OSRS 2 Handed Weapons Ultimate Guide for 2025

OSRS 2 Handed Weapons Ultimate Guide for 2025

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), 2-handed weapons are a cornerstone of melee combat, offering high damage at the cost of slower attack speeds and the inability to use a shield. These weapons are iconic for their raw power, making them a go-to choice for players seeking to deal devastating blows in PvP or tackle tough PvM encounters. This guide dives deep into the world of 2-handed weapons, exploring their types, best uses, and top picks for 2025. Whether you’re a free-to-play (F2P) warrior or a member chasing endgame gear, this post will help you choose the right 2-handed weapon for your playstyle.

2-handed weapons occupy both the weapon and shield slots, meaning you sacrifice defensive capabilities for offensive power. They come in various forms, including swords, spears, halberds, and more, each with unique attack styles (stab, slash, or crush) and speeds. Their slower attack speed is often offset by higher strength bonuses, making them ideal for burst damage or special attack scenarios. However, faster 1-handed weapons like scimitars typically offer higher DPS for consistent damage, so 2-handed weapons shine in specific situations like PvP finishing blows or niche PvM roles.

Key Characteristics of 2-Handed Weapons

  • High Damage Output: 2-handed weapons deal significant damage per hit, ideal for burst scenarios.
  • Slower Attack Speed: Most have an attack speed of 3-4 ticks, compared to 4-6 for 1-handed weapons.
  • No Shield Slot: Sacrificing defense makes them riskier but rewarding in skilled hands.
  • Special Attacks: Many 2-handed weapons have powerful special attacks, like the Dragon Warhammer’s defense reduction.

Types of 2-Handed Weapons

Old School RuneScape OSRS Best Melee Weapons Gamer Empire

OSRS offers a variety of 2-handed weapons, each catering to different combat needs. From F2P staples to high-end member exclusives, understanding their diversity helps you pick the right tool for the job.

Two-Handed Swords

Two-handed swords (2h swords) are the most recognizable 2-handed weapons, known for their slow but powerful attacks. They offer slash and crush styles, with the rune 2h sword being a popular F2P choice for PvP finishing blows due to its high damage potential. In members’ worlds, godswords like the Saradomin Godsword dominate with their unique special attacks.

Spears and Halberds

Spears and halberds are 2-handed weapons with extended attack ranges, making them ideal for specific bosses or safespotting. The Zamorakian Spear, for example, is a top choice for Corporeal Beast due to its stab bonus. Halberds, like the Crystal Halberd, offer a 2-tile attack range, giving tactical advantages in certain PvM scenarios.

Mauls and Bludgeons

Mauls and bludgeons focus on crush damage, excelling against enemies weak to this style. The Granite Maul is a mid-tier favorite for its quick special attack in PvP, while the Abyssal Bludgeon is a high-end crush weapon for PvM, particularly against bosses like Cerberus.

Best 2-Handed Weapons for Different Playstyles

Not all 2-handed weapons are created equal. Below, we highlight the top picks for F2P, mid-tier, and endgame players, along with their strengths and ideal use cases.

Top F2P 2-Handed Weapons

For F2P players, 2-handed weapons are often used in PvP to deliver high-damage finishing blows. Here’s a quick rundown:

Weapon Attack Speed Strength Bonus Best Use
Rune 2h Sword 3 ticks +90 PvP finishing blows
Hill Giant Club 3 ticks +65 Budget crush weapon

The rune 2h sword is a staple in F2P PvP, often switched to after weakening opponents with faster weapons like the rune scimitar. The Hill Giant Club, while less common, is a budget-friendly crush option for low-level players.

Mid-Tier 2-Handed Weapons for Members

Members have access to more versatile 2-handed weapons that bridge the gap between F2P and endgame gear.

  • Saradomin Sword: With a 4-tick attack speed, it’s a faster 2-handed weapon but often outclassed by 1-handed whips due to the lack of a shield slot. Best for budget crush training.

  • Granite Maul: Popular in PvP for its 50% special attack, which delivers two rapid hits. Affordable and effective for mid-level players.
  • Dragon Warhammer: A must-have for its special attack, which reduces enemy defense by 30%. Ideal for bosses like Tekton in Chambers of Xeric.

Endgame 2-Handed Weapons

For high-level players, these 2-handed weapons are best-in-slot for specific scenarios:

  • Scythe of Vitur: A premium weapon with an AoE attack, perfect for Slayer tasks or bosses with minions, like those in Theatre of Blood. Its high cost reflects its power.

  • Abyssal Bludgeon: The go-to crush weapon for bosses like Cerberus and The Nightmare, offering high strength and accuracy.
  • Saradomin Godsword: Known for its healing special attack, it’s a favorite for prolonged PvM fights and Slayer tasks.

When to Use 2-Handed Weapons

2-handed weapons are situational tools, excelling in specific contexts but lagging in others. Here’s when they shine and when to stick with 1-handed setups.

PvP Scenarios

In PvP, 2-handed weapons are often used as “KO” weapons to finish opponents. For example, F2P players might use a rune scimitar for consistent damage before switching to a rune 2h sword for a high-damage hit. In members’ worlds, the Granite Maul’s quick special attack makes it a staple in Wilderness combat. The trade-off is lower defense, so timing and combo skills are crucial.

PvM and Bossing

In PvM, 2-handed weapons are niche but powerful. The Scythe of Vitur’s AoE makes it ideal for multi-target fights, while the Dragon Warhammer’s defense reduction is critical for high-defense bosses. For general training, however, 1-handed weapons like the Abyssal Whip or Blade of Saeldor often provide better DPS due to their speed and defender compatibility.

Training Considerations

For melee training, 2-handed weapons are generally less efficient than 1-handed setups due to slower attack speeds. However, weapons like the Saradomin Sword or Abyssal Bludgeon can be viable for strength training in specific scenarios, especially if you prioritize crush damage or lack access to high-end 1-handed gear. Always calculate DPS for your specific setup to optimize XP rates.

Tips for Maximizing 2-Handed Weapon Effectiveness

To get the most out of 2-handed weapons, consider these strategies:

Master Weapon Switching

In PvP, switch to a 2-handed weapon only for the finishing blow or special attack. For example, use a whip or scimitar for DPS, then swap to a Dragon Warhammer or Granite Maul for their specials. Practice tick-perfect switches to maintain combat flow.

Prioritize Attack Styles

Match your weapon’s attack style to the enemy’s weakness. Use slash for cloth/leather armor, crush for plate armor, and stab for specific bosses like Corporeal Beast. Check monster weaknesses on the OSRS Wiki for optimal performance.

Invest in Special Attack Gear

Many 2-handed weapons rely on their special attacks. Equip items like the Dragon Warhammer or Saradomin Godsword with gear that boosts special attack energy, such as a Ring of Vigour, to maximize their utility.

Balance Risk and Reward

Without a shield, you’re more vulnerable. In high-risk areas like the Wilderness, carry defensive gear to swap into or use Protect from Melee prayers to mitigate damage. For PvM, consider food or brews to sustain longer fights.

2-handed weapons in OSRS are a thrilling choice for players who value power over speed. From the humble rune 2h sword to the mighty Scythe of Vitur, these weapons offer unique playstyles for PvP and PvM. By understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases, you can wield them effectively to dominate Gielinor in 2025. Equip your favorite 2-handed weapon, hone your skills, and carve your legend in Old School RuneScape!