OSRS Gloves of the Damned Ultimate Guide

OSRS Gloves of the Damned Ultimate Guide

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the Gloves of the Damned are a unique piece of equipment that have captured the attention of players for their niche utility and intriguing lore. Introduced as part of the Zeah content, these gloves offer specific benefits that make them valuable for certain activities, particularly in PvP and hybrid combat scenarios. This comprehensive guide dives into everything you need to know about the Gloves of the Damned, including how to obtain them, their stats, uses, and strategies to maximize their potential. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to Gielinor, this blog post will help you decide if these gloves deserve a spot in your inventory.

The Gloves of the Damned are a pair of hybrid gloves introduced with the Chambers of Xeric, one of OSRS‘s most iconic raids. They are notable for their unique effect, which enhances the Claws of Guthix spell, making them a situational but powerful choice for mages and hybrid fighters. Unlike other gloves like Barrows Gloves or Ferocious Gloves, their appeal lies in their specialized magic boost rather than broad combat bonuses.

Key Features

  • Unique Effect: When casting Claws of Guthix with the gloves equipped, the spell has a chance to drain the target‘s Defence by 5% on a successful hit.
  • Hybrid Utility: The gloves provide modest bonuses across Magic, Melee, and Ranged, making them versatile for multi-combat situations.
  • Tradeable: Unlike some raid rewards, these gloves can be bought and sold on the Grand Exchange, increasing accessibility.

Lore and Background

The Gloves of the Damned are tied to the dark and mysterious lore of Zeah, specifically the Chambers of Xeric. They are said to be imbued with ancient magic, reflecting the cursed nature of the raid’s environment. Their design and effect pay homage to the Guthixian faith, aligning with the Claws of Guthix spell’s thematic roots.

How to Obtain Gloves of the Damned

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Acquiring the Gloves of the Damned requires players to venture into the Chambers of Xeric, a high-level group activity. Below, we outline the steps and requirements to get your hands on these gloves.

Chambers of Xeric Requirements

  • Combat Level: A combat level of 90+ is recommended, though skilled players with lower stats can participate with a strong team.
  • Skills: High levels in Hitpoints, Attack, Strength, Defence, Magic, and Ranged are beneficial for raid efficiency.
  • Gear: Bring high-tier equipment like Ancestral Robes, Ahrim’s Staff, or Toxic Staff of the Dead for Magic-focused roles.
  • Supplies: Stock up on Saradomin Brews, Super Restores, and stamina potions for prolonged raids.

Drop Rate and Acquisition

The Gloves of the Damned are a rare drop from the Chambers of Xeric reward table. The exact drop rate is not publicly disclosed by Jagex, but it’s estimated to be around 1/100 to 1/200, depending on raid size and points earned. Players can increase their chances by:

  • Maximizing Points: Higher personal contribution points in the raid improve your odds of receiving unique rewards.
  • Team Size: Smaller teams (e.g., 3-5 players) often yield better individual loot chances compared to mass raids.
  • Consistent Raiding: Regular participation in raids increases your cumulative odds over time.

Alternatively, players can purchase the gloves from the Grand Exchange for approximately 2-3 million GP (prices fluctuate based on market trends).

Stats and Bonuses

The Gloves of the Damned offer a balanced stat profile, making them suitable for hybrid combat. Below is a detailed breakdown of their bonuses:

Stat Bonus
Attack Bonuses +4 Stab, +4 Slash, +4 Crush, +4 Magic, +4 Ranged
Defence Bonuses +4 Stab, +4 Slash, +4 Crush, +4 Magic, +4 Ranged
Other Bonuses +2 Strength, +0 Prayer

Comparison to Other Gloves

While the Gloves of the Damned are unique, they face competition from other gloves in OSRS. Here’s how they stack up:

  • Barrows Gloves: Offer higher Melee bonuses (+12 across Attack and Defence) but lack the Claws of Guthix effect.
  • Ferocious Gloves: Provide superior Melee strength (+14) but are Melee-only and lack Magic synergy.
  • Tormented Bracelet: Boosts Magic damage by 5% but has no Attack or Defence bonuses, making it less versatile.

The Gloves of the Damned shine in scenarios where the Claws of Guthix effect is leveraged, but they are outclassed in pure Melee or Ranged setups.

Best Uses for Gloves of the Damned

The Gloves of the Damned are a niche item, best suited for specific combat scenarios. Their primary strength lies in enhancing the Claws of Guthix spell, which costs 4 Fire Runes, 1 Blood Rune, and 2 Air Runes per cast and requires 60 Magic.

PvP Applications

In Player vs. Player (PvP) combat, the Gloves of the Damned can be a game-changer when used with Claws of Guthix. The spell’s Defence-draining effect allows you to:

  • Weaken Opponents: Lowering an opponent’s Defence by 5% per hit makes subsequent Melee or Ranged attacks more effective.
  • Hybrid Combos: Pair the spell with a high-damage Melee weapon like the Abyssal Whip or Dragon Claws for devastating combos.
  • Surprise Factor: The niche nature of the gloves means opponents may not anticipate the Defence drain, giving you an edge.

Pro Tip: Use the gloves in Edgeville PvP or Wilderness fights, where quick switches and hybrid tactics are common.

PvM Scenarios

In Player vs. Monster (PvM), the gloves are less common but can be useful in specific situations:

  • High-Defence Bosses: Against bosses like General Graardor or Kree’arra, the Defence-draining effect can slightly improve your team’s damage output.
  • Chambers of Xeric: The gloves can be used within the raid itself, particularly in rooms requiring Magic damage, like the Vespula encounter.
  • Low-Cost Magic: Claws of Guthix is relatively cheap compared to high-level spells like Ice Barrage, making it viable for budget setups.

Spell Synergy

To maximize the gloves’ effect, ensure you’re using Claws of Guthix with the following setup:

  • Void Knight Equipment: The Magic set boosts damage by 10%, amplifying the spell’s impact.
  • Charge Spell: Cast Charge (level 80 Magic) to increase Claws of Guthix damage by 50% for 7 minutes.
  • Staff of the Dead: Provides a +15% Magic damage boost, stacking with the gloves’ effect.

Tips and Strategies for Maximizing Value

To get the most out of the Gloves of the Damned, consider these practical tips and strategies tailored to their unique strengths.

Optimizing PvP Builds

When building a PvP setup with the gloves, focus on hybrid stats and gear switches:

  • Stat Goals: Aim for 70+ Magic, 70+ Attack, and 70+ Strength to balance spell and Melee damage.
  • Inventory Setup: Carry runes for Claws of Guthix, a Melee spec weapon (e.g., Dragon Dagger), and food like Sharks.
  • Switch Tactics: Use the gloves to drain Defence, then switch to Barrows Gloves for Melee attacks to capitalize on the reduced Defence.

Cost-Effective Training

The gloves can be used for cost-effective Magic training in PvM or PvP scenarios:

  • Safe Spots: Use Claws of Guthix from safe spots in areas like the Stronghold of Security to train Magic cheaply.
  • Low-Risk Wilderness: Cast the spell on low-level NPCs or players in low-risk Wilderness areas to practice hybrid combat.

Market Considerations

Given their tradeable nature, the Gloves of the Damned are subject to market fluctuations. Monitor Grand Exchange prices to buy low (e.g., during content lulls) or sell high (e.g., after PvP updates). As of May 2025, their price hovers around 2.5M GP, but check OSRS Wiki or GE Tracker for real-time data.

When to Skip the Gloves

Despite their strengths, the Gloves of the Damned aren’t always the best choice:

  • Pure Magic Builds: If you’re using spells like Trident of the Seas or Ice Barrage, opt for Tormented Bracelet instead.
  • Melee or Ranged Focus: Gloves like Ferocious Gloves or Ranger Gloves offer better bonuses for non-Magic combat.
  • Budget Constraints: If you can’t afford the gloves, Combat Bracelet provides similar hybrid bonuses at a fraction of the cost.

The Gloves of the Damned are a fascinating addition to OSRS, offering a blend of niche utility and hybrid versatility. While they may not be best-in-slot for every scenario, their unique Claws of Guthix effect makes them a valuable tool for PvP enthusiasts and creative PvM setups. By understanding their acquisition, stats, and optimal uses, you can decide whether these gloves fit your playstyle. Equip them, cast some spells, and embrace the damned magic of Zeah!