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Slayer Staff in Old School RuneScape – Ultimate Guide
The Slayer Staff, also known as the Staff of Slayer, is a versatile weapon in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) that holds a unique place in the game’s combat and training meta. Whether you’re a seasoned slayer grinding tasks or a newcomer looking to optimize your setup, this guide covers everything you need to know about the Slayer Staff, from its acquisition to its practical uses. Let’s dive into this essential piece of equipment and explore how it can enhance your OSRS experience.
The Slayer Staff is a magic weapon primarily used for its ability to cast the Magic Dart spell, which scales damage based on the player’s Magic level and Slayer level. It’s a staple for players training Slayer or engaging in specific combat scenarios where Magic is preferred. With its low cost and accessibility, it’s an excellent choice for mid-level players or those on a budget.
Key Stats and Requirements
The Slayer Staff requires 50 Magic and 55 Slayer to wield. Its combat stats include:
It has no melee or ranged bonuses, making it purely a magic-based weapon. The staff provides unlimited air and earth runes when casting Magic Dart, which is its primary draw.
Comparison with Other Staves
Compared to other magic weapons like the Staff of the Dead or Trident of the Seas, the Slayer Staff is less powerful but far more accessible. For instance, the Trident requires 87 Slayer and significant gold investment, while the Slayer Staff can be purchased for under 25,000 GP on the Grand Exchange. This makes it a go-to for players who haven’t unlocked high-end gear yet.
How to Obtain the Slayer Staff
Getting your hands on a Slayer Staff is straightforward, as it’s available through multiple methods in OSRS. Here’s how you can acquire one:
Purchasing from Slayer Masters
Slayer Masters, such as Turael in Burthorpe or Duradel in Shilo Village, sell the Slayer Staff for 21,000 GP. This is the most direct method, requiring only the necessary Slayer and Magic levels. It’s ideal for players who want to start using the staff immediately without relying on RNG.
Grand Exchange
The Grand Exchange offers the Slayer Staff at a slightly higher price, typically around 22,000–25,000 GP, depending on market fluctuations. This is a convenient option for players who are far from a Slayer Master or prefer the ease of GE transactions.
Enchanted Slayer Staff
An upgraded version, the Slayer Staff (e), can be obtained by using a Slayer’s Enchantment on a regular Slayer Staff. The enchantment is a rare drop from Slayer tasks, particularly from high-level monsters like Cave Krakens or Smoke Devils. The enchanted version boosts the Magic Dart’s accuracy and damage, making it slightly more effective for combat.
Using the Slayer Staff Effectively
The Slayer Staff shines in specific scenarios, particularly when training Slayer or tackling certain bosses. Its primary spell, Magic Dart, is what makes it stand out, but there are other considerations for maximizing its potential.
Magic Dart Mechanics
Magic Dart’s damage scales with the formula: Max Hit = (Magic Level + Slayer Level) / 6 + 10. For example, a player with 80 Magic and 80 Slayer can hit up to 26. The spell requires 1 Death Rune and 4 Mind Runes per cast, but the staff’s built-in runes reduce the cost significantly. This makes it an economical choice for prolonged combat sessions.
Best Scenarios for Use
The Slayer Staff is most effective in the following situations:
- Slayer Tasks: Monsters like Turoths and Kurasks are weak to Magic Dart, as they can only be damaged by specific attacks, including this spell.
- Low-Cost Training: Players training Magic on a budget can use the staff to cast Magic Dart on low-defence monsters like Sand Crabs.
- Bossing: The staff is occasionally used in niche setups for bosses like the Abyssal Sire or Zulrah, where Magic Dart’s consistent damage is valuable.
Gear Synergies
To maximize the Slayer Staff’s effectiveness, pair it with gear that boosts Magic accuracy and strength. Recommended items include:
| Slot | Item | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Head | Ahrim’s Hood | Boosts Magic accuracy and strength. |
| Cape | Imbued God Cape | Provides +15 Magic attack bonus. |
| Body | Mystic Robes | Budget-friendly Magic boost. |
| Weapon | Slayer Staff | Core weapon for Magic Dart. |
For high-end players, items like the Ancestral Robes or Tormented Bracelet can further enhance performance, though these are overkill for most Slayer Staff use cases.
Slayer Staff in Slayer Training
The Slayer Staff is a cornerstone for players training Slayer, especially for tasks requiring Magic-based attacks. Its low cost and effectiveness make it a favorite for mid-level players aiming to progress efficiently.
Optimal Slayer Tasks
Certain Slayer monsters are particularly suited for the Slayer Staff due to their weaknesses or task requirements:
- Turoths: Require Magic Dart or Leaf-Bladed weapons to kill, making the Slayer Staff a perfect fit.
- Kurasks: Similar to Turoths, these monsters are only vulnerable to specific attacks, including Magic Dart.
- Cave Horrors: While not mandatory, Magic Dart is effective due to their moderate Magic defence.
Experience Rates
Using the Slayer Staff for tasks like Turoths can yield 30,000–50,000 Slayer XP per hour, depending on the player’s Magic and Slayer levels. For comparison, melee-based tasks might offer higher XP but require more expensive gear. The staff’s low rune cost also makes it sustainable for long grinding sessions.
Enchanted Staff Benefits
The Slayer Staff (e) offers a 10% boost to Magic Dart’s accuracy and damage, which can increase XP rates by about 5–10% on tasks like Kurasks. However, the enchantment’s rarity and cost (often 100,000+ GP) mean it’s only worth it for dedicated Slayer enthusiasts.
Tips and Tricks for Slayer Staff Users
To get the most out of the Slayer Staff, consider these practical tips to streamline your gameplay and improve efficiency.
Inventory Management
Since Magic Dart only requires Death and Mind Runes, you can dedicate most of your inventory to food, potions, or teleports. A typical setup might include:
- 10–15 Food: Sharks or Monkfish for healing.
- Magic Potion: Boosts Magic level for higher Magic Dart hits.
- Teleport Runes: For quick access to Slayer locations.
Autocasting Magic Dart
Ensure you set the Slayer Staff to autocast Magic Dart to simplify combat. Right-click the staff in your inventory, select “Autocast,” and choose Magic Dart. This reduces the need to manually cast each spell, saving time and effort.
Upgrading from the Slayer Staff
As you progress in OSRS, you may outgrow the Slayer Staff. Consider transitioning to the Trident of the Seas (87 Slayer) or Slayer’s Staff of Light (75 Magic, 75 Slayer) for higher damage output. These upgrades are costly but offer significant boosts for endgame content.
Community Insights
Recent discussions on platforms like the TempleOSRS community highlight the Slayer Staff’s value for mid-level players. For example, adjustments to Slayer XP rates in 2024 increased the staff’s efficiency for tasks like Turoths, with reported rates rising from 83,000 to 99,000 XP/h at level 99. Keeping up with community updates can help you stay ahead of meta changes.
The Slayer Staff in OSRS is a budget-friendly, versatile weapon that punches above its weight for Slayer training and niche combat scenarios. Whether you’re blasting Turoths with Magic Dart or experimenting with boss setups, this staff offers accessibility and efficiency. By understanding its mechanics, optimizing your gear, and leveraging community insights, you can make the most of this underrated tool. Grab your Slayer Staff, hit the Slayer Tower, and start racking up those XP gains!