OSRS Gear Progression Guide 2024

Gear progression in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a critical aspect of optimizing your gameplay, whether you’re training combat skills, tackling PvM challenges, or engaging in PvP. Unlike linear progression in other MMORPGs, OSRS offers flexibility based on your build, wealth, and goals. This guide outlines the best gear progression paths for melee, ranged, and magic in 2024, tailored for efficiency and accessibility. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned veteran, this guide will help you navigate the gear landscape to maximize your performance.

Gear progression in OSRS depends on several factors: combat levels, quest completions, available gold, and the content you’re focusing on (e.g., Slayer, raids, or bossing). Unlike other games, you can achieve max combat stats with low-tier gear, though this sacrifices efficiency. Mixing and matching gear is common, especially for players on a budget or those with restrictive builds like pures. This guide focuses on general progression for main accounts, with tips for Ironmen where relevant.

Factors Influencing Gear Choices

• Combat Stats: Higher Attack, Strength, Defence, Ranged, and Magic levels unlock better gear.
• Quests: Quests like “Fremennik Trials” or “Recipe for Disaster” unlock key items (e.g., Helm of Neitiznot, Barrows Gloves).
• Wealth: Budget gear is viable, but high-end items like Torva or Tumeken’s Shadow require significant investment.
• Content: Slayer tasks, raids like Tombs of Amascut (ToA), or PvP may require specialized gear.

Melee Gear Progression

Melee is the most commonly used combat style in OSRS due to its accessibility and low cost, as it doesn’t require ammunition or runes. Melee gear focuses on Strength for damage, Attack for accuracy, and Defence for survivability. Below is a progression path from beginner to endgame.

Early Game (Levels 1–40)

Start with basic metal armor sets that match your Defence level. Prioritize Strength bonuses for faster training.

• Weapon: Iron Scimitar (Level 1 Attack) → Mithril Scimitar (Level 20 Attack) → Rune Scimitar (Level 40 Attack)
• Armor: Iron Armor (Level 1 Defence) → Adamant Armor (Level 30 Defence)
• Accessories: Amulet of Strength, Combat Bracelet

Tip: Complete “Vampyre Slayer” for the Stake, which is a decent early weapon. Buy gear from the Grand Exchange or NPC shops for affordability.

Mid Game (Levels 40–70)

At this stage, focus on quest rewards and affordable upgrades. The Rune Scimitar remains viable until you unlock the Dragon Scimitar.

Slot	Gear	Requirements	Notes
Weapon	Dragon Scimitar	60 Attack, Monkey Madness I	Best mid-tier weapon for training.
Head	Helm of Neitiznot	Fremennik Trials	Strong melee bonuses, affordable.
Body	Fighter Torso	Barbarian Assault	+4 Strength bonus, free but time-consuming.
Off-hand	Rune Defender	Warriors’ Guild, 40 Defence	Boosts Strength and Attack.

Tip: Train Slayer to unlock the Black Mask, which provides a 16.67% damage and accuracy boost against assigned monsters.

Late Game (Levels 70+)

Endgame melee gear focuses on high Strength bonuses for DPS or tank setups for bossing. Key items include:

• Weapon: Abyssal Whip (70 Attack) → Blade of Saeldor (82 Attack) → Scythe of Vitur (90 Attack, 90 Strength)
• Armor: Bandos Chestplate and Tassets (65 Defence) → Full Torva (80 Defence)
• Accessories: Amulet of Torture, Berserker Ring (i), Barrows Gloves
• Cape: Fire Cape → Infernal Cape (requires The Inferno)

Ironman Tip: Grind Barrows for armor sets like Dharok’s or Verac’s, which are viable mid-to-late game options.

Ranged Gear Progression

Ranged is ideal for safe-spotting and bossing, with gear focusing on Ranged Attack and Strength bonuses. Progression is more expensive due to ammunition costs but highly effective for PvM.

Early Game (Levels 1–40)

Start with leather armor and shortbows, upgrading as your Ranged level increases.

• Weapon: Shortbow (up to Willow, Level 20 Ranged) → Magic Shortbow (50 Ranged)
• Armor: Leather Armor → Studded Leather (20 Defence, 20 Ranged)
• Ammunition: Iron Arrows → Mithril Arrows

Tip: Train at low-level monsters like cows or chickens to save on ammo costs.

Mid Game (Levels 40–70)

Quest rewards and affordable gear shine here. The Magic Shortbow with Rune Arrows is a powerhouse for training.

• Weapon: Magic Shortbow → Rune Crossbow (61 Ranged)
• Armor: Black D’hide Armor (70 Ranged, 40 Defence)
• Accessories: Ava’s Accumulator (Animal Magnetism), Amulet of Glory

Tip: Complete “Death to the Dorgeshuun” for access to the Bone Crossbow, a cheap alternative for F2P players.

Late Game (Levels 70+)

Endgame ranged gear is costly but offers unmatched DPS. Key items include:

• Weapon: Bow of Faerdhinen (80 Ranged) → Twisted Bow (85 Ranged)
• Armor: Armadyl Armor (70 Defence, 70 Ranged) → Masori Armor (80 Ranged, 80 Defence)
• Accessories: Necklace of Anguish, Ranger Gloves, Venator Ring

Ironman Tip: Grind Corrupted Gauntlet for the Bow of Faerdhinen, a game-changer for ranged PvM.

Magic Gear Progression

Magic is versatile for combat, teleports, and utility spells. Gear focuses on Magic Attack and Damage bonuses, with progression tied to Magic levels and wealth.

Early Game (Levels 1–40)

Free-to-play (F2P) players can use basic wizard gear, while members have access to slightly better options.

• Weapon: Elemental Staff (Air, Fire, etc.) → Staff of Earth (10 Magic)
• Armor: Wizard Robes → Mystic Robes (40 Magic, 20 Defence)
• Accessories: Amulet of Magic, Combat Bracelet

Tip: Use the Air Staff for free runes when casting low-level spells.

Mid Game (Levels 40–70)

Mid-tier magic gear offers significant boosts for training and PvM. The Trident of the Seas is a standout weapon.

Slot	Gear	Requirements	Notes
Weapon	Trident of the Seas	75 Magic	Built-in spell, high damage.
Body	Bloodbark Armor	60 Magic, 60 Defence	Boosts Blood Spells, decent defence.
Neck	Occult Necklace	70 Magic	+10% Magic Damage.

Tip: Train Magic via High Alchemy or splashing for cost efficiency.

Late Game (Levels 70+)

Endgame magic gear is expensive but essential for high-level PvM like Chambers of Xeric. Key items include:

• Weapon: Sanguinesti Staff (82 Magic) → Tumeken’s Shadow (85 Magic)
• Armor: Ancestral Robes (75 Magic, 65 Defence)
• Accessories: Arcane Spirit Shield, Tormented Bracelet, Imbued God Cape

Ironman Tip: Chambers of Xeric is your go-to for Ancestral Robes, but Ahrim’s set from Barrows is a solid alternative.

Tips for Efficient Gear Progression

To progress efficiently, balance gear upgrades with account progression. Here are some actionable tips:

• Quest Early: Complete quests like “Monkey Madness I,” “Fremennik Trials,” and “Recipe for Disaster” for key gear unlocks.
• Train Slayer: Slayer tasks provide gold, gear drops, and access to items like the Slayer Helmet (i).
• Save Gold: Avoid overspending on marginal upgrades; prioritize big-ticket items like the Abyssal Whip or Bow of Faerdhinen.
• Use the Grand Exchange: Check prices regularly to buy gear during market dips.
• Leverage Minigames: Barbarian Assault (Fighter Torso) and Pest Control (Void Armor) offer free, powerful gear.

Note: For Ironmen, focus on grinding specific content (e.g., Barrows, Corrupted Gauntlet) to acquire gear directly, as you can’t rely on the Grand Exchange.

Conclusion

OSRS gear progression in 2024 is about making smart choices based on your combat levels, wealth, and goals. Whether you’re slashing through enemies with a Scythe of Vitur, sniping bosses with a Twisted Bow, or casting spells with Tumeken’s Shadow, this guide provides a clear path from beginner to endgame. Prioritize quests, Slayer, and efficient gold-making to unlock the best gear, and don’t shy away from mixing budget and high-tier items to suit your needs. Happy scaping!