Sunlight Antler Bolts in OSRS: The Ultimate Guide to Crafting and Using Them
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is packed with unique items and mechanics that keep players engaged, and Sunlight Antler Bolts are one of the standout additions for ranged enthusiasts. Introduced as part of the Varlamore update, these bolts offer a fresh take on ranged combat, blending accessibility with power. Whether you’re a seasoned ranger or just starting out, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Sunlight Antler Bolts in OSRS—from how to craft them to their best uses in combat. Let’s dive into the world of these radiant bolts and see why they’re worth your attention!
Sunlight Antler Bolts are a type of ranged ammunition exclusive to the Hunters’ Sunlight Crossbow in OSRS. Crafted from the antlers of sunlight antelopes, these bolts bring a unique flair to the game with their glowing aesthetic and practical utility. They’re not just another ammo type—they’re a mid-tier option that bridges the gap between basic bolts and high-end enchanted variants, making them ideal for players looking to optimize their ranged setups without breaking the bank.
How Sunlight Antler Bolts Fit Into OSRS
Introduced with the Avium Savannah content, Sunlight Antler Bolts are tied to the Hunter and Fletching skills, reflecting OSRS’s emphasis on skill synergy. They’re designed for the Hunters’ Sunlight Crossbow, a weapon that boasts a fast attack speed (3 ticks, matching shortbows) and decent accuracy, making it a versatile choice for Slayer tasks, PvM, and even some PvP scenarios.
Why Use Sunlight Antler Bolts?
These bolts shine (pun intended) due to their accessibility and cost-effectiveness. Unlike enchanted bolts that require rare gems or significant gold investment, Sunlight Antler Bolts can be gathered and crafted directly by players, especially Ironmen. Their +55 Ranged Strength bonus also makes them competitive with mid-tier options like broad bolts, while their fast-firing crossbow gives them an edge in damage-per-second (DPS) output.
How to Obtain and Craft Sunlight Antler Bolts
Getting your hands on Sunlight Antler Bolts requires a mix of hunting and crafting skills. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process to help you stock up efficiently.
Hunting Sunlight Antelopes
The journey starts with sunlight antelopes, found in the Avium Savannah east of the Locus Oasis (accessible via fairy ring AJP). You’ll need:
- Level 72 Hunter: To trap these creatures using pitfall traps.
- Tools: A teasing stick, knife, logs (any except redwood), and an axe for convenience.
- Technique: Set up a spiked pit, tease the antelope, lure it over the trap, and jump across to catch it.
Each successful catch yields a sunlight antelope antler, along with 380 Hunter XP and other loot like big bones, fur, and raw meat (cookable at 68 Cooking for 21 HP healing).
Crafting the Bolts
Once you’ve gathered antlers, crafting the bolts is straightforward:
- Level 62 Fletching: Required to turn antlers into bolts.
- Tools: A chisel is all you need.
- Process: Use the chisel on a sunlight antelope antler to create 12 bolts per antler, earning 10 Fletching XP.
With a 1.8-second crafting time per antler, you can produce around 1,800 bolts per hour if banking efficiently, making this a viable money-making method when sold on the Grand Exchange.
Maximizing Efficiency
To streamline the process:
- Use a Kandarin headgear (from the Kandarin Diary) to chop logs faster while hunting.
- Bring a meat pouch and fur pouch to hold extra loot, reducing trips to the bank.
- Hunt during Hunters’ Rumours tasks for additional rewards like sunfire splinters.
Using Sunlight Antler Bolts in Combat
Sunlight Antler Bolts are only compatible with the Hunters’ Sunlight Crossbow, which requires 66 Ranged and 50 Hunter to wield. This weapon, upgraded from the Hunters’ Crossbow using a sunlight antelope antler at 74 Fletching, offers +79 Ranged Attack and pairs perfectly with the bolts’ +55 Ranged Strength.
Best Scenarios for Sunlight Antler Bolts
These bolts excel in specific situations:
- Slayer Tasks: Their fast attack speed makes them great against mid-level monsters like basilisk knights or turoths.
- PvM on a Budget: Cheaper than dragon bolts, they’re a solid choice for metal dragons or KBD when paired with an offhand shield.
- Ironman-Friendly: Self-sufficiency makes them a go-to for players avoiding the Grand Exchange.
Comparing Sunlight Antler Bolts to Other Ammo
Here’s how they stack up:
| Ammo Type | Ranged Strength | Attack Speed (Ticks) | Cost/Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunlight Antler Bolts | +55 | 3 | Hunter/Fletching |
| Broad Bolts | +100 | 6 | Slayer Points/GE |
| Amethyst Arrows | +55 | 3 | Mining/Fletching |
| Diamond Bolts (e) | +105 | 6 | GE + Enchanting |
Sunlight Antler Bolts trade raw power for speed, making them a DPS contender against slower, harder-hitting options like broad or enchanted bolts.
Tips for Combat Efficiency
To get the most out of these bolts:
- Ava’s Devices: They work with Ava’s accumulator or assembler, saving around 80% of bolts.
- Gear Pairing: Use black d’hide or mixed hide for cost-effective ranged bonuses.
- Potions and Prayers: Boost with ranging potions and Eagle Eye for maximum DPS.
Sunlight Antler Bolts for Money Making
Beyond combat, Sunlight Antler Bolts can be a profitable venture. Their crafting process doubles as a money-making method, especially for players with mid-level skills.
Fletching for Profit
The process is simple: hunt antelopes, craft bolts, and sell them on the Grand Exchange. At roughly 1,800 bolts per hour, profits depend on current GE prices (check live prices before investing). A typical strategy is to buy one bolt instantly, then sell your stock slightly below that price for quick turnover.
Combining with Hunter Training
Hunting sunlight antelopes nets 380 Hunter XP per catch, or about 18k XP per hour with efficient banking. Pair this with bolt crafting (18k Fletching XP/hour) for dual-skill gains while generating sellable goods. The meat and fur also add minor value, with cooked meat healing 21 HP and fur potentially useful in future updates.
Pros and Cons of the Method
Pros:
- Low skill entry (62 Fletching, 72 Hunter).
- Self-sustaining for Ironmen.
- Scalable with GE sales.
Cons:
- Profit fluctuates with market demand.
- Requires active playtime for hunting.
Why Sunlight Antler Bolts Are Underrated
Despite their strengths, Sunlight Antler Bolts often fly under the radar. Here’s why they deserve more love and how they can fit into your OSRS journey.
A Hidden Gem for Mid-Game Players
For players between the rune crossbow and high-end weapons like the blowpipe or twisted bow, the Hunters’ Sunlight Crossbow with Sunlight Antler Bolts offers a sweet spot. It’s cheaper than maintaining blowpipe scales and outperforms the magic shortbow (i) in many scenarios, especially with an offhand shield.
Community Buzz and Potential
Reddit threads on r/ironscape and r/2007scape praise these bolts for their efficiency at basilisk knights and other Slayer tasks. Players note their 3-tick speed makes them a “direct upgrade” from the MSB (i), with moonlight antler bolts (crafted at 72 Fletching from 91 Hunter antelopes) pushing the ceiling even higher at +60 Ranged Strength. Future Varlamore updates might also expand their utility, so stockpiling antlers could pay off.
Final Thoughts on Sunlight Antler Bolts
Sunlight Antler Bolts are a versatile, affordable, and skill-driven option that embodies OSRS’s charm—rewarding effort with tangible benefits. Whether you’re hunting for XP, crafting for profit, or sniping monsters with precision, these bolts bring a radiant twist to your adventures. So grab a chisel, head to the Avium Savannah, and give them a shot—literally!
Ready to try Sunlight Antler Bolts? Share your experiences or tips in the comments below, and happy scaping!