Maximizing Damage and Profit with Ruby Bolt Tips in Old School RuneScape

Maximizing Damage and Profit with Ruby Bolt Tips in Old School RuneScape

Fellow RuneScape adventurers! If you’re diving into the world of Old School RuneScape (OSRS) and want to spice up your ranged game, ruby bolts are where it’s at. These bad boys can pack a punch, and as someone who’s spent countless hours grinding and experimenting in Gielinor, I’m here to share everything I’ve learned about ruby bolt tips. From their devastating special effect to crafting and using them effectively, this guide’s got you covered. Let’s jump in and make those bolts work for you!

Ruby bolts (e) are enchanted crossbow bolts in OSRS that come with a killer special effect called Blood Forfeit. When triggered, this effect can deal massive damage, making them a go-to for high-level PvM (Player vs Monster) and even some PvP scenarios. As an OSRS veteran, I’ve seen these bolts turn the tide in boss fights like Zulrah or Vorkath. They’re not just shiny gems on a stick; they’re game-changers.

How Does the Blood Forfeit Effect Work?

The Blood Forfeit effect has a chance to activate when you fire a ruby bolt (e). When it does, it deals damage equal to 20% of the target’s current hitpoints, up to a cap of 100 damage. The catch? It also takes 10% of your own hitpoints. Risky, right? I remember my first time using these at Vorkath. I was low on health, and the effect backfired spectacularly, teaching me to keep my HP topped up. Have you ever had a ruby bolt backfire on you? It’s a wake-up call!

Why Ruby Bolts Are Worth Using

  • High Damage Potential: That 20% hit can chunk down bosses with massive health pools.

  • Versatility: Works in both PvM and PvP, especially against high-HP targets.

  • Affordable Power: Compared to other high-end bolts, ruby bolts are reasonably priced.

Crafting Ruby Bolts: A Step-by-Step Guide

Crafting ruby bolts is straightforward, but it requires some prep. I’ve spent hours at the anvil, and let me tell you, there’s something satisfying about turning raw materials into deadly ammo. Here’s how you do it.

What You Need to Craft Ruby Bolts

To make ruby bolts, you’ll need:

  • Adamant Bolts: These are the base for ruby bolts. You can smith them or buy them from the Grand Exchange.

  • Rubies: Either mine them or grab them from the GE.

  • Fletching Level: You need 63 Fletching to attach ruby bolt tips.

  • Magic Level: 49 Magic to enchant them into ruby bolts (e) with the Enchant Crossbow Bolt (Ruby) spell.

Crafting Process

  1. Make or Buy Adamant Bolts: If you’re like me and love skilling, smithing your own adamant bolts at 73 Smithing is rewarding. Otherwise, the GE is your friend.

  2. Cut Rubies into Bolt Tips: With 63 Fletching, use a chisel on rubies to make ruby bolt tips. I usually do this while watching a show—multitasking for the win!

  3. Attach Tips to Bolts: Combine adamant bolts with ruby bolt tips to create ruby bolts.

  4. Enchant the Bolts: Use the Enchant Crossbow Bolt (Ruby) spell, which requires 1 cosmic rune, 1 blood rune, and 5 fire runes per 10 bolts.

Pro tip: Stock up on runes and bolts before a big crafting session. I once ran out of blood runes mid-enchantment and had to trek back to the GE. Not fun.

Table: Crafting Requirements and Costs

Item

Requirement

Approx. GE Price (as of June 2025)

Adamant Bolts (10)

73 Smithing or Buy

1,000 GP

Rubies (10)

50 Mining or Buy

3,000 GP

Chisel

None

100 GP

Cosmic Rune (1)

None

150 GP

Blood Rune (1)

None

400 GP

Fire Runes (5)

None

20 GP

Note: Prices fluctuate, so check the GE before buying.

Best Places to Use Ruby Bolts in OSRS

Ruby bolts shine against high-HP targets because of their Blood Forfeit effect. Over the years, I’ve tested them in various scenarios, and some spots stand out. Where do you use your ruby bolts? Let me know in the comments!

Bosses That Ruby Bolts Wreck

  • Zulrah: This snake’s high HP makes ruby bolts a must for fast kills. I switch to ruby bolts in the red phase for maximum impact.

  • Vorkath: Early in the fight, ruby bolts can chunk Vorkath’s health. I’ve hit 90+ damage with a single proc—talk about satisfying!

  • Kree’arra: In the God Wars Dungeon, ruby bolts help take down this Armadyl boss quickly.

  • Corporeal Beast: With its massive HP pool, ruby bolts are a popular choice for team fights.

PvP Scenarios

In PvP, ruby bolts are a gamble but can be devastating. I once landed a 70-damage hit in the Wilderness, catching my opponent off guard. The key is timing—use them when your opponent’s HP is high for maximum effect. But watch your own health, or you’ll be the one teleported out!

Tips for Maximizing Ruby Bolt Effectiveness

To get the most out of ruby bolts, you need strategy. Here are some tricks I’ve picked up over years of playing.

Gear and Setup

  • Crossbow Choice: The Armadyl Crossbow or Rune Crossbow works great. I prefer the Armadyl for its accuracy.

  • Ranged Level: Higher Ranged levels increase your chance of triggering Blood Forfeit. At 99 Ranged, I notice a big difference compared to my alt at 80 Ranged.

  • Prayer and Pots: Use Rigour for a Ranged boost. Super ranging potions are a lifesaver too.

When to Switch Bolts

Ruby bolts are best early in a fight when the target’s HP is high. Once the HP drops below 500, switch to diamond bolts (e) for consistent damage. I learned this the hard way at Zulrah—sticking with ruby bolts too long cost me a kill.

Managing the HP Cost

The 10% HP cost of Blood Forfeit can be brutal. Always keep food or a Guthan’s set handy. I keep sharks in my inventory during Vorkath runs to counter the self-damage.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even seasoned players mess up with ruby bolts. Here are some pitfalls I’ve fallen into and how to dodge them.

Forgetting to Enchant Bolts

I’ve gone into a boss fight with unenchanted ruby bolts more times than I’d like to admit. Always double-check that your bolts are enchanted (they’ll have an “(e)” in the name).

Ignoring Your Own HP

The Blood Forfeit effect can kill you if your HP is too low. I once died at Vorkath because I ignored my health bar. Keep your HP above 50 at all times.

Overusing Ruby Bolts

Ruby bolts lose effectiveness as the target’s HP drops. Switch to other bolts like diamond or dragonstone for the finishing blow. Trust me, it saves time and money.

My Personal Ruby Bolt Journey

When I first started using ruby bolts, I was a mid-level player trying to take on Zulrah. I was Clueless about their potential and kept dying because I didn’t manage my HP. After some trial and error (and a lot of deaths), I figured out the best times to use them and how to pair them with my gear. Now, ruby bolts are a staple in my bossing setup, and I’ve even used them to secure some clutch PvP kills in the Wilderness. What’s your favorite ruby bolt moment? Share it below!

Conclusion: Are Ruby Bolts Worth It?

Ruby bolts (e) are a fantastic addition to any OSRS player’s arsenal, especially if you’re tackling high-HP bosses or want to surprise someone in PvP. They’re affordable, powerful, and rewarding when used right. Just remember to manage your HP, switch bolts strategically, and keep those runes stocked for enchanting. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, ruby bolts can elevate your game. So, grab your crossbow, stock up on bolts, and let those rubies fly! What’s your next boss to tackle with ruby bolts? Let’s hear it!