OSRS Broad Bolts: The Ultimate Guide to Maxing Your DPS
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a game built on meticulous planning, stat grinding, and optimizing every single aspect of your gameplay. When it comes to ranged combat, the right ammunition can make all the difference between a successful kill and an embarrassing retreat. This guide dives deep into OSRS Broad Bolts, arguably the most versatile and cost-effective ranged ammunition for a significant portion of the game, helping you understand their strengths, weaknesses, and how to maximize their damage per second (DPS).
This article targets players of all levels looking to improve their ranged combat effectiveness, from those just starting to train their Ranged skill to experienced players seeking to refine their gear setups. We’ll cover everything you need to know to make the most of Broad Bolts and dominate your foes.
Understanding Broad Bolts: Stats and Requirements
Before we delve into the application of Broad Bolts, let’s clarify their fundamental properties:
- Ranged Requirement: 41 Ranged (This is the minimum requirement to equip and use them).
- Attack Bonus: +55 Ranged Attack Bonus (This is the same as Mithril Bolts).
- Damage: 10 (Base Damage).
- Cost: Relatively inexpensive compared to other high-tier bolt types.
- Availability: Crafted via the Crafting skill at a Crafting Table, or purchased from various shops and the Grand Exchange.
Why are they so popular?
The primary appeal of Broad Bolts lies in their accessibility and cost-effectiveness. While they don’t boast the highest damage output, they are a significant upgrade from lower-tier bolts and are far more affordable than their more powerful counterparts. This makes them ideal for:
- Slayer Tasks: Broad Bolts are a fantastic choice for many Slayer tasks where the extra damage provided by higher-tier bolts isn’t always necessary, and the cost savings are significant.
- Training Ranged: They offer a good balance between damage and affordability when training your Ranged skill on various monsters.
- Budget-Friendly Combat: For players who don’t want to spend excessive amounts on ammunition, Broad Bolts provide a respectable DPS boost without breaking the bank.
Crafting Broad Bolts: Step-by-Step Guide
While you can buy Broad Bolts, crafting them yourself allows for greater control and, potentially, cost savings. Here’s how to craft them:
- Gather Materials:
- Broad Arrowheads: These are the key ingredient. You can obtain them by trading Slayer reward points with Slayer Masters. The cost is generally 150 Slayer points for 100 Broad Arrowheads.
- Opal/Jade/Red Topaz/Emerald/Sapphire Bolts: These are required to craft Broad Bolts.
- Obtain a Crafting Table: You can craft Broad Bolts at any Crafting Table.
- Use Broad Arrowheads on Bolts: Select the Broad Arrowheads in your inventory, and then use them on the bolts you have selected.
- Repeat: Craft as many Broad Bolts as you need.
Important Considerations for Crafting:
- Slayer Point Management: Factor in the cost of Broad Arrowheads when planning your Slayer tasks. Prioritize tasks that reward a good number of points.
- Inventory Space: Ensure you have enough inventory space to carry the required bolts and Broad Arrowheads.
- Banking: Consider banking your crafted Broad Bolts frequently to avoid losing them.
Maximizing DPS with Broad Bolts: Gear and Strategy
While Broad Bolts offer a solid DPS increase, optimizing your overall setup is crucial to getting the most out of them. Here’s a breakdown:
Ranged Gear:
- Best-in-slot Ranged Gear: For maximum DPS with Broad Bolts, you’ll want to aim for a setup that maximizes your Ranged Attack Bonus and provides damage bonuses. This includes:
- Head: Armadyl Helmet / Slayer Helmet (if on a Slayer task)
- Neck: Necklace of Anguish
- Body: Armadyl Chestplate
- Legs: Armadyl Chainskirt
- Boots: Pegasian Boots
- Gloves: Barrows Gloves
- Cape: Ava’s Assembler / Max Cape
- Ring: Archer’s Ring (i)
- Weapon: Rune Crossbow or, if you are on a Slayer task, the Broad Bolts can be used with a Slayer Crossbow.
- Budget-Friendly Alternatives: If you are starting out, a mix of high-attack bonus gear such as Black Dragonhide and a Rune Crossbow will still allow you to do good damage.
- Best-in-slot Ranged Gear: For maximum DPS with Broad Bolts, you’ll want to aim for a setup that maximizes your Ranged Attack Bonus and provides damage bonuses. This includes:
Potions and Boosts:
- Ranging Potion: Essential for boosting your Ranged level and attack bonus.
- Super Ranging Potion: The upgraded version of the Ranging Potion offers a slightly better boost.
- Prayer: Use appropriate prayers such as Eagle Eye or Rigour (if available) to further enhance your accuracy and damage.
Combat Strategy:
- Attack Speed: Broad Bolts fire at the same speed as other bolts, so focus on maximizing your attack speed through your weapon and other gear.
- Prayer Management: Maintain your Prayer points to keep your damage and accuracy boosts active.
- Positioning: Utilize the environment to your advantage, keeping a safe distance from your targets.
Broad Bolts vs. The Competition: When to Switch
While Broad Bolts are excellent, they have limitations. Knowing when to switch to other ammunition is crucial for maximizing your efficiency.
- Diamond Bolts (e): These offer a higher chance to hit and inflict more damage, making them ideal for bosses with high defense.
- Ruby Bolts (e): These are particularly effective against high-HP targets, as they deal percentage-based damage.
- Dragon Bolts (e): These are the most powerful bolts, but they are expensive. Use these for bossing where the extra damage is worth the cost.
When to Use Broad Bolts:
- Slayer Tasks: Broad Bolts are a solid choice for most Slayer tasks, offering a good balance between cost and damage.
- Training Ranged: They are suitable for training Ranged on various monsters, especially in the early to mid-levels.
- General Combat: They are a reliable option for combat situations where you don’t need the absolute highest DPS.
When to Switch Away From Broad Bolts:
- Bossing: When facing bosses, consider switching to more expensive bolts like Diamond Bolts (e) or Ruby Bolts (e) for optimal damage.
- High-Defense Monsters: If you’re struggling to hit a monster with Broad Bolts, consider switching to bolts with a higher accuracy bonus, such as Diamond Bolts (e).
- Wealth Isn’t a Factor: If cost isn’t a constraint, using higher-tier bolts can lead to faster kills and more efficient gameplay.
Conclusion: Mastering the Broad Bolt Advantage
OSRS Broad Bolts are a cornerstone of efficient ranged combat for a large portion of the game. By understanding their stats, crafting them effectively, and optimizing your gear and strategy, you can significantly improve your DPS and conquer any challenge. They are a versatile, cost-effective ammunition choice that will serve you well in your OSRS adventures.
Remember to consider the context of your situation, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different gear setups and ammunition types to find what works best for you. Happy hunting, and may your bolts always find their mark!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the best weapon to use with Broad Bolts? The Rune Crossbow is the most common and effective weapon for use with Broad Bolts. The Slayer Crossbow is a good alternative on Slayer tasks.
- Are Broad Bolts better than Rune Arrows? Yes, Broad Bolts have a higher attack bonus than Rune Arrows, and a base damage of 10 compared to Rune Arrows’ 9 damage.
- Can I use Broad Bolts on a Slayer task? Yes, Broad Bolts are excellent for Slayer tasks, and they can be used with a Slayer Crossbow.
- How do I get Broad Arrowheads? Broad Arrowheads are obtained by trading Slayer reward points with Slayer Masters.
- How much do Broad Bolts cost? The cost of Broad Bolts can vary, but they are generally inexpensive. Check the Grand Exchange for current prices.
