Killing Bronze Dragons in OSRS – Ultimate Guide for Efficient Slayer and Profit

Bronze dragons in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) are the weakest of the metal dragons, but don’t let that fool you—they can still pack a punch with their dragonfire if you’re unprepared. Found in locations like Brimhaven Dungeon and the Catacombs of Kourend, these creatures are a popular Slayer task for mid- to high-level players looking to grind experience or make some gold. This guide dives into everything you need to know about killing bronze dragons efficiently, from gear setups to combat strategies, ensuring you maximize your loot and XP while staying safe. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or tackling them for the first time, we’ve got you covered with practical tips and tricks.
Bronze dragons are a solid choice for players aiming to balance Slayer training with decent profit. Their relatively low combat level (131) makes them accessible, but their drops—like dragon bones, bronze bars, and the rare chance at a draconic visage—keep them rewarding. Plus, they’re a common Slayer assignment, so knowing how to tackle them efficiently can save you time and boost your progress.
Slayer Task Benefits
When assigned as a Slayer task, bronze dragons give solid experience per kill, typically around 500-600 Slayer XP with a Slayer helmet. Their predictable attack patterns also make them a low-stress target for grinding tasks, especially if you’re aiming for 99 Slayer.
Potential Loot and Profit
The loot table for bronze dragons includes guaranteed drops like dragon bones and bronze bars, alongside chances for runes, gems, and clue scrolls (hard). While not as lucrative as their stronger cousins (like rune dragons), you can expect 100-200k GP per hour depending on your efficiency and luck with rare drops.
Where to Find Bronze Dragons
Bronze dragons are scattered across Gielinor, but two spots stand out for accessibility and efficiency. Knowing where to go and how to get there is key to setting up your killing spree.
Brimhaven Dungeon
Located on Karamja, Brimhaven Dungeon houses several bronze dragons in a multi-combat area. You’ll need 875 coins to enter (unless you’ve paid the one-time 1M GP fee for permanent access) and 10 Agility to cross the stepping stones. Watch out for wild dogs and other monsters en route—bring a teleport like the Amulet of Glory for quick escapes.
Catacombs of Kourend
The Catacombs offer a quieter alternative, with fewer distractions and the bonus of totem piece drops for Shayzien favor. Use a Kourend Castle Teleport or Xeric’s Talisman to get there fast. The dragons here are spread out, so expect slightly slower kills but a safer environment.
Gear and Inventory Setup
Your gear and inventory are make-or-break for killing bronze dragons. Since they use melee and dragonfire attacks, you’ll need protection and a combat style that exploits their weaknesses. Below are setups for different playstyles, optimized for efficiency and affordability.
Melee Setup
Melee is the most straightforward way to kill bronze dragons, thanks to their weakness to stab attacks. A Dragon Hunter Lance is ideal for its dragon-slaying bonus, but budget options like the Zamorakian Hasta or Abyssal Dagger work well too.
- Helmet: Slayer Helmet (i) (on task) or Neitiznot Faceguard
- Chest: Bandos Chestplate or Fighter Torso
- Legs: Bandos Tassets or Obsidian Platelegs
- Weapon: Dragon Hunter Lance or Zamorakian Hasta
- Shield: Dragonfire Shield or Anti-Dragon Shield
- Boots: Primordial Boots or Dragon Boots
Ranged Setup
Ranged is safer and lets you attack from a distance, minimizing damage. Use a Crossbow with Diamond Bolts (e) for high DPS or Broad Bolts for cost efficiency.
- Helmet: Slayer Helmet (i) or Armadyl Helmet
- Chest: Armadyl Chestplate or Black D’hide Body
- Weapon: Dragon Hunter Crossbow or Armadyl Crossbow
- Ammo: Diamond Bolts (e) or Broad Bolts
- Shield: Anti-Dragon Shield (optional with Super Antifire)
Magic Setup
Magic shines for low-budget players, especially with Earth spells like Earth Bolt or Wave, which deal 50% extra damage to metal dragons. A Trident of the Seas is a great mid-tier option.
- Helmet: Slayer Helmet (i) or Ahrim’s Hood
- Chest: Ahrim’s Robetop or Mystic Robe Top
- Weapon: Trident of the Seas or Smoke Battlestaff
- Spell: Earth Wave or Fire Bolt (with Chaos Gauntlets)
- Shield: Anti-Dragon Shield
Inventory Recommendations
Your inventory should prioritize dragonfire protection, healing, and teleports. Here’s a sample setup:
Item | Purpose |
---|---|
Super Antifire Potion | Full dragonfire protection (with shield) |
Prayer Potions (2-3) | Restore Prayer for Piety/Rigour |
Sharks (10-15) | Healing during combat |
Teleport (e.g., Glory, Xeric’s) | Quick exit or banking |
House Teleport | Restore stats at POH |
Combat Strategies for Success
Bronze dragons attack with melee (if you’re close) and dragonfire (long-range). Their dragonfire hits hard—up to 50 without protection—so always have a Super Antifire or Antifire Potion active. Here’s how to approach the fight with each combat style.
Melee Strategy
Stand within melee range and use Protect from Melee to negate their claw attacks. Activate Piety for a damage boost and keep your Super Antifire active. If your Prayer drops, sip a potion to maintain protection. The Dragon Hunter Lance makes quick work of them, but watch your health if multiple dragons aggro in Brimhaven.
Ranged Strategy
Keep your distance (at least 3-4 tiles) to avoid melee hits and use Protect from Magic (though it doesn’t block dragonfire). Rigour is your go-to prayer for accuracy and damage. Diamond Bolts (e) proc often, speeding up kills, but Broad Bolts are fine for longer trips. Reposition if the dragon moves too close.
Magic Strategy
Stay far back and cast Earth spells for maximum damage. Use Protect from Magic and a Super Antifire to stay safe. A Smoke Battlestaff with Earth Wave is cheap and effective, while a Trident scales better for higher Magic levels. If you’re on a budget, Fire Bolt with Chaos Gauntlets is surprisingly potent.
Handling Dragonfire
Never skip dragonfire protection. Without a Super Antifire and shield, you’ll take partial damage even with an Antifire Potion. A Dragonfire Shield is best for melee, while ranged and magic users can swap to an Anti-Dragon Shield when needed. If you’re using a Super Antifire, you can forgo the shield for a damage-boosting off-hand like a Book of Darkness (magic) or Unholy Book (ranged).
Tips for Maximizing Efficiency
Killing bronze dragons can be a grind, so small optimizations go a long way. Here are some pro tips to make your trips smoother and more profitable.
Optimize Your Route
In Brimhaven, stick to the northern bronze dragon area to avoid black demons. In the Catacombs, use the ladder near the entrance to reach the dragons quickly. Teleport to a Player-Owned House (POH) with a pool to restore stats between trips, then use a Kourend/Xeric’s teleport to return.
Extend Slayer Tasks
Use a Slayer Ring or contact your Slayer Master to extend bronze dragon tasks for more kills per assignment. This saves time and boosts XP gains. If you’re not a fan of metal dragons, consider unlocking the “Like a Boss” perk to skip them without penalty.
Banking and Loot Management
Bring a Looting Bag (Catacombs) or use the nearby bank in Brimhaven to store loot. Prioritize high-value drops like dragon bones and clue scrolls, and alch junk like adamantite limbs on the spot to save space. A Ring of Wealth can slightly improve rare drop chances.
Combine with Other Goals
In the Catacombs, pick up totem pieces for Shayzien favor while killing dragons. In Brimhaven, complete Karamja Diary tasks (like killing a metal dragon) for extra rewards. If you’re going for clue scrolls, bronze dragons drop hard clues, so stack them for a treasure trail session later.
Killing bronze dragons in OSRS is a reliable way to train Slayer, earn GP, and enjoy some classic RuneScape combat. With the right setup—whether melee, ranged, or magic—you can breeze through tasks while banking dragon bones and maybe even snag a draconic visage. Stick to Brimhaven for speed or the Catacombs for safety, and always keep that Super Antifire handy. Now grab your gear, head to Gielinor, and start slaying those dragons!