Your cart is empty
OSRS Grand Exchange Dragon Bones Guide
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the Grand Exchange (GE) is the central hub for trading items, and dragon bones are a staple for players looking to train Prayer or make a profit. This guide dives into everything you need to know about dragon bones on the OSRS GE, from their value and uses to trading strategies and market trends. Whether you’re a skiller, a PvMer, or a flipper, understanding the dynamics of dragon bones can boost your gameplay and gold pile.
Dragon bones are a high-value item dropped by most adult dragons in OSRS, such as green, blue, red, black, and brutal dragons. They’re primarily used to train the Prayer skill, offering 72 Prayer experience when buried or significantly more when offered at a gilded altar or the Ectofuntus. Their consistent demand makes them a hot commodity on the Grand Exchange.
Key Sources of Dragon Bones
- Green Dragons: Found in the Wilderness, these are a popular farming spot for low-to-mid-level players.
- Blue Dragons: Located in Taverley Dungeon, they’re a safer alternative with slightly better drops.
- Black Dragons: High-level players tackle these in the Myths’ Guild or Wilderness for better loot.
- Brutal Dragons: Found in the Catacombs of Kourend, offering higher drop rates but requiring more effort.
- Vorkath: A boss that drops superior dragon bones, which are even more valuable.
Why Are Dragon Bones Valuable?
The value of dragon bones stems from their role in Prayer training, one of the most expensive skills in OSRS. Players seeking fast 99 Prayer levels burn through thousands of bones, driving consistent demand. Additionally, their drop rate from dragons ensures a steady supply, balancing the market but keeping prices stable.
Current Market Trends for Dragon Bones
As of May 2025, dragon bones remain a reliable item on the GE, with prices fluctuating based on game updates, bot activity, and player demand. According to GE Tracker, dragon bones typically hover between 2,000–3,000 GP each, though prices can spike or dip due to external factors.
Factors Influencing Dragon Bone Prices
- Bot Bans: Jagex’s ban waves targeting green dragon bots can reduce supply, causing price spikes.
- Double XP Events: Increased Prayer training during these events boosts demand.
- New Content: Updates introducing new Prayer training methods or dragon-killing content can shift prices.
- Player Trends: High-level players stockpiling for 99 Prayer can temporarily inflate prices.
Historical Price Data
Looking at GE Tracker data, dragon bones hit a low of around 1,800 GP in early 2024 but climbed to 2,800 GP by mid-2025 due to bot bans and increased skilling activity. Long-term investors often buy during dips, anticipating rebounds after ban waves.
| Period | Average Price (GP) | Key Event |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2024 | 1,800–2,000 | High bot activity |
| Q3 2024 | 2,200–2,500 | Bot ban wave |
| Q1 2025 | 2,600–2,800 | Double XP event |
How to Profit from Dragon Bones on the GE
Dragon bones offer multiple ways to make money, whether through farming, flipping, or long-term investing. Here’s how to capitalize on their market.
Farming Dragon Bones
Killing dragons is the most direct way to gather bones. Green dragons in the Wilderness are popular due to their accessibility, but they come with PKer risks. Blue dragons in Taverley Dungeon are safer for consistent farming. High-level players can tackle Vorkath for superior dragon bones, which fetch higher prices.
Flipping Dragon Bones
Flipping involves buying dragon bones at a low price and selling them at a higher one. Use GE Tracker’s price graphs to identify daily or weekly lows. For example, buying at 2,500 GP and selling at 2,700 GP can yield steady profits with high volume. Be mindful of the GE’s 4-hour buy limit of 13,000 bones.
Long-Term Investing
Investing in dragon bones during price dips (e.g., post-bot influx) can pay off after ban waves or skilling events. Some players, as seen on Reddit’s r/GrandExchangeBets, report investing billions in bones, expecting spikes to 3,000+ GP. However, this strategy carries risks if prices stagnate.
Using Dragon Bones for Prayer Training
Prayer is the primary reason dragon bones are in demand. They’re a cost-effective option compared to superior dragon bones or frost dragon bones, balancing speed and expense.
Training Methods
- Gilded Altar: Offers 252 Prayer XP per bone with two lit burners, making it the fastest method.
- Ectofuntus: Grants 288 XP per bone but is slower and requires more effort.
- Burying: Only 72 XP per bone, rarely used except in Ironman accounts.
Cost to 99 Prayer
Reaching 99 Prayer from level 1 requires about 13,034,431 XP. Using a gilded altar, you’d need roughly 51,773 dragon bones (13,034,431 ÷ 252 XP). At 2,700 GP per bone, this costs around 139.8 million GP. Budget-conscious players can mix in cheaper bones like big bones for early levels.
| Method | Bones Needed | Cost at 2,700 GP (M) |
|---|---|---|
| Gilded Altar | 51,773 | 139.8 |
| Ectofuntus | 45,297 | 122.3 |
| Burying | 181,034 | 488.8 |
Tips for Trading Dragon Bones on the GE
Maximizing profits or efficiency when trading dragon bones requires strategy and market awareness. Here are actionable tips to stay ahead.
Monitor Market Tools
Use resources like GE Tracker or OSRS Exchange to track real-time price movements. These tools show buy/sell margins, historical trends, and volume, helping you time your trades.
Avoid Common Mistakes
- Overbuying: Respect the 13,000-bone buy limit to avoid locking up your GE slots.
- Ignoring Updates: Jagex’s dev blogs or Reddit posts can hint at upcoming changes affecting bone prices.
- Panic Selling: Prices may dip temporarily; hold steady if long-term trends suggest a rebound.
Community Insights
Engage with communities like r/GrandExchangeBets on Reddit for player-driven market predictions. For example, a 2025 post noted a 2B GP investment in dragon bones, banking on a price spike after a bot ban wave. While speculative, these discussions can guide your strategy.
Dragon bones are a cornerstone of the OSRS economy, blending skilling utility with trading potential. Whether you’re farming them in the Wilderness, flipping for quick profits, or investing for the long haul, understanding their GE dynamics is key. Stay informed with market tools, time your trades wisely, and leverage Prayer training demand to make the most of this iconic item. Happy trading, and may your bone pile grow!