OSRS Artio Boss Guide: Taming the Lesser Bear

Artio, the enraged spirit bear, offers a more accessible yet still dangerous alternative to her formidable counterpart, Callisto. Located in the Hunter's End cave (Level 21 Wilderness, Singles-plus), Artio provides a stepping stone for players looking to farm Wilderness uniques like the Voidwaker Hilt without facing the multi-combat dangers and higher stats of Callisto.

This guide covers Artio's location, mechanics, effective strategies (primarily freezing and ranging/maging), loot table, and essential Wilderness survival considerations.

Location & Access

  • Requirement: Completion of the Medium Wilderness Diary.
  • Location: Hunter's End cave, Level 21 Wilderness (North-east of Ferox Enclave).
  • Fastest Travel:
    • Teleport to Ferox Enclave (Ring of Dueling / Minigame Teleport) and run north-east.
    • Carrallanger Teleport (Ancients, 84 Magic) and run west.
    • Corporeal Beast cave teleport (Games Necklace), exit cave, run west (Beware: Multi-combat outside cave).
  • Instance Type: Singles-plus combat. PvP takes priority over PvM.
  • Teleport Delay: Entering the cave incurs a 3-tick teleport delay unless the Hard Wilderness Diary is completed.

Artio's Mechanics & Attacks

Artio shares mechanics with Callisto but has lower stats (Level 320, 450 HP).

  • Melee Attack: A swipe with AoE potential. Hits very hard (minimum 15 damage, scales higher), partially penetrates Protect from Melee (~50% reduction). Avoid melee range.
  • Ranged Attack: Crescent projectiles used when target is out of melee range. Weaker than melee. Protect from Missiles is effective.
  • Knockback (Magic Orb): Launches a white orb targeting a player.
    • Damage: Scales based on distance knocked back before hitting a wall/trap (5 damage if full 3 tiles, up to 50 if immediately hit wall).
    • Counter: Pray Protect from Magic as the orb hits to negate damage entirely.
  • Bear Traps: Deployed around the arena at 66% and 33% HP (and randomly afterwards). Stepping on one deals ~15 damage and briefly binds. Roars and breaks free from freezes when deploying traps.
  • Weaknesses: Significantly weak to Magic and Ranged. Melee defence is high.

Strategy: Freeze, Kite, and Survive

The standard strategy involves keeping Artio frozen and attacking from a distance.

  1. Entry & Positioning: Enter the cave (spawning North). Immediately move towards the south/exit area to potentially lure Artio away from the entrance spawn point for easier escapes if PKers arrive.
  2. Initial Freeze: Cast Ice Barrage or Ice Blitz (or Entangle). With +0 Magic Accuracy or higher, the first freeze attempt on an unfrozen Artio is guaranteed to hit.
  3. Attack: Once frozen, attack with your primary ranged or magic weapon.
    • Ranged (Recommended): Webweaver Bow / Craw's Bow are BiS due to Wilderness damage bonus. Bowfa/Crystal or strong crossbows (Dragon/Armadyl/Zaryte) are also effective.
    • Magic: Use powered staves (Trident/Sang/Shadow). Blood Barrage with Bloodbark armour can offer sustain but is lower DPS.
  4. Maintain Freeze: Re-cast your freeze spell shortly before the previous one expires (duration is reduced due to freeze resistance).
  5. Prayers: Maintain Protect from Missiles (default). Quickly switch to Protect from Magic ONLY when you see the white Knockback orb launched, then switch back immediately. Keep Piety/Rigour/Augury active.
  6. Dodge Traps: Be mindful of Bear Trap spawns (especially after roars at 66%/33% HP). Avoid stepping on them.
  7. PKer Awareness: Always watch the entrance/minimap. Be ready to teleport (if delay allows) or run south and escape if a player killer enters. Prioritize survival over the kill.
  • Risk Management: Only bring items you are willing to lose. Use Items Kept on Death interface. Consider Trouver Parchments for key untradeables if accepting higher risk. 3-iteming (Weapon, Bracelet, Amulet) is common for low risk.
  • Weapon: Webweaver Bow/Craw's Bow > Bowfa/Crystal > Zaryte/Arma/Dragon Crossbow w/ Diamond Bolts (e) > Magic Shortbow (i). Magic: Accursed Sceptre > Trident/Sang/Shadow.
  • Freeze Spells: Blighted Ancient Ice Sacks or runes for Ice Barrage/Blitz.
  • Armour: Prioritize Magic Defence (for PKers) and Ranged/Magic Attack. Blessed D'hide or Karil's offer good defence/cost ratio. Higher tier gear (Masori/Crystal/Ancestral) increases risk significantly but improves kill speed. Bloodbark for Blood Barrage setups.
  • Jewellery: Salve Amulet (ei) does NOT work. Use Necklace of Anguish/Occult Necklace, Bracelet of Ethereum (essential for damage reduction vs Callisto, less vital but still useful vs Artio's melee chip), Ring of Shadows/Wealth(i)/Explorer's.
  • Other: Ava's device, God blessing, Book of Law/Unholy Book (if using crossbow).

Loot Highlights

Artio shares Callisto's unique drop table but with lower rates/quantities.

  • Uniques (Approx. 1/103 overall chance):
    • Voidwaker Hilt (1/912)
    • Claws of Callisto (1/618)
    • Tyrannical Ring (1/716)
    • Dragon Pickaxe (1/358)
    • Dragon 2h Sword (1/358)
  • Tertiary: Callisto Cub (Pet, 1/2800), Clue Scroll (Elite), Brimstone/Larran's Keys (on task).
  • Standard: Rune Pickaxes, high-value alchables, noted logs (Mahogany, Magic), uncut gems, Dragon Bones, Red Dragonhide, Dark Crabs, Super Restores, Seeds (Ranarr, Snapdragon).
  • Supply Roll (Secondary): Chance to receive blighted food/restores instead of a standard loot roll.

Average Kill Value: ~55,000 GP.

Conclusion

Artio provides a significantly more manageable way to farm Callisto's unique drops compared to the multi-combat original. By mastering freeze timing, prayer switches against the knockback attack, and maintaining constant awareness of the Wilderness threat, players can effectively hunt Artio for a chance at the valuable Voidwaker Hilt and other sought-after Wilderness rewards. Always prioritize safety and manage your risk appropriately.

Looking to gear up for Artio or other Wilderness bosses? Secure funds for essential items like a Webweaver Bow or defensive gear with OSRS Gold. Need higher Magic or Ranged levels? Our OSRS Skilling Services can help you train efficiently. Check out our general Wilderness Guide for more tips!