How to Make Arrows in OSRS: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a game packed with skills to master, and one of the most practical for rangers is Fletching. Knowing how to make arrows in OSRS not only saves you gold but also levels up your Fletching skill, making it a win-win for any player. Whether you’re a free-to-play (F2P) adventurer or a member looking to craft high-tier arrows, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. From gathering materials to crafting the perfect arrow, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know to become an arrow-making pro in OSRS.
Crafting your own arrows in OSRS is a game-changer. It’s cost-effective, boosts your Fletching experience, and ensures you’re always stocked with ammo for Ranged combat. Plus, with the right materials, you can create arrows tailored to your level and bow, giving you an edge in both PvM and PvP scenarios. Let’s dive into the essentials of arrow-making and why it’s worth your time.
The Benefits of Crafting Arrows
- Cost Savings: Buying arrows from shops or the Grand Exchange can get pricey, especially for higher-tier ammo. Crafting your own cuts costs significantly.
- Fletching XP: Every arrow you make earns you Fletching experience, helping you level up this skill quickly.
- Customization: Make arrows that match your Ranged level and bow, ensuring optimal performance.
- Self-Sufficiency: No more relying on drops or stores—craft what you need, when you need it.
Who Can Make Arrows?
Arrow-making is a members-only feature in OSRS, requiring access to the Fletching skill. Free-to-play players can use arrows but can’t craft them, as Fletching is locked behind a membership. If you’re F2P, your best bet is buying arrows from shops like Lowe’s Archery Emporium in Varrock or collecting them as monster drops.
Gathering Materials for Arrow Crafting
Before you can start fletching arrows, you’ll need to gather the right materials. Arrows in OSRS are made from three core components: arrow shafts, feathers, and arrowtips. Here’s how to get each one and prepare for crafting.
Step 1: Crafting Arrow Shafts
Arrow shafts are the backbone of any arrow. You’ll need a knife and logs to create them.
- Tools Needed: A knife (buy from general stores or find as a drop).
- Materials: Logs (regular logs work for all arrow types; higher-tier logs like oak or willow yield more shafts for members).
- Process: Use the knife on the logs, select “Arrow Shafts” from the menu, and your character will carve 15 shafts per log (more with higher logs and Fletching levels).
- Fletching Level: Level 1 required.
Step 2: Collecting Feathers
Feathers add stability to your arrows and are easy to come by.
- Sources: Kill chickens (common drop), buy from fishing shops (e.g., Port Sarim), or purchase on the Grand Exchange.
- Quantity: You’ll need one feather per arrow shaft.
- Tip: Chickens are a great early-game source—head to Lumbridge or Falador farms to stock up.
Step 3: Making Arrowtips
Arrowtips determine the type and strength of your arrows. They’re crafted using the Smithing skill.
- Tools Needed: A hammer (buy from general stores).
- Materials: Metal bars (bronze, iron, steel, etc., depending on the arrow type).
- Process: Use the bar on an anvil, select “Arrowtips,” and smith 15 tips per bar.
- Smithing Levels: Varies by metal (e.g., 5 for bronze, 20 for iron, 75 for rune).
How to Make Arrows in OSRS: The Crafting Process
Once you’ve gathered your materials, it’s time to put them together. The arrow-making process in OSRS is straightforward but requires attention to detail. Follow these steps to craft your arrows.
Step 1: Create Headless Arrows
Start by combining your arrow shafts and feathers.
- Action: Use feathers on arrow shafts (or vice versa).
- Result: You’ll get headless arrows (15 per set with 15 shafts and 15 feathers).
- Fletching XP: 1 XP per headless arrow (15 XP per set).
- Level Required: 1 Fletching.
Step 2: Attach Arrowtips
Finish your arrows by adding the arrowtips.
- Action: Use arrowtips on headless arrows.
- Result: Completed arrows (e.g., bronze arrows, iron arrows) based on the tips used.
- Fletching XP: Varies by arrow type (see table below).
- Level Required: Depends on the arrow type (e.g., 1 for bronze, 75 for rune).
Arrow Types and Requirements
Here’s a handy table of common arrow types, their Fletching levels, and XP rewards:
| Arrow Type | Fletching Level | Smithing Level (Arrowtips) | Fletching XP (Per Arrow) | Ranged Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze Arrows | 1 | 5 | 1.3 | +7 |
| Iron Arrows | 15 | 20 | 2.5 | +10 |
| Steel Arrows | 30 | 35 | 5 | +16 |
| Mithril Arrows | 45 | 50 | 7.5 | +22 |
| Adamant Arrows | 60 | 65 | 10 | +31 |
| Rune Arrows | 75 | 75 | 12.5 | +49 |
| Amethyst Arrows | 82 | 82 | 13.5 | +55 |
| Dragon Arrows | 90 | 90 | 15 | +60 |
Tips for Efficient Arrow Crafting
Making arrows can be a grind, but with the right strategies, you can streamline the process and maximize your gains. Here are some pro tips to help you craft arrows efficiently in OSRS.
Optimize Material Gathering
- Woodcutting Spots: Chop trees near a bank (e.g., Draynor Village) to quickly gather logs.
- Feather Farming: Kill chickens in bulk and bank feathers—Lumbridge is ideal for low-level players.
- Smithing Prep: Mine and smelt bars ahead of time, then smith arrowtips near an anvil (e.g., Varrock).
Boost Fletching XP
To level up faster, focus on high-XP arrows when you can afford the materials.
- Early Game: Stick to bronze or iron arrows for cheap XP.
- Mid-Game: Switch to mithril or adamant arrows for better XP rates.
- Late Game: Craft rune, amethyst, or dragon arrows for maximum XP and combat utility.
Use Ava’s Device
Once you’ve completed the Animal Magnetism quest (requires 18 Slayer, 19 Crafting, and 30 Ranged), equip Ava’s accumulator or attractor. These devices recover most arrows you shoot, reducing the need to craft replacements constantly.
Advanced Arrow Crafting for Members
For members with higher Fletching and Smithing levels, OSRS offers advanced arrow types that pack a punch. These arrows are perfect for endgame content like bossing or PvP.
Crafting Amethyst Arrows
Amethyst arrows are a step below dragon arrows but easier to obtain.
- Requirements: 82 Fletching, 82 Smithing, completion of Song of the Elves.
- Materials: Amethyst (mined in the Mining Guild), headless arrows.
- Process: Use a chisel on amethyst to make arrowtips, then attach to headless arrows.
- XP: 13.5 per arrow.
Making Dragon Arrows
Dragon arrows are the strongest in OSRS, ideal for top-tier bows like the Twisted Bow.
- Requirements: 90 Fletching, dragon arrowtips (dropped by dragon implings or Vorkath).
- Materials: Headless arrows, dragon arrowtips.
- Process: Attach dragon arrowtips to headless arrows.
- XP: 15 per arrow.
Specialty Arrows
Members can also craft unique arrows for specific purposes:
- Ogre Arrows: Made with wolf bones (5 Fletching), used for Big Chompy Bird Hunting.
- Broad Arrows: Crafted after unlocking with Slayer points (52 Fletching), great for Slayer tasks.
- Ice Arrows: Found during Temple of Ikov, not craftable but useful for specific quests.
Mastering how to make arrows in OSRS opens up a world of possibilities for rangers. Whether you’re fletching bronze arrows as a newbie or dragon arrows as a veteran, this skill keeps your quiver full and your wallet happy. Start small, gather your materials, and work your way up to the top-tier ammo—your Ranged adventures will thank you!