How to Start Bossing in OSRS: A Beginner’s Guide to PvM Success

How to Start Bossing in OSRS: A Beginner’s Guide to PvM Success


Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers a thrilling PvM (Player vs. Monster) experience through bossing, where you take on powerful enemies for rare loot and bragging rights. If you’re new to bossing or looking to dive into this exciting aspect of the game, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started. From preparation to choosing your first boss, we’ll cover the essentials to ensure your success. Let’s jump into the world of OSRS bossing and turn you into a PvM pro!

Bossing in OSRS is all about tackling high-level monsters with unique mechanics, often requiring strategy, decent gear, and solid combat skills. Unlike regular Slayer tasks or training, bosses drop valuable items like rare weapons, armor, and pets, making them a lucrative and rewarding challenge. Whether you’re aiming for profit or fun, starting bossing can feel overwhelming—but with the right approach, it’s totally doable.

What Makes Bossing Different?

Unlike standard combat, boss fights involve specific attack patterns and mechanics you’ll need to learn. For example, the King Black Dragon (KBD) uses dragonfire, while the Chaos Fanatic throws explosive orbs. This means preparation—gear, supplies, and knowledge—is key to surviving and succeeding.

Why Start Bossing?

Bossing isn’t just about loot (though that’s a big perk!). It’s a chance to test your skills, team up with friends, or solo some of Gielinor’s toughest foes. Plus, the potential rewards—like a Dragon Pickaxe or a pet—add excitement to every kill.

Preparing for Your First Boss Fight

Created A Guide for Newbies Introducing All Bosses in OSRS with

Before you charge into a boss lair, preparation is critical. You’ll need decent stats, the right gear, and a stocked inventory. Here’s how to set yourself up for success.

Recommended Combat Stats

For beginner bosses, aim for these baseline stats:

  • Attack: 50+ (60+ preferred for better weapon options)
  • Strength: 50+ (higher for more damage)
  • Defence: 50+ (to wear decent armor)
  • Magic: 50+ (for utility spells or specific bosses)
  • Ranged: 50+ (for safe-distance attacks)
  • Prayer: 43+ (for Protect prayers)

These stats let you handle easier bosses like the Giant Mole or KBD. Higher stats (70+) unlock tougher fights like the Chaos Elemental or Barrows.

Gear Up on a Budget

You don’t need best-in-slot gear to start bossing. Here’s a budget-friendly setup for melee, ranged, and magic:

Combat Style Head Body Legs Weapon
Melee Rune Helm Rune Platebody Rune Platelegs Rune Scimitar
Ranged Coif Black D’hide Body Black D’hide Chaps Magic Shortbow
Magic Wizard Hat Mystic Robe Top Mystic Robe Bottom Staff of Fire

Extras: Amulet of Strength/Accuracy, Combat Bracelet, and Anti-Dragon Shield (for dragon bosses).

Stocking Your Inventory

Your inventory should include:

  • Food: Sharks or Monkfish (10-15 pieces)
  • Potions: 2-4 Prayer Potions, 1-2 Super Combat Potions
  • Teleport: A one-click escape (e.g., Teleport Tablet)
  • Special Items: Anti-Fire Potion (for KBD), Spade (for Giant Mole)

Always bring more supplies than you think you’ll need—better safe than sorry!

Choosing Your First OSRS Boss

With dozens of bosses in OSRS, picking the right one to start with is crucial. Beginner-friendly bosses have simpler mechanics and lower stat requirements. Here are some top picks.

Giant Mole

Location: Falador Mole Lair
Combat Level: 230
Why Fight It? The Giant Mole is perfect for melee learners. It burrows underground, forcing you to chase it, but its attacks are straightforward. Bring a light source (e.g., Bullseye Lantern) and a Spade.
Loot: Mole Claws, Mole Skins (tradeable for Bird Nests).

King Black Dragon (KBD)

Location: Wilderness (Lair via Lava Maze)
Combat Level: 276
Why Fight It? KBD is iconic and manageable with an Anti-Dragon Shield and Anti-Fire Potion. Watch out for its dragonfire and poison attacks.
Loot: Dragon Bones, Dragon Pickaxe, Draconic Visage.

Chaos Fanatic

Location: Level 42 Wilderness
Combat Level: 202
Why Fight It? Great for ranged practice. The Fanatic’s magic attacks and explosive orbs are easy to dodge with Protect from Missiles.
Loot: Odium Shard 1, Malediction Shard 1, Chaos Runes.

Mastering Boss Mechanics

Each boss has unique mechanics you’ll need to understand. Learning these patterns separates a wipe from a win.

Practice Safe Spots and Prayer

Many bosses can be safespotted (attacked from a distance where they can’t hit you). For example, the Giant Mole can be trapped behind rocks. Use Protect from Melee/Magic/Missiles based on the boss’s primary attack style.

Study Attack Patterns

Watch YouTube guides or read the OSRS Wiki to learn moves. For KBD, expect three dragonfire types (regular, poison, shock)—mitigate with Anti-Fire and Prayer. Chaos Fanatic’s orbs explode in a 3×3 area, so keep moving.

Solo vs. Group Bossing

Start solo to learn mechanics at your pace. Once comfy, try group bosses like the Chaos Elemental or Barrows with friends for better loot splits and faster kills.

Tips to Improve Your Bossing Skills

Bossing gets easier with practice. Here’s how to level up your PvM game.

Upgrade Your Gear Gradually

As you earn gold, invest in upgrades:

Focus on one style to maximize efficiency.

Complete Quests for Access

Quests unlock bosses and gear. For example:

Join the Community

Clans and Discord servers (e.g., OSRS Reddit or official forums) offer tips, group runs, and moral support. Learning from others cuts the trial-and-error time.

Track Your Progress

Use the in-game Hiscores or a boss log to monitor kills and drops. Seeing your improvement keeps you motivated!

Starting bossing in OSRS is a rite of passage for any adventurer. Begin with the Giant Mole, KBD, or Chaos Fanatic, build your skills, and soon you’ll be ready for bigger challenges like Zulrah or the Theatre of Blood. Take it step-by-step, enjoy the grind, and watch your bank grow. What’s your first boss going to be? Drop into the community and let us know—happy bossing!