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

So you've beaten Dragon Slayer I, maybe grinded out a Fighter Torso, and now you're wondering what gear to aim for next in Old School RuneScape. Moving into mid-game Player vs Monster (PvM) like Slayer bosses, Barrows runs, or early solo bosses (see Bossing Ladder) needs better gear than just Rune or Dragon. This guide shows key upgrades on the path to tougher content and eventually being "ready" for your first Raids like Chambers of Xeric (CoX - see CoX Guide) or Tombs of Amascut (ToA).

This isn't about getting absolute Best-in-Slot (BiS) right away, but smart steps to get stronger. Can't afford upgrades? Consider safe OSRS gold buying.

Core Mid-Game Melee Upgrades (Post-Dragon)

  • Weapon: Abyssal Whip is the go-to standard for training and many bosses. Dragon Scimitar/Dagger (DDS) are still good for spec attacks.
  • Body: Fighter Torso (from Barbarian Assault minigame - it's free but takes time to get). Beats Dragon Chainbody for offence.
  • Legs: Dragon Platelegs/Skirt are solid. Obsidian Platelegs can be good with Berserker Necklace/Obsidian Helm for a damage boost. Verac's Plateskirt offers good Defence and Prayer bonus.
  • Helmet: Helm of Neitiznot (from Fremennik quests - great all-around helm). Slayer Helmet (imbued) is essential for Slayer tasks (combines Black Mask boost with protection). Berserker/Warrior Helms give specific bonuses.
  • Shield: Dragon Defender (from Warrior's Guild Cyclopes - HUGE offensive upgrade). Dragonfire Shield useful for dragons.
  • Boots: Dragon Boots. Standard upgrade.
  • Gloves: Barrows Gloves (from completing Recipe for Disaster quest line - arguably the single most important mid-game unlock). Needs many quest prerequisites!
  • Amulet: Amulet of Fury (upgrade from Glory).
  • Ring: Berserker Ring (imbued via NMZ/Soul Wars for STR bonus).

Essential Ranged Upgrades

  • Weapon: Rune Crossbow -> Dragon Crossbow -> Toxic Blowpipe (Massive DPS upgrade! Uses scales/darts). Armadyl Crossbow is a higher tier goal.
  • Ammo: Broad bolts (cheap for Slayer training). Diamond bolts (e) / Ruby bolts (e) are crucial for bossing (check monster HP for Ruby effectiveness). Amethyst/Dragon darts are best for Blowpipe DPS.
  • Armour: Blessed D'hide (God variants give Prayer bonus - relatively cheap). Karil's Leathertop/skirt (from Barrows - good Magic Defence). Armadyl armour is the high-level goal.
  • Helmet: Blessed Coif / Archer Helm -> Armadyl Helmet -> Masori Mask (f) (high-end raid gear).
  • Shield: Odium Ward / Book of Law (Ranged offhands). Dragonfire Ward later for dragon tasks.
  • Amulet: Amulet of Glory -> Amulet of Fury -> Necklace of Anguish (BiS Ranged neck).
  • Cape: Ava's Accumulator -> Ava's Assembler (upgrade via Vorkath head - requires DS2 completion). Essential for saving ammo.
  • Gloves: Barrows Gloves (still best overall for a long time). Zaryte Vambraces are BiS much later.
  • Boots: Blessed D'hide Boots -> Pegasian Boots (expensive upgrade).
  • Ring: Archer's Ring (i) (imbued!).

Key Magic Upgrades

  • Weapon: Iban's Staff (upgraded) -> Trident of the Seas (big upgrade, charged staff) -> Trident of the Swamp (venomous upgrade) -> Sanguinesti Staff / Tumeken's Shadow (very high-end raid weapons).
  • Armour: Mystic Robes -> Ahrim's Robetop/skirt (from Barrows - good stats) -> Ancestral Robes (high-end raid gear).
  • Helmet: Farseer Helm / Ahrim's Hood -> Ancestral Hat.
  • Shield: Mage's Book / Book of Darkness (from Horror from the Deep) / Malediction Ward -> Arcane Spirit Shield (expensive high-end shield).
  • Amulet: Amulet of Glory -> Occult Necklace (huge magic damage boost!).
  • Cape: Imbued God Cape (from Mage Arena 2 miniquest - essential Magic cape).
  • Gloves: Barrows Gloves. Tormented Bracelet is BiS Magic glove (from MM2/Zenyte).
  • Boots: Mystic Boots -> Eternal Boots (expensive upgrade).
  • Ring: Seers Ring (i) (imbued!).

Bridging the Gap: Getting "Raids Ready"

Becoming "Raids Ready" usually involves having many items listed above. Key checkpoints often include:

  • Toxic Blowpipe & Trident of the Swamp (Core DPS for CoX/ToA).
  • Barrows Gloves & Fire Cape (or Infernal). Assembler for Ranged.
  • Decent defensive gear (Barrows sets like Karil's/Ahrim's, Blessed D'hide).
  • Key Jewellery (Fury minimum, ideally Anguish/Torture/Occult, Imbued Rings).
  • Dragon Defender.
  • Good stats! (Often 85-90+ combats minimum - See CoX Guide stats).

Conclusion: Focus on Big Impact Upgrades

Improving your gear takes time and OSRS gold. Focus on upgrades that give the biggest bang for your buck (or time invested). Barrows Gloves, Dragon Defender, Assembler, Fire Cape, Blowpipe, Trident, Occult - these are huge milestones that significantly boost your PvM ability. Check the Combat Triangle to know when to use which style!

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Keep making steady upgrades, and you'll be tackling harder monsters and maybe even raids before you know it!