OSRS Best in Slot 1 Defence Pure Guide
Building a 1 Defence pure in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a thrilling challenge that prioritizes raw offensive power over defensive capabilities. These accounts, designed for player-killing (PvP) and select PvM scenarios, maintain a Defence level of 1 to keep combat levels low while maximizing damage output. This guide dives into the best-in-slot (BiS) gear for 1 Defence pures, covering melee, ranged, and magic setups to help you dominate the Wilderness or tackle specific content. Whether you’re a seasoned PKer or starting fresh, we’ll break down the optimal equipment, why it matters, and how to make the most of your pure’s potential.
A 1 Defence pure sacrifices armor-based protection to focus on high-damage combat skills like Strength, Attack, Ranged, and Magic. This build shines in PvP due to its ability to hit hard at lower combat levels, catching opponents off guard. However, the lack of Defence makes you a glass cannon—capable of dishing out pain but vulnerable to taking it. Knowing your BiS gear is critical to squeezing every ounce of performance from your pure while staying competitive.
Benefits of Staying 1 Defence
- Lower Combat Level: Access to weaker opponents in PvP brackets.
- High Damage Output: Maxed offensive stats paired with BiS gear amplify your max hit.
- Versatility: Switch between melee, ranged, and magic for varied PKing styles.
Challenges to Overcome
Without Defence, you’re limited to lightweight armor with minimal bonuses, and PvM can be risky against hard-hitting foes. Training requires careful planning, often relying on safe spots or low-damage enemies like rock crabs. Your gear choices must compensate for this fragility, making BiS selections even more crucial.
Melee Best in Slot Gear for 1 Defence Pures
Melee is the backbone of many 1 Defence pures, offering high burst damage in close quarters. The BiS gear for melee focuses on boosting Strength and Attack bonuses to maximize your hits while maintaining some utility for prayer or accuracy.
BiS Melee Gear Breakdown
| Slot | Item | Key Stats | Why It’s BiS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head | Strength Hood | +8 Strength | Highest Strength bonus for head slot; ideal for pure damage. |
| Cape | Fire Cape | +4 Strength, +11 Stab/Slash/Crush Defence | Beats Ardougne Cloak 1 for Strength; requires Fight Caves. |
| Neck | Amulet of Torture | +10 Strength, +15 Stab/Slash/Crush Attack | Top-tier Strength and Attack bonuses for melee DPS. |
| Body | God Vestment Robe Top | +6 Prayer | No Strength bonus available; prayer helps sustain Smite/Piety. |
| Legs | Fremennik Kilt | +1 Strength | Only leg slot item with Strength bonus for 1 Def pures. |
| Hands | Spiked Manacles | +4 Strength, +13 Stab/Slash/Crush Attack | Superior to Mithril Gloves for both Strength and Attack. |
| Feet | Devout Boots | +5 Prayer | Best prayer bonus for sustaining combat prayers. |
| Ring | Berserker Ring (i) | +8 Strength | Imbued version maximizes Strength for higher max hits. |
| Weapon | Soulreaper Axe | +68 Strength, +78 Slash Attack | Outperforms Scythe of Vitur on smaller targets; requires 80 Attack. |
Alternative Melee Weapons
If you’re not at 80 Attack or can’t afford the Soulreaper Axe, consider these options:
- Ghrazi Rapier: +94 Stab Attack, +55 Strength; excellent for high-accuracy targets.
- Viggora’s Chainmace: +66 Crush Attack, +53 Strength; great for crush-vulnerable enemies.
- Dragon Scimitar: Budget-friendly with +66 Slash Attack at 60 Attack.
Ranged Best in Slot Gear for 1 Defence Pures
Ranged setups allow 1 Defence pures to strike from a distance, making them ideal for safe-spotting in PvM or kiting in PvP. BiS ranged gear emphasizes Ranged Attack and Strength to ensure your arrows or bolts hit hard and true.
BiS Ranged Gear Breakdown
| Slot | Item | Key Stats | Why It’s BiS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head | Robin Hood Hat | +8 Ranged Attack | Highest Ranged Attack bonus for head slot. |
| Cape | Ava’s Accumulator | +4 Ranged Attack, +4 Ranged Strength | Ammo-saving passive plus solid bonuses. |
| Neck | Necklace of Anguish | +15 Ranged Attack, +5 Ranged Strength | Best-in-class for both accuracy and damage. |
| Body | Rangers’ Tunic | +15 Ranged Attack | Top Ranged Attack bonus for body slot. |
| Legs | Black D’hide Chaps | +17 Ranged Attack | Best affordable Ranged Attack for legs. |
| Hands | Barrows Gloves | +12 Ranged Attack | High Ranged Attack; requires Recipe for Disaster. |
| Feet | Ranger Boots | +8 Ranged Attack | Best Ranged Attack for boots slot. |
| Ring | Archers Ring (i) | +8 Ranged Attack | Imbued for maximum Ranged accuracy. |
| Weapon | Zaryte Crossbow | +110 Ranged Attack, +25 Ranged Strength | Unmatched accuracy and damage for 1 Def pures. |
Budget Ranged Options
If the Zaryte Crossbow is out of reach, try these alternatives:
- Armadyl Crossbow: +100 Ranged Attack; strong and more affordable.
- Rune Crossbow: +90 Ranged Attack; great for low budgets.
- Magic Shortbow (i): Fast attacks with +69 Ranged Attack for early-game pures.
Magic Best in Slot Gear for 1 Defence Pures
Magic is a powerhouse for 1 Defence pures, enabling teleports, binds, and high-damage spells like Ice Barrage. BiS magic gear boosts Magic Attack to ensure your spells land consistently, especially in PvP.
BiS Magic Gear Breakdown
| Slot | Item | Key Stats | Why It’s BiS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head | Elder Chaos Hood | +10 Magic Attack | Best Magic Attack for head slot with no Defence req. |
| Cape | Imbued God Cape | +15 Magic Attack, +3% Magic Strength | Highest Magic bonuses; requires Mage Arena II. |
| Neck | Occult Necklace | +12 Magic Attack, +10% Magic Strength | Boosts spell damage significantly. |
| Body | Elder Chaos Robe Top | +13 Magic Attack | Top Magic Attack for body slot. |
| Legs | Elder Chaos Robe Bottom | +11 Magic Attack | Matches top for consistent Magic bonuses. |
| Hands | Tormented Bracelet | +10 Magic Attack, +5% Magic Strength | Best Magic damage and accuracy boost. |
| Feet | Wizard Boots | +4 Magic Attack | Solid Magic Attack for boots slot. |
| Ring | Seers Ring (i) | +8 Magic Attack | Imbued for maximum Magic accuracy. |
| Weapon | Kodai Wand | +28 Magic Attack, +15% Magic Strength | Top-tier wand with built-in water runes. |
Magic Gear Alternatives
For those still grinding toward BiS, these options work well:
- Master Wand: +20 Magic Attack; cheaper and effective.
- Mystic Robes: Budget-friendly with decent Magic Attack bonuses.
- Amulet of Glory: +10 Magic Attack; affordable substitute for Occult.
Tips for Using BiS Gear Effectively
Having BiS gear is only half the battle—knowing how to use it maximizes your 1 Defence pure’s potential. Here are practical tips to get the most out of your setup.
PvP Strategies
- Hybrid Switching: Combine melee, ranged, and magic for unpredictable combos. Practice quick gear swaps to catch opponents off guard.
- Prayer Management: Use prayer-boosting gear like Vestment Robes to sustain Smite or Piety in long fights.
- Max Hit Optimization: Pair BiS gear with potions (e.g., Super Strength, Ranging Potion) to push your damage ceiling.
PvM Considerations
While PvP is the primary focus, 1 Defence pures can tackle some PvM content:
- Safe Spots: Use ranged or magic to attack from a distance, avoiding damage.
- Low-Damage Enemies: Train on rock crabs, sand crabs, or ammonite crabs for safe melee XP.
- Bosses: BiS gear enables niche bossing like Zulrah or Vorkath with careful mechanics.
Balancing Cost and Performance
Some BiS items, like the Soulreaper Axe or Zaryte Crossbow, are expensive. Prioritize affordable upgrades like Mithril Gloves or Black D’hide Chaps early on, and save for high-impact items like the Amulet of Torture or Kodai Wand as your bank grows.
By equipping the right BiS gear and mastering your playstyle, your 1 Defence pure can become a force to be reckoned with in OSRS. Whether you’re PKing in the Wilderness or grinding out quests, this guide equips you with the knowledge to optimize your build. Get out there, gear up, and start dominating!