OSRS Best Special Attack Weapons for Dominating PvM and PvP

OSRS Best Special Attack Weapons for Dominating PvM and PvP

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), special attack weapons can turn the tide of battle, delivering devastating blows, boosting stats, or providing clutch utility in both PvM and PvP scenarios. These weapons, activated via the special attack bar, offer unique abilities that make them indispensable for players looking to optimize their combat strategies. Whether you’re tackling tough bosses or outsmarting opponents in the Wilderness, choosing the right special attack weapon is key. This guide dives into the best special attack weapons in OSRS, highlighting their strengths, uses, and how to get them, so you can elevate your gameplay.

Special attacks, or “specs,” are unique abilities tied to specific weapons, activated by consuming energy from the special attack bar. This bar regenerates at 10% every 30 seconds, taking five minutes to fully restore, and is tied to the player, not the weapon . Special attacks vary widely, offering effects like increased damage, stat boosts, or defensive benefits, making them situational but powerful tools. Knowing when and how to use these attacks can mean the difference between victory and defeat.

How Special Attacks Work

To use a special attack, players click the special attack bar or orb in the Combat Options interface. Each weapon consumes a specific percentage of energy—ranging from 5% to 100%—and delivers a unique effect. For example, some weapons deal burst damage, while others drain opponent stats or heal the user. Understanding energy costs and regeneration methods, like the Lightbearer ring (which doubles regen speed), is crucial for maximizing efficiency .

Why Special Attack Weapons Matter

Special attack weapons shine in high-stakes situations. In PvM, they can speed up boss kills or lower defenses for easier hits. In PvP, they deliver surprise combos that catch opponents off guard. Their versatility makes them essential for players aiming to excel in combat, whether you’re a mid-level adventurer or an endgame raider.

Top Melee Special Attack Weapons

OSRS Specialty Weapons and How They Work YouTube

Melee special attack weapons dominate OSRS combat due to their raw power and accessibility. From one-handed daggers to massive hammers, these weapons cater to various playstyles and budgets. Below are some of the best melee options for unleashing chaos.

Dragon Claws

Special Attack: Slice and Dice

Dragon Claws are the king of melee burst damage, using 50% special attack energy to deliver four rapid hits in a single attack. In PvP, they can stack up to 80-90 damage against low-defense targets, making them a favorite for PKers. In PvM, they excel against bosses like Vasa Nistirio and Bloat in raids, where slash and stab weaknesses align .

  • Requirements: 60 Attack
  • How to Get: Rare drop from Chambers of Xeric
  • Best For: High-DPS PvP and raid bosses

Dragon Warhammer

Special Attack: Smash

The Dragon Warhammer is a PvM powerhouse, using 50% energy to deal 50% extra damage and reduce the target’s Defense by 30% on hit. It’s a staple for high-defense bosses like Tekton or Corporeal Beast, softening them up for your team .

  • Requirements: 60 Attack
  • How to Get: Dropped by Lizardman Shamans
  • Best For: Bossing with high Defense

Bandos Godsword

Special Attack: Warstrike

The Bandos Godsword (BGS) uses 50% energy to deal up to 10% extra damage while draining the target’s Defense, Attack, Strength, Prayer, and other stats based on damage dealt. It’s ideal for PvM scenarios like General Graardor, where lowering defenses speeds up kills .

  • Requirements: 75 Attack
  • How to Get: Crafted from Bandos Hilt (God Wars Dungeon) and Godsword Blade
  • Best For: Mid-to-high-level PvM

Ranged Special Attack Weapons

Ranged special attack weapons offer precision and utility, often doubling as healing or crowd-control tools. While fewer in number, their impact in specific scenarios is undeniable.

Toxic Blowpipe

Special Attack: Toxic Siphon

The Toxic Blowpipe is a versatile ranged weapon, using 50% energy to boost accuracy by 100% and damage by 50%, while healing the user for half the damage dealt. Its fast attack speed and venom effect make it a go-to for Slayer and PvM, with the special attack saving food in prolonged fights .

  • Requirements: 75 Ranged
  • How to Get: Crafted from Tanzanite Fang (Zulrah drop) with 53 Fletching
  • Best For: Slayer, PvM, and sustain

Armadyl Crossbow

Special Attack: Armadyl’s Eye

The Armadyl Crossbow uses 50% energy to increase accuracy and damage by 50% for a single hit. It’s a solid choice for burst damage in PvP or against bosses like Zulrah, where precise ranged hits are crucial .

  • Requirements: 70 Ranged
  • How to Get: Dropped by Commander Zilyana (God Wars Dungeon)
  • Best For: PvP and high-accuracy PvM

Magic Special Attack Weapons

Magic special attack weapons are less common but provide unique defensive or offensive utility. They’re often situational, shining in hybrid builds or specific encounters.

Staff of the Dead

Special Attack: Power of Death

The Staff of the Dead uses 100% energy to halve melee damage taken for one minute, making it a lifesaver for tanking in PvM or surviving PvP ambushes. Its Fire Rune passive also supports spellcasting .

  • Requirements: 75 Magic, 75 Attack
  • How to Get: Dropped by K’ril Tsutsaroth (God Wars Dungeon)
  • Best For: Tanking and hybrid builds

Saradomin Sword

Special Attack: Sarastrike

While primarily a melee weapon, the Saradomin Sword’s special attack uses 100% energy to deal significant damage and restore Prayer points, making it a niche choice for magic-heavy setups where Prayer sustain is vital .

  • Requirements: 70 Attack
  • How to Get: Dropped by Commander Zilyana (God Wars Dungeon)
  • Best For: Prayer sustain in PvM

Budget-Friendly Special Attack Weapons

Not every player has millions of GP to spend, but budget special attack weapons can still pack a punch. These options are accessible to mid-level players and offer great value.

Dragon Dagger

Special Attack: Puncture

The Dragon Dagger is a classic, using only 25% energy to deliver two quick strikes with 15% increased accuracy and damage. Often paired with poison (p++), it’s a budget-friendly choice for PvP and Slayer tasks .

  • Requirements: 60 Attack
  • How to Get: Grand Exchange or monster drops (e.g., Shadow Warriors)
  • Best For: PvP and low-cost burst damage

Granite Maul

Special Attack: Quick Smash

The Granite Maul uses 50% energy for two rapid attacks, making it a cheap PvP finisher. Its accessibility and low requirements make it popular for mid-level players .

  • Requirements: 50 Attack, 50 Strength
  • How to Get: Dropped by Gargoyles (75 Slayer)
  • Best For: PvP and budget builds

Comparing the Best Special Attack Weapons

Choosing the right weapon depends on your goals, budget, and combat style. Below is a comparison table to help you decide:

Weapon Special Attack Energy Cost Requirements Best Use
Dragon Claws Slice and Dice 50% 60 Attack PvP, raid bosses
Dragon Warhammer Smash 50% 60 Attack High-defense PvM
Toxic Blowpipe Toxic Siphon 50% 75 Ranged Slayer, sustain
Staff of the Dead Power of Death 100% 75 Magic/Attack Tanking
Dragon Dagger Puncture 25% 60 Attack Budget PvP/Slayer

Key Takeaways:

  • Dragon Claws and Toxic Blowpipe offer unmatched versatility for damage and sustain.
  • Dragon Warhammer and Bandos Godsword excel in PvM for tackling tough defenses.
  • Budget options like Dragon Dagger remain effective for players starting out.

By mastering these special attack weapons, you’ll be ready to dominate any challenge in OSRS, from raids to the Wilderness. Equip wisely and strike hard!