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The Ultimate Guide to the Helmet Slot Table in OSRS: Best Headgear for Every Build
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers a vast array of equipment options, and the helmet slot is one of the most critical for optimizing your character’s performance. Whether you’re a melee tank, a ranged sharpshooter, or a magic-wielding sorcerer, the right helmet can make or break your build. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the helmet slot table in OSRS, exploring the best options for different combat styles, their stats, and how to get them. Perfect for both newbies and seasoned adventurers, this blog post will help you choose the ideal headgear to dominate Gielinor.
The helmet slot, also known as the head slot, is where you equip headgear that provides defensive bonuses, offensive boosts, or utility effects. Unlike some slots that focus solely on one aspect (like weapons for damage), helmets often balance offense and defense, making them versatile and essential for any playstyle. The OSRS Wiki maintains an extensive helmet slot table, listing every equippable head item and its stats, which we’ll break down here for practical use.
Why the Helmet Slot Matters
Your helmet choice impacts your combat effectiveness significantly. A well-chosen helmet can boost your accuracy, strength, or magic damage while offering protection against enemy attacks. For example, a melee-focused player might prioritize strength bonuses, while a mage might seek magic attack boosts. Understanding the helmet slot table helps you align your gear with your goals, whether it’s PvM, PvP, or skilling.
How to Use the Helmet Slot Table
The helmet slot table in OSRS is a reference tool that lists all headgear with their combat bonuses, requirements, and sources. It’s not just a dry list—it’s a roadmap to optimizing your setup. You can filter it by combat style (melee, ranged, magic) or specific needs (e.g., free-to-play vs. pay-to-play). We’ll highlight key entries from this table to save you time and effort.
Best Melee Helmets in OSRS
Melee combat relies heavily on strength and defense, and the helmet slot offers some iconic options. Here’s a rundown of the top melee helmets, their stats, and how to acquire them.
Serpentine Helm: The Venomous Powerhouse
The Serpentine Helm is a standout choice for melee players. Requiring 75 Defence, it boasts impressive stats:
- Strength Bonus: +5
- Defensive Bonuses: Comparable to Barrows helmets
- Special Effect: Immunity to poison/venom, with a chance to inflict venom on enemies
You’ll need Zulrah’s scales to charge it (11,000 for a full charge), and it’s crafted from a Serpentine Visage at 52 Crafting. Perfect for bossing or Slayer tasks against venomous foes.
Neitiznot Faceguard: Strength and Style
The Neitiznot Faceguard is a top-tier melee helmet requiring 70 Defence. It’s an upgrade from the Helm of Neitiznot, offering:
- Strength Bonus: +6
- Defensive Bonuses: +36 stab, +34 slash, +38 crush
Obtain it by completing The Fremennik Exiles quest and trading with NPCs in Neitiznot. It’s a favorite for its high strength bonus and accessibility compared to rarer options.
Justiciar Faceguard: The Tank’s Dream
For defensive melee builds, the Justiciar Faceguard shines. Requiring 75 Defence, it’s part of the Justiciar armor set from the Theatre of Blood:
- Defensive Bonuses: +60 stab, +62 slash, +63 crush
- No Strength Bonus: Purely defensive focus
It’s ideal for tanking in group content like raids, though its lack of offensive stats makes it situational.
Top Ranged Helmets in OSRS
Ranged builds prioritize accuracy and ranged strength, and the helmet slot offers some excellent choices. Let’s explore the best ranged helmets from the table.
Armadyl Helmet: Ranged Perfection
The Armadyl Helmet is the gold standard for ranged combat, requiring 70 Defence and 70 Ranged:
- Ranged Attack Bonus: +10
- Ranged Strength Bonus: +0 (relies on other gear for strength)
- Defensive Bonuses: Solid across all styles
Dropped by Kree’arra in the God Wars Dungeon, it’s a must-have for high-level ranged PvM and PvP.
Masori Mask (f): Fortified Precision
The Masori Mask (fortified) is a newer best-in-slot option from the Tombs of Amascut raid, requiring 80 Ranged and 30 Defence:
It’s pricey but offers unmatched ranged power, making it ideal for endgame content.
Void Ranger Helm: Budget DPS King
For mid-tier players, the Void Ranger Helm (from Pest Control) boosts ranged damage and accuracy by 10% when paired with the full Void set:
It’s a fantastic option for training or early bossing on a budget.
Best Magic Helmets in OSRS
Magic users need helmets that amplify their spellcasting power. Here are the top picks from the helmet slot table for mages.
Ancestral Hat: Magic Mastery
The Ancestral Hat is the pinnacle of magic headgear, requiring 75 Magic and 65 Defence:
Dropped in the Chambers of Xeric, it’s a staple for high-level magic DPS in raids and boss fights.
Ahrim’s Hood: Classic and Effective
Ahrim’s Hood from Barrows is a solid mid-tier option requiring 70 Magic and 70 Defence:
It’s affordable and pairs well with the full Ahrim’s set for a magic damage boost.
Slayer Helmet (i): Utility and Power
The Slayer Helmet (imbued) combines utility with combat stats, requiring 55 Crafting and Slayer levels:
- Magic Attack Bonus: +3
- Strength Bonus: +3 (all styles)
- Special Effect: Slayer task bonuses
Perfect for Slayer training, it’s craftable and upgradeable with points.
F2P Helmet Options in OSRS
Free-to-play players have fewer choices, but the helmet slot table still offers viable options. Here’s a quick look at the best F2P helmets.
Medium Helmets: The F2P Standard
Medium Helmets (e.g., Rune Med Helm) are the go-to for F2P melee:
- Defensive Bonuses: +19 stab, +20 slash, +17 pierce
- Requirements: 40 Defence for Rune
Buyable from the Helmet Shop in Barbarian Village, they’re cheap and effective.
Coifs: Ranged on a Budget
Coifs (e.g., Leather Coif) suit F2P rangers:
- Ranged Attack Bonus: +2
- Defensive Bonuses: Minimal but lightweight
Craftable or purchasable, they’re a basic yet functional choice.
Helmet Slot Table: Quick Reference
Here’s a condensed table of standout helmets across combat styles for easy comparison:
| Helmet | Combat Style | Key Stats | Requirements | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serpentine Helm | Melee | +5 Strength, Venom Immunity | 75 Defence | Zulrah |
| Neitiznot Faceguard | Melee | +6 Strength, +36 Stab | 70 Defence | Fremennik Exiles |
| Masori Mask (f) | Ranged | +12 Ranged Attack, +2 Strength | 80 Ranged, 30 Defence | Tombs of Amascut |
| Ancestral Hat | Magic | +8 Magic Attack, +2% Damage | 75 Magic, 65 Defence | Chambers of Xeric |
| Rune Med Helm | Melee (F2P) | +19 Stab, +20 Slash | 40 Defence | Helmet Shop |
This table simplifies the helmet slot table from OSRS, focusing on best-in-slot or accessible options. Check the full table on the OSRS Wiki for niche or cosmetic items.
Choosing the right helmet in OSRS depends on your combat style, budget, and goals. From the venomous Serpentine Helm to the magic-boosting Ancestral Hat, the helmet slot table offers something for everyone. Experiment with these options, and you’ll be ready to tackle any challenge in Gielinor!