OSRS Dragon Boots vs Bandos Boots Which Is Better for Your Build

When you’re deep in the world of Old School RuneScape (OSRS), picking the right gear can make or break your adventure. Boots, in particular, might seem like a small detail, but they can shift the tide in combat. Two popular choices for melee players are Dragon Boots and Bandos Boots. As someone who’s spent countless hours grinding in the God Wars Dungeon and tackling Slayer tasks, I’ve worn both pairs and felt their impact firsthand. So, which boots should you choose? Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty, compare their stats, and figure out what fits your playstyle best.

Dragon Boots are a classic in OSRS, and I remember the first time I got my hands on a pair. It was after a long grind killing Spiritual Mages in the God Wars Dungeon, and the drop felt like a victory lap. These boots are made of Orikalkum metal and require 60 Defence to wear. They’re a go-to for many mid-to-high-level players because they strike a balance between offense and defense without burning a hole in your coin pouch.

Stats and Bonuses of Dragon Boots

Here’s what Dragon Boots bring to the table:

• Strength Bonus: +4 (great for boosting melee damage)

• Melee Defence: +17 Stab, +18 Slash, +16 Crush

• Ranged Defence: +0 (no protection here)

• Magic Defence: +2

• Weight: 1 kg (light and practical for running around)

• Other: No prayer bonus

The +4 Strength bonus is what makes Dragon Boots shine. That little extra damage can stack up, especially during long Slayer tasks or player-killing sessions. I’ve used these boots extensively while training Slayer, and the extra punch they give to my attacks is noticeable, especially when paired with a good weapon like a Dragon Scimitar.

How to Get Dragon Boots

You’ll need to head to the God Wars Dungeon and take on Spiritual Mages, which requires 83 Slayer to kill. The drop rate isn’t terrible, but it’s not a guaranteed grab either. Expect to spend a few hours grinding. Alternatively, you can buy them off the Grand Exchange for around 200k-300k GP, making them a budget-friendly option compared to other high-tier boots.

Why Choose Dragon Boots

Why do I love Dragon Boots? For one, they’re versatile. Whether I’m fighting in the Wilderness or taking on a Slayer task, the Strength bonus gives me an edge. Plus, they’re lightweight, which is a godsend when I’m sprinting through dangerous areas like Pyramid Plunder. If you’re a melee player looking to maximize damage without spending millions, Dragon Boots are a solid pick.

Exploring Bandos Boots

Now, let’s talk about Bandos Boots. These are part of the Bandos Armour set, dropped by General Graardor or his minions in the God Wars Dungeon. I’ll never forget the adrenaline rush of my first Bandos kill and seeing those boots drop. They require 65 Defence to equip and are known for their tanky stats, which makes them a bit of an outlier in the Bandos set since the chestplate and tassets focus on Strength.

Stats and Bonuses of Bandos Boots

Here’s a breakdown of what Bandos Boots offer:

• Strength Bonus: +0 (no offensive boost)

• Melee Defence: +17 Stab, +18 Slash, +19 Crush

• Ranged Defence: +15 (second-best for boots, only beaten by Guardian Boots)

• Magic Defence: +1

• Prayer Bonus: +1

• Weight: 6 kg (hefty compared to other boots)

The standout feature here is the +15 Ranged Defence, which is a big deal if you’re facing ranged attacks. The +1 Prayer bonus is a nice touch, especially for prolonged fights where every prayer point counts. But that 6 kg weight? It’s a pain if you’re doing anything that involves a lot of running.

How to Get Bandos Boots

Bandos Boots come from General Graardor or his bodyguards in the God Wars Dungeon. The drop rate is rare, so you’ll need some luck or a lot of patience. They’re also available on the Grand Exchange, but they’re cheaper than other Bandos items, often sitting around 200k-300k GP due to lower demand. Why? Most players skip them for boots with a Strength bonus.

Why Choose Bandos Boots

Bandos Boots are for players who want to tank. I’ve used them when facing ranged-heavy bosses or when I needed to survive longer in the God Wars Dungeon. The Ranged Defence is a lifesaver against Bandos followers, and the Prayer bonus helps stretch my Prayer Potions. But honestly, their weight makes them a hassle for activities like skilling or Wilderness PKing.

Comparing Dragon Boots vs Bandos Boots

To make things clear, let’s put these boots side by side in a table:

Feature	Dragon Boots	Bandos Boots
Defence Requirement	60	65
Strength Bonus	+4	+0
Melee Defence	+17 Stab, +18 Slash, +16 Crush	+17 Stab, +18 Slash, +19 Crush
Ranged Defence	+0	+15
Magic Defence	+2	+1
Prayer Bonus	+0	+1
Weight	1 kg	6 kg
Cost (Approx.)	200k-300k GP	200k-300k GP

Which Boots Are Better for Melee Damage

If you’re all about dealing damage, Dragon Boots win hands-down. That +4 Strength bonus might not sound like much, but it adds up over time. When I was grinding Slayer tasks like Dust Devils or Gargoyles, I noticed my kills were faster with Dragon Boots compared to Bandos Boots. The lack of a Strength bonus on Bandos Boots makes them less appealing for most melee setups.

Which Boots Are Better for Tanking

For tanking, Bandos Boots take the crown. The +15 Ranged Defence is huge when you’re up against ranged attacks, like those from General Graardor’s minions or ranged PKers in the Wilderness. I once tanked a brutal PK attempt in the Wilderness thanks to Bandos Boots paired with Justiciar Armour. The Prayer bonus also helped me keep Protect from Missiles up longer.

Upgrades to Consider

Both boots can be upgraded, which is worth thinking about:

• Dragon Boots + Primordial Crystal = Primordial Boots (+2 Strength, +5 Melee Attack, better defence, 75 Defence/Strength required)

• Bandos Boots + Black Tourmaline Core = Guardian Boots (+24 Ranged Defence, +32 Melee Defence, 75 Defence required)

Primordial Boots are the best-in-slot for melee damage, while Guardian Boots are top-tier for tanking. I’ve seen Primordial Boots make a massive difference in high-level PvM like Theatre of Blood, but they’re expensive. Guardian Boots, on the other hand, are perfect for tank roles in raids or boss fights.

When to Use Each Pair

So, when should you wear Dragon Boots, and when are Bandos Boots the better choice? Here’s my take based on years of playing OSRS:

Best Scenarios for Dragon Boots

• Slayer Tasks: The Strength bonus speeds up kills, especially for melee-focused tasks like Abyssal Demons.

• Player-Killing (PKing): In the Wilderness, every bit of damage counts, and the lightweight nature helps with mobility.

• Budget Builds: If you can’t afford Primordial Boots, Dragon Boots are a cost-effective alternative.

Best Scenarios for Bandos Boots

• God Wars Dungeon: Wearing Bandos Boots makes Bandos followers unaggressive, saving you from extra fights.

• Ranged Tank Builds: Their high Ranged Defence is ideal for tanking ranged attacks, like in raids or against bosses like Kree’arra.

• Prayer-Intensive Fights: The +1 Prayer bonus is small but helps in long boss fights like General Graardor.

Personal Experiences and Tips

As an OSRS veteran, I’ve flip-flopped between these boots depending on the situation. During my early days, Dragon Boots were my go-to because they were affordable and boosted my damage. I remember taking on my first Fire Cape attempt with Dragon Boots, and that +4 Strength bonus helped me chip away at Jad’s health just a bit faster. But when I started doing Bandos GWD runs, I switched to Bandos Boots. The Ranged Defence and Prayer bonus made tanking General Graardor’s minions much easier, especially when I was low on supplies.

One tip: if you’re choosing Bandos Boots, pair them with gear that maximizes Ranged Defence, like Justiciar or Barrows. For Dragon Boots, focus on Strength-boosting gear like the Bandos Chestplate or Fighter Torso. Also, keep an eye on your inventory weight. Bandos Boots’ 6 kg can slow you down, so avoid them for activities like ZMI or Pyramid Plunder.

Community Opinions

The OSRS community has strong opinions on these boots. On Reddit, players often say Dragon Boots are better for melee situations due to their Strength bonus, while Bandos Boots are preferred for tanking. One post I came across summed it up: “Bandos Boots are great for range def, but Dragon Boots help you kill faster.” Another player pointed out that Bandos Boots are “the odd one out” in the Bandos set because they lack offensive bonuses, which is why many opt for Dragon or Primordial Boots instead.

Are Upgraded Boots Worth It

Should you upgrade to Primordial or Guardian Boots? It depends. Primordial Boots are a game-changer for melee DPS, but the Primordial Crystal is a rare drop from Cerberus, and the boots can cost millions. Guardian Boots, made from Bandos Boots and a Black Tourmaline Core, are pricier but offer unmatched defence. If you’re a high-level player doing endgame content, these upgrades are worth it. For mid-level players, stick with Dragon or Bandos Boots to save GP.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between Dragon Boots and Bandos Boots comes down to your playstyle. If you’re a damage-dealing machine, go for Dragon Boots. Their Strength bonus and low cost make them a no-brainer for Slayer, PKing, or budget builds. If you need to tank ranged attacks or survive longer in tough fights, Bandos Boots are your best bet, especially in the God Wars Dungeon. Personally, I lean toward Dragon Boots for their versatility, but I keep Bandos Boots in my bank for specific scenarios.

What’s your go-to pair? Have you tried upgrading to Primordial or Guardian Boots? Let me know your thoughts, and happy scaping!