OSRS ToA Gear Progression: A Budget-Friendly Guide to Raiding Tombs of Amascut
The Tombs of Amascut (ToA) in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers some of the most engaging and rewarding PvM content in the game. However, diving into this challenging raid can feel daunting, especially when considering the expensive gear often associated with high-level content. This guide will equip you with a practical, budget-friendly roadmap to gear progression for ToA, helping you conquer the tombs without breaking the bank. We’ll focus on effective strategies and affordable alternatives to maximize your chances of success.
Understanding ToA and Its Challenges
Before diving into gear, it’s crucial to understand the mechanics of ToA. The raid scales in difficulty based on “Invocation Levels,” which increase the health, damage, and complexity of the encounters. Successfully completing ToA unlocks valuable rewards, including unique items like the Tumeken’s Shadow, which can significantly boost your combat abilities.
The key to success in ToA lies in a combination of:
- Game Knowledge: Understanding the mechanics of each encounter.
- Teamwork: Coordinating with your team (if applicable).
- Efficient Gear: Utilizing the right equipment for each role.
- Proper Prayer Management: Utilizing prayers effectively to mitigate damage.
- Potion Usage: Knowing when and how to use your potions.
Phase 1: Entry-Level Gear (0-150 Invocation)
This phase focuses on getting you into the raid and comfortable with the mechanics. The goal is to minimize your financial investment while still being effective.
Melee:
- Weapon:
- Budget Option: Dragon Scimitar (Highly effective and inexpensive for the price).
- Upgrade: Abyssal Whip (A classic and versatile weapon).
- Consideration: Zamorak Godsword (can be purchased from the Grand Exchange)
- Armor:
- Budget Option: Rune Armor (A solid and affordable set).
- Upgrade: Fighter Torso (can be obtained through Barbarian Assault) and Dragon/Bandos Legs (slightly more expensive but a solid upgrade).
- Consideration: Obsidian Armor (if you can afford it, this can provide a significant damage boost).
- Boots:
- Budget Option: Rune Boots
- Upgrade: Dragon Boots
- Gloves:
- Budget Option: Mithril Gloves (From Recipe for Disaster)
- Upgrade: Barrows Gloves (From Recipe for Disaster)
- Helmet:
- Budget Option: Rune Full Helm
- Upgrade: Slayer Helmet (if using Slayer tasks)
- Amulet:
- Budget Option: Amulet of Strength
- Upgrade: Amulet of Fury
Ranged:
- Weapon:
- Budget Option: Rune Crossbow
- Upgrade: Broad Bolts (for Rune Crossbow)
- Consideration: Armadyl Crossbow (significantly more expensive, but a massive upgrade).
- Armor:
- Budget Option: Black D’hide (or equivalent)
- Upgrade: God D’hide (or equivalent)
- Consideration: Armadyl Armor (expensive, but a significant upgrade).
- Helmet:
- Budget Option: Archer’s Helm
- Upgrade: Armadyl Helmet
- Amulet:
- Budget Option: Amulet of Power
- Upgrade: Amulet of Fury/Anguish
Mage:
- Weapon:
- Budget Option: Iban’s Staff (Free from quest)
- Upgrade: Ancient Staff (for Ice Barrage)
- Armor:
- Budget Option: Mystic Robes
- Upgrade: Ahrim’s Robes
- Helmet:
- Budget Option: Mystic Hat
- Upgrade: Ahrim’s Hood
- Amulet:
- Budget Option: Amulet of Power
- Upgrade: Occult Necklace
Other Important Items:
- Prayer Potions: Essential for maintaining your protection prayers.
- Ranging/Magic Potions: Enhance your ranged or magic damage.
- Super Combat Potions: Boost your combat stats.
- Food: Sharks and Anglerfish are popular choices.
Phase 2: Intermediate Gear (150-300 Invocation)
As you become more comfortable and aim for higher invocation levels, you’ll want to gradually upgrade your gear.
Melee:
- Weapon:
- Upgrade: Abyssal Tentacle Whip (for increased accuracy and damage)
- Consideration: Inquisitor’s Mace (a significant upgrade but expensive).
- Armor:
- Upgrade: Bandos Armor (a great upgrade for melee)
- Consideration: Justiciar Armor (for tanking, if needed).
Ranged:
- Weapon:
- Upgrade: Armadyl Crossbow (or Blowpipe, if you can afford it)
- Consideration: Dragon Hunter Crossbow (against dragons).
- Armor:
- Upgrade: Armadyl Armor
- Consideration: Masori Armor (expensive, but BiS).
Mage:
- Weapon:
- Upgrade: Kodai Wand/Master Wand (if you can afford it)
- Consideration: Trident of the Seas/Swamp (good and affordable)
- Armor:
- Upgrade: Ahrim’s Robes
- Consideration: Ancestral Robes (expensive, but BiS).
Important Considerations:
- Jewelry: Fury/Anguish and the new rings will provide a significant boost to your damage output.
- Potions: Consider bringing more expensive potions, such as Overloads, to increase your combat stats.
- Inventory Management: Optimize your inventory for maximum efficiency.
Phase 3: Endgame Gear (300+ Invocation)
At this level, you’ll be aiming for the best-in-slot gear. This involves significant investment, but the rewards are well worth it.
Melee:
- Weapon: Inquisitor’s Mace/Osmumten’s Fang
- Armor: Justiciar Armor/Full Bandos
- Consideration: Torva Armor (BiS).
Ranged:
- Weapon: Zaryte Crossbow/Twisted Bow
- Armor: Masori Armor (f)
- Consideration: Dragon Hunter Crossbow
Mage:
- Weapon: Tumeken’s Shadow of Seren
- Armor: Ancestral Robes
- Consideration: Harmonized Nightmare Staff
Important Considerations:
- Overloads: Absolutely essential for maximizing your combat stats.
- Elite Gear: Prioritize upgrading your best-in-slot items.
- Practice and Refinement: The skill ceiling is high in ToA; keep practicing and refining your strategy.
Budget-Friendly Tips for Success
- Prioritize Skill: Gear is important, but skill is paramount. Learn the raid mechanics and practice your rotations.
- Join a Team: Raiding with friends or a clan can reduce costs and increase your chances of success.
- Look for Sales: The Grand Exchange prices fluctuate. Keep an eye out for deals on gear.
- Don’t Overspend: Upgrade your gear gradually. There’s no need to rush to the most expensive items.
- Learn to PVM: Watch guides and learn from experienced players.
- Set realistic goals: Start with lower invocations and gradually increase the difficulty.
- Learn the optimal prayer and potion rotations.
Conclusion
Conquering the Tombs of Amascut in OSRS doesn’t require a massive bank. By following this budget-friendly gear progression guide, focusing on skill, and making smart investments, you can successfully raid ToA and enjoy the thrill of the challenge. Remember to be patient, persistent, and most importantly, have fun!
FAQs
1. What is the best budget-friendly melee weapon for ToA?
The Dragon Scimitar is an excellent and affordable option for early ToA runs. It provides a good balance of damage and cost.
2. What are the most important potions for ToA?
Prayer potions, ranging/magic potions, and super combat potions are essential for survival and maximizing your damage output. Overloads are a significant upgrade when you can afford them.
3. Should I buy expensive gear before learning the raid?
It’s generally recommended to learn the raid mechanics and become comfortable with lower invocation levels before making significant investments in expensive gear. This helps you understand how the gear will impact your performance.
4. Is it worth it to use the “Revenant” weapons in the ToA?
While Revenant weapons can provide high DPS, the risk of dying and losing them can be costly. They are not recommended for budget-friendly ToA runs.
5. How do I prioritize upgrades?
Focus on upgrading weapons first, as they directly impact your damage output. Then, prioritize armor upgrades for increased survivability. Finally, consider upgrading your jewelry for increased damage and accuracy.
