10 Best And Strongest Bolts in OSRS

Bolts are a vital part of any crossbow setup in Old School RuneScape, providing powerful and precise ammunition for players focusing on long-range combat. They are crafted using Smithing and Fletching, combining metal bolt tips with feathers. Some special bolts are also obtained through monster drops or purchased from specialized shops, offering unique effects and enhanced damage.

Whether you’re tackling PvM bosses, Slayer tasks, or dominating in PvP, the right bolts can make all the difference. From unleashing devastating effects like poison or fire to maximizing accuracy and strength, bolts are far more than just simple ammunition—they’re a key component of any successful strategy.

In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best and strongest bolts in OSRS, highlighting their stats, effects, and the situations where they shine. Whether you’re a beginner or an endgame adventurer, these bolts will give you the edge you need in battle. Let’s dive into the best options for every crossbow user!

#10: Steel Bolts

Steel Bolts are a reliable and affordable option for low- to mid-level players in Old School RuneScape, offering a solid balance of damage and accessibility. With a Ranged Strength bonus of +46, they provide decent firepower for players working their way up the crossbow ranks.

Steel Bolts are a popular choice for training Ranged, as they are easy to craft with 33 Smithing and 37 Fletching, or purchase from the Grand Exchange. They pair well with lower-tier crossbows like the Steel Crossbow or Dorgeshuun Crossbow, making them ideal for beginners who are just starting to explore long-range combat.

While they lack special effects or higher-tier power, their low cost and ease of acquisition make them a practical option for players looking to train efficiently without breaking the bank.

For early-game adventurers seeking a reliable and cost-effective ammunition option, Steel Bolts are a great choice that will serve you well until you’re ready to move on to stronger alternatives.

#9: Mithril Bolts

Mithril Bolts are a step up from Steel Bolts, providing better damage and accuracy for mid-level players in Old School RuneScape. With a Ranged Strength bonus of +82, they are a solid choice for players tackling tougher PvM content or advancing their Ranged training.

These bolts are accessible through Smithing at level 53 and Fletching at level 54, or they can be purchased from the Grand Exchange, making them relatively easy to acquire. Mithril Bolts are compatible with crossbows like the Mithril Crossbow or higher-tier options, allowing players to maximize their effectiveness as they progress in the game.

While they lack special effects, Mithril Bolts are a dependable option for players who need consistent damage output without the expense of higher-tier ammunition. They’re especially useful for Slayer tasks or mid-level bossing, where reliable performance matters.

For adventurers moving up the combat ladder, Mithril Bolts offer a balanced combination of power, affordability, and accessibility, making them a popular choice for mid-tier gameplay.

#8: Emerald Bolts

Emerald Bolts are a versatile and effective choice for mid-level players, offering a unique poison effect that makes them stand out from other types of bolts in Old School RuneScape. When enchanted into Emerald Bolts (e), they gain the ability to inflict poison on enemies, dealing damage over time and adding utility to PvM and PvP encounters.

With a Ranged Strength bonus of +83, Emerald Bolts are strong enough for mid-level combat while also providing their special effect. The poison inflicted by their special effect can deal 5 poison damage per tick, gradually wearing down an opponent’s health over time. This makes them ideal for prolonged fights, especially against high-health monsters or players in PvP scenarios.

Emerald Bolts are crafted by attaching Emerald Bolt Tips to Mithril Bolts, requiring Fletching level 58, and enchanting them requires Magic level 27 and the Enchant Crossbow Bolt spell.

For players seeking an affordable option with added utility, Emerald Bolts (e) are a great choice, offering a mix of solid damage and the ability to poison enemies for increased efficiency in combat.

#7: Adamant Bolts

Adamant Bolts are a staple ammunition choice for mid- to high-level players in Old School RuneScape, offering a significant boost in damage and accuracy. With a Ranged Strength bonus of +100, they are a reliable option for both training and combat against tougher enemies.

These bolts are popular for their versatility, as they can be used with a wide range of crossbows, including the Rune Crossbow and higher-tier options. Their high damage output makes them a great choice for Slayer tasks, mid-level bossing, or general PvM activities.

Adamant Bolts can be crafted at 73 Smithing and 61 Fletching or purchased from the Grand Exchange, making them widely available. They are also frequently used as a base for enchanted bolts, such as Ruby (e) or Diamond (e) bolts, which unlock powerful special effects for specific scenarios.

For players who need consistent and affordable high-damage bolts, Adamant Bolts are a reliable and versatile option that works well across a variety of combat situations.

#6: Ruby Bolts

Ruby Bolts (e) are a game-changer for players tackling high-health enemies in Old School RuneScape, thanks to their devastating special effect, Blood Forfeit. This effect allows them to deal 20% of the enemy’s current health as damage, capped at 100 damage per hit, making them incredibly effective against bosses and high-health monsters.

These bolts have a Ranged Strength bonus of +103, ensuring they still deal strong base damage even without the special effect activating. The Blood Forfeit effect comes at a cost: it sacrifices 10% of the player’s current hitpoints when triggered, making them a high-risk, high-reward option.

Crafting Ruby Bolts (e) requires 63 Fletching to attach Ruby Bolt Tips to Adamant Bolts, followed by enchanting them with the Enchant Crossbow Bolt spell at Magic level 49. This process ensures they remain a bit more expensive than standard bolts but well worth the investment for their incredible utility in PvM.

For activities like Chambers of Xeric, Zulrah, and Vorkath, Ruby Bolts (e) are an invaluable ammunition choice, capable of delivering massive burst damage that can significantly speed up kills against tough bosses.

#5: Runite Bolts

Runite Bolts are among the strongest non-enchanted bolts in Old School RuneScape, boasting an impressive Ranged Strength bonus of +115. These bolts are highly sought after by high-level players for their raw power, versatility, and effectiveness in both PvM and PvP encounters.

They pair exceptionally well with high-tier crossbows like the Rune Crossbow or Dragon Hunter Crossbow, making them a staple ammunition for Slayer tasks, bossing, and competitive combat scenarios. Their consistent high damage output makes them ideal for high-defense monsters, ensuring efficient kills with minimal effort.

Runite Bolts can be crafted at 88 Smithing and 69 Fletching, or purchased from the Grand Exchange, though their high demand keeps their price slightly elevated. Additionally, they serve as the base for some of the most powerful enchanted bolts, like Dragonstone (e) and Onyx (e) bolts, adding further utility for players looking to unlock special effects.

For adventurers seeking reliable, high-damage ammunition, Runite Bolts are a must-have option that excels in almost any combat situation. Their combination of power and accessibility makes them a top-tier choice for both PvM and PvP.

#4: Dragonstone Bolts

Dragonstone Bolts (e) are an exceptional choice for both PvM and PvP players in Old School RuneScape, thanks to their special effect, Dragon’s Breath, which adds significant utility to their already powerful stats. With a Ranged Strength bonus of +117, these bolts deliver consistent high damage alongside their unique effect.

The Dragon’s Breath effect has a chance to deal 20% of the enemy’s maximum hitpoints as additional damage, capped at 25 damage, making it highly effective against enemies with high HP. This effect ignores the enemy’s defense, adding versatility against high-defense monsters and players in PvP. However, the effect does not work against enemies with dragonfire protection, such as anti-dragon shields or Dragonfire potions, limiting its usage in specific scenarios.

Dragonstone Bolts (e) are crafted by attaching Dragonstone Bolt Tips to Runite Bolts, requiring 71 Fletching, and enchanting them with the Enchant Crossbow Bolt spell at Magic level 68.

These bolts shine in encounters like Slayer bosses, Chambers of Xeric, or PvP situations where additional burst damage can make a decisive difference. For adventurers looking to combine power with utility, Dragonstone Bolts (e) are a versatile and effective choice.ç

#3: Dragon Bolts

Dragon Bolts are the pinnacle of non-enchanted bolts in Old School RuneScape, boasting a Ranged Strength bonus of +122, the highest of any bolts in the game. These bolts are a staple for high-level PvM and PvP players, offering unparalleled damage output and compatibility with the most powerful crossbows, including the Dragon Hunter Crossbow and Armour-piercing Crossbow.

Dragon Bolts are often used as the base for enchanting into some of the strongest bolts available, such as Ruby (e) and Onyx (e), unlocking devastating special effects that further enhance their utility. Even without enchantments, their raw power makes them a reliable option for efficiently taking down high-defense enemies or dealing heavy damage in PvP scenarios.

Obtaining Dragon Bolts requires 84 Fletching to attach Dragon Bolt Tips to Runite Bolts, or they can be purchased directly from the Grand Exchange, albeit at a premium due to their demand and effectiveness.

For players tackling elite PvM content like Zulrah, Vorkath, or Raids, or for those engaging in high-stakes PvP, Dragon Bolts are an essential choice for maximizing damage and ensuring quick, efficient kills. Their power and versatility secure their spot as one of the best ammunition options in OSRS.

#2: Dragonstone Bolts (e)

Dragonstone Bolts (e) are one of the most powerful and versatile enchanted bolts in Old School RuneScape, highly valued for their Dragon’s Breath special effect. With a Ranged Strength bonus of +117 and a chance to deal devastating additional damage, these bolts are a top-tier choice for both PvM and PvP scenarios.

The Dragon’s Breath effect has a chance to deal 20% of the target’s maximum hitpoints as bonus damage, capped at 25 damage, and it bypasses defense. This makes them particularly effective against high-health enemies or players in PvP. However, their effect is negated by dragonfire protection items, such as the anti-dragon shield or Dragonfire potion, limiting their use against certain enemies like dragons.

Dragonstone Bolts (e) are crafted by attaching Dragonstone Bolt Tips to Runite Bolts, requiring 71 Fletching, and enchanting them with the Enchant Crossbow Bolt spell at Magic level 68.

These bolts are a go-to choice for activities like Slayer tasks, Chambers of Xeric, and PvP combat, where their burst damage can turn the tide of a fight. For players looking for a combination of high damage and utility, Dragonstone Bolts (e) are an unbeatable option for almost any encounter.

#1: Enchanted Onyx Bolts

Enchanted Onyx Bolts (e) are the most powerful and sought-after bolts in Old School RuneScape, offering unmatched utility and devastating damage potential. With a Ranged Strength bonus of +120, they provide top-tier damage output, but it’s their special effect, Life Leech, that truly sets them apart.

The Life Leech effect has a chance to heal the player for 25% of the damage dealt while also restoring 25% of the damage as Prayer points. This unique ability adds incredible sustainability in both PvM and PvP encounters, making them invaluable for prolonged fights and resource management. The healing and Prayer restoration can be a game-changer, especially in high-stakes scenarios like Theatre of Blood, Chambers of Xeric, or Wilderness PvP.

Enchanted Onyx Bolts are crafted by attaching Onyx Bolt Tips to Runite Bolts, requiring 73 Fletching, and enchanting them with the Enchant Crossbow Bolt spell at Magic level 87. Due to their high cost, they are often reserved for critical moments or high-level encounters where their utility can maximize efficiency and survivability.

For players tackling the toughest challenges in Gielinor, Enchanted Onyx Bolts are the ultimate ammunition choice. Their combination of raw power, sustainability, and versatility cements them as the best bolts in OSRS, making them a must-have for elite crossbow users.

Conclusion

Bolts are an essential part of any crossbow setup in Old School RuneScape, offering a variety of damage outputs and unique effects to enhance your gameplay. Whether you’re training Ranged, taking down bosses, or competing in PvP, selecting the right bolts can significantly impact your performance and success.

From the accessible Steel Bolts for beginners to the powerful Enchanted Onyx Bolts, each type of bolt on this list serves a specific purpose, catering to different levels and combat scenarios. Options like Ruby Bolts (e) provide incredible burst damage against high-health bosses, while Dragonstone Bolts (e) and Emerald Bolts (e) add unique utility with their special effects. At the top of the list, Onyx Bolts (e) combine power, healing, and Prayer restoration, making them the ultimate choice for endgame content.

No matter where you are in your RuneScape journey, investing in the right bolts for your crossbow will elevate your combat effectiveness. Experiment with these options, adapt to your playstyle, and dominate the battlefield with the best and strongest bolts OSRS has to offer!