Making the Most of the Full Rune Set in Old School RuneScape

Making the Most of the Full Rune Set in Old School RuneScape

Hey, RuneScape adventurers! If you’re swinging swords or tanking hits in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the full rune set is probably on your radar. This iconic armor has been a staple since the game’s early days, and as someone who’s spent years grinding quests, slayer, and bossing, I’ve got a soft spot for that shiny blue gear. Whether you’re a newbie aiming for your first set or a veteran looking to revisit a classic, this guide will walk you through everything about the full rune set—how to get it, why it’s awesome, and how to use it like a pro. Packed with personal stories and tips, let’s dive into the world of rune armor and make you a Gielinor legend!

The full rune set in OSRS is a melee armor set made of runite, including a full helm, platebody, platelegs or plateskirt, and kiteshield. It’s one of the best non-degradable armors for mid-level players, offering solid defense and a classic look. When I first equipped my full rune set, I felt like a knight straight out of a fantasy novel—total power vibes!

Why the Full Rune Set Matters

  • Great Defense: High stab, slash, and crush bonuses for tanking hits.

  • Affordable: Compared to high-end gear like Bandos, it’s budget-friendly.

  • Iconic Style: That blue sheen is a symbol of progress in OSRS.

  • Quest Requirements: Needed for tasks like Dragon Slayer and achievement diaries.

Ever rocked a full rune set and felt unstoppable? It’s a rite of passage!

Stats and Requirements

To wear the full rune set, you need:

  • Defence Level: 40 for all pieces.

  • Quest Completion: Dragon Slayer for the rune platebody (unlocks ability to wear it).

Here’s a quick look at the stats:

Piece

Stab Defence

Slash Defence

Crush Defence

Strength Bonus

Rune Full Helm

+30

+32

+27

0

Rune Platebody

+82

+80

+72

0

Rune Platelegs

+51

+49

+47

0

Rune Kiteshield

+44

+48

+46

0

Note: Plateskirt has identical stats to platelegs but a different look.

How to Get the Full Rune Set

OSRS 199 Runecrafting Guide 2021 16m GP PH FastestAFK

Getting your hands on a full rune set is a big milestone, and there are a few ways to do it. I’ve tried them all, and I’ll break down the easiest methods based on my grind.

Method 1: Buy from the Grand Exchange

The fastest way to get a full rune set is to buy it from the Grand Exchange in Varrock. This is perfect if you’ve got some gold saved up.

How It Works

  • Cost: Around 100k-150k GP total (June 2025 prices): ~35k for platebody, ~25k for platelegs, ~30k for full helm, ~30k for kiteshield.

  • Steps: Head to the GE, search for each piece, and buy them. Equip after completing Dragon Slayer for the platebody.

  • Pros: Instant, no grinding needed.

  • Cons: Costs gold, which might be tough for new players.

My GE Story

When I started my main account, I saved up 120k GP from killing cows and buying hides. I bought my full rune set piece by piece, and equipping it felt like a Huge deal. I strutted around Lumbridge like I owned the place! If you’ve got the cash, this is the way to go.

Method 2: Smithing Your Own Set

If you’re a skiller or ironman, smithing your own rune set is super rewarding. It takes time but saves gold and gives great XP.

Requirements

  • Smithing Level: 99 for platebody, 96 for kiteshield, 92 for platelegs, 89 for full helm.

  • Runite Bars: 15 for platebody, 5 for platelegs, 3 for full helm, 5 for kiteshield (23 total for full set).

  • Quest: Dragon Slayer for platebody.

  • Location: Anvil (Varrock or Prifddinas) and Blast Furnace for bars.

How to Get Runite Bars

  • Mine Runite Ore: At 85 Mining, mine in places like the Mining Guild or Wilderness (risky!). I grinded the Mining Guild for my bars.

  • Buy from GE: ~12k-15k GP per bar, ~276k-345k for 23 bars.

  • Smelt at Blast Furnace: 50 Smithing and coins for coffer. I used the Blast Furnace to save coal and make bars faster.

My Smithing Grind

I smithed my first rune platebody on my ironman at 99 Smithing, and it was a Grind. I mined runite in the Wilderness and got PKed once—heart-pounding! Smelting at the Blast Furnace with clanmates was way more fun, and hammering out that platebody felt epic. Ever smithed something big? It’s so satisfying!

Method 3: Monster Drops

Some monsters drop rune gear, but it’s slow and RNG-dependent. I’ve gotten a few pieces this way, mostly by accident.

Best Monsters

  • Obor: Giant boss in Edgeville Dungeon, drops full helm (1/126 chance). Needs giant key from hill giants.

  • Bryophyta: Moss giant boss in Varrock Sewers, drops full helm (1/118 chance). Needs mossy key from moss giants.

  • Rune Dragons: In Lithkren Vault, drop platelegs (1/128). Needs Dragon Slayer II and high combat.

  • Lava Dragons: Wilderness, drop platelegs (1/250). Risky but accessible.

My Drop Luck

I got a rune full helm from Obor while farming keys for combat XP. It was a lucky drop on my third kill, and I sold it to fund my platebody. Monster drops are fun but unreliable—stick to GE or smithing for consistency.

Table: Full Rune Set Acquisition Methods

Method

Cost/Time

Requirements

Pros

Cons

Grand Exchange

~100k-150k GP

40 Defence, Dragon Slayer

Fastest, easy

Costs gold

Smithing

23 runite bars (~276k-345k GP)

99 Smithing, 85 Mining (optional)

Free if mined, great XP

Time-consuming, high skill reqs

Monster Drops

Hours of grinding, RNG

Combat 70+, keys or Dragon Slayer II

Free, fun for combat

Slow, unreliable

Note: Costs based on June 2025 GE prices.

Best Uses for the Full Rune Set

Once you’ve got your full rune set, it’s time to put it to work. Here’s how I use mine and why it’s so versatile.

Questing

The full rune set is perfect for mid-level quests with combat, like:

  • Dragon Slayer: Tank Elvarg’s hits with ease.

  • The Fremennik Trials: Survive tough fights.

  • Monkey Madness: Protect against gorilla attacks.

I wore full rune for Dragon Slayer and barely took damage from Elvarg. It’s a lifesaver for quest bosses!

Slayer Tasks

For tasks like trolls, ogres, or hill giants, full rune’s defense lets you tank hits while dishing out damage. I used it for troll tasks in Burthorpe and saved tons of food compared to weaker armor.

Training and Low-Level Bossing

  • Combat Training: Great for safe-spotting giants or training at rock crabs. I trained at crabs in full rune and felt invincible.

  • Bosses: Good for Obor, Bryophyta, or Barrows (early game). I took my set to Barrows before upgrading to Bandos.

Achievement Diaries

  • Falador Medium Diary: Wear a full rune set at the Falador Party Room for a task.

  • Lumbridge Medium Diary: Equip full rune in Lumbridge Castle for another easy checkmark.

What’s your favorite use for full rune? I love it for chill slayer tasks!

Tips for Using the Full Rune Set Like a Pro

To get the most out of your rune armor, here’s what I’ve learned from years of melee combat.

Pair with the Right Gear

  • Weapon: Rune scimitar or dragon longsword for DPS. I used a rune scim for slayer and loved the speed.

  • Amulet: Amulet of strength or glory for melee boosts.

  • Cape: Obsidian cape or skillcape for extra defense. I rock a Fire Cape now but used an obsidian cape early on.

  • Boots: Climbing boots or rune boots for budget defense.

Upgrade Strategically

Full rune is great, but plan your next step:

  • Adamant Armor: Bridge to rune if you’re under 40 Defence.

  • Barrows Gear: Torag’s or Dharok’s for better stats at 70 Defence.

  • Bandos Armor: Endgame goal for strength bonuses.

I saved for Torag’s after full rune, and the upgrade was night and day for bossing.

Use for Ironmen

Ironmen rely on full rune for mid-game content. I smithed mine on my ironman and used it for Barrows runs until I got better gear. It’s a solid tank set for grinding drops or quests.

Avoid in High-Risk Areas

Full rune is cheap, but losing it in the Wilderness stings. I got PKed once wearing it at lava dragons—stick to safe areas or risk cheap gear like adamant.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even pros like me mess up sometimes. Here’s how to dodge pitfalls with your full rune set.

Not Completing Dragon Slayer

You can’t wear the rune platebody without finishing Dragon Slayer. I had a friend buy one at 40 Defence but couldn’t equip it—wasted gold! Do the quest first.

Spending Too Much

Don’t overpay at the GE. I bought a rune kiteshield for 50k once when it was only 30k—always check prices. Use GE guides or Runelite’s price tracker.

Using in Endgame Content

Full rune is great for mid-levels but falls off against high-level bosses like Zulrah or Vorkath. I tried it at Bandos once and got crushed. Upgrade to Barrows or better for tough fights.

Forgetting Plateskirt Option

The rune plateskirt is cheaper than platelegs (~20k vs. ~25k) and has the same stats. I stuck with legs for style but could’ve saved gold with a skirt.

My Full Rune Set Journey

The full rune set was a Massive milestone in my OSRS career. Back when I was a level 60 noob, I grinded hill giants for gold to buy each piece from the GE. Equipping that platebody after Dragon Slayer made me feel like a tank. I wore it for everything—slayer, quests, even showing off in Varrock Square. One time, I took it to Barrows and survived Ahrim’s magic hits, which felt like a big win. Even now, I keep a set in my bank for nostalgia and diary tasks. What’s your favorite armor set in OSRS? Full rune’s got a special place for me!

Why I Love Full Rune

  • Classic Look: That blue shine never gets old.

  • Affordable Power: Perfect for mid-level players on a budget.

  • Versatility: Works for quests, slayer, and training.

Advanced Tips for Rune Set Users

If you’re ready to level up your rune game, here’s what I do to max out its potential.

Boost Your Stats

  • Potions: Use super strength and attack potions for better DPS. I sip a super set before tough slayer tasks.

  • Prayer: Piety or Incredible Reflexes boosts melee. I flick Piety for boss fights to save prayer points.

  • Amulet of Torture: If you can afford it, upgrade from glory for +10 strength. I saved for one after full rune.

Combine with Skilling

Use full rune for combat while training other skills:

  • Slayer: Wear it for tasks and alch drops for Magic XP.

  • Barrows: Tank hits while learning the minigame for Runecrafting XP via runes.

I alched rune longswords during troll tasks in full rune, hitting 70 Magic as a bonus.

Trade Up Smart

Sell your rune set when upgrading to save gold. I sold mine for 100k when I got Torag’s, which funded half my new set. Check GE prices before selling to max profit.

Use for Clue Scrolls

Some clue steps need full rune, like digging in Falador Park. I keep my set for these to avoid buying it back. Runelite’s “Clue Scroll” plugin helps spot these steps fast.

Conclusion: Rock That Rune Armor

The full rune set in OSRS is a classic, affordable, and powerful choice for mid-level players. Whether you buy it from the Grand Exchange, smith it yourself, or luck out with monster drops, it’s a milestone worth chasing. From questing to slayer to showing off, full rune has you covered with solid defense and iconic style. So, finish Dragon Slayer, grab your shiny blue gear, and hit Gielinor like a true knight! What’s your next armor goal in OSRS? Drop it in the comments!