OSRS Gear Progression Guide: From Mid-Game PvM to Your First Raids

So, you've conquered Dragon Slayer, maybe got your Fighter Torso, and are wondering what's next on the gear ladder in Old School RuneScape. Moving into mid-game PvM like Slayer bosses, Barrows, or even early bossing requires strategic upgrades beyond Dragon armour. This guide outlines key milestones on the path towards tackling tougher content and eventually stepping into your first raids like Chambers of Xeric or Tombs of Amascut.

This isn't about Best-in-Slot (BiS) right away, but sensible steps to increase your effectiveness.

Core Mid-Game Melee Upgrades

• Weapon: Abyssal Whip is the standard. Consider Dragon Scimitar/Dagger for spec.
• Body: Fighter Torso (from Barbarian Assault - free but time-consuming).
• Legs: Dragon Platelegs/Skirt, or Obsidian Platelegs (often paired with Berserker Necklace/Obsidian Helmet for a damage boost). Verac's Plateskirt is a great defensive/prayer option.
• Helmet: Helm of Neitiznot (quest reward), Slayer Helmet (i) (essential for Slayer tasks!). Berserker/Warrior helm for specific bonuses.
• Shield: Dragon Defender (from Warrior's Guild - crucial upgrade). Dragonfire Shield for specific tasks.
• Boots: Dragon Boots.
• Gloves: Barrows Gloves (from Recipe for Disaster - arguably the most important mid-game unlock).
• Amulet: Amulet of Fury.
• Ring: Berserker Ring (imbued via NMZ/Soul Wars).

Essential Ranged Upgrades

• Weapon: Rune Crossbow -> Dragon Crossbow -> Toxic Blowpipe (game-changing!). Armadyl Crossbow is a later goal.
• Ammo: Broad bolts (cheap Slayer training), Diamond/Ruby bolts (e) for bossing. Amethyst/Dragon darts for Blowpipe.
• Armour: Blessed D'hide (God variants offer prayer bonus). Karil's Leathertop/skirt (Barrows). Armadyl armour is a high-level goal.
• Helmet: Blessed Coif / Archer Helm -> Armadyl Helmet / Masori Mask (f) (late game).
• Shield: Odium Ward / Book of Law. Dragonfire Ward later.
• Amulet: Amulet of Glory -> Amulet of Fury -> Necklace of Anguish.
• Cape: Ava's Accumulator -> Ava's Assembler (from Vorkath).
• Gloves: Barrows Gloves.
• Boots: Blessed D'hide Boots -> Pegasian Boots.
• Ring: Archer's Ring (i).

Key Magic Upgrades

• Weapon: Iban's Staff (u) -> Trident of the Seas -> Trident of the Swamp -> Sanguinesti Staff / Tumeken's Shadow (late game).
• Armour: Mystic Robes -> Ahrim's Robetop/skirt (Barrows) -> Ancestral Robes (late game).
• Helmet: Farseer Helm / Ahrim's Hood.
• Shield: Mage's Book / Book of Darkness / Malediction Ward -> Arcane Spirit Shield (late game).
• Amulet: Amulet of Glory -> Occult Necklace (significant magic damage boost).
• Cape: God Cape (i) (from Mage Arena 2).
• Gloves: Barrows Gloves.
• Boots: Mystic Boots -> Eternal Boots.
• Ring: Seers Ring (i).

Bridging Towards Raids

Getting "Raids Ready" often involves acquiring several items mentioned above:

• Toxic Blowpipe & Trident of the Swamp are near essential for CoX/ToA.
• Barrows Gloves & Fire Cape (Melee) / Assembler (Range) are standard.
• Decent Barrows/Blessed D'hide gear.
• Key jewellery (Fury/Anguish/Torture, Occult, Imbued Rings).
• Dragon Defender.

Conclusion: Prioritize Impactful Upgrades

Gear progression takes time and GP. Focus on unlocks that offer the biggest performance boost for the content you enjoy. Items like Barrows Gloves, Dragon Defender, Fire Cape/Assembler, Blowpipe, and Trident are major milestones.

Feeling the GP pinch for that next big upgrade? While grinding is part of the game, if time is tight, Tons of XP offers fast and reliable OSRS Gold to help you bridge the gap.

Need help getting prerequisites like the Fire Cape or finishing Recipe for Disaster for Barrows Gloves? Check out our safe, hand-trained OSRS Services.

Focus on incremental improvements, and you'll be tackling tougher challenges in no time!