How to Kill Steel Dragons in OSRS – Ultimate Slayer Guide
Killing Steel Dragons in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a challenging yet rewarding task for adventurers seeking valuable loot like the draconic visage or aiming to complete a Slayer assignment. These metallic beasts, with their high defense and potent dragonfire attacks, demand careful preparation and strategy. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to slay Steel Dragons efficiently, including locations, gear setups, combat styles, and tips to maximize your kills per hour.
Steel Dragons are level 246 (or 274 in the Catacombs of Kourend) metallic dragons found in specific dungeons across Gielinor. Known for their silver scales and high defense, they pose a unique challenge due to their long-range dragonfire and melee attacks. They’re a common Slayer task assigned by masters like Konar, Nieve, or Duradel, and their loot table includes dragon bones, steel bars, and rare items like dragon platelegs and plateskirts.
Key Stats and Weaknesses
Before diving into battle, it’s crucial to understand Steel Dragons’ combat profile:
- Combat Level: 246 (Brimhaven) or 274 (Catacombs)
- Hitpoints: 210
- Max Hit: 22 (melee), 50 (dragonfire without protection)
- Weaknesses: Magic (especially earth spells), stab attacks
- Slayer Requirement: Level 1 (but higher combat stats recommended)
Their high defense against melee and ranged makes Magic a preferred choice for players without dragonbane weapons, while stab-focused melee can shine with the right gear.
Best Locations to Find Steel Dragons
Steel Dragons spawn in a few key locations, each with its own pros and cons. Choosing the right spot depends on your Slayer task, gear, and accessibility preferences.
Brimhaven Dungeon
The most popular spot, Brimhaven Dungeon, houses four Steel Dragons (level 246) in the metal dragon room and nine more in a task-only area (requires a Slayer task). To access:
- Pay 5,000 trading sticks (one-time fee) for the southern entrance near Tai Bwo Wannai.
- Alternatively, pay 875 coins and use an axe for the northern entrance.
- Teleport to Brimhaven via a house teleport (if your POH is there) or a Brimhaven tablet.
Pros: More spawns, noted steel bars with Elite Karamja Diary.
Cons: Crowded at peak times, requires payment to access.
Catacombs of Kourend
The Catacombs host stronger Steel Dragons (level 274) on the western edge. Access them via:
- The main entrance near the Dark Altar, running west through skeletons.
- An Agility shortcut (requires 28 Agility) west of the brutal dragon room.
- A hole in Lovakengj for quicker access if no Agility shortcut is available.
Pros: Unique drops (e.g., ancient shards), less crowded.
Cons: Longer travel time, stronger dragons.
Kuradal’s Dungeon
Exclusive to Slayer tasks from Kuradal or Morvran, this dungeon offers close proximity to Steel Dragons and a ferocious ring drop. Use a fairy ring (code BJQ) for fast access.
Pros: High kill rates, no cannons allowed (less competition).
Cons: Task-only, requires high Slayer level.
Combat Styles and Gear Setups
Steel Dragons can be tackled with all three combat styles—Magic, Melee, or Ranged—but Magic and Melee (with stab weapons) are most effective due to their weaknesses. Below are optimized setups for each style.
Magic Setup
Magic is the go-to for budget players or those without dragonbane weapons, leveraging Steel Dragons’ lower Magic defense and earth spell weakness.
| Slot | Best-in-Slot | Budget Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Head | Slayer Helm (on task) | Mystic Hat |
| Cape | Imbued God Cape | Ardougne Cloak |
| Weapon | Trident of the Seas | Slayer’s Staff (Magic Dart) |
| Shield | Anti-Dragon Shield | Elemental Shield |
| Body | Ahrim’s Robetop | Mystic Robe Top |
| Legs | Ahrim’s Robeskirt | Mystic Robe Bottom |
| Amulet | Occult Necklace | Amulet of Magic |
Inventory:
- Extended Antifire Potion (4)
- Prayer Potions (2-4)
- Teleport Runes (House, Brimhaven)
- High Alchemy Runes (optional)
- Emergency Food (e.g., Monkfish)
Strategy: Cast earth spells (Earth Wave or Surge with a tome of earth) from a distance, ensuring antifire protection is active. No food is needed if you maintain distance to avoid melee attacks.
Melee Setup
Melee is viable with stab weapons, especially the Dragon Hunter Lance, which offers a 20% damage and accuracy boost against dragons.
| Slot | Best-in-Slot | Budget Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Head | Slayer Helm (on task) | Helm of Neitiznot |
| Cape | Infernal Cape | Fire Cape |
| Weapon | Dragon Hunter Lance | Zamorakian Hasta |
| Shield | Avernic Defender | Dragonfire Shield |
| Body | Bandos Chestplate | Fighter Torso |
| Legs | Bandos Tassets | Obsidian Platelegs |
| Amulet | Amulet of Torture | Amulet of Fury |
Inventory:
- Extended Antifire Potion (4)
- Super Combat Potion (4)
- Prayer Potions (4-6)
- Teleport Runes
- Food (Sharks or better)
Strategy: Use Protect from Melee and stay in melee range to reduce dragonfire frequency. Piety or Chivalry boosts damage output.
Ranged Setup
Ranged is less efficient due to high defense but viable with a Dragon Hunter Crossbow.
Recommended Gear: Slayer Helm, Armadyl Chestplate, Armadyl Chainskirt, Dragon Hunter Crossbow, Anti-Dragon Shield, Ava’s Assembler, Amulet of Glory, Broad Bolts.
Strategy: Keep distance, use Eagle Eye, and maintain antifire protection. Broad bolts are economical, but Diamond Bolts (e) can speed up kills at higher cost.
Dragonfire Protection and Safety Tips
Steel Dragons’ dragonfire can hit up to 50 without protection, making antifire measures non-negotiable. Here’s how to stay safe:
Essential Protection
- Anti-Dragon Shield or Dragonfire Shield: Reduces dragonfire damage significantly.
- Antifire Potion: Combine with a shield for full protection.
- Super Antifire Potion: Eliminates the need for a shield, freeing up a hand for Melee or Magic.
Without both a shield and potion, you’ll take partial dragonfire damage, which can be deadly.
Combat Safety
- Magic/Ranged: Stay several tiles away to avoid melee attacks, requiring no food.
- Melee: Use Protect from Melee to negate physical hits, but bring food for mistakes.
- Prayer Management: Mystic Might (Magic) or Piety (Melee) boosts damage, but monitor prayer points.
Maximizing Profit and Efficiency
Steel Dragons offer decent profit through consistent drops and rare loot. Here’s how to optimize your runs:
Loot and Profit
The average Steel Dragon kill is worth ~11,547 coins (13,044 on a Konar task). Key drops include:
- 100% Drops: Dragon bones, 5 steel bars (noted with Elite Karamja Diary).
- Notable Rares: Draconic visage (1/10,000), dragon platelegs/plateskirt (1/256).
- Common: Rune items (hatchet, mace), soul runes, coins.
High Alchemy runes can turn rune items into instant cash, saving inventory space.
Efficiency Tips
- Banking: Use house teleports or fairy rings for quick banking.
- Slayer Helm: Boosts damage and accuracy on task.
- Kills per Hour: Aim for 40-50 kills/hour with Magic, 45-55 with Melee (Lance).
- Avoid Crowds: Opt for Catacombs or instanced Brimhaven rooms during peak hours.
By combining the right combat style, gear, and location, you’ll turn Steel Dragons into a profitable and manageable Slayer task. Whether you’re chasing XP, loot, or just ticking off a task, this guide equips you to dominate these metallic foes. Happy slaying!