OSRS Best Magic Gear Per Level: Your Ultimate Guide to Mage Progression

Mastering magic in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a rewarding journey, but having the right gear at each level can make all the difference. Whether you’re a beginner casting your first spells or an endgame mage tackling raids, this guide will walk you through the best magic gear per level. From affordable free-to-play options to high-end member exclusives, we’ve got you covered with detailed recommendations to optimize your magic attack, defense, and overall performance. Let’s dive into the world of OSRS magic gear progression!
Magic in OSRS isn’t just about leveling up your skills—it’s about equipping the right tools to maximize your spellcasting potential. Unlike melee or ranged, magic gear focuses heavily on boosting accuracy and damage through bonuses, with some sets offering unique effects like increased spell duration or healing. Choosing the best magic gear per level ensures you’re efficient in combat, training, and even PvP scenarios, saving you time and gold in the long run.
Key Stats to Understand
Before we jump into the gear, let’s break down the stats that matter:
- Magic Attack Bonus: Increases your spell accuracy, crucial against high-defense enemies.
- Magic Damage Bonus: Boosts the raw damage of your spells, making each hit more impactful.
- Magic Defense Bonus: Protects you from enemy magic attacks, especially in PvP or boss fights.
Best Magic Gear for Levels 1-20
Starting your magic journey in OSRS? At these early levels, your options are limited, but there’s still plenty of gear to get you going, especially in free-to-play (F2P).
Levels 1-10: Wizard Robes and Elemental Staves
For brand-new mages, the focus is on affordability and accessibility. Here’s what to wear:
- Head: Wizard Hat (+2 Magic Attack, +2 Magic Defense) – Buy from Betty’s Magic Emporium in Port Sarim.
- Body: Wizard Robe Top (+3 Magic Attack, +3 Magic Defense) – Dropped by wizards or purchased.
- Legs: Zamorak Monk Bottom (+2 Magic Attack, +3 Magic Defense) – Dropped by Zamorak monks.
- Weapon: Staff of Air/Water/Earth/Fire (+10 Magic Attack) – Provides unlimited runes of its element, perfect for training.
- Amulet: Amulet of Magic (+10 Magic Attack) – Crafted or bought from the Grand Exchange.
Why It’s Great: This setup is dirt cheap and boosts your early spellcasting without breaking the bank. Stick to combat spells like Wind Strike to level up quickly.
Levels 10-20: Upgrading to Imphide
Once you hit level 10, members can craft slightly better gear:
- Head: Imphide Hood (+3 Magic Attack, +2 Magic Defense) – Crafted from imphide (dropped by imps).
- Body: Imphide Robe Top (+6 Magic Attack, +5 Magic Defense) – Requires 10 Defense.
- Legs: Imphide Robe Bottom (+5 Magic Attack, +4 Magic Defense) – Crafted with spider silk for variety.
- Weapon: Staff (basic) or Mind Staff (+6 Magic Attack) – From Elemental Workshop I quest.
Why It’s Great: Imphide offers a small stat boost over wizard robes and is craftable, making it ideal for Ironmen or budget players.
Best Magic Gear for Levels 20-50
As you progress into mid-tier magic levels, you’ll unlock more powerful gear, especially if you’re a member. This is where your mage build starts to shine.
Levels 20-40: Mystic Robes and Battlestaves
At level 20, Mystic Robes become the go-to for most mages:
- Head: Mystic Hat (+4 Magic Attack, +4 Magic Defense) – Requires 20 Defense, 40 Magic.
- Body: Mystic Robe Top (+15 Magic Attack, +15 Magic Defense) – Buy from Wizards’ Guild or drops.
- Legs: Mystic Robe Bottom (+10 Magic Attack, +10 Magic Defense) – Affordable and effective.
- Weapon: Mystic Fire Staff (+10 Magic Attack) – Crafted or bought, good for fire spells.
- Cape: God Cape (+10 Magic Attack) – From Mage Arena (requires 60 Magic, but worth prepping for).
- Amulet: Amulet of Glory (+10 Magic Attack) – Rechargeable and versatile.
Why It’s Great: Mystic gear offers a huge jump in bonuses for a reasonable price, making it a staple for mid-game mages.
Levels 40-50: Splitbark and Trident of the Seas
Ready for something sturdier? Splitbark adds melee defense:
- Head: Splitbark Helm (+3 Magic Attack, +4 Magic Defense) – Requires 40 Magic, 40 Defense.
- Body: Splitbark Body (+12 Magic Attack, +18 Magic Defense) – Crafted via Wizard in Varrock.
- Legs: Splitbark Legs (+8 Magic Attack, +12 Magic Defense) – Decent melee protection.
- Weapon: Trident of the Seas (+15 Magic Attack) – Requires 75 Magic (train ahead), dropped by Cave Kraken.
Why It’s Great: Splitbark balances magic and melee defense, while the Trident introduces a built-in spell for faster training.
Best Magic Gear for Levels 50-75
Now you’re entering high-level territory. Gear at this stage offers special effects and serious power boosts.
Levels 50-60: Swampbark and Void Mage
For binding spell enthusiasts, Swampbark shines:
- Head: Swampbark Helm (+5 Magic Attack, +5 Magic Defense) – Requires 50 Magic, 50 Defense.
- Body: Swampbark Body (+20 Magic Attack, +22 Magic Defense) – Boosts binding spell duration.
- Legs: Swampbark Legs (+15 Magic Attack, +17 Magic Defense) – Crafted with nature runes.
- Weapon: Trident of the Seas (upgraded to 20k charges) – Still a solid choice.
Alternative: Void Mage Set (42 Magic, 22 Prayer) – 45% Magic accuracy boost with the helm.
Why It’s Great: Swampbark is niche but excellent for PvP, while Void Mage is a hybrid favorite.
Levels 60-75: Ahrim’s Robes and Trident of the Swamp
Ahrim’s is a classic high-level set:
- Head: Ahrim’s Hood (+6 Magic Attack, +6 Magic Defense) – Requires 70 Magic, 70 Defense.
- Body: Ahrim’s Robetop (+30 Magic Attack, +30 Magic Defense) – From Barrows minigame.
- Legs: Ahrim’s Robeskirt (+22 Magic Attack, +22 Magic Defense) – Degrades but repairable.
- Weapon: Trident of the Swamp (+15 Magic Attack, +3% Magic Damage) – Upgraded with a magic fang.
- Gloves: Barrows Gloves (+6 Magic Attack) – From Recipe for Disaster.
Why It’s Great: Ahrim’s offers top-tier stats and a set effect that lowers enemy Strength, perfect for PvM.
Best Magic Gear for Levels 75-99
Endgame magic gear is where the real power lies. These setups are expensive but unmatched in performance.
Levels 75-90: Ancestral Robes and Sanguinesti Staff
For the elite mage, Ancestral is king:
- Head: Ancestral Hat (+8 Magic Attack, +2% Magic Damage) – Requires 75 Magic, 65 Defense.
- Body: Ancestral Robe Top (+35 Magic Attack, +2% Magic Damage) – From Chambers of Xeric.
- Legs: Ancestral Robe Bottom (+26 Magic Attack, +2% Magic Damage) – Massive bonuses.
- Weapon: Sanguinesti Staff (+25 Magic Attack) – Heals you per hit, from Theatre of Blood.
- Boots: Eternal Boots (+8 Magic Attack, +8 Magic Defense) – Requires 75 Magic, 75 Defense.
- Cape: Imbued God Cape (+15 Magic Attack, +2% Magic Damage) – Upgraded from Mage Arena.
Why It’s Great: Ancestral’s +6% Magic Damage (full set) and Sanguinesti’s healing make this a PvM powerhouse.
Levels 90-99: Kodai Wand and Tumeken’s Shadow
The ultimate mage setup:
- Weapon: Kodai Wand (+28 Magic Attack, +15% Magic Damage) – Requires 80 Magic, from Chambers of Xeric.
- Off-Hand: Elidinis’ Ward (f) (+25 Magic Attack, +5% Magic Damage) – Fortified version.
- Ring: Seers Ring (i) (+12 Magic Attack) – Imbued for extra power.
- Alternative Weapon: Tumeken’s Shadow (+35 Magic Attack, +20% Magic Damage) – Triples bonuses, from Tombs of Amascut.
Why It’s Great: Kodai offers versatility with free runes, while Tumeken’s Shadow is the best-in-slot for raw damage.
Gear Progression Table
Here’s a quick reference for your magic gear journey:
Level Range | Recommended Gear | Key Benefits |
---|---|---|
1-20 | Wizard Robes, Elemental Staff | Cheap, F2P-friendly |
20-50 | Mystic Robes, Trident of the Seas | Balanced stats, affordable |
50-75 | Ahrim’s Robes, Trident of the Swamp | High stats, special effects |
75-99 | Ancestral Robes, Kodai Wand | Endgame power, max damage |
Tips for Gear Acquisition
- Save Gold: Buy gear incrementally as you level to avoid overspending.
- Quests: Unlock items like God Capes or Barrows Gloves through quests.
- Raids: Endgame gear like Ancestral and Kodai comes from high-level PvM content.
With this guide, you’re ready to dominate Gielinor as a mage. What’s your favorite magic gear setup? Let us know as you progress through your OSRS adventure!