OSRS Pure Range Guide Ultimate Build for Low Combat PvP

Creating a Ranged Pure in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a thrilling way to dominate low-level player-versus-player (PvP) combat while keeping your combat level as low as possible. This guide dives into everything you need to know to build an effective Ranged Pure, from questing and training to gear setups and PvP strategies. Whether you’re a free-to-play (F2P) or pay-to-play (P2P) player, this comprehensive guide will help you craft a glass cannon that delivers devastating ranged attacks.
A Ranged Pure is a specialized account that maximizes the Ranged skill while keeping other combat stats—especially Defence, Attack, Strength, and Prayer—low to maintain a minimal combat level. This build excels in dealing high damage from a distance, making it ideal for PvP scenarios like the Wilderness or PvP worlds. However, the trade-off is fragility due to low defensive capabilities, requiring strategic play to succeed.
What Makes a Ranged Pure Unique
Ranged Pures focus solely on the Ranged skill for damage output, avoiding training other combat skills that could increase their combat level. In F2P, they’re less common due to the lack of knockout weapons like ballistae, but they shine in multicombat situations. In P2P, access to powerful weapons like the Magic Shortbow and Toxic Blowpipe makes them formidable. The key is balancing high Ranged levels with minimal Hitpoints to keep combat levels low, typically between 50–80.
Benefits and Challenges
- High Damage Output: Ranged Pures can hit hard with fast-attacking weapons, ideal for quick PvP kills.
- Low Combat Level: Staying at a low combat level gives you an edge against similarly leveled opponents.
- Challenge: Low Defence and Hitpoints make you vulnerable, requiring precise positioning and timing.
- Challenge: Training must be carefully planned to avoid unwanted combat experience.
Questing for Early Ranged Experience
Quests are a great way to kickstart your Ranged Pure without gaining unnecessary combat experience. By completing specific quests, you can gain Ranged XP while keeping Defence at 1 and minimizing Hitpoints growth. Below are key quests to prioritize for both F2P and P2P players.
Essential Quests for Ranged XP
- Horror from the Deep (P2P): Rewards 4,663 Ranged XP, boosting you to level 20. Requires completion of Barrows Gloves quest line for P2P players.
- Death to the Dorgeshuun (P2P): Grants 2,000 Ranged XP and requires 23 Thieving, 23 Agility, and The Lost Tribe quest. Can push you to level 32 Ranged when combined with other quests.
- Animal Magnetism (P2P): Unlocks Ava’s Accumulator, essential for ammo recovery, and requires 30 Ranged. Grants 1,000 Ranged XP.
Tip: Always check quest requirements to avoid accidental Defence or Hitpoints XP. Use the RuneLite plugin to hide defensive attack styles during quest combat.
Training Ranged Efficiently
Training Ranged as a Pure requires methods that maximize XP while minimizing Hitpoints and other combat stat gains. Both F2P and P2P players have viable options, with P2P offering faster methods like cannoning. Here’s how to level Ranged effectively.
F2P Training Methods
In F2P, your options are limited, but you can still train efficiently with the right approach.
- Levels 1–20: Chickens and Cows: Train in Lumbridge on chickens or cows using a shortbow with bronze arrows. Use the Rapid attack style for faster XP. Chickens drop feathers, which can fund arrows.
- Levels 20–40: Barbarians: Head to Barbarian Village and safespot barbarians using a shortbow and iron arrows. This offers decent XP and is relatively safe.
- Levels 40–70: Moss Giants: Train at Varrock Sewers, safespotting Moss Giants behind the cauldron or bone pile. Use a maple shortbow with adamant arrows for optimal XP (up to 30k XP/hour). Moss Giants drop mossy keys for a chance at Bryophyta’s essence, worth 6.6M GP.
P2P Training Methods
P2P players have access to faster methods, particularly with the Dwarf Multicannon, which doesn’t grant Hitpoints XP.
- Levels 1–40: Cannon at Ogres: After completing the Dwarf Cannon quest, set up a cannon near Castle Wars to train on ogres. This yields over 100k XP/hour at level 1 Ranged. Use steel darts for cost efficiency. Cost: ~450k/hour for cannonballs.
- Levels 40–75: Sand Crabs: Train on Hosidius’ Sand Crabs using a Magic Shortbow (i) with rune arrows. This is AFK-friendly and offers 40–50k XP/hour. Avoid cannoning here to save gold unless you’re rushing levels.
- Levels 75–99: Dagannoths: Cannon Dagannoths under the Lighthouse (requires Horror from the Deep). This yields 60–70k XP/hour and drops seeds to offset cannonball costs. Use a Toxic Blowpipe for maximum efficiency.
Pro Tip: Use a Dwarven Rock Cake at Nightmare Zone to keep Hitpoints low while training with absorption potions for AFK sessions.
Best Gear for Ranged Pures
Gear is critical for Ranged Pures, as it boosts accuracy and damage while compensating for low Defence. Below is a table of best-in-slot (BiS) gear for different Ranged levels, tailored for F2P and P2P.
Slot | F2P (Level 40–70) | P2P (Level 40–70) | P2P BiS (Level 70+) |
---|---|---|---|
Head | Coif | Robin Hood Hat | Armadyl Helmet |
Neck | Amulet of Power | Amulet of Fury | Necklace of Anguish |
Cape | Team Cape | Ava’s Accumulator | Ava’s Assembler |
Body | Green D’hide Body | Black D’hide Body | Armadyl Chestplate |
Legs | Green D’hide Chaps | Black D’hide Chaps | Armadyl Chainskirt |
Weapon | Maple Shortbow | Magic Shortbow (i) | Toxic Blowpipe |
Ammo | Adamant Arrows | Rune Arrows | Dragon Darts |
Gloves | Green D’hide Vambraces | Black D’hide Vambraces | Barrows Gloves |
Boots | Leather Boots | Snakeskin Boots | Ranger Boots |
Ring | N/A | Archers Ring | Archers Ring (i) |
Note: In F2P, prioritize Green D’hide gear at level 40 Ranged for the best bonuses. In P2P, imbue your Archers Ring at Nightmare Zone for a significant accuracy boost. Source
Gear Progression Tips
- Early Game (Levels 1–40): Stick to leather armor and shortbows in F2P. In P2P, use studded leather and iron knives for cost-effective training.
- Mid Game (Levels 40–70): Upgrade to Green D’hide in F2P or Black D’hide in P2P. The Magic Shortbow (i) is a game-changer for its special attack.
- Late Game (Levels 70+): Invest in Armadyl gear and a Toxic Blowpipe for maximum DPS. The Necklace of Anguish boosts Ranged accuracy significantly.
PvP Strategies for Ranged Pures
Ranged Pures thrive in PvP due to their high damage and ability to attack from a distance. However, their low Defence makes them vulnerable to rushers and melee opponents. Here’s how to maximize your effectiveness in PvP worlds and the Wilderness.
Positioning and Movement
Maintaining distance is critical. Use obstacles like trees or walls to safespot opponents in multicombat areas. In 1v1 fights, kite melee opponents by running and shooting, leveraging the Rapid attack style for consistent damage. Tip: Always pre-pot with a Ranging Potion and keep Protect Item prayer on (if trained to 25).
Weapon Switching and Combos
In P2P, the Magic Shortbow (i) special attack can stack high damage, followed by a quick switch to a Granite Maul for a melee knockout. For F2P, rely on the Maple Shortbow’s rapid attacks to chip away at opponents. Example Combo: Fire two Magic Shortbow special attacks, then switch to Granite Maul for a finishing blow.
Where to PK
- Grand Exchange (Worlds 560, 539): The south side of the GE is a hotspot for honor PKing. Watch for rushers and teleport if frozen or hit unexpectedly.
- Edgeville and Ferox Enclave: Ideal for ragging with a Maple Shortbow and minimal risk. Use cheap adamant arrows to skull up safely.
- Wilderness Multicombat Areas: Team up with other Pures for clan fights, where Ranged Pures excel due to their high DPS.
Pro Tip: Carry 10–30 PK sets (costing ~30k each in F2P) to practice without fear of losing valuable gear. Source
Building a Ranged Pure in OSRS is a rewarding challenge that combines careful planning, efficient training, and strategic PvP play. By following this guide, you’ll create a low-level powerhouse capable of dominating opponents in both F2P and P2P worlds. Start with quests, train smart with crabs or cannons, gear up with BiS items, and master PvP tactics to become a feared archer in Gielinor. Happy PKing!