In Old School RuneScape, the armour you wear defines your role. Are you a glass cannon, a resilient tank, or a master of the arcane? Choosing the right armour for the right situation is key to mastering high-level Player-vs-Monster (PvM) content.

This guide will break down the best armour sets for each combat style, focusing on their primary use in the game.

Best Melee Armour

Melee armour is typically split into two categories: gear for maximum damage (Strength Bonus) and gear for maximum defence (Tank Gear).

For Maximum Damage (Strength Bonus)

This is what you'll wear for 95% of melee situations.

  • Best-in-Slot: Torva Armour (Helm, Platebody, Platelegs)
    • Source: Nex
    • Why it's the best: Provides the highest Strength bonus of any armour in the game, directly increasing your max hit and DPS. It also has incredible defensive stats.
  • The Standard: Bandos Armour (Chestplate, Tassets)
    • Source: General Graardor
    • Why it's great: Before Torva, Bandos was the undisputed king. It provides a significant Strength bonus and will be your go-to offensive set for a long time. Often paired with a Helm of Neitiznot or Serpentine Helm.

For Maximum Defence (Tank Gear)

This gear is used for specific roles in raids or at bosses where your main job is to absorb damage.

  • Best-in-Slot: Justiciar Armour (Faceguard, Chestguard, Legguards)
    • Source: Theatre of Blood
    • Why it's the best: Offers the highest defensive stats in the game against Melee attacks. The set effect also provides a powerful damage reduction based on your defence level.

Best Ranged Armour

Ranged armour focuses on Ranged Attack Bonus for accuracy. The best sets also provide a Ranged Strength bonus.

  • Best-in-Slot: Masori Armour (fortified)
    • Source: Tombs of Amascut (base version), requires Armadyl components to fortify.
    • Why it's the best: It has a massive Ranged Attack bonus and a Ranged Strength bonus, a rare and powerful combination. It completely outclasses all previous Ranged gear.
  • The Standard: Armadyl Armour (Helm, Chestplate, Chainskirt)
    • Source: Kree'arra
    • Why it's great: For years, Armadyl was the undisputed best Ranged armour. It still provides a huge Ranged Attack bonus and is very powerful in all situations.
  • The Budget Option: Karil's Leather / Black Dragonhide
    • Why they're great: Karil's (from Barrows) and Black D'hide offer incredible stats for their relatively low cost, making them the workhorse armour for most players.

Best Magic Armour

Magic armour is all about Magic Attack Bonus for accuracy, with the very best sets adding a coveted Magic Damage bonus.

  • Best-in-Slot (Damage): Ancestral Robes (Hat, Top, Bottoms)
    • Source: Chambers of Xeric
    • Why it's the best: Each piece provides a 2% Magic Damage bonus, for a total of 6% with the full set. This direct damage increase makes it the best for most PvM scenarios.
  • Best-in-Slot (Accuracy): Virtus Robes (Mask, Top, Bottoms)
    • Source: The Whisperer, Duke Sucellus, Vardorvis
    • Why it's great: Virtus offers a higher Magic Attack bonus than Ancestral but lacks the damage percentage boost. It's the best choice when pure accuracy is needed, and it also boosts the damage of Ancient Magicks.
  • The Standard: Ahrim's Robes
    • Source: Barrows
    • Why it's great: Ahrim's is the entry point to high-level magic gear. It provides a substantial Magic Attack bonus and will be your primary magic set for a long time.

Choosing the right armour is about picking the right tool for the job. While the best-in-slot items are incredibly powerful, the "standard" options like Bandos, Armadyl, and Ahrim's will capably see you through almost any challenge the game has to offer.

Want to understand how these pieces fit into your journey?

→ Check out our Master Gear Progression Guide. → Fund your next best-in-slot purchase by Buying OSRS Gold.