In the vast arsenal of Old School RuneScape, some weapons are designed for general use, while others are masters of a specific niche. The Arclight falls firmly into the latter category. It is, without question, the single most powerful anti-demon weapon in the entire game, and an essential tool for any player serious about Slayer and bossing.

This guide explains what Arclight is, how to get it, and just how dominant it is in its role.

What is Arclight and How Does it Work?

Arclight is a one-handed sword requiring 75 Attack to wield. On its own, its stats are unassuming, similar to a Rune Scimitar. However, its power comes from a passive effect:

  • Demonbane Effect: When fighting any demonic creature, Arclight provides a massive 70% boost to both accuracy and damage.

This bonus is not a small increase; it's a game-changing multiplier that elevates the Arclight to best-in-slot status against a wide array of important monsters.

The weapon is charged with Ancient Shards, with each shard providing 1,000 charges. One charge is consumed per attack.

How to Obtain Arclight

Creating the Arclight is a two-step process:

  1. Obtain Darklight: You must first acquire the Darklight sword by completing the quest Shadow of the Storm.
  2. Charge it with Ancient Shards: Ancient Shards are a common drop from any monster inside the Catacombs of Kourend. Once you have at least 3 shards, simply use them on the Darklight to transform it into the Arclight.

Arclight vs. The Competition: A Comparison

To understand Arclight's power, let's see how it stacks up against other top-tier weapons at a demonic boss like K'ril Tsutsaroth (Zamorak GWD).

WeaponPerformance vs. K'rilNotes
ArclightBest-in-SlotThe 70% accuracy and damage bonus is unmatched. It shreds through the boss's high defence and deals incredible damage.
Abyssal WhipGoodA decent option, but its DPS is significantly lower than Arclight's due to the lack of a species-specific bonus.
Ghrazi RapierVery GoodEven the best-in-slot stab weapon cannot compete with Arclight's massive passive buff against demons. Arclight is superior.
Scythe of ViturExcellentIn some specific max-gear setups, the Scythe can pull ahead, but for the vast majority of players, the Arclight is more effective and far more affordable.

The Best Places to Use Arclight

If the monster is demonic, Arclight is your best friend.

  • Slayer Tasks: Abyssal Demons, Greater Demons, Black Demons, Hellhounds.
  • Bossing:
    • K'ril Tsutsaroth (Zamorak GWD): Absolutely essential.
    • Cerberus: The best weapon for this high-level slayer boss.
    • Skotizo: The wilderness demi-boss is a demon and is extremely weak to Arclight.
    • Demonic Gorillas: A fantastic weapon for these profitable monsters.

Conclusion: An Essential Upgrade

The Arclight is one of the most impactful and cost-effective upgrades you can make for your account. Its sheer dominance against a wide category of common Slayer monsters and high-level bosses is undeniable. The effort required to obtain it is minimal compared to the immense power it provides. It is not just a good weapon; it is an absolutely essential one.


Ready to put your new Arclight to the test?

→ Check out our K'ril Tsutsaroth Guide. → Learn about other powerful niche weapons like the Dragon Hunter Lance.