OSRS Air Spells at Barrows: Best Strategies for Magic Success

OSRS Air Spells at Barrows: Best Strategies for Magic Success


Old School RuneScape (OSRS) players know that Barrows is one of the most iconic and rewarding combat minigames. With its mix of strategy, loot potential, and combat variety, it’s a staple for mid-to-high-level adventurers. When it comes to tackling the Barrows brothers, magic is a powerful option, and air spells stand out due to their efficiency and the brothers’ elemental weakness. In this guide, we’ll dive into using air spells at Barrows, exploring why they work, the best setups, and how to maximize your runs. Whether you’re a seasoned mage or just starting out, this post will help you conquer Barrows with wind-based magic.

Air spells are a go-to choice for many OSRS players at Barrows because of their cost-effectiveness and the brothers’ susceptibility to air-based damage. The Barrows brothers—Ahrim, Dharok, Guthan, Karil, Torag, and Verac—each have unique combat styles, but all share a 50% elemental weakness to air. This makes air spells particularly potent, offering a balance of damage and affordability that other spell types can’t always match.

Cost Efficiency of Air Spells

Unlike fire or earth spells that require multiple runes, air spells only need air runes (or a staff to replace them) alongside a mind, chaos, death, or blood rune depending on the spell tier. This keeps your inventory lean and your costs low, especially if you’re using a staff like the Staff of Air or Tome of Air. For budget-conscious players, this is a game-changer.

Elemental Advantage Explained

The 50% weakness to air means your spells hit harder compared to other elements, assuming equal magic levels and gear. This bonus applies across all six brothers, making air spells a versatile choice regardless of which crypt you’re tackling. Pair this with the right equipment, and you’ll see faster kills and smoother runs.

Best Air Spells for Barrows

OSRS Barrows Guide 2021 YouTube

The standard spellbook offers several air spells, but not all are ideal for Barrows. Your choice depends on your Magic level, gear, and whether you’re prioritizing speed or efficiency. Below, we’ll break down the top options.

Wind Strike (Level 1 Magic)

For beginners with low Magic levels, Wind Strike is your entry point. It’s cheap, requiring only 1 air rune and 1 mind rune per cast, with a max hit of 2. While it’s not powerful enough for efficient Barrows runs, it’s a viable option for Ironmen or players training Magic from scratch.

Wind Bolt (Level 17 Magic)

Wind Bolt steps things up with a max hit of 9 (or higher with boosts). Costing 1 air rune and 1 chaos rune, it’s still affordable and works well for players in the 20-40 Magic range. Pair it with a Staff of Air, and you’re set for early Barrows attempts.

Wind Blast (Level 41 Magic)

At Magic level 41, Wind Blast becomes available, hitting up to 13 damage. It uses 1 air rune and 1 death rune per cast, making it slightly pricier but worth it for the increased damage output. This is a sweet spot for mid-level players tackling Barrows.

Wind Wave (Level 62 Magic)

Wind Wave is where air spells start to shine, boasting a max hit of 17. Requiring 1 air rune and 1 blood rune, it’s more expensive but delivers serious punch. For players with 60+ Magic and decent gear, this spell can shred through Barrows brothers quickly.

Wind Surge (Level 81 Magic)

The king of air spells, Wind Surge, requires 81 Magic and hits up to 21 (or more with boosts). It uses 1 air rune and 1 wrath rune, making it the priciest option, but its damage output is unmatched. High-level mages will dominate Barrows with this spell.

Optimal Gear Setup for Air Spells at Barrows

Your gear can make or break your Barrows runs when using air spells. The goal is to boost Magic accuracy and damage while maintaining enough defense and Prayer to survive. Here’s a breakdown of setups for different budgets.

Budget Gear Setup

  • Weapon: Staff of Air (unlimited air runes)
  • Body: Mystic robes or Zamorak robes
  • Legs: Mystic robe bottom
  • Head: Wizard hat or Farseer helm
  • Amulet: Amulet of Magic
  • Ring: Ring of Recoil (optional for extra damage)

This setup is cheap and effective for Wind Bolt or Blast users, offering decent Magic bonuses and Prayer sustainability.

Mid-Tier Gear Setup

  • Weapon: Trident of the Seas (great for autocasting)
  • Body: Ahrim’s robetop (if you’ve looted it)
  • Legs: Ahrim’s robeskirt
  • Head: Slayer helmet (if on task) or Infinity hat
  • Amulet: Amulet of Glory
  • Ring: Seers ring

For Wind Wave users, this setup boosts damage and accuracy, with the Trident offering a built-in spell for versatility.

High-End Gear Setup

Wind Surge users with deep pockets can dominate with this setup, maximizing damage and efficiency for fast clears.

Strategy for Using Air Spells at Barrows

Executing a successful Barrows run with air spells requires more than just casting magic. You’ll need to manage Prayer, inventory, and combat order. Here’s how to do it right.

Prayer Management

Barrows drains Prayer underground, so bring Prayer potions (4-8 depending on trip length). Use Protect from Melee against Dharok, Guthan, Torag, and Verac, Protect from Magic for Ahrim, and Protect from Missiles for Karil. Flick prayers as needed to conserve points.

Inventory Setup

Item Purpose
Barrows Teleport tabs Quick travel to Barrows
Prayer potions (4) Restore Prayer points
Runes (air, mind/chaos/death/blood/wrath) Casting air spells
Sharks or better Healing
Spade Digging into crypts

This basic inventory covers most runs. Adjust food and potions based on your combat level and gear.

Combat Order and Tunnel Tactics

Start with Ahrim (central mound) since air spells excel against his Magic-based attacks. Then tackle Karil, as his Ranged hits can be mitigated with armor. Save Dharok for the tunnel if possible—he hits hardest, and the tunnel’s tight space makes Prayer flicking easier. Clear the other brothers (Guthan, Torag, Verac) based on your comfort level. In the tunnel, prioritize killing the last brother quickly to access the chest.

Tips to Maximize Loot and Efficiency

Barrows isn’t just about kills—it’s about loot. Air spells can help you optimize runs for better rewards.

Boosting Kill Count

Kill crypt rats, skeletons, or bloodworms in the tunnels to raise your loot potential (aim for 8-12 kills). More kills increase your chances of Barrows equipment, though it caps at 100% with all brothers defeated.

Using Magic Boosts

Drink a Magic potion before tough fights (like Dharok) to bump your max hits. If you’ve got 70+ Magic, an Imbued Heart can push your damage even higher for Wind Wave or Surge.

Leveraging Slayer Tasks

If Barrows is assigned as a Slayer task, wear a Slayer helmet for bonus accuracy and damage. This stacks beautifully with air spells, speeding up kills and boosting profits.

Using air spells at Barrows combines strategy, efficiency, and raw magical power. From Wind Strike to Wind Surge, these spells cater to all levels, making them a flexible choice for any player. Equip the right gear, manage your resources, and follow these tactics, and you’ll be looting Barrows chests like a pro. Ready to harness the wind? Head to Mort’ton and start casting!