OSRS Granite Boots vs. Dragon Boots: Which Is Better for Your Adventure?

OSRS Granite Boots vs. Dragon Boots: Which Is Better for Your Adventure?


In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), choosing the right gear can make or break your gameplay experience. Boots, in particular, play a crucial role in enhancing your combat stats, survivability, and overall efficiency. Two popular options for mid-to-high-level players are Granite Boots and Dragon Boots. But which pair should you equip for your next adventure? In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down their stats, requirements, uses, and more to help you decide. Whether you’re slaying bosses, training Slayer, or exploring Gielinor, this guide has you covered.

Granite Boots are a unique piece of footwear introduced as part of the granite armor set. Known for their rugged appearance and solid defensive capabilities, they cater to players looking for a blend of strength and durability.

How to Obtain Granite Boots

Granite Boots are dropped exclusively by Skeletal Wyverns in the Asgarnian Ice Dungeon. These monsters require a Slayer level of 72 to fight, making the boots a mid-to-late-game item. The drop rate is relatively rare at 1/512, so you might need to grind a bit—or get lucky—to snag a pair.

Stats and Requirements

Here’s a quick rundown of Granite Boots’ key stats:

  • Defence Requirement: 50
  • Strength Requirement: 50
  • Strength Bonus: +3
  • Melee Defence Bonuses: +12 Stab, +13 Slash, +11 Crush
  • Ranged Defence Bonus: +8
  • Weight: 10 kg (notable for its heft)

Unlike most melee boots, Granite Boots also offer a modest Ranged defence bonus, making them a hybrid option for certain scenarios.

Unique Features

The standout feature of Granite Boots is their weight—10 kg is hefty compared to most boots in OSRS. While this might slow you down during run-heavy activities, it’s a trade-off for their impressive defensive stats and strength bonus, which are superior to Rune Boots.

Overview of Dragon Boots in OSRS

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Dragon Boots are a staple in the melee meta, prized for their balance of offence and defence. Crafted from Orikalkum metal, they’re a step up from many mid-tier options and a go-to choice for Slayer and PvM enthusiasts.

How to Obtain Dragon Boots

You can get Dragon Boots as a rare drop from Spiritual Mages in the God Wars Dungeon, requiring a Slayer level of 83 to kill them. With a drop rate of 1/128, they’re more accessible than Granite Boots in terms of grinding time, though the high Slayer requirement locks them behind significant progression.

Stats and Requirements

Dragon Boots bring the following to the table:

  • Defence Requirement: 60
  • Strength Bonus: +4
  • Melee Defence Bonuses: +16 Stab, +17 Slash, +18 Crush
  • Weight: 1 kg (much lighter than Granite Boots)

They don’t offer a Ranged defence bonus like Granite Boots, but their higher melee defence and strength bonus make them a powerhouse for close-combat builds.

Unique Features

Dragon Boots can be upgraded with an ornamental kit (from hard clue caskets) for a gold-trimmed aesthetic, though this is purely cosmetic. Their low weight and high stats make them versatile for prolonged combat without draining your run energy as quickly as heavier alternatives.

Comparing Stats: Granite Boots vs. Dragon Boots

To make an informed choice, let’s put Granite Boots and Dragon Boots head-to-head. Here’s a detailed comparison of their stats in a table for clarity:

Feature Granite Boots Dragon Boots
Defence Requirement 50 60 Strength Requirement 50 None
Strength Bonus +3 +4
Stab Defence +12 +16
Slash Defence +13 +17
Crush Defence +11 +18
Ranged Defence +8 0
Weight 10 kg 1 kg
Grand Exchange Price (April 2025) ~350k GP ~200k GP

Key Differences

Strength Bonus: Dragon Boots edge out with a +4 bonus compared to Granite Boots’ +3, making them slightly better for raw melee damage output.

Defence Stats: Dragon Boots dominate in melee defence across all categories, while Granite Boots offer a unique +8 Ranged defence, a rarity for melee-focused boots.

Weight: Granite Boots’ 10 kg weight is a significant drawback for mobility, whereas Dragon Boots’ 1 kg makes them ideal for extended trips.

Cost: At roughly 350k GP, Granite Boots are pricier than Dragon Boots, which hover around 200k GP, reflecting their rarity and niche appeal.

When to Use Granite Boots

Granite Boots shine in specific scenarios where their unique attributes outweigh their downsides. Here’s when you should consider strapping them on:

Best Use Cases

  • Tanking Situations: The +8 Ranged defence bonus makes them useful against mixed-damage foes like the Alchemical Hydra (pre-diary completion) or PvP scenarios where Ranged attacks are a threat.
  • Strength Training: Their +3 strength bonus is decent for mid-level players who haven’t unlocked Dragon Boots yet.
  • FashionScape: Paired with the granite set, they offer a bold, bulky aesthetic that screams “I mean business.”

Limitations

The 10 kg weight can be a dealbreaker for tasks requiring lots of running, like Slayer assignments or clue scrolls. Plus, their lower melee defence compared to Dragon Boots limits their viability in high-damage melee encounters.

When to Use Dragon Boots

Dragon Boots are a more versatile and widely adopted option, making them a staple in many players’ inventories. Here’s where they excel:

Best Use Cases

  • Slayer Tasks: Their +4 strength bonus and high melee defence make them perfect for tackling tough monsters like Cerberus or Abyssal Demons.
  • PvM Content: From God Wars Dungeon to Chambers of Xeric, Dragon Boots provide reliable stats without weighing you down.
  • Upgrade Path: They can be upgraded to Primordial Boots with a Primordial Crystal, offering best-in-slot melee stats for endgame players.

Limitations

Dragon Boots lack any Ranged or Magic defence bonuses, so they’re less flexible against hybrid enemies. Their higher Slayer requirement (83) also delays access compared to Granite Boots (72).

Final Verdict: Granite Boots or Dragon Boots?

So, which boots should you choose? It depends on your playstyle, goals, and current progression in OSRS.

For Mid-Level Players

If you’re between 50-60 Defence and haven’t hit 83 Slayer, Granite Boots are a solid pick. Their +3 strength bonus and Ranged defence give you an edge in niche situations, and they’re easier to unlock than Dragon Boots.

For High-Level Players

Once you’ve got 60 Defence and 83 Slayer under your belt, Dragon Boots are the clear winner. Their superior strength bonus, melee defence, and low weight make them a no-brainer for most combat scenarios, plus they’re cheaper and upgradeable.

Niche Scenarios

If you’re facing a boss or area with mixed Ranged and melee damage—like Mount Karuulm without the diary—Granite Boots might temporarily outshine Dragon Boots. But for general use, Dragon Boots’ versatility reigns supreme.

In conclusion, while Granite Boots have their moments, Dragon Boots are the better all-around choice for most OSRS players. Their affordability, stats, and future-proofing via upgrades make them a worthy investment. That said, don’t sleep on Granite Boots if you’re a mid-tier tank or just love their chunky vibe. Equip what fits your journey—and happy adventuring!