Mithril Dragons Guide OSRS – Best Strategies and Gear for Success

Mithril Dragons in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) are formidable foes found in the Ancient Cavern, offering lucrative drops like the Dragon Full Helm and Draconic Visage. With a combat level of 304, they’re the third-strongest metal dragons, attacking with melee, ranged, magic, and extra long-ranged dragonfire. This guide provides everything you need to know to slay Mithril Dragons efficiently, including access requirements, gear setups, strategies, and tips to maximize profit. Whether you’re tackling them for a Slayer task or grinding for rare drops, this SEO-optimized guide will set you up for success.

Before you can face Mithril Dragons, you’ll need to meet specific requirements and gain access to their location in the Ancient Cavern. Preparation is key to surviving these powerful creatures.

Quest and Skill Requirements

• Barbarian Training Miniquest: Start the pyre ship section by speaking to Otto Godblessed near Otto’s Grotto. You’ll need 35 Firemaking and 11 Crafting, plus an oak log and a bow (willow, oak, or maple).
• Recommended Combat Stats: 80+ Attack, Strength, Defence, and 75+ Magic or Ranged for efficient kills. 43+ Prayer is highly recommended for protection prayers.
• Slayer Requirement: To get Mithril Dragons as a Slayer task, purchase the ability for 80 Slayer reward points and enter the Ancient Cavern at least once.

Getting to the Ancient Cavern

The Ancient Cavern is located near Otto’s Grotto, accessible via a whirlpool. Here are the fastest ways to get there:

• Games Necklace: Teleport to Barbarian Outpost, run south to the pier, and jump into the whirlpool.
• Fairy Ring (BJQ): Use 5 bittercap mushrooms on the enchanted soil in the cavern to unlock the fairy ring. Note that familiars can’t be summoned when entering via the whirlpool.
• Slayer Cape/Ferocious Ring: Teleport to Kuradal, run north, descend the stairs, and head northeast past brutal green dragons to the Mithril Dragon area.

Once inside, go down the stairs, run south-southeast, and climb the stairs to reach the top level where Mithril Dragons reside. Dwarf multicannons are not allowed in the Ancient Cavern.

Combat Mechanics and Attack Styles

Mithril Dragons are unique for their ability to attack with all three combat styles (melee, ranged, magic) plus dragonfire, making them a challenging opponent. Understanding their attack patterns is crucial for survival.

Attack Styles and Probabilities

According to Mod Ash, Mithril Dragons’ attack choices depend on your position:

• Melee Range: 60% chance of melee (max hit 28), 40% chance of magic (max hit 18). There’s a 20% chance any attack becomes dragonfire (up to 50 damage without protection).
• Outside Melee Range: 60% chance of ranged (max hit 22), 40% chance of magic, with the same 20% dragonfire chance.

Dragonfire is especially dangerous, so always use antifire protection. Protect from Magic does not reduce dragonfire damage, unlike with other metallic dragons.

Weaknesses and Immunities

• Weaknesses: Mithril Dragons are vulnerable to stab attacks and magic, particularly earth spells (50% elemental weakness). Dragon hunter weapons (e.g., Dragon Hunter Lance, Dragon Hunter Crossbow) significantly boost damage.
• Immunities: They’re immune to poison, so avoid weapons like the Dragon Dagger or emerald bolts (e).

Recommended Gear Setups

Your gear setup depends on your combat style—melee, ranged, or magic. Below are optimal setups for each, balancing cost and efficiency. Always bring antifire protection (super antifire potion or antifire potion + anti-dragon shield) and an emergency teleport (e.g., Teleport to House).

Melee Setup

Melee is cost-effective and effective with high stats (90+ Attack/Strength/Defence). Use stab weapons due to the dragons’ weakness.

Tip: Use Piety for increased damage. Expect to tank ranged and magic hits, so bring high-level food (e.g., sharks or Saradomin brews).

Ranged Setup

Ranged is safer when keeping distance, using Protect from Missiles to block the dragons’ ranged attacks (max hit 22).

Tip: Switch to Diamond Bolts (e) when the dragon is below 100-150 HP for better accuracy. Amethyst broad bolts are a budget alternative but slower.

Magic Setup

Magic is the most effective due to the dragons’ weakness to earth spells and high magic defence of ranged armour.

Tip: Budget options include the Trident of the Swamp or Sanguinesti Staff. Stand at a distance to avoid melee hits.

Strategies for Killing Mithril Dragons

Each combat style requires a specific approach to minimize damage and maximize kills per hour. Here’s how to tackle Mithril Dragons effectively.

Melee Strategy

Melee is best for high-level players with strong gear. Stand in melee range, use Protect from Magic (or Melee if wearing ranged armour like Karil’s), and activate Piety. Tank ranged and magic hits while dealing high DPS with Osmumten’s Fang or Dragon Hunter Lance. Expect 45 kills per hour with optimal gear, yielding around 780K GP per hour after costs.

Ranged Strategy

Position yourself outside melee range to avoid the dragons’ strongest attacks. Use Protect from Missiles and Rigour for accuracy and defence. Ruby Bolts (e) are effective above half health, then switch to Diamond Bolts (e). Focus on isolated dragons to avoid multi-combat damage. Bring Saradomin brews and super restores (3:1 ratio) for extended trips.

Magic Strategy

Stand at a distance, use Protect from Missiles, and cast Earth Surge with a Harmonised Nightmare Staff for maximum DPS. Tumeken’s Shadow is the best option for high-level players. Maintain above 40 HP to survive melee hits if you accidentally get too close. A bunyip or unicorn stallion familiar can extend trips by healing.

Loot and Profitability

Mithril Dragons are profitable due to their guaranteed and rare drops. The average kill is worth approximately 22K GP, including chewed bones.

Guaranteed Drops

• Dragon Bones (1): Always dropped, worth ~2K GP.
• Mithril Bar (3): Always dropped, worth ~4K GP total.

Notable Rare Drops

• Dragon Full Helm: 1/25,000 drop rate, worth millions.
• Draconic Visage: 1/10,000 drop rate, highly valuable.
• Chewed Bones: Can be used on pyre ships for a chance at the Dragon Full Helm.
• Elite Clue Scroll: 1/350 drop rate (increases to 1/332 with elite Combat Achievements).

Tip: Wear a Ring of Wealth to remove “nothing” drops and increase rare drop table chances. Purchase the “Duly Noted” Slayer unlock (200 points) to receive mithril bars in noted form during Slayer tasks.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to slay Mithril Dragons in OSRS, whether for profit, Slayer tasks, or the Hard Kandarin Diary. With the right gear, strategy, and preparation, you can turn these challenging foes into a rewarding endeavor. Happy dragon hunting!