your setup:

  • Chaos Fanatic: Use Protect from Magic and range him from a distance. Bring a lockpick for nearby chests to make trips worthwhile.
  • Vet’ion: Team up with others in multi-combat Wilderness. Use Verac’s armor or high-damage weapons to speed up kills.
  • Thermonuclear Smoke Devil: Requires 93 Slayer, so save this for late-game. Use a Slayer helmet and occult necklace for boosts.
  • Mummies: Avoid unless desperate, as the 1/513 drop rate is punishing.

Wilderness Tip: Carry minimal risk (e.g., 3-4 valuable items) to avoid losing gear to PKers. Use world hopping to find quieter servers.

Managing the Staff for Ironmen

Ironmen face unique challenges since the Eblis purchase is limited. To avoid losing your staff:

  • Store It Safely: Keep it in your bank or a hidey-hole (e.g., at the Hefin Agility Course for clue steps).

  • Backup Plan: If lost, focus on Chaos Fanatic for a replacement. Alternatively, use Ahrim’s Staff for autocasting Ancient Magicks temporarily.

  • Ultimate Ironman (UIM): Be extra cautious, as inventory space is limited. Consider temporary storage in a looting bag while in the Wilderness.

Upgrading and Using the Ancient Staff

Upgrading to the Ancient Sceptre

Once you have the Ancient Staff, you can upgrade it to the Ancient Sceptre, which requires 70 Magic, 60 Strength, 50 Attack, and completion of Secrets of the North. Here’s how:

  1. Defeat the Phantom Muspah to obtain an Ancient Icon (untradeable drop).
  2. Bring the Ancient Staff and Ancient Icon to Eblis in the Bandit Camp.
  3. Combine them to create the Ancient Sceptre (irreversible and untradeable).

The Ancient Sceptre offers a 5% Magic damage bonus and a 10% boost to Ancient Magicks effects (e.g., longer freezes, higher healing from Blood spells). It’s also a Zarosian item, granting protection from Zarosian NPCs in the God Wars Dungeon.

Practical Uses in Gameplay

The Ancient Staff shines in various scenarios:

  • PvP: Use Ice Barrage to freeze opponents and combo with high-damage spells.
  • PvM: Barrage tasks like dust devils or ankous for efficient Slayer XP.
  • Clue Scrolls: Equip for the Master Clue step requiring a negative Prayer bonus.
  • Hybrid Builds: Its melee stats (+50 Crush, +60 Strength) make it viable for hybrid combat, comparable to a rune scimitar.

Pro Tip: Pair with Virtus robes for a 15% damage boost to Ancient Magicks spells when wearing the full set.

Conclusion

Obtaining the Ancient Staff in OSRS is a rewarding journey that opens up powerful magical possibilities. Whether you buy it from Eblis, grab it from the Grand Exchange, or grind monster drops, the process is accessible with the right preparation. Complete Desert Treasure I, gear up, and choose the method that suits your account type and playstyle. Once acquired, the Ancient Staff will elevate your mage game, from PvP dominance to efficient Slayer tasks. Ready to wield the power of Zaros? Head to the desert and claim your staff today!

Need more OSRS tips? Check out our guides on Ancient Magicks and Desert Treasure I strategies to master your mage journey!