Ultimate Guide to Full 3rd Age in OSRS: Everything You Need to Know
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), few items capture the imagination like the Full 3rd Age sets. These iconic, ultra-rare armors are a symbol of prestige, wealth, and dedication. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, this guide dives deep into everything about Full 3rd Age gear—its history, stats, acquisition methods, and why it’s so coveted. Let’s explore the allure of these legendary items and how they fit into the world of Gielinor.
Full 3rd Age refers to the complete sets of 3rd Age armor in OSRS, which are among the rarest and most expensive items in the game. These sets are purely cosmetic for some combat styles but offer decent stats for others, making them a unique blend of fashion and function. They hail from the Third Age of Gielinor, a time of ancient wars, giving them a rich lore that adds to their mystique.
Types of 3rd Age Armor Sets
There are four main Full 3rd Age armor sets, each tailored to a specific combat style:
- 3rd Age Melee Armor: Includes the platebody, platelegs, full helm, and kiteshield.
- 3rd Age Ranged Armor: Comprises the coif, body, chaps, and vambraces.
- 3rd Age Mage Armor: Features the hat, robe top, robe bottom, and amulet.
- 3rd Age Prayer Armor: A druidic set with a cloak, robe top, and robe bottom, focused on prayer bonuses.
Lore Behind 3rd Age Gear
The 3rd Age items are relics from Gielinor’s Third Age, a period marked by the God Wars. Crafted by ancient civilizations, these items were lost to time until rediscovered through treasure hunting. Their scarcity and historical significance make them a status symbol, often seen as a flex of in-game wealth.
How to Obtain Full 3rd Age Armor
Getting your hands on a Full 3rd Age set is no easy feat. These items are exclusively obtained through specific methods, and their rarity drives their astronomical prices. Here’s how you can try your luck.
Treasure Trails (Clue Scrolls)
The primary way to obtain 3rd Age armor is through Treasure Trails, specifically elite and master clue scrolls. Each piece has an incredibly low drop rate, often cited as 1 in tens of thousands per reward casket. Completing hundreds of clues might still leave you empty-handed, so patience is key.
Chambers of Xeric
The Chambers of Xeric raid offers a chance at the 3rd Age Pickaxe, Axe, and Harpoon, but not the armor sets. While these tools are part of the 3rd Age family, they’re slightly more common than armor pieces, though still rare. Raiding with a skilled team can improve your odds, but it’s still a gamble.
Grand Exchange and Trading
For those with deep pockets, the Grand Exchange is the most straightforward way to acquire Full 3rd Age. Prices fluctuate, but a single piece can cost hundreds of millions of gold, with full sets often exceeding billions. Trading with other players is also an option, though scams are a risk—always use the GE for safety.
Stats and Practical Uses of 3rd Age Armor
While 3rd Age armor is often prized for its looks, some sets have practical applications. Let’s break down their stats and uses across combat styles.
3rd Age Melee Armor Stats
The melee set offers stats comparable to rune armor, with decent defense bonuses but no offensive boosts. It’s rarely used in combat due to its high cost and the availability of stronger options like Bandos or Barrows gear.
| Piece | Defense Bonuses | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Full Helm | +30 Stab, +32 Slash, +27 Crush | 2.7 kg |
| Platebody | +65 Stab, +77 Slash, +67 Crush | 9.9 kg |
| Platelegs | +51 Stab, +49 Slash, +47 Crush | 9.0 kg |
| Kiteshield | +44 Stab, +48 Slash, +46 Crush | 5.4 kg |
3rd Age Ranged Armor Stats
The ranged set provides moderate defense and a small ranged attack bonus, but it’s outclassed by Armadyl or Karil’s gear. It’s mostly worn for flexing rather than serious PvM or PvP.
3rd Age Mage Armor Stats
The mage set offers minimal magic attack bonuses and is inferior to Ahrim’s or Ancestral robes. Its amulet, however, provides a +10 prayer bonus, making it a niche choice for prayer-heavy setups.
3rd Age Prayer Armor Stats
The prayer set is unique, offering significant prayer bonuses (+5 to +10 per piece). It’s useful for extending prayer points in activities like the Inferno or high-level bossing, though its cost makes it a luxury choice.
Why 3rd Age Is Rarely Used in Combat
Despite their stats, 3rd Age sets are impractical for most combat scenarios due to their exorbitant cost and the availability of better alternatives. They’re primarily worn for FashionScape—showing off wealth and style in places like the Grand Exchange or Falador Party Room.
Why Is Full 3rd Age So Expensive?
The jaw-dropping price tags of 3rd Age armor stem from a combination of rarity, demand, and cultural significance. Let’s unpack the factors driving their value.
Extreme Rarity
With drop rates in the 1/10,000+ range from clue scrolls, 3rd Age pieces are among the rarest items in OSRS. Even dedicated clue hunters might go years without seeing one, keeping supply low.
High Demand
OSRS players love to flex, and nothing says “I’m rich” like a Full 3rd Age set. Collectors, high-level players, and content creators drive demand, pushing prices into the billions for complete sets.
Market Manipulation
The OSRS economy isn’t immune to manipulation. Wealthy players or clans sometimes hoard 3rd Age items to inflate prices, knowing their rarity makes them a safe investment. This can make pieces even harder to afford.
Historical Value
As some of the oldest items in the game, 3rd Age gear carries nostalgia and prestige. Players who remember the early days of RuneScape see these sets as a connection to the game’s roots, adding sentimental value.
Tips for Aspiring 3rd Age Owners
Owning a Full 3rd Age set is a dream for many, but it’s not unattainable with the right approach. Here are practical tips to get closer to your goal.
Grind Clue Scrolls Efficiently
Focus on elite and master clues for the best chance at 3rd Age drops. Optimize your clue-solving with guides, teleports, and a dedicated gear setup to complete them faster. Joining a clue-hunting community can also help with tips and motivation.
Save and Invest Wisely
If you’re buying from the Grand Exchange, start by saving gold through high-profit activities like bossing (e.g., Zulrah, Vorkath) or skilling (e.g., Runecrafting, Hunter). Avoid gambling or risky investments that could wipe out your bank.
Consider Partial Sets
Can’t afford a full set? Start with a single piece, like the 3rd Age Amulet or Vambraces, which are often cheaper. They still carry the 3rd Age prestige and can be a stepping stone to completing the set.
Stay Patient and Persistent
Whether grinding clues or saving gold, acquiring 3rd Age gear takes time. Set small milestones, like earning 100M gold or completing 50 clues, to stay motivated. The journey is part of the reward.
Full 3rd Age armor in OSRS is more than just gear—it’s a testament to dedication, wealth, and love for the game. Whether you’re chasing the melee, ranged, mage, or prayer set, the journey to owning one is an adventure in itself. From grinding clues to saving billions, every step brings you closer to joining the elite ranks of 3rd Age owners. So, what’s your plan? Will you hunt for that elusive clue scroll drop, or start stacking gold for a Grand Exchange purchase? Whatever your path, embrace the grind and wear your 3rd Age with pride.