OSRS Blue Dragonhide Shield: Your Ultimate Guide to Crafting and Using This Ranged Gear
In the vast world of Old School RuneScape (OSRS), finding the right gear can make all the difference in your adventures. One piece of equipment that often flies under the radar but offers solid utility is the Blue Dragonhide Shield. Whether you’re a mid-level player looking to bolster your ranged setup or an Ironman seeking self-sufficient crafting options, this shield has a lot to offer. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the OSRS Blue D’Hide Shield—its stats, crafting requirements, uses, and more. Let’s get started!
The Blue Dragonhide Shield, often abbreviated as “Blue D’Hide Shield,” is a piece of ranged armor in OSRS that provides a balanced mix of defensive stats with a slight ranged attack bonus. It’s part of the dragonhide armor family, crafted from the hides of blue dragons, making it a renewable and accessible option for many players.
Key Stats of the Blue D’Hide Shield
Here’s a quick rundown of the shield’s stats:
These stats make it a decent off-hand choice for mid-level ranged combat, especially when paired with blue dragonhide armor sets.
Why Choose the Blue D’Hide Shield?
Unlike some shields that focus solely on defence, the Blue D’Hide Shield offers a small ranged attack bonus, which is rare for off-hand items at this level. It’s a great stepping stone before you can afford or craft higher-tier options like the Odium Ward or Black D’Hide Shield.
How to Craft the Blue Dragonhide Shield
Crafting your own Blue D’Hide Shield is a rewarding process that ties into OSRS’s skilling system. It’s also a must for Ironmen who can’t rely on the Grand Exchange. Here’s how to do it.
Crafting Requirements
To craft the shield, you’ll need:
- Level 69 Crafting: This is the primary skill requirement.
- Yew Shield: Made with 60 Fletching using a yew log and a knife.
- 2 Blue Dragon Leathers: Obtained by tanning blue dragonhides.
- 15 Mithril Nails: Crafted with 54 Smithing from mithril bars.
- Hammer: A common tool available everywhere.
Once you have these items in your inventory, simply use the yew shield on the blue dragon leather to craft the shield, earning 140 Crafting XP in the process.
Step-by-Step Crafting Guide
- Gather Blue Dragonhides: Kill blue dragons in locations like Taverley Dungeon or the Heroes’ Guild. Each dragon drops one hide.
- Tan the Hides: Visit a tanner (e.g., in Al Kharid) and pay 20 coins per hide to turn them into blue dragon leather.
- Craft a Yew Shield: Use a knife on a yew log (60 Fletching required) to create the base shield.
- Make Mithril Nails: Smelt mithril bars into nails at an anvil with 54 Smithing.
- Combine Everything: With a hammer in your inventory, use the yew shield on the blue dragon leather to craft the final product.
Cost Breakdown
Here’s a table summarizing the approximate costs based on Grand Exchange prices (as of April 2025):
| Item | Quantity | Cost (GP) |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Dragonhide | 2 | 3,600 (1,800 each) |
| Tanning Fee | 2 | 40 (20 each) |
| Yew Log | 1 | 250 |
| Mithril Nails | 15 | 1,200 (80 each) |
| Total Cost | – | 5,090 GP |
The shield typically sells for around 5,500-6,000 GP, so crafting it might break even or yield a small profit depending on market trends.
Where to Use the Blue D’Hide Shield
The Blue Dragonhide Shield shines in specific scenarios, particularly for mid-level players or those on a budget. Let’s explore its best applications.
PvM Combat Situations
In PvM (Player vs. Monster), the shield is useful against enemies with moderate melee or ranged attacks. It’s particularly effective when training Ranged in areas like:
- Taverley Dungeon: While slaying blue dragons for their hides.
- Ogre Enclave: A lesser-known spot with safespot opportunities.
- Slayer Tasks: For mid-level tasks requiring a ranged setup.
PvP Scenarios
In PvP, the Blue D’Hide Shield can serve as a budget off-hand for rangers in the Wilderness or Edgeville. Its defensive stats help mitigate melee hits, while the +7 ranged bonus keeps your attacks competitive. However, it’s outclassed by higher-tier options like the Book of Law for serious PKing.
Comparing the Blue D’Hide Shield to Alternatives
To understand its value, let’s compare the Blue D’Hide Shield to other off-hand options available at similar levels.
Blue D’Hide Shield vs. Green D’Hide Shield
- Green D’Hide Shield: Requires 40 Ranged and 40 Defence, offers +4 Ranged Attack and lower defensive stats (e.g., +15 Slash).
- Comparison: The Blue version is a clear upgrade, with better bonuses across the board for just 10 more Ranged levels and a higher crafting requirement (64 vs. 69).
Blue D’Hide Shield vs. Book of Law
- Book of Law: Requires 65 Ranged, offers +10 Ranged Attack and +5 Prayer, but no defensive bonuses.
- Comparison: The Book of Law is superior for pure offence and prayer sustainability, but the Blue D’Hide Shield wins for defence-focused builds.
Blue D’Hide Shield vs. Odium Ward
- Odium Ward: Requires 60 Ranged, offers +12 Ranged Attack and significantly higher defensive stats (e.g., +52 Slash).
- Comparison: The Odium Ward is a late-game upgrade, but its high cost (millions of GP) makes the Blue D’Hide Shield a practical mid-tier alternative.
Tips and Tricks for Maximizing the Blue D’Hide Shield
To get the most out of this shield, consider these strategies:
Efficient Resource Gathering
Farm blue dragonhides while training Slayer or Combat in Taverley Dungeon. Use a safespot to minimize damage and maximize efficiency. Bring a teleport method (e.g., Falador Teleport) to bank quickly.
Pairing with Gear
Combine the shield with a full set of blue dragonhide armor (vambraces, body, chaps) and a crossbow like the Rune Crossbow for a cohesive mid-level ranged setup. Add an Amulet of Accuracy or Glory for extra punch.
Ironman Optimization
For Ironmen, focus on leveling Fletching, Smithing, and Crafting simultaneously. Chop yew logs, smelt mithril bars, and hunt blue dragons in one trip to streamline the process.
The Blue Dragonhide Shield may not be the flashiest item in OSRS, but its accessibility, craftability, and balanced stats make it a hidden gem for mid-level players. Whether you’re grinding Slayer, exploring PvM, or dipping your toes into PvP, this shield offers a reliable and budget-friendly option. So, grab your hammer, hunt some dragons, and craft your way to ranged success!