OSRS Slayer Staff Guide Everything You Need to Know
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the Slayer Staff and its enchanted variant, the Slayer Staff (e), are niche but powerful tools for players training Slayer or engaging in specific combat scenarios. This guide dives into everything you need to know about the Slayer Staff, from its acquisition and stats to its uses, upgrades, and strategic applications. Whether you’re a low-level player or a seasoned veteran, understanding this weapon can enhance your gameplay and Slayer efficiency.
The Slayer Staff is a magic weapon in OSRS, primarily used for casting the Magic Dart spell, which scales with both Magic level and Slayer level for increased accuracy and damage. It’s a cost-effective option for players training Slayer, especially those on a budget or tackling specific tasks.
Basic Stats and Requirements
The Slayer Staff requires 50 Magic and 55 Slayer to wield. Its basic stats include:
The staff can autocast Magic Dart, making it a go-to choice for Slayer tasks requiring magic damage. It’s also relatively inexpensive, typically costing around 20,000-25,000 GP on the Grand Exchange.
How to Obtain the Slayer Staff
You can purchase the Slayer Staff from Slayer Masters for 21,000 GP after completing the Slayer Tower mini-quest or reaching a certain Slayer level. It’s available from:
- Turael (Burthorpe)
- Chaeldar (Zanaris)
- Nieve/Steve (Tree Gnome Stronghold)
- Duradel (Shilo Village)
Alternatively, it can be bought from other players via the Grand Exchange for slightly more or less, depending on market fluctuations.
Slayer Staff (e) The Enchanted Upgrade
The Slayer Staff (e) is an upgraded version of the Slayer Staff, offering a unique enchantment that boosts its utility for specific Slayer tasks. This version is highly situational but can be a game-changer in the right scenarios.
Enchantment Process
To create a Slayer Staff (e), you need:
- Slayer Staff (base weapon)
- Enchanted Gem (purchased from Slayer Masters for 1 GP)
- 200,000 Nightmare Zone points or 1,000 Soul Wars Zeal
The enchantment process is done at the Nightmare Zone or Soul Wars reward shops. The cost is steep, so consider whether the staff’s benefits align with your goals before investing.
Special Features of Slayer Staff (e)
The enchanted version retains all the properties of the standard Slayer Staff but gains the ability to autocast Crumble Undead alongside Magic Dart. This makes it particularly effective against undead Slayer monsters like:
- Banshees
- Ghosts
- Skeletons
- Zombies
Crumble Undead has a higher max hit than Magic Dart against undead targets, making the Slayer Staff (e) a niche but powerful choice for these tasks.
Combat Applications and Strategies
The Slayer Staff shines in specific combat scenarios, particularly for players optimizing Slayer training or tackling undead monsters. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Using Magic Dart for Slayer Tasks
Magic Dart is the primary spell used with the Slayer Staff. Its damage formula is unique, scaling with both Magic and Slayer levels:
This makes the staff ideal for mid-level players with moderate Magic and Slayer stats. For example, at 70 Magic and 70 Slayer, your max hit is approximately 24, competitive with higher-tier spells like Fire Bolt but at a lower cost.
Best Slayer Tasks for Slayer Staff
The Slayer Staff is most effective for tasks where magic is the preferred combat style. Some optimal tasks include:
| Monster | Location | Slayer Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banshees | Slayer Tower | 15 | Use Slayer Staff (e) for Crumble Undead |
| Cave Horrors | Mos Le’Harmless | 58 | Magic Dart effective with high Slayer level |
| Dust Devils | Catacombs of Kourend | 65 | Magic Dart for safe-spotting |
| Ankou | Stronghold of Security | 1 (high combat) | Crumble Undead with Slayer Staff (e) |
Safe-Spotting and Budget Strategies
The Slayer Staff’s low cost makes it a favorite for budget-conscious players. You can safe-spot many Slayer monsters (e.g., Dust Devils, Cave Horrors) using Magic Dart, minimizing the need for expensive gear or food. Pair it with affordable runes like Mind Runes and Death Runes to keep costs down.
Comparing Slayer Staff to Other Magic Weapons
While the Slayer Staff is versatile, it’s not always the best choice. Let’s compare it to other magic weapons to understand its place in your arsenal.
Slayer Staff vs. Trident of the Seas
The Trident of the Seas is a popular magic weapon for high-level Slayer tasks. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Slayer Staff: Cheaper, no charge cost, scales with Slayer level, limited spell options.
- Trident: Higher max hit, built-in spell, requires charges (costly), doesn’t scale with Slayer.
For players below 87 Magic or on a budget, the Slayer Staff is often the better choice.
Slayer Staff vs. Iban’s Staff
Iban’s Staff (after Underground Pass quest) is another budget magic weapon. Key differences include:
- Slayer Staff: Autocasts Magic Dart, Slayer scaling, no quest requirement.
- Iban’s Staff: Autocasts Iban’s Blast (higher max hit), requires charges, no Slayer scaling.
Iban’s Staff is stronger for general magic combat, but the Slayer Staff is superior for Slayer-specific tasks due to its scaling.
Tips for Maximizing Slayer Staff Efficiency
To get the most out of your Slayer Staff, follow these tips to optimize your setup and strategy.
Gear and Inventory Setup
A typical Slayer Staff setup includes:
- Helm: Slayer Helmet (for task bonus)
- Chest: Mystic Robes or Ahrim’s (budget vs. high-end)
- Legs: Mystic Robes or Ahrim’s
- Boots: Mystic Boots
- Amulet: Occult Necklace (magic damage boost)
- Ring: Seers Ring (magic accuracy)
Inventory should include Mind Runes, Death Runes, food (e.g., Sharks), and teleports for quick travel.
Training Tips for Slayer and Magic
To boost efficiency:
- Prioritize Slayer Tasks: Focus on tasks where Magic Dart or Crumble Undead excels.
- Use Slayer Helmet: Increases accuracy and damage on-task.
- Train Magic Simultaneously: Magic Dart grants Magic XP, making it great for leveling both skills.
- Leverage Safe-Spots: Reduces food consumption and extends trips.
When to Upgrade or Switch
Consider upgrading to a Trident of the Seas/Swamp or Sanguinesti Staff once you reach higher Magic levels (87+) or have more GP. The Slayer Staff (e) remains viable for undead tasks, but for general Slayer, higher-tier weapons often outperform it.
The Slayer Staff and Slayer Staff (e) are excellent tools for budget-conscious players or those focusing on specific Slayer tasks. With Magic Dart’s Slayer scaling and the enchanted version’s Crumble Undead capability, they offer unique advantages in OSRS’s combat system. By understanding their strengths, limitations, and optimal use cases, you can make informed decisions to boost your Slayer efficiency and overall gameplay.