OSRS BGS or DWH Which Weapon Should You Choose
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), choosing the right weapon for your combat needs can make or break your performance in high-level PvM (Player vs Monster) encounters. Two standout special attack weapons, the Bandos Godsword (BGS) and the Dragon Warhammer (DWH), are often debated for their utility in bossing and group content. Both weapons excel in specific scenarios, but which one is the better choice for your playstyle, budget, and goals? This guide dives deep into the mechanics, use cases, and comparisons of the BGS and DWH to help you decide.
The Bandos Godsword is a two-handed weapon requiring 75 Attack to wield. It’s one of the four Godswords in OSRS, obtainable through combining a Godsword hilt (dropped by General Graardor in the God Wars Dungeon) with a Godsword blade. Known for its powerful special attack, the BGS is a staple in many PvM loadouts.
BGS Special Attack: Warstrike
The BGS’s special attack, Warstrike, consumes 50% of the special attack bar and deals up to 110% of your max hit with a 10% boost to accuracy. Its defining feature is the defence drain effect, which reduces the target’s Defence level by the amount of damage dealt. This makes it highly effective against bosses with high Defence, such as those in the God Wars Dungeon or raids like Chambers of Xeric.
Best Use Cases for BGS
- Team Bossing: In group scenarios like Corporeal Beast or Nightmare of Ashihama, the BGS shines by lowering the boss’s Defence, benefiting the entire team’s damage output.
- High-Defence Targets: Bosses like General Graardor or Kree’arra become easier to hit after a successful Warstrike.
- Solo Content: For solo players tackling bosses like Vorkath, the BGS can soften up the target before switching to a primary DPS weapon.
BGS Stats and Requirements
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Attack Requirement | 75 |
| Strength Bonus | +132 |
| Slash Bonus | +132 |
| Special Attack Cost | 50% (2 attacks per full bar) |
Exploring the Dragon Warhammer (DWH)
The Dragon Warhammer is a one-handed weapon requiring 60 Attack to wield. Dropped by the Lizardman Shamans in the Shayzien region, the DWH is prized for its devastating special attack, which can drastically reduce a target’s Defence. Its accessibility and lower stat requirements make it a popular choice for mid-to-high-level players.
DWH Special Attack: Power Surge
The DWH’s special attack, Power Surge, uses 50% of the special attack bar and has a 25% increased accuracy compared to a regular hit. If it lands, it reduces the target’s Defence by 30% of their current Defence level. This multiplicative effect is incredibly potent against high-Defence bosses, often outperforming the BGS in single-hit impact.
Best Use Cases for DWH
- Raids and High-Level PvM: In Chambers of Xeric or Theatre of Blood, a single DWH spec can lower a boss’s Defence significantly, boosting team DPS.
- Solo Bossing: Players tackling bosses like Cerberus or Thermonuclear Smoke Devil benefit from the DWH’s reliable Defence reduction.
- Budget Builds: With a lower Attack requirement and often a lower price than the BGS, the DWH is ideal for players still building their gear.
DWH Stats and Requirements
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Attack Requirement | 60 |
| Strength Bonus | +95 |
| Crush Bonus | +85 |
| Special Attack Cost | 50% (2 attacks per full bar) |
Comparing BGS and DWH: Key Differences
While both weapons serve as Defence-reducing tools, their mechanics and practical applications differ significantly. Let’s break down the core differences to help you choose.
Defence Reduction Mechanics
The BGS’s Warstrike reduces Defence based on the damage dealt, making it less predictable but potentially more effective if you land a high hit. The DWH, however, applies a consistent 30% Defence reduction, which is more reliable, especially against bosses with extremely high Defence levels (e.g., Tekton in Chambers of Xeric).
Stat Requirements and Accessibility
The BGS requires 75 Attack, locking it behind a higher skill threshold, while the DWH’s 60 Attack requirement makes it accessible to more players. Additionally, the DWH is generally cheaper (around 30-40M GP as of May 2025) compared to the BGS (50-60M GP), though prices fluctuate based on market trends.
Team vs. Solo Play
In team settings, the DWH is often preferred due to its reliable Defence reduction, which benefits the entire group immediately. The BGS, while still effective, relies on landing multiple specs for consistent results, which may not be as efficient in fast-paced encounters. For solo play, the choice depends on the boss and your gear—BGS pairs well with high-DPS setups, while DWH is a safer bet for consistent Defence lowering.
Practical Scenarios: When to Use Each Weapon
Choosing between the BGS and DWH often comes down to the specific content you’re tackling. Here are some scenarios to guide your decision.
Chambers of Xeric (CoX)
In CoX, the DWH is king for bosses like Tekton, where a single spec can drop Defence by thousands of levels. The BGS is less effective here due to Tekton’s massive Defence pool, but it can still be useful for smaller rooms or Olm’s melee hand.
Theatre of Blood (ToB)
The DWH is a must-have in ToB for bosses like Verzik Vitur, where Defence reduction is critical for melee teams. The BGS is rarely used here, as its inconsistent Defence drain doesn’t match the DWH’s reliability.
God Wars Dungeon (GWD)
The BGS shines in GWD, especially against General Graardor, where its Defence drain synergizes with the boss’s high Defence and moderate health pool. The DWH is still viable but less impactful due to the lower base Defence of GWD bosses.
Solo Bossing (e.g., Vorkath, Zulrah)
For solo bosses, the BGS is often preferred if you have high-end gear (e.g., Inquisitor’s Mace) to capitalize on the Defence reduction. The DWH is better for budget setups or when consistency is key, such as at Cerberus.
Tips for Maximizing BGS and DWH Effectiveness
Regardless of which weapon you choose, proper usage is key to getting the most out of their special attacks. Here are some practical tips:
Optimize Your Setup
- Accuracy Boosts: Equip items like the Ferocious Gloves or Primordial Boots to increase your hit chance, especially for the DWH, which relies on landing the spec.
- Special Attack Energy: Use a Saradomin Godsword or Ornate Rejuvenation Pool to restore special attack energy quickly in prolonged fights.
- Prayer Bonus: Gear with high Prayer bonuses (e.g., Proselyte armour) helps sustain Piety or Rigour for better accuracy and damage.
Timing Your Special Attacks
For the DWH, aim to land your spec at the start of the fight to maximize the Defence reduction’s impact. With the BGS, you may need multiple specs, so prioritize high-damage phases (e.g., when the boss is stunned) to increase your hit potential.
Combine with Other Weapons
Both weapons are typically used as switches, not primary DPS tools. Pair the BGS with a high-DPS weapon like the Scythe of Vitur, and use the DWH alongside a Dragon Hunter Lance or Elder Maul for optimal results.
Monitor Market Prices
Check Grand Exchange prices regularly, as the BGS and DWH can fluctuate significantly. If one becomes much cheaper, it might tip the scales in its favor based on your budget.
Conclusion: The choice between the Bandos Godsword and Dragon Warhammer ultimately depends on your combat level, budget, and the content you’re tackling. The DWH is the go-to for raids and high-Defence bosses due to its reliable 30% Defence reduction and lower cost. The BGS, while more expensive and less consistent, excels in scenarios where incremental Defence drains are effective, like GWD or solo bossing with high-end gear. Consider your priorities—accessibility, team dynamics, or raw power—and test both weapons in your preferred content to see which fits your playstyle best.