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OSRS Best in Slot Mage Gear Guide for 2025

Mastering magic in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) demands more than just high skill levels and spell knowledge—it requires the right gear. The best in slot (BiS) mage gear maximizes your magic attack, defense, and damage bonuses, making you a formidable spellcaster in PvM, PvP, or Slayer tasks. This comprehensive guide explores the top mage gear for 2025, breaking down each equipment slot, progression tips, and strategies to acquire these coveted items. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned mage, this guide will help you optimize your setup.
In OSRS, mage gear directly impacts your spell accuracy and damage output. Magic attack bonuses increase your chance to hit, while magic damage bonuses amplify your spell’s max hit. Unlike melee or ranged, mage gear often sacrifices melee and ranged defense for superior magical stats, making gear selection critical for specific activities like bossing or Slayer. BiS gear ensures you’re dealing optimal damage while surviving encounters, saving time and resources in the long run.
Key Stats to Prioritize
When choosing mage gear, focus on these stats:
- Magic Attack Bonus: Improves spell accuracy, crucial for high-defense enemies.
- Magic Damage Bonus: Increases spell damage, ideal for PvM and bossing.
- Magic Defense Bonus: Protects against magic-based attacks, useful in PvP or specific bosses.
- Prayer Bonus: Extends prayer duration, helpful for prolonged fights.
Best in Slot Mage Gear for Each Slot
Below is a detailed breakdown of the BiS mage gear for each equipment slot in 2025, tailored for endgame players. These items offer the highest bonuses for magic-focused builds, though some may require significant wealth or effort to obtain.
Head Slot: Ancestral Hat
The Ancestral Hat is the BiS headpiece, offering +8 magic attack and +2% magic damage. Dropped from the Chambers of Xeric, it’s part of the Ancestral set, which is the pinnacle of mage armor. Its high cost (around 100M GP) reflects its rarity and power. For budget players, Ahrim’s Hood (+6 magic attack) from Barrows is a solid alternative, though it degrades.
Body Slot: Ancestral Robe Top
The Ancestral Robe Top provides +35 magic attack and +2% magic damage, making it the best body slot item. Also from Chambers of Xeric, it’s expensive but unmatched for spellcasting. Ahrim’s Robetop (+30 magic attack) is a cheaper option, with a +5% magic damage set bonus when paired with other Ahrim’s pieces.
Legs Slot: Ancestral Robe Bottom
Completing the Ancestral set, the Ancestral Robe Bottom grants +26 magic attack and +2% magic damage. Its high cost makes it an endgame goal. Ahrim’s Skirt (+22 magic attack) is a viable substitute, especially for Barrows runners.
Cape Slot: Eldritch Veil
Introduced in the Varlamore: The Final Dawn update, the Eldritch Veil is the BiS mage cape, offering +15 magic attack and +2% magic damage. Obtained from the “Delve” boss, it’s a high-skill challenge but outclasses the Imbued God Cape (+15 magic attack, +2% magic damage) from Mage Arena II, which remains a strong alternative.
Weapon Slot: Kodai Wand
The Kodai Wand is the ultimate mage weapon, providing +28 magic attack, +15% magic damage, and unlimited water runes. Dropped from Chambers of Xeric, it’s ideal for PvM and PvP. The Sanguinesti Staff (+25 magic attack) is a close second, with passive healing, perfect for solo content.
Off-Hand Slot: Arcane Spirit Shield
The Arcane Spirit Shield offers +20 magic attack and strong defensive bonuses, making it the BiS off-hand for mages. Obtained from Corporeal Beast, it’s pricey (around 200M GP). Budget players can opt for the Mage’s Book (+15 magic attack) from Mage Training Arena.
Boots Slot: Eternal Boots
Eternal Boots provide +8 magic attack and require 75 Magic and Defense. Crafted with a crystal and infinity boots, they’re a long-term investment. Infinity Boots (+5 magic attack) are a cheaper alternative for mid-level players.
Gloves Slot: Tormented Bracelet
The Tormented Bracelet grants +10 magic attack and +5% magic damage, making it the BiS glove slot item. Dropped from Theatre of Blood, it’s costly but powerful. Barrows Gloves (+6 magic attack) are a budget-friendly option from Recipe for Disaster.
Neck Slot: Occult Necklace
The Occult Necklace is unmatched, offering +12 magic attack and +10% magic damage. Dropped from Thermonuclear Smoke Devil, it’s relatively affordable (around 500K GP) and essential for any mage build.
Ring Slot: Magus Ring
The Magus Ring provides +10 magic attack and +5% magic damage, making it the BiS ring for mages. Crafted from a Zenyte bracelet with 93 Magic, it’s a high-end choice. The Seers Ring (i) (+8 magic attack) is a good alternative from Nightmare Zone.
Slot | Item | Magic Attack Bonus | Magic Damage Bonus | Approximate Cost (GP) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Head | Ancestral Hat | +8 | +2% | 100M |
Body | Ancestral Robe Top | +35 | +2% | 150M |
Legs | Ancestral Robe Bottom | +26 | +2% | 100M |
Cape | Eldritch Veil | +15 | +2% | Variable (Boss Drop) |
Weapon | Kodai Wand | +28 | +15% | 80M |
Off-Hand | Arcane Spirit Shield | +20 | 0% | 200M |
Boots | Eternal Boots | +8 | 0% | 5M |
Gloves | Tormented Bracelet | +10 | +5% | 20M |
Neck | Occult Necklace | +12 | +10% | 500K |
Ring | Magus Ring | +10 | +5% | 10M |
Mage Gear Progression for Beginners to Mid-Level Players
Not everyone can afford Ancestral robes or a Kodai Wand right away. Here’s a progression path for mages at different stages:
Free-to-Play (F2P) Gear
Start with Wizard Robes (hat and top) and a Staff of Air. These provide minimal magic attack bonuses but are accessible from NPC shops or low-level monsters. The Amulet of Magic (+10 magic attack) is a cheap boost from the Grand Exchange.
Early Members (Level 1-50 Magic)
Upgrade to Mystic Robes (hat, top, bottom) at 40 Magic for +20 magic attack per piece. Pair with an Elemental Staff (e.g., Staff of Fire) for unlimited runes, ideal for splashing training. The Glory Amulet (+10 magic attack) is a solid neck slot choice.
Mid-Level (Level 50-75 Magic)
At 70 Magic, equip Infinity Robes (+55 magic attack total) from Mage Training Arena or the Grand Exchange (7M GP). The Trident of the Seas (+15 magic attack) is a powerful weapon for Slayer and PvM, obtainable by farming Cave Krakens. Add a God Cape (+10 magic attack) from Mage Arena I.
How to Obtain BiS Mage Gear
Acquiring BiS mage gear requires a mix of grinding, questing, and wealth accumulation. Here are the primary methods:
- Chambers of Xeric: Drops Ancestral robes and Kodai Wand. Requires high combat stats and a team.
- Theatre of Blood: Source of Tormented Bracelet. Ideal for group PvM with high skill requirements.
- Corporeal Beast: Drops Arcane Spirit Shield. Solo or small teams with high Magic levels excel here.
- Varlamore Delve Boss: Yields Eldritch Veil. A challenging solo or group encounter introduced in 2025.
- Grand Exchange: Most BiS items are tradeable. Save GP by skilling or PvM to buy gear directly.
Quest Requirements
Some gear requires quests:
- Mage Arena I and II: Unlocks God Capes and Imbued God Capes.
- Lunar Diplomacy: Access to Lunar armor, a mid-tier option with melee defense.
- Varlamore Questline: Completes with Twilight Emissaries, unlocking the Delve boss for Eldritch Veil.
Tips for Optimizing Your Mage Build
BiS gear is only part of the equation. Here’s how to maximize your mage performance:
Gear Synergy
Combine items with magic damage bonuses (e.g., Ancestral set, Occult Necklace, Tormented Bracelet) for maximum DPS. The Ancestral set’s +6% magic damage stacks with the Kodai Wand’s +15%, making spells hit harder.
Activity-Specific Setups
Tailor your gear to the task:
- Slayer: Use Trident of the Seas and Mystic Robes for cost-effective training.
- Bossing: Equip Ancestral robes and Kodai Wand for maximum DPS.
- PvP: Pair Ahrim’s set with an Arcane Spirit Shield for balanced offense and defense.
Budget Alternatives
If BiS gear is out of reach, prioritize affordable items like the Occult Necklace and Mystic Robes. These offer significant bonuses without breaking the bank. Gradually upgrade as you earn more GP through skilling or PvM.
With the right BiS mage gear, you’ll dominate OSRS’s toughest challenges. Start with accessible items, progress through mid-tier gear, and aim for endgame setups like the Ancestral set and Kodai Wand. Happy spellcasting!