Imbued Magic Shortbow OSRS Guide for Mid-Level Players

Imbued Magic Shortbow OSRS Guide for Mid-Level Players

The Imbued Magic Shortbow (i) in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a standout ranged weapon for mid-level players looking to maximize damage output without breaking the bank. With a level 50 Ranged requirement, this bow offers impressive stats, a powerful special attack, and versatility for both PvE and PvP scenarios. In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the Imbued Magic Shortbow, from obtaining it to optimizing its use in various game activities.

The Imbued Magic Shortbow, often abbreviated as MSB (i), is an upgraded version of the standard Magic Shortbow. By using a Magic Shortbow Scroll on a regular Magic Shortbow, players can enhance its stats, making it a go-to weapon for mid-level ranged combat. The imbued version boasts a +75 Ranged attack bonus compared to the regular bow’s +69 and reduces the special attack energy cost from 55% to 50%. These improvements make it a favorite for Slayer tasks, PvP encounters, and even specific boss fights.

Key Stats and Requirements

The MSB (i) requires level 50 Ranged to wield and can fire arrows up to amethyst, offering flexibility in ammo choice. Its attack speed of 4 ticks allows for rapid shots, and the attack range of 7 tiles (9 with Longrange) makes it effective for both close and medium-range combat. The bow’s special attack, Snapshot, is where it truly shines, delivering two quick arrows with a slight accuracy trade-off.

Why Choose the Imbued Version

Compared to the regular Magic Shortbow, the imbued variant offers better accuracy and efficiency for special attacks. The +6 Ranged attack bonus may seem minor, but it significantly improves hit chance against high-defense targets. The reduced special attack energy cost also means you can use Snapshot more frequently, boosting your damage-per-second (DPS) in critical moments.

How to Obtain the Imbued Magic Shortbow

Getting your hands on an MSB (i) is straightforward but requires some effort. Below, we outline the steps to acquire both the base bow and the scroll needed for imbuing.

Crafting the Magic Shortbow

To create a regular Magic Shortbow, you’ll need:

  • Level 80 Fletching: Use a Magic Shortbow (u) with a Bow String.
  • Materials: Magic Logs (cut at level 75 Woodcutting) and a Bow String (crafted from Flax at level 10 Crafting).

This process grants 83 Fletching experience per bow. Alternatively, you can buy the Magic Shortbow from the Grand Exchange for a modest price, typically around 1,000-2,000 GP.

Acquiring the Magic Shortbow Scroll

The Magic Shortbow Scroll is the key to imbuing the bow. You can obtain it through:

  • Bounty Hunter Store: Purchase for 100,000 points in Edgeville.
  • Last Man Standing: Buy from Justine’s shop for 5 LMS points.
  • Wilderness Slayer Cave: Rare drop from monsters like Revenants or Chaos Elementals.

Note that the scroll is a one-time use item, and once imbued, the bow cannot be reverted. If you lose the MSB (i) in PvP, it drops as a regular Magic Shortbow for the killer.

Using the Imbued Magic Shortbow Effectively

The MSB (i) excels in various scenarios, but its performance depends on your setup and strategy. Here’s how to make the most of it.

Optimal Arrows for Different Scenarios

Your choice of arrows impacts DPS and cost. Here’s a breakdown:

Arrow Type Damage Output Cost (Approx.) Best Use
Rune Arrows High ~80 GP each Slayer, PvP, Bossing
Amethyst Arrows Highest ~400 GP each High-level PvE, Jad
Adamant Arrows Moderate ~20 GP each Training, Low-budget PvE
Broad Arrows Low ~60 GP each Ironman Training

Pro Tip: Rune Arrows strike a balance between cost and damage, making them ideal for most situations. Amethyst Arrows are worth the investment for tough fights like the Fight Caves.

Maximizing the Snapshot Special Attack

The Snapshot special attack fires two arrows in rapid succession, consuming 50% of your special attack energy. While the in-game tooltip suggests reduced accuracy, some sources indicate it may provide an accuracy boost of around 43%. To use Snapshot effectively:

  • Timing: With perfect timing, the MSB (i) can hit three times in one game tick, making it deadly in PvP combos.
  • Energy Management: Pair with a Special Attack energy restorer like a Saradomin Brew or Ornate Rejuvenation Pool.
  • Limitations: Snapshot ignores Ranged prayers (e.g., Eagle Eye) and Slayer Helmet (i) bonuses, so plan your buffs accordingly.

Comparing the Imbued Magic Shortbow to Alternatives

The MSB (i) isn’t the only ranged weapon at level 50. Let’s see how it stacks up against popular alternatives.

Magic Shortbow (i) vs. Rune Crossbow

The Rune Crossbow (level 61 Ranged) is a common competitor. Here’s a comparison:

  • MSB (i) with Rune Arrows: Higher DPS against low-defense targets, faster attack speed (4 ticks vs. 5 ticks).
  • Rune Crossbow with Broad Bolts: Better for high-defense targets, allows a shield for defense, cheaper ammo (~20 GP per bolt).

Verdict: Choose the MSB (i) for Slayer and PvP, but opt for the Rune Crossbow if you need a shield or face tanky monsters.

Magic Shortbow (i) vs. Blowpipe

The Toxic Blowpipe (level 75 Ranged) outclasses the MSB (i) in DPS but comes with caveats:

  • Blowpipe: Faster attack speed (2 ticks), higher DPS, but expensive to maintain (Zulrah scales and darts).
  • MSB (i): Budget-friendly, easier to obtain, versatile for mid-level players.

Verdict: The MSB (i) is a cost-effective stepping stone until you can afford a Blowpipe.

Best Uses for the Imbued Magic Shortbow

The MSB (i) shines in specific scenarios. Here are the top ways to leverage its strengths.

Slayer Tasks

With Rune or Amethyst Arrows, the MSB (i) is one of the most effective weapons for mid-level Slayer tasks. Its fast attack speed maximizes hits per minute, making quick work of monsters like Dust Devils or Wyrms. Pair it with an Ava’s Accumulator to save arrows.

PvP Combat

In the Wilderness, the MSB (i)’s Snapshot special attack is a game-changer. Combine it with a melee weapon like a Dragon Dagger (p++) for a combo knockout. The bow’s low cost means you won’t lose much if you die, making it ideal for budget PKing.

Fight Caves and Jad

The MSB (i) is a popular choice for tackling TzTok-Jad in the Fight Caves. Use Amethyst Arrows for maximum DPS and practice prayer-switching to counter Jad’s attacks. The Snapshot special attack can help burst down healers quickly.

Training Ranged

For leveling Ranged from 50 to 75, the MSB (i) is excellent due to its speed and affordability. Train at Sand Crabs or Ammonite Crabs with Adamant Arrows for a budget setup, or use Rune Arrows for faster XP rates.

Bossing on a Budget

While not ideal for high-level bosses like Zulrah, the MSB (i) performs well against mid-tier bosses like the Giant Mole or Barrows brothers. Its fast attacks help maintain consistent DPS without relying on expensive gear.

Final Thoughts

The Imbued Magic Shortbow is a versatile, budget-friendly weapon that punches above its weight in Old School RuneScape. Whether you’re grinding Slayer, PKing in the Wilderness, or preparing for your first Jad kill, the MSB (i) is a reliable companion for mid-level players. By pairing it with the right arrows and mastering its Snapshot special attack, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle a wide range of challenges. Grab your bow, stock up on arrows, and start shooting your way to success!