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Magic Shortbow vs Rune Crossbow OSRS Which Is Better for You
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), choosing the right ranged weapon can make or break your gameplay, whether you’re training, slaying monsters, or diving into PvP. Two popular mid-level options are the Magic Shortbow and the Rune Crossbow. Both are accessible to mid-level players, but they cater to different playstyles and scenarios. This blog post compares the Magic Shortbow (including its imbued version) and the Rune Crossbow, breaking down their stats, uses, and ideal situations to help you decide which is best for your OSRS journey.
The Magic Shortbow and Rune Crossbow are iconic ranged weapons in OSRS, each with unique strengths. The Magic Shortbow is a two-handed bow requiring 50 Ranged, known for its fast attack speed and special attack. The Rune Crossbow, requiring 61 Ranged, is a one-handed weapon that pairs well with a shield and supports powerful bolts. Let’s dive into their key features.
Magic Shortbow Key Features
- Level Requirement: 50 Ranged
- Attack Speed: 4 ticks (2.4 seconds on rapid)
- Ranged Attack Bonus: +69 (+75 for imbued version)
- Special Attack: Snapshot, firing two arrows with 50% special attack energy (imbued) or 55% (non-imbued)
- Ammo: Up to amethyst arrows
The Magic Shortbow’s speed and special attack make it a favorite for dealing high damage-per-second (DPS) against low-defense targets. Imbuing it with a Magic Shortbow Scroll boosts its stats, making it even more effective.
Rune Crossbow Key Features
- Level Requirement: 61 Ranged
- Attack Speed: 5 ticks (3.0 seconds on rapid)
- Ranged Attack Bonus: +90
- Special Attack: None
- Ammo: Up to runite bolts, including enchanted bolts like ruby and diamond
The Rune Crossbow shines with its higher accuracy and the ability to use a shield, offering defensive options. Its enchanted bolts provide unique effects, making it versatile for specific tasks.
Stats Comparison Magic Shortbow vs Rune Crossbow
To understand which weapon suits your needs, let’s compare their stats and performance. The following table highlights their core differences:
| Feature | Magic Shortbow (i) | Rune Crossbow |
|---|---|---|
| Ranged Level | 50 | 61 |
| Ranged Attack Bonus | +75 | +90 |
| Attack Speed (Rapid) | 2.4 seconds | 3.0 seconds |
| Special Attack | Yes (Snapshot) | No |
| Shield Slot | No | Yes |
| Max Ammo | Amethyst Arrows | Runite Bolts |
The Magic Shortbow (i) is faster, while the Rune Crossbow has better accuracy and supports shields. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize speed, defense, or special effects.
Damage Per Second (DPS) Analysis
DPS is crucial for evaluating ranged weapons. The Magic Shortbow (i) with rune or amethyst arrows typically outpaces the Rune Crossbow with broad bolts against low-defense targets due to its faster attack speed. However, against high-defense enemies, the Rune Crossbow’s higher accuracy and enchanted bolts (e.g., diamond bolts for extra accuracy) can pull ahead. Community discussions on platforms like Reddit suggest that the Magic Shortbow (i) is generally superior for Slayer tasks with low-defense monsters, while the Rune Crossbow excels in scenarios requiring precision or defensive gear.
Cost of Ammo
Ammo costs can impact your decision, especially for prolonged training or Slayer tasks:
- Rune Arrows: ~80-100 GP each, often lost without Ava’s device.
- Amethyst Arrows: ~400-450 GP each, higher damage but expensive.
- Broad Bolts: ~50-60 GP each, cost-effective and easy to obtain for Ironmen.
- Ruby/Diamond Bolts (e): ~200-300 GP each, situational but powerful.
Broad bolts are cheaper and more accessible, making the Rune Crossbow a budget-friendly option. However, with Ava’s device, the Magic Shortbow’s arrow costs become more manageable.
Best Use Cases for Each Weapon
Each weapon shines in specific scenarios. Here’s when to choose one over the other:
Magic Shortbow Best Scenarios
- Slayer Tasks (Low-Defense Monsters): Its fast attack speed maximizes DPS against enemies like ogres or spiritual rangers.
- Player Killing (PvP): The Snapshot special attack allows for quick, high-damage combos, especially when paired with a granite maul.
- Budget Training: With rune arrows and Ava’s device, it’s efficient for mid-level Ranged training at places like experiments or dagannoths.
Rune Crossbow Best Scenarios
- Dragon Slayer Tasks: Pair it with an anti-dragon shield for safe, effective dragon killing.
- TzHaar Fight Cave: Broad bolts are easy to obtain, and a shield adds survivability against high-damage enemies.
- High-Defense Monsters: Ruby or diamond bolts boost DPS against tougher foes like metal dragons.
Training and Leveling Which Is Faster
For players aiming to level Ranged from 50-70, the Magic Shortbow (i) often provides faster XP per hour due to its speed. Reddit users recommend using it with rune arrows at low-defense targets like experiments or sand crabs. For higher-defense Slayer tasks, the Rune Crossbow with broad bolts may be more effective, especially if you’re also training Slayer for broad bolt unlocks. If you’re on a budget, broad bolts are significantly cheaper, making the Rune Crossbow a solid choice for Ironmen or cost-conscious players.
Training Locations for Magic Shortbow
- Sand Crabs: High HP, low defense, ideal for AFK training.
- Experiments: Safe spot-friendly, great for consistent XP.
- Dagannoths (Lighthouse): Pair with a cannon for fast XP.
Training Locations for Rune Crossbow
- Blue Dragons: Safe spot with an anti-dragon shield for profit and XP.
- TzHaar Monsters: Prepare for Fight Cave while training.
- Slayer Tasks: Use for mid-to-high-defense monsters with broad or enchanted bolts.
Which Should You Choose
Ultimately, the choice between the Magic Shortbow and Rune Crossbow depends on your goals, playstyle, and budget. Here’s a quick decision guide:
- Choose Magic Shortbow (i) if: You prioritize DPS, are fighting low-defense enemies, or engage in PvP. Its special attack and speed are unmatched for mid-level players.
- Choose Rune Crossbow if: You need a shield for defense, are tackling high-defense monsters, or prefer cheaper ammo like broad bolts.
For most mid-level players, the Magic Shortbow (i) with rune arrows is the go-to for general training and Slayer due to its high DPS and versatility. However, the Rune Crossbow with broad bolts is invaluable for specific tasks like dragon slaying or Fight Cave, especially for Ironmen. Consider keeping both in your bank to switch based on the task at hand.
Have you tried both weapons? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let us know which you prefer for your OSRS adventures!