OSRS Barrows Pure Guide: Best Strategies for Success

OSRS Barrows Pure Guide: Best Strategies for Success


Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers countless ways to enjoy its rich content, and for pures—accounts built with specific combat restrictions—the Barrows minigame is a thrilling challenge. This OSRS Barrows pure guide is tailored for players looking to conquer the Barrows brothers with a pure build, typically a 1 Defence pure or similar low-defence setup. Whether you’re chasing loot like the coveted Barrows equipment or aiming to rack up Runecrafting experience, this guide will walk you through strategies, gear setups, and tips to maximize your success. Let’s dive into the crypts of Morytania and unearth some treasure!

The Barrows minigame, located in Morytania, pits you against six undead brothers—Ahrim, Dharok, Guthan, Karil, Torag, and Verac—each with unique combat styles. For pures, the challenge lies in balancing low defence with effective offence, as your restricted stats make you vulnerable to their attacks. The goal? Defeat all six brothers, navigate the tunnels, and claim your rewards from the chest.

What Makes Barrows Ideal for Pures?

Pures thrive in Barrows due to its mix of combat and potential for high-value loot without requiring high defence. With the right setup, you can minimize damage taken while dishing out enough to clear the brothers efficiently.

Key Objectives for Pure Builds

Your main objectives are to:

  • Defeat all six brothers: Each requires a tailored approach based on your pure’s strengths.
  • Maximize loot potential: Kill count in the tunnels boosts your reward odds.
  • Survive with low defence: Efficient prayer and gear management are critical.

Best Gear for a Barrows Pure

Ultimate Barrows OSRS Boss Guide Old School Runescape Guides

Gear selection is the backbone of any successful Barrows run on a pure. Since most pures cap Defence at 1 (or occasionally 20-40 for specific builds), you’ll rely heavily on offensive stats and prayer bonuses. Below, we’ll break down the optimal setups.

Melee Gear Setup

For melee-focused pures, prioritize strength and prayer bonuses:

  • Helmet: Neitiznot helm (if 20 Defence) or Mitre (for prayer).
  • Body: Monk robes (top) for prayer bonus.
  • Legs: Monk robes (bottom).
  • Weapon: Dragon scimitar or Abyssal whip (if 70 Attack).
  • Shield: Book of War (1 Defence) or God book (if quested).
  • Amulet: Amulet of Strength or Glory.
  • Ring: Ring of Recoil (to chip away at brothers).

Ranged Gear Setup

Ranged pures can tackle Barrows with precision and safety:

  • Helmet: Robin Hood hat (if 40 Ranged) or Coif.
  • Body: Black d’hide body (if 40 Defence) or Ranger tunic.
  • Legs: Black d’hide chaps.
  • Weapon: Magic shortbow with rune arrows or Toxic blowpipe (if 75 Ranged).
  • Amulet: Amulet of Accuracy or Glory.
  • Ring: Archers’ ring or Ring of Recoil.

Inventory Essentials

Your inventory should support survival and efficiency:

  • Prayer potions (4-6): To maintain Protect prayers.
  • Spade: For digging into mounds.
  • Teleport: Ectophial or Morytania legs for quick escapes.
  • Food: Sharks or Monkfish (4-8) for emergencies.
  • Runes: For teleports or offensive spells (if Magic-based).

Combat Strategies for Each Brother

OSRS Barrows Guide Gear Setups Best OSRS Guides

Each Barrows brother has a distinct fighting style, and pures must adapt to their low-defence limitations. Here’s how to handle them effectively.

Ahrim the Blighted (Magic)

Ahrim uses Magic, so Protect from Magic is your lifeline. Ranged pures can shred him from a distance, while melee pures should close in fast with high Strength hits.

Dharok the Wretched (Melee)

Dharok hits harder as his health drops, making him deadly for pures. Use Protect from Melee and kill him quickly—Ranged is safer, but Melee works with precise prayer flicking.

Guthan the Infested (Melee)

Guthan heals himself with hits, so Protect from Melee is essential. Ranged pਰ

Keep your distance with a Magic shortbow or stay close and use quick, high-damage melee attacks.

Karil the Tainted (Ranged)

Karil’s rapid Ranged attacks require Protect from Missiles. Melee pures should rush him; Ranged pures can match his speed with a blowpipe or shortbow.

Torag the Corrupted (Melee)

Torag’s straightforward Melee attacks are manageable with Protect from Melee. Both Ranged and Melee pures can handle him easily with consistent damage.

Verac the Defiled (Melee)

Verac’s ability to hit through prayer makes him tricky. Use Protect from Melee to mitigate damage and focus on quick kills—Ranged is ideal for safety.

Navigating the Barrows Tunnels

After defeating five brothers, enter the tunnels via one of their sarcophagi. The sixth brother awaits inside, along with monsters that boost your kill count for better loot odds.

Tunnel Strategy for Pures

With low Defence, avoid prolonged fights:

  • Prayer Management: Sip prayer potions to maintain protection prayers.
  • Kill Count: Aim for 5-10 kills (skeletons, spiders) for decent loot odds.
  • Quick Navigation: Solve the puzzle door fast—match the shape or answer the riddle.

Facing the Final Brother

The last brother spawns in the tunnels. Identify their combat style (Magic, Melee, or Ranged) and switch to the appropriate protection prayer. Dispatch them swiftly to reach the chest.

Tips for Maximizing Rewards

Barrows offers some of OSRS’s best mid-tier loot—think Dharok’s greataxe or Ahrim’s staff. Here’s how pures can optimize their haul.

Loot Table Overview

Item Rarity Approx. Value (April 2025)
Dharok’s Greataxe Rare 1.5M-2M GP
Ahrim’s Staff Rare 1M-1.5M GP
Runes/Coins Common 10K-50K GP

Boosting Reward Potential

To increase your chances of rare drops:

  • Higher Kill Count: More kills (up to 22) improve odds, but balance with prayer/food limits.
  • Full Runs: Complete all brothers per trip for maximum reward rolls.
  • Prayer Efficiency: Flick prayers to conserve potions, extending your trip.

Safe Banking and Return

After looting, use your Ectophial or teleport to bank at Ferox Enclave or Clan Wars. Restock on supplies and return via the Morytania teleport or Mort’ton minigame teleport.

Mastering Barrows as a pure takes practice, but the rewards—both in loot and experience—are worth it. With this OSRS Barrows pure guide, you’re equipped to tackle the crypts, outsmart the brothers, and claim your spoils. Happy grave-robbing!