OSRS Dragon Warhammer vs Bandos Godsword: Which Weapon Reigns Supreme?
In the vast world of Old School RuneScape (OSRS), choosing the right weapon can make or break your combat experience. Two iconic weapons often debated among players are the Dragon Warhammer and the Bandos Godsword. Both are renowned for their powerful special attacks and utility in PvM (Player vs Monster) scenarios, but which one truly stands out? In this detailed blog post, we’ll compare the Dragon Warhammer and Bandos Godsword across stats, special attacks, use cases, and more to help you decide which weapon suits your playstyle and goals in OSRS. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer, this guide will break down everything you need to know.
What is the Dragon Warhammer?
The Dragon Warhammer is a one-handed melee weapon requiring 60 Strength to wield. Dropped as a rare reward from Lizardman Shamans, it’s prized for its devastating special attack and accessibility to strength pures due to its lack of an Attack level requirement. It’s a crush weapon, making it particularly effective against enemies weak to this attack style.
Dragon Warhammer Stats
- Attack Bonus: +95 Crush
- Strength Bonus: +85
- Speed: 6 ticks (3.6 seconds)
- Special Attack: Smash (50% energy)
The Dragon Warhammer’s stats make it a solid choice for dealing raw damage, especially when paired with an off-hand item like the Avernic Defender for boosted accuracy.
Special Attack: Smash
The Smash special attack is where the Dragon Warhammer shines. It deals 50% more damage and reduces the target’s Defence level by 30% on a successful hit (must deal at least 1 damage). This makes it a go-to weapon for tackling high-Defence bosses, as the reduction scales with the target’s base Defence level, offering massive utility in group PvM.
Overview of the Bandos Godsword in OSRS
What is the Bandos Godsword?
The Bandos Godsword is a two-handed weapon requiring 75 Attack to wield. It’s one of the four Godsword variants, with its hilt obtained from General Graardor in the God Wars Dungeon and the blade crafted from shards dropped by various bosses there. Known for its versatility, it’s a staple in both PvM and PvP scenarios.
Bandos Godsword Stats
- Attack Bonus: +132 Slash, +80 Strength
- Strength Bonus: +132
- Speed: 6 ticks (3.6 seconds)
- Special Attack: Warstrike (50% energy)
With higher base stats than the Dragon Warhammer, the Bandos Godsword offers superior accuracy and damage potential, though it sacrifices the ability to use an off-hand item.
Special Attack: Warstrike
The Warstrike special attack doubles accuracy, deals 21% extra damage, and drains the target’s combat stats equal to the damage dealt, starting with Defence, then Strength, Prayer, Attack, Magic, and Ranged. This makes it highly effective against targets with moderate Defence levels or in PvP, where stat draining can cripple opponents.
Comparing Special Attacks: Dragon Warhammer vs Bandos Godsword
Defence Reduction Mechanics
The core difference between these weapons lies in their special attacks’ Defence-lowering effects:
- Dragon Warhammer: Reduces Defence by a flat 30% of the target’s current level on any hit above 0. For a boss with 300 Defence, this means a reduction of 90 levels initially, then 63 on the next hit (210 * 0.3).
- Bandos Godsword: Drains Defence equal to the damage dealt. A hit of 50 would lower Defence by 50 levels, with subsequent hits potentially draining other stats if Defence reaches 0.
The Dragon Warhammer excels against high-Defence targets (e.g., 300+ Defence bosses), while the Bandos Godsword is more effective against lower-Defence foes or when consistent hits are needed due to its higher accuracy.
Accuracy and Damage Output
The Bandos Godsword’s Warstrike has doubled accuracy, making it more reliable against heavily armored targets like General Graardor. The Dragon Warhammer, however, struggles with accuracy (especially without high Attack or gear like Inquisitor’s), but its flat 30% reduction can outshine the Bandos Godsword when it lands, particularly in team settings where multiple specs stack.
| Weapon | Special Attack Energy | Defence Reduction | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dragon Warhammer | 50% | 30% of current Defence | Lower |
| Bandos Godsword | 50% | Equal to damage dealt | Higher (doubled) |
Use Cases: When to Choose Each Weapon
Dragon Warhammer in PvM
The Dragon Warhammer is a powerhouse in group PvM, especially against bosses with sky-high Defence:
- Corporeal Beast: Its 30% Defence reduction significantly speeds up kills.
- Chambers of Xeric (Tekton): Multiple successful specs can drop Defence to near-zero.
- Vorkath: Useful for budget setups, though less effective due to Vorkath’s lower Defence (214).
It’s also handy for utility tasks, like stunning Jewelled Crabs in Chambers of Xeric or banging the door in Bandos’ Stronghold.
Bandos Godsword in PvM
The Bandos Godsword shines in solo or small-team scenarios and against bosses where accuracy matters:
- General Graardor: Higher accuracy ensures consistent Defence lowering, boosting kill speed.
- Vorkath: Preferred over Dragon Warhammer for its reliability and extra damage.
- Saradomin GWD: Effective due to slash weakness and moderate Defence levels.
It’s also a strong choice for power training or PvP due to its stat-draining versatility.
PvP Scenarios
In PvP, the Bandos Godsword often edges out the Dragon Warhammer. Warstrike’s ability to drain multiple stats can debilitate opponents, especially pures with low Defence. The Dragon Warhammer’s Smash, while potent, only affects Defence and lacks the same multi-stat impact, making it less versatile in player combat.
Cost, Accessibility, and Final Verdict
Price Comparison
As of April 4, 2025, prices fluctuate, but historically:
- Dragon Warhammer: Around 30-40M GP, driven by its rarity and PvM demand.
- Bandos Godsword: Around 20-25M GP, more accessible due to consistent supply from GWD.
The Dragon Warhammer’s higher cost reflects its niche dominance in high-level PvM, while the Bandos Godsword offers better value for general use.
Accessibility
Obtaining the Dragon Warhammer requires farming Lizardman Shamans, a task with a 1/5,000 drop rate, making it a grind. The Bandos Godsword, while requiring 75 Attack and God Wars Dungeon access, is easier to acquire through bossing or the Grand Exchange, especially for mid-to-high-level players.
Which Should You Choose?
Your choice depends on your goals:
- Pick Dragon Warhammer if: You’re focused on group PvM, tackling high-Defence bosses, or need a one-handed spec weapon with an off-hand boost.
- Pick Bandos Godsword if: You want a versatile, accurate weapon for solo PvM, PvP, or budget-friendly Defence lowering.
For most players, the Bandos Godsword offers broader utility and reliability, while the Dragon Warhammer is a specialized tool for specific endgame content. If you can afford both, they complement each other in a well-rounded arsenal.
In conclusion, neither weapon is definitively “better”—it’s about context. The Dragon Warhammer dominates in raw Defence shredding, while the Bandos Godsword balances accuracy, damage, and versatility. Equip yourself with this knowledge, and let your adventures in Gielinor guide your choice!