OSRS Plateskirt vs Platelegs Which Is Better for Your Adventure

OSRS Plateskirt vs Platelegs Which Is Better for Your Adventure

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), choosing the right gear can make or break your gameplay experience. Among the many armor options, the debate between plateskirts and platelegs often sparks curiosity. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, understanding the differences between these two leg armors can help optimize your combat, skilling, or even your bank balance. This guide dives deep into the plateskirt vs platelegs comparison, exploring stats, weight, cost, and more to help you decide which is best for your journey in Gielinor.

Plateskirts and platelegs are staple leg armors for melee warriors in OSRS, designed to provide solid defense against various attack types. Both occupy the leg slot and are available in materials like bronze, iron, steel, mithril, adamant, rune, and dragon. While they share many similarities, subtle differences in weight, cost, and player preference make the choice between them worth examining.

What Are Plateskirts?

Plateskirts are a type of leg armor traditionally associated with a more open, skirt-like design. They’re crafted using the Smithing skill (except for black, white, and dragon variants) or purchased from shops like Ranael’s Super Skirt Store in Al Kharid. Plateskirts are known for their slightly lighter weight compared to platelegs, which can be a small but meaningful advantage in certain scenarios.

What Are Platelegs?

Platelegs, on the other hand, are full-length leg armor that cover the entire leg, offering a more enclosed appearance. Like plateskirts, they’re craftable via Smithing (with similar exceptions) or bought from shops such as Scavvo’s Rune Store or Seddu’s Adventurer’s Store. They’re often seen as the go-to choice for players prioritizing a classic warrior aesthetic.

Stats Comparison Plateskirts vs Platelegs

One of the most critical factors in choosing between plateskirts and platelegs is their combat stats. Let’s break down how they stack up.

Defensive Bonuses

Both plateskirts and platelegs offer identical defensive stats for the same material. For example:

This means neither provides a defensive advantage over the other. Whether you’re tanking melee hits or dodging ranged attacks, the choice won’t impact your survivability.

Attack Penalties

Both armors impose identical penalties to ranged and magic attacks (-7 ranged, -21 magic for rune; same for dragon). If you’re a pure melee build, this won’t affect you, but hybrids should note that neither option is better or worse here.

Weight Difference

The most notable difference is weight. Plateskirts are consistently 1 kg lighter than their platelegs counterparts:

Armor Weight (kg)
Rune plateskirt 8.2
Rune platelegs 9.2
Dragon plateskirt 9.0
Dragon platelegs 9.0

Note: Dragon plateskirts and platelegs weigh the same, making weight a non-factor for dragon-tier gear. For rune and below, the lighter plateskirt can slightly improve run energy conservation, especially for free-to-play (F2P) players or those on long quests.

Cost and Accessibility

Price often influences gear choices in OSRS, especially for players managing their gold. Let’s compare the cost and availability of plateskirts and platelegs.

Grand Exchange Prices

Plateskirts are generally cheaper than platelegs due to lower demand. As of recent Grand Exchange trends:

The price gap is most significant for dragon gear, where platelegs can cost over three times as much. This makes plateskirts a budget-friendly option for players who want high-tier stats without breaking the bank.

Obtaining Plateskirts and Platelegs

Both armors can be acquired through various methods:

  • Smithing: Rune plateskirts and platelegs require 99 Smithing and 3 runite bars (225 XP). Dragon variants can’t be smithed.
  • Shops: Rune plateskirts are sold at Scavvo’s Rune Store (Champions’ Guild) or Seddu’s Adventurer’s Store (Nardah). Platelegs are available at the same locations.
  • Drops: Dragon plateskirts and platelegs drop from metal dragons, brutal black dragons, skeletal wyverns, and revenants.
  • Crystal Chest: Female characters may receive rune plateskirts, while male characters get platelegs.

Accessibility is roughly equal, but plateskirts’ lower demand makes them easier to snag at a discount on the GE.

Aesthetics and Player Preference

In OSRS, looks matter just as much as stats for many players. Plateskirts and platelegs offer different vibes, influencing their popularity.

Plateskirt Appeal

Plateskirts have a unique, open design that some players find stylish or nostalgic. They’re not gender-locked, so any character can wear them, but they’re often associated with a more feminine aesthetic. For players rocking a specific outfit (e.g., gilded or trimmed variants), plateskirts can complete the look at a lower cost than platelegs.

Platelegs Popularity

Platelegs are the classic choice, favored for their full-coverage, knightly appearance. They’re often seen as the “default” leg armor, especially for male characters or those aiming for a traditional warrior vibe. However, their higher demand drives up prices, particularly for dragon platelegs.

Community Opinions

The OSRS community has long debated this choice. Some players swear by plateskirts for their lighter weight and lower cost, with Reddit threads highlighting their efficiency for pures or budget builds. Others stick to platelegs for nostalgia or because they “look cooler.” Ultimately, your preference depends on whether you prioritize function or fashion.

When to Choose Plateskirts or Platelegs

So, which should you pick? Here are scenarios to guide your decision.

Choose Plateskirts If:

  • You’re on a budget: Save significant gold, especially with dragon gear.
  • Weight matters: For rune-tier armor, the 1 kg reduction can help with run energy in F2P or long slayer tasks.
  • You like the style: Plateskirts offer a unique look that stands out.
  • You’re smithing for profit: Rune plateskirts alch for the same value as platelegs (9,900 gp) but cost less to make due to market prices.

Choose Platelegs If:

  • Aesthetics are key: You prefer the classic, fully armored look.
  • You’re flexing wealth: Dragon platelegs are pricier and seen as a status symbol.
  • Weight isn’t a concern: If you’re using dragon gear or have high Agility, the weight difference is negligible.
  • You got them as a drop: No need to sell and rebuy if you already have platelegs.

Special Considerations

For specific builds, like 40-45 Defence pures, plateskirts are often recommended for their lighter weight without sacrificing stats. In PvP, some clans prefer uniformity (e.g., everyone wearing platelegs) to avoid standing out, though this is less common today. For Ironmen, plateskirts might be the better choice due to lower cost and identical performance when smithing or buying.

In conclusion, plateskirts and platelegs are nearly identical in OSRS, with the choice boiling down to weight, cost, and personal style. Plateskirts edge out slightly for budget-conscious players or those needing a minor weight advantage, while platelegs appeal to those chasing tradition or prestige. Whether you’re slaying dragons or strutting through Varrock, both options will keep you protected—so pick what feels right for your adventure!