Magic Shortbow OSRS Ironman Guide

For Ironman players in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the Magic Shortbow (MSB) is a game-changer. This powerful ranged weapon, requiring level 50 Ranged, offers unique advantages with its special attack and fast attack speed. Whether you’re tackling Slayer tasks, bossing, or planning your next grind, this guide dives deep into everything Ironman players need to know about acquiring, upgrading, and using the Magic Shortbow effectively. Let’s explore how to make this weapon a cornerstone of your Ironman journey.

The Magic Shortbow is a standout weapon for mid-level Ironman accounts due to its accessibility and versatility. With a ranged attack bonus of +69 and the ability to fire arrows up to amethyst, it’s a cost-effective choice for players who can’t yet access high-end gear like the Blowpipe or Bow of Faerdhinen.

Key Stats and Requirements

Ranged Level: 50
Attack Range: 7 (9 with Longrange)
Special Attack: Snapshot, firing two arrows in rapid succession using 55% special attack energy
Ammunition: Supports arrows up to amethyst

The Snapshot special attack is particularly notable, offering high burst damage despite a slight accuracy penalty. This makes it ideal for stacking damage in PvP or quickly finishing off tough Slayer monsters.

Why It’s Ideal for Ironman

Ironman accounts face unique challenges due to their self-sufficient nature. The Magic Shortbow shines because it’s relatively easy to obtain and pairs well with ammo that Ironmen can craft or gather. Its fast attack speed also maximizes DPS with limited resources, making it a staple for mid-game content like Slayer and early bossing.

Acquiring the Magic Shortbow as an Ironman

Getting your hands on a Magic Shortbow requires planning, as Ironmen can’t rely on the Grand Exchange. Here are the primary methods to obtain it.

Fletching Your Own Magic Shortbow

Crafting the Magic Shortbow is a reliable option for Ironmen with the necessary skills. Here’s how:

Requirements: 80 Fletching, Magic Shortbow (u), Bow String
Process: Combine a Magic Shortbow (u) with a Bow String to create the bow, granting 83 Fletching XP.
Sourcing Materials:
- Magic Shortbow (u): Fletch from Magic Logs (requires 85 Fletching to cut Magic Longbow (u) and then string it).
- Bow String: Spin Flax at Lumbridge or Seers’ Village (requires 10 Crafting).
- Magic Logs: Chop Magic Trees (level 75 Woodcutting) or obtain as drops from bosses like Callisto or Venenatis.

Fletching is time-intensive but guarantees a Magic Shortbow without relying on RNG. It’s ideal for players prioritizing skilling.

Hard Clue Scrolls

Hard Clue Scrolls offer a chance to obtain the Magic Shortbow as a reward. This method is RNG-dependent but can be more accessible for players with lower Fletching levels.

Requirements: Combat stats to kill clue scroll monsters (e.g., Hellhounds, Greater Demons).
Sources: Drops from Slayer monsters, bosses like the Giant Mole, or skilling activities like Eclectic Impling jars.
Tip: Complete medium and hard Achievement Diaries to boost clue scroll rewards and access teleports for faster clue hunting.

According to community discussions, many Ironmen find clue scrolls a viable source, with some reporting success after 20-50 hard clues.

Spiritual Rangers Drop

Spiritual Rangers in the God Wars Dungeon rarely drop the Magic Shortbow. This method is less common due to the high combat requirements and low drop rate.

Requirements: 63 Slayer, 70 Strength/Agility for GWD access, and gear to survive Spiritual Rangers.
Pros: Can be combined with Slayer tasks for efficiency.
Cons: Extremely rare drop, making it unreliable for most Ironmen.

Upgrading to Magic Shortbow (i)

The Magic Shortbow (i) is the imbued version, offering a +75 ranged attack bonus and a reduced special attack cost (50% instead of 55%). For Ironmen, this upgrade is a significant DPS boost.

Obtaining the Magic Shortbow Scroll

The Magic Shortbow Scroll is required to imbue the bow. As of 2025, Ironmen primarily obtain it through Last Man Standing (LMS).

LMS Requirements: 5 points to purchase the scroll (1-3 points per game, depending on placement).
Challenges: LMS involves PvP, which can be daunting for Ironmen with limited PvP experience. Community feedback suggests perseverance is key, as even low-skill players can earn points by surviving longer or getting lucky kills.

Alternative (Rare): The scroll is a tertiary drop from Wilderness Slayer Cave monsters (e.g., Green Dragons), but the drop rate is abysmal, with some players reporting 1500+ kills without success.

Tip: Practice LMS on a non-Ironman account to learn mechanics, then queue during off-peak hours to face less experienced opponents.

Is Imbuing Worth It?

The Magic Shortbow (i) offers a noticeable DPS increase, especially with rune or amethyst arrows. However, Ironmen must weigh the effort of obtaining the scroll against their current goals.

Aspect	Magic Shortbow	Magic Shortbow (i)
Ranged Attack Bonus	+69	+75
Special Attack Cost	55%	50%
DPS (Rune Arrows, 70 Ranged)	~4.2 (vs. 100 Def)	~4.5 (vs. 100 Def)

For Slayer tasks or bosses like Zulrah, the imbued version is worth the grind, but the standard MSB is still viable for most mid-game content.

Ammunition Strategies for Ironman

Ammo is a critical consideration for Ironmen, as rune and amethyst arrows are resource-intensive. Here’s how to manage your ammunition effectively.

Rune Arrows

Rune Arrows are the go-to for the Magic Shortbow due to their balance of damage and availability.

Sourcing:
- Fletching: Buy Rune Arrowtips from Catherby (100 stock, 200gp each) or Ranging Guild (150 stock, 200gp each). Requires 90 Fletching to craft.
- Drops: Monsters like Dust Devils and Wyrms drop Rune Arrows in decent quantities.
- Shops: World-hop to restock arrowtips, but prices increase with each purchase.
Cost: Approximately 200-250gp per arrow, making them expensive for sustained use.

Amethyst Arrows

Amethyst Arrows offer higher DPS but are harder to obtain.

Requirements: 92 Mining, 82 Fletching.
Sourcing: Mine Amethyst in the Mining Guild, then fletch into arrowtips. This is a slow grind, with players reporting it’s “painfully slow” to gather enough for consistent use.

Tip: Use Amethyst Arrows sparingly for high-priority tasks like bossing.

Broad Arrows (Budget Option)

Broad Arrows are a cheaper alternative but offer lower DPS.

Requirements: 55 Slayer, 52 Fletching.
Sourcing: Purchase Broad Arrowheads from Slayer Masters (e.g., 50gp each at Turael).
Use Case: Training at Sand Crabs or NMZ, where DPS isn’t critical.

Note: Many Ironmen prefer Rune Crossbow with Broad Bolts for sustained training due to lower costs and comparable DPS.

Using the Magic Shortbow Effectively

The Magic Shortbow’s versatility makes it a staple for various activities. Here’s how to maximize its potential.

Slayer Tasks

The MSB excels in Slayer due to its fast attack speed and Snapshot special attack.

Best Uses: Tasks like Wyrms, Dust Devils, or Kurasks, where high DPS is needed.
Gear Setup: Pair with Black D’hide, Ava’s Accumulator, and a Slayer Helmet (i) for optimal performance.
Tip: Use Snapshot to burst down high-HP monsters, conserving special attack energy for key moments.

Bossing and PvP

For bosses like Zulrah or early Barrows, the Magic Shortbow (i) with Rune Arrows is a budget-friendly option until you unlock a Blowpipe.

Zulrah: The MSB’s fast attacks help maintain DPS during phase transitions.

PvP: Snapshot’s rapid double-hit is ideal for stacking damage with a melee weapon for KOs, despite its lower max hit.

Training Locations

For Ranged training, consider these spots:

Sand Crabs: Low-effort training with Broad Arrows.
NMZ: Use Rune Arrows for faster XP rates.
Chinchompas: High XP but requires significant investment in ammo.

With its balance of power and accessibility, the Magic Shortbow is a must-have for Ironman players. By strategically acquiring the bow, upgrading it, and managing ammo, you’ll dominate mid-game content and set yourself up for success in OSRS.