OSRS Nex Guide: Strategy, Phases & Loot (GWD Boss)

Q: What are the requirements to fight Nex?

You need to complete The Frozen Door miniquest (requires killing GWD generals/minions for key pieces) and have base 70s in HP, Agility, Ranged, and Strength to navigate GWD. Very high combat stats (90+) and endgame gear are highly recommended for team contribution.

Q: Where is Nex located?

Nex is in the Ancient Prison, accessed via the Frozen Door in the southern part of the main God Wars Dungeon area. You need 40 Zarosian killcount (or an Ecumenical Key) to enter the prison, unless using the Ancient Prison teleport tablet.

Q: Is Nex a solo boss?

No, Nex is designed as a group boss (up to 60 players). While extremely difficult solos are technically possible for elite players, she is intended to be fought in teams (small groups or masses).

Q: What is Nex weak to?

Nex is primarily weak to Stab (Melee) and Ranged. Magic is generally ineffective. Specific weaknesses vary slightly by phase/minion. Ranged (especially crossbows) is dominant due to mechanics requiring distance.

Q: What are the main unique drops from Nex?

Nex drops components for Torva Armour (Helm, Body, Legs Damaged), the Zaryte Vambraces (BiS Ranged gloves), the Nihil Horn (creates Zaryte Crossbow), and the Ancient Hilt (creates Ancient Godsword). Her pet is Nexling.

Face Nex, the Fifth General! This OSRS guide covers Nex strategies, phases (Smoke, Shadow, Blood, Ice, Zaros), mechanics, team roles, loot, and GWD requirements.

Published on: May 22, 2025 by Tons of XP Team

Tags:

osrs

nex

gwd

god wars dungeon

boss guide

group boss

ancient prison

torva armour

zaryte crossbow

ancient godsword

strategy

OSRS Nex Guide: Strategy for the Fifth General

Prepare to face one of Gielinor's most feared adversaries! Nex, the ancient Nihil general loyal to Zaros, resides deep within the Ancient Prison beneath the God Wars Dungeon. This encounter is a high-intensity, multi-phase battle demanding coordination, precise mechanics, and powerful gear, designed primarily for groups of skilled players.

This guide covers access requirements, Nex's phases and mechanics, strategic considerations for teams, and her highly sought-after unique loot table.

Accessing the Ancient Prison

Complete The Frozen Door Miniquest: Obtain the four key pieces dropped by minions/generals in the main GWD factions (Armadyl, Bandos, Saradomin, Zamorak) and assemble the Frozen Key. Use it on the Frozen Door (south side of GWD) for permanent access.
GWD Requirements: Standard GWD access (60 Str/70 Agi or 70 HP/70 Rng).
Enter Ancient Prison: Requires 40 Zarosian Killcount (kill Spiritual Warriors/Mages/Rangers, Aviansies, or Nex's minions inside) or an Ecumenical Key or completion of Combat Achievements tiers (Easy CAs reduce KC needed).
Reach Nex's Chamber: Navigate the prison (Zaros item recommended for protection). Kill minions to gain 40 Essence to pass the barrier to the final staging room (KC reduction from CAs also applies here). An altar and bank (via Ashuelot Reis) are available here.

Fight Overview: Five Phases of Chaos

Nex (Level 1001, 3400 HP) is a multi-phase fight, with each phase themed after an Ancient Magicks element. She uses Melee (close range), Magic (most phases), and Ranged (Shadow phase only). To progress between phases 1-4, Nex must be damaged to a specific HP threshold, after which her corresponding mage bodyguard becomes vulnerable and must be killed.

Phase 1: Smoke (100% - 80% HP)
- Attack: Smoke Rush (Magic, can poison).
- Specials:
  - Choke: Targets player furthest away with lowest Magic Defence. Inflicts Cough status (Prayer drain, stat drain). Spreads to adjacent players. Strategy: Designate a "Choke Tank" (CT) with negative mage defence/gas mask to stand away. Melee Distance (MD) strategy used by main group.
  - Drag: Pulls a nearby player towards her, stunning and disabling prayer. Avoid by staying >6 tiles away if not tanking.
  - Smoke Dash: Dashes down an aisle, dealing heavy damage. Move out of the indicated path.
- Bodyguard: Fumus (Kill at 80% HP). Weakest to Stab/Ranged.
Phase 2: Shadow (80% - 60% HP)
- Attack: Shadow Shots (Ranged). Damage increases closer to Nex. Drains Prayer slightly.
- Specials:
  - Shadow Smash: Shadows appear under players. Move 1+ tile(s) within 3 ticks to avoid heavy damage.
  - Embrace Darkness: Darkens room significantly. Standing near Nex deals rapid damage. Strategy: Kite Nex away from Umbra. If Nex chases, group stacks under her ("Shadow Reset") until she returns centre.
- Bodyguard: Umbra (Kill at 60% HP). Weakest to Ranged. Uses accurate Shadow Barrage.
Phase 3: Blood (60% - 40% HP)
- Attack: Blood Barrage (Magic). Heals Nex based on damage dealt. AoE effect (3x3). Drains Prayer. Strategy: Spread out slightly if possible (esp. smaller teams) while staying MD.
- Specials:
  - Blood Siphon: Summons Blood Reavers. Nex kneels; damage dealt heals her. Kill Reavers quickly.
  - Blood Sacrifice: Marks one player red. They must run 7+ tiles away within ~4s or take high damage (healing Nex), drain Prayer by 33%, and damage nearby allies.
- Bodyguard: Cruor (Kill at 40% HP). Weakest to Slash/Ranged.
Phase 4: Ice (40% - 20% HP)
- Attack: Ice Barrage (Magic). Can freeze unprotected players. Drains Prayer. Strategy: Stay MD.
- Specials:
  - Containment: Smashes ground, ice spikes erupt (5x5 AoE). Deals up to 60 damage, disables prayer.
  - Ice Prison: Traps target player in ice stalagmites. Free them quickly by attacking stalagmites (Stab/Crush best) or they take massive damage (~75).
- Bodyguard: Glacies (Kill at 20% HP). Weakest to Crush/Ranged. Can freeze players through prayer. Kite away from Nex during this.
Phase 5: Zaros (20% - 0% HP)
- Attack: Uses Melee and a stronger Magic attack (drains 5 Prayer on hit). Heals 500 HP upon phase start.
- Prayers: Cycles through Ruinous Powers:
  - Turmoil: Permanent buff to her Accuracy/Damage, drains player stats.
  - Soul Split: Heals from damage dealt.
  - Deflect Melee: Reflects melee damage. Stop meleeing.
  - (No Curse): Brief period without Soul Split/Deflect.
- Wrath: Upon death, explodes after 3s dealing up to 50 damage (5x5 AoE). Run away!
- Strategy: Stay MD. Prioritize Ranged DPS. Pray Magic. Stop attacking during Deflect Melee. Heal/pot during safe periods. Run out immediately on kill.

Strategic Considerations & Team Roles

Team Size: Viable from Duos (very difficult) to large masses. Smaller teams (4-7) are common for efficiency.
Gear: Ranged is primary (Zaryte Crossbow w/ Ruby/Diamond bolts > Bowfa/Crystal > Armadyl Crossbow). Melee switch (Scythe/Fang/Lance) crucial for minions/certain phases. Magic Defence is important. Zaros item needed for prison/altar benefits.
Melee Distancing (MD): Standing within Nex's melee range forces her to use single-target melee attacks instead of multi-target magic (Phases 1, 3, 4, 5), reducing overall team damage taken. Requires coordination.
Stalling (Advanced): Techniques like "Follow-stalling" or "5-tick stalling" manipulate Nex's attack cycle when MDing to reduce damage taken further and sync team attacks. Requires practice.
Roles (Smaller Teams): Often designate a Choke Tank (CT), potentially specific minion killers. Communication is key.
Supplies: Bring Saradomin Brews, Super Restores, Ranging Potions, Stamina Potion (optional), high-healing food (Anglerfish/Manta Rays).

Loot Highlights

Nex drops are split based on contribution. MVP gets a 10% bonus.

Unique Table (~1/43 roll chance per kill, split by contribution):
- Torva Armour (Damaged): Helm (1/258), Body (1/258), Legs (1/258). Requires Bandos components + coins to repair into tradeable BiS Melee armour.
- Zaryte Vambraces (1/172): BiS Ranged gloves.
- Nihil Horn (1/258): Creates Zaryte Crossbow (BiS Crossbow).
- Ancient Hilt (1/516): Creates Ancient Godsword.
Standard Loot: Includes high quantities of runes (Blood, Death, Soul), Dragon Bolts (unf), Cannonballs, noted resources (Coal, Runite Ore, Orbs), Shark/Brew/Restore drops.
Tertiary: Nexling (Pet, 1/500), Clue Scroll (Elite).

Conclusion

Nex remains one of OSRS's most challenging and rewarding group boss encounters. Success demands high-level gear, strong individual mechanics (prayer switching, dodging specials), and effective team coordination, especially around MD strategy and phase transitions. Mastering the fight yields some of the most powerful and valuable equipment in the game, making her a persistent target for endgame PvM teams.

Preparing your team for Nex? Ensure everyone has the necessary gear by checking OSRS Gold prices. Maximize your Ranged and Defence levels with OSRS Skilling Services. Need help with other GWD bosses for the Frozen Key? Browse our OSRS PvM Services!

Frequently Asked Questions

+What are the requirements to fight Nex?

You need to complete The Frozen Door miniquest (requires killing GWD generals/minions for key pieces) and have base 70s in HP, Agility, Ranged, and Strength to navigate GWD. Very high combat stats (90+) and endgame gear are highly recommended for team contribution.

+Where is Nex located?

Nex is in the Ancient Prison, accessed via the Frozen Door in the southern part of the main God Wars Dungeon area. You need 40 Zarosian killcount (or an Ecumenical Key) to enter the prison, unless using the Ancient Prison teleport tablet.

+Is Nex a solo boss?

No, Nex is designed as a group boss (up to 60 players). While extremely difficult solos are technically possible for elite players, she is intended to be fought in teams (small groups or masses).

+What is Nex weak to?

Nex is primarily weak to Stab (Melee) and Ranged. Magic is generally ineffective. Specific weaknesses vary slightly by phase/minion. Ranged (especially crossbows) is dominant due to mechanics requiring distance.

+What are the main unique drops from Nex?

Nex drops components for Torva Armour (Helm, Body, Legs - Damaged), the Zaryte Vambraces (BiS Ranged gloves), the Nihil Horn (creates Zaryte Crossbow), and the Ancient Hilt (creates Ancient Godsword). Her pet is Nexling.