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Sunlight Hunter Crossbow OSRS Guide Everything You Need to Know
The Sunlight Hunter Crossbow in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a powerful ranged weapon that has quickly become a favorite among mid-game players and Ironmen alike. Introduced with the Varlamore update, this crossbow offers a unique blend of accessibility, speed, and damage output, making it a versatile choice for various combat scenarios. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the Sunlight Hunter Crossbow, from its requirements and crafting process to its performance and best use cases.
The Sunlight Hunter Crossbow is an upgraded version of the standard Hunters’ Crossbow in OSRS. It’s a one-handed ranged weapon that requires level 66 Ranged and 50 Hunter to wield, with a crafting requirement of 74 Fletching. Unlike many high-tier crossbows, it’s relatively accessible, making it a fantastic option for players who aren’t ready to invest in end-game gear like the Toxic Blowpipe or Bow of Faerdhinen.
Key Features
- Attack Speed: 4-tick cycle (3-tick on Rapid), matching the speed of a shortbow.
- Ammunition: Uses Sunlight or Moonlight Antler Bolts, which offer high Ranged Strength bonuses.
- Specialization: Excels against enemies with low to moderate defense, ideal for Slayer tasks.
- Upgrade Process: Crafted by combining a Hunters’ Crossbow with a Sunlight Antelope Antler.
Why It Stands Out
The Sunlight Hunter Crossbow shines due to its balance of power and affordability. Its fast attack speed and compatibility with high-strength bolts make it a direct upgrade over the Magic Shortbow (i) in many scenarios, while its one-handed nature allows for shield use, adding defensive utility.
How to Obtain the Sunlight Hunter Crossbow
Getting your hands on this crossbow involves a combination of purchasing, hunting, and crafting. Below, we break down the process step by step.
Step 1 Acquiring the Hunters Crossbow
The base weapon, the Hunters’ Crossbow, is purchased from Leon’s Prototype Crossbow shop in Yanille for 1,300 coins. It requires 50 Ranged to wield and can only fire Kebbit or Long Kebbit Bolts until upgraded.
Step 2 Gathering Sunlight Antelope Antlers
To upgrade the crossbow, you’ll need a Sunlight Antelope Antler, which is obtained by hunting Sunlight Antelopes in Varlamore. This requires:
- 72 Hunter: To hunt Sunlight Antelopes using pitfall traps.
- Hunter Rumours: Completing these tasks at the Hunter Guild can yield antlers as rewards.
Hunting Sunlight Antelopes also provides antelope meat (heals 21 when cooked) and bolts, making it a rewarding activity for Ironmen.
Step 3 Crafting the Crossbow
With 74 Fletching, combine the Hunters’ Crossbow with a Sunlight Antelope Antler while carrying a chisel. This creates the Sunlight Hunter Crossbow. Note that the process is irreversible, and the crossbow cannot revert to firing Kebbit Bolts.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Ranged Level | 66 |
| Hunter Level | 50 (72 for antlers) |
| Fletching Level | 74 |
| Materials | Hunters’ Crossbow, Sunlight Antelope Antler, Chisel |
Performance and Stats
The Sunlight Hunter Crossbow is designed for speed and efficiency, making it a standout choice for specific combat situations. Let’s explore its stats and how it compares to other weapons.
Weapon Stats
Here are the key stats for the Sunlight Hunter Crossbow:
- Ranged Attack: +79
- Attack Speed: 4 ticks (2.4 seconds per attack)
- Ammunition: Sunlight Bolts (+55 Ranged Strength), Moonlight Bolts (+60 Ranged Strength)
It ties with Karil’s Crossbow as one of the fastest-firing crossbows, rolling against an enemy’s heavy ranged defense. This makes it less effective against high-defense targets but excellent for low-defense enemies.
Comparison to Other Ranged Weapons
Here’s how the Sunlight Hunter Crossbow stacks up against popular alternatives:
| Weapon | Ranged Level | Attack Speed | Ranged Strength (Ammo) | Cost/Accessibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunlight Hunter Crossbow | 66 | 4-tick | +55/+60 | Moderate (hunting required) |
| Magic Shortbow (i) | 50 | 4-tick | +55 (Amethyst Arrows) | Low (Imbue scroll) |
| Rune Crossbow | 61 | 5-tick | +49 (Diamond Bolts) | Low (Craftable) |
| Toxic Blowpipe | 75 | 3-tick | +60 (Zulrah’s Scales) | High (Zulrah drops) |
The Sunlight Hunter Crossbow outperforms the Magic Shortbow (i) by 5-10% in DPS against enemies like Lizardman Shamans or Demonic Gorillas, thanks to its higher accuracy and bolt strength. However, it falls short of the Toxic Blowpipe’s raw speed and power.
Best Uses for the Sunlight Hunter Crossbow
This crossbow excels in specific niches, particularly for mid-game players and Ironmen who need a reliable ranged weapon without heavy resource investment. Here are its top applications.
Slayer Tasks
The crossbow’s fast attack speed and high bolt strength make it ideal for Slayer tasks against low-defense monsters, such as:
- Basilisk Knights: Outperforms Rune Crossbow with broad bolts.
- Ahrim at Barrows: One-handed nature allows use of Ghommal’s Hilt for extended trips.
- Turoths and Kurasks: High DPS with minimal ammo cost.
Bossing
While not a top-tier bossing weapon, it’s viable for mid-game bosses like:
- King Black Dragon: Competitive DPS compared to Rune Crossbow.
- Kalphite Queen: Effective with a shield for tanking.
For high-defense bosses like Vorkath, Moonlight Bolts can boost performance, but alternatives like the Dragon Hunter Crossbow are preferred.
Ironman Benefits
Ironmen love the Sunlight Hunter Crossbow because:
- Self-Sufficiency: Bolts and antlers are gathered through hunting.
- Low Cost: No reliance on expensive ammo like dragon bolts.
- Food Bonus: Sunlight Antelope meat provides high-healing food during hunts.
Tips for Maximizing Efficiency
To get the most out of the Sunlight Hunter Crossbow, consider these strategies.
Ammo Management
Sunlight and Moonlight Bolts are the lifeblood of this weapon. Here’s how to stock up efficiently:
- Hunter Rumours: Focus on Expert Guild Hunters (72 Hunter) for Sunlight Antelope tasks, yielding ~100-150 bolts per hour.
- Pitfall Traps: Hunt Sunlight Antelopes directly for ~2-3 antlers per minute, equating to 12 bolts each.
- Moonlight Bolts: Require 91 Hunter but offer +5 Ranged Strength, worth the grind for high-level players.
With an 80% bolt retention rate (using Ava’s Device), you’ll lose ~400 bolts per hour of combat, requiring roughly 15-20 minutes of hunting to sustain.
Gear Synergies
Boost your performance with these gear setups:
- Armadyl Chestplate: Increases Ranged Strength for higher hits.
- Void Knight Gear: Boosts damage and accuracy, ideal for Slayer.
- Amulet of Fury: Enhances overall combat stats.
- Barrows Gloves: Affordable and effective for mid-game players.
Training Tips
Use the crossbow in these locations for optimal XP:
- Hallowed Sepulchre: Great for undead enemies, leveraging bolt strength.
- Skeletal Wyverns: High Ranged XP with decent loot.
Pair with Ranging Potions or Eagle Eye prayer to maximize accuracy and damage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using on High-Defense Targets: Avoid bosses like Vorkath unless using Moonlight Bolts.
- Neglecting Ammo Stock: Always hunt extra bolts to avoid running dry mid-task.
- Ignoring Shields: The one-handed nature is wasted without a defensive off-hand.
The Sunlight Hunter Crossbow is a game-changer for mid-game OSRS players, offering a balance of power, speed, and accessibility. Whether you’re tackling Slayer tasks, farming Barrows, or building an Ironman account, this crossbow provides a cost-effective and efficient option. By hunting for your own bolts and optimizing your gear, you can make the most of this versatile weapon. Ready to take aim? Grab your chisel and start hunting those antelopes!