How to Make a Rune Crossbow in Old School RuneScape

How to Make a Rune Crossbow in Old School RuneScape

Creating a rune crossbow in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a rewarding task that combines multiple skills and offers players a powerful ranged weapon. Whether you’re an Ironman aiming for self-sufficiency or a regular player looking to craft this iconic crossbow, this guide will walk you through every step. From gathering materials to completing the crafting process, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make a rune crossbow, including tips to optimize your experience and its uses in-game.

The rune crossbow is a staple for ranged combat in OSRS, requiring 61 Ranged to wield and capable of firing up to runite bolts. It’s stronger than the adamant crossbow but weaker than the dragon crossbow, making it a versatile mid-to-high-tier weapon. Its one-handed design allows pairing with a shield, like an anti-dragon shield, which is ideal for fighting dragons or tackling Slayer tasks. Crafting it also grants significant Fletching experience and can be a requirement for the elite Ardougne Diary if done in specific locations.

Key Benefits of the Rune Crossbow

  • Versatility: Equip it with ruby or diamond bolts for high-level content.
  • Accessibility: Obtainable through crafting or defeating the Crazy Archaeologist for Ironmen.
  • Defensive Advantage: Pair with a shield for added protection.
  • Cost-Effective: Affordable compared to higher-tier crossbows like Armadyl or Dragon Hunter.

Requirements for Crafting a Rune Crossbow

Just need a Rune crossbow rironscape

Before you start, ensure you meet the skill and item requirements. Crafting a rune crossbow involves Fletching, Smithing, Crafting, and potentially Mining, depending on how you source materials. Below are the essentials.

Skill Requirements

Skill Level Required Purpose
Fletching 69 Cutting yew stock, attaching limbs, and stringing the crossbow
Smithing 91 Smithing runite limbs (optional if buying limbs)
Crafting 10 Creating crossbow string from sinew
Mining 85 Mining runite ore (optional if buying bars)

Item Requirements

  • Yew logs: To cut into a yew stock.
  • Runite bar: To smith runite limbs.
  • Sinew or tree roots: To craft a crossbow string.
  • Hammer: To attach limbs to the stock.
  • Knife: To cut the yew stock.
  • Spinning wheel access: To spin sinew into a crossbow string.

Optional Requirements

For the elite Ardougne Diary task “Almost Made in Ardougne,” perform all steps in Witchaven or Yanille. This requires access to these areas and completion of relevant quests like Family Crest for Yanille’s bank proximity.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Rune Crossbow

Follow these steps to craft your rune crossbow from scratch. Each step contributes to the total 200 Fletching experience gained upon completion.

Step 1: Obtain Yew Logs

Yew logs are needed to create the yew stock. You can:

  • Chop yew trees: Requires 60 Woodcutting. Common spots include south of Falador, behind Varrock Palace, or near the Rimmington house portal.
  • Purchase from the Grand Exchange: A quicker option if you’re not training Woodcutting.
  • Monster drops: Rare drops from monsters like Dagannoths or Ents.

Tip: Use a dragon or rune axe for faster chopping if you’re gathering logs yourself.

Step 2: Cut the Yew Stock

With a knife in your inventory and 69 Fletching:

  1. Use the knife on the yew logs.
  2. Select “Yew stock” from the Fletching menu.

This grants 50 Fletching experience per stock. For the Ardougne Diary, perform this in Witchaven or Yanille.

Step 3: Smith Runite Limbs

Runite limbs require a runite bar and 91 Smithing. If you don’t have the Smithing level, you can buy limbs from the Grand Exchange or the crossbow shop in Keldagrim. To smith them:

  1. Obtain a runite bar:
    • Mine runite ore (85 Mining) and smelt it with 8 coal at a furnace (requires 50 Smithing).
    • Buy from the Grand Exchange.
  2. Use the runite bar on an anvil with a hammer in your inventory.
  3. Select “Runite limbs” from the Smithing menu.

This grants 75 Smithing experience. For the diary task, smith in Yanille’s anvil for proximity to other steps.

Step 4: Craft a Crossbow String

You’ll need a crossbow string, which requires 10 Crafting and sinew or tree roots (except magic roots).

  • Obtaining sinew:
    • Use raw bear meat, beef, or similar on a range to create sinew (e.g., at the Lumbridge range).
    • Monster drops like from New Varrock Guard Captain (requires Dimension of Disaster).
  • Obtaining tree roots: Dig up roots when cutting yew or magic trees with 60 or 75 Woodcutting.
  • Spinning the string: Use sinew or roots on a spinning wheel (e.g., Lumbridge Castle or Seers’ Village) to create a crossbow string, granting 15 Crafting experience.

Tip: For the Ardougne Diary, spin the string in Witchaven’s spinning wheel.

Step 5: Assemble the Rune Crossbow

With all components ready:

  1. Attach runite limbs: Use the yew stock on runite limbs with a hammer in your inventory to create an unstrung rune crossbow. This grants 100 Fletching experience.
  2. String the crossbow: Use the crossbow string on the unstrung rune crossbow to complete it, granting 50 Fletching experience.

Ensure both steps are done in Witchaven or Yanille for the diary task. Congratulations—you’ve crafted a rune crossbow!

Alternative Ways to Obtain a Rune Crossbow

If crafting isn’t your style or you lack the skill levels, consider these alternatives:

Grand Exchange

The easiest method is buying a rune crossbow directly from the Grand Exchange. Prices fluctuate, so check the current market value. This skips all crafting steps but offers no experience.

Monster Drops

Ironmen or players seeking adventure can obtain rune crossbows as drops:

  • Crazy Archaeologist: Located in the Wilderness, this boss has a decent drop rate for rune crossbows, making it a popular choice for Ironmen.
  • Elite clue scrolls: A rare reward from completing elite Treasure Trails.

Crossbow Shop

The crossbow shop in Keldagrim occasionally stocks rune crossbows, though availability depends on player trading. It’s less reliable but worth checking.

Tips for Using Your Rune Crossbow

Now that you have your rune crossbow, here’s how to make the most of it in OSRS.

Best Bolts to Use

The rune crossbow’s effectiveness depends on the bolts you equip:

Bolt Type Ranged Strength Best Use
Runite Bolts +115 High-damage PvM, bossing
Broad Bolts +100 Cost-effective for Slayer, Fight Caves
Ruby Bolts (e) +103 High-damage special effect for PvP, bosses
Diamond Bolts (e) +105 Armor-piercing for high-defense targets

Combat Scenarios

  • Slayer Tasks: Pair with broad bolts for cost-effective training. Use a magic shortbow for tasks requiring faster attacks.
  • TzHaar Fight Cave: Ideal for Ironmen due to cheap ammo and shield compatibility.
  • Dragon Fights: Equip an anti-dragon shield to safely range green or blue dragons.
  • PvP: Use enchanted bolts like ruby or diamond for burst damage in the Wilderness.

Maximizing Experience

If crafting for Fletching experience, consider:

  • Bulk crafting: Stock up on materials to craft multiple crossbows in one go.
  • Diary task: Complete the Ardougne Diary task while crafting to knock out two goals at once.
  • High Alchemy: Alch completed crossbows for Magic experience if their Grand Exchange price is low.

Crafting a rune crossbow in OSRS is a multi-step process that tests your resourcefulness and skill training. Whether you’re chopping yew logs, smithing runite limbs, or spinning sinew, each step brings you closer to wielding this powerful weapon. Use it for Slayer, bossing, or even PvP, and enjoy the satisfaction of crafting it yourself. Happy ranging, adventurers!