OSRS ToB Gear Progression Guide (Minimum -> Mid -> BiS Setups)

Q: What is the *absolute bare minimum* gear I need to maybe get carried through ToB?

For a pure carry where you contribute minimal DPS, you technically could go in with very basic gear (like Rune armour, Dragon Scimitar, basic range/mage). However, most teams prefer learners to have at least the 'Minimum Entry Setup' listed here (Tentacle, Blowpipe, Trident, Barrows Gloves, Fighter Torso/Proselyte) so you can contribute some damage and handle basic mechanics. Check with the specific team or service provider (like us!) for their requirements. See the main ToB Guide for stats.

Q: I can only afford one big upgrade for ToB right now. Should I get Bandos or a Rapier first?

Generally, getting Bandos (Chestplate and Tassets) first provides a bigger overall benefit for ToB progression than upgrading just your main weapon from Tentacle to Rapier/Fang. Bandos offers crucial Strength bonus and defensive stats, helping you survive longer and contribute more consistently. While Rapier/Fang is a DPS increase, survivability and Defence reduction (via DWH spec) are often more critical in ToB, especially while learning. Aim for DWH > Blowpipe > Occult > Bandos before considering Rapier usually.

Preparing for Theatre of Blood? This OSRS ToB gear progression guide shows minimum setups, key upgrades (DWH!), mid-tier goals, and Best-in-Slot (BiS) for Raids 2.

Published on: May 1, 2025 by Tons of XP Team

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Theatre of Blood Gear Progression – Minimum -> Mid -> BiS Guide

The Theatre of Blood (ToB Guide) demands strong mechanics and good gear. Improving your setup step-by-step means fewer wipes, faster kills, and better chances at hitting that purple chest (Scythe please!). This guide maps out a sensible four-stage gear progression for Raids 2 – starting with the absolute basics to get you inside, highlighting key early upgrades, outlining solid mid-tier goals, and finishing with the dream Best-in-Slot (BiS) used by elite teams and for Hard Mode ToB. Need funds? Consider buying OSRS gold.

1. Minimum Entry Setup ("Bare Bones" Learner Gear)

This setup lets a capable team potentially carry a learner through. Expect slower kills (35-45+ mins). Focus on mechanics over max DPS at this stage. (Referencing our main Mid-Game Gear Guide)

Weapons:
- Melee: Abyssal Tentacle
- Spec: Dragon Warhammer (Try VERY hard to get this, huge for team!) or Bandos Godsword if DWH impossible. Dragon Dagger (p++) is bare minimum spec.
- Ranged: Rune Crossbow w/ Ruby Bolts (e) & Diamond Bolts (e)
- Ranged: Toxic Blowpipe w/ Mithril or Adamant Darts (Essential for Nylos/healing)
- Magic: Trident of the Seas
Armour & Gear:
- Body: Fighter Torso or Torag's Platebody
- Legs: Proselyte Platelegs/Plateskirt (Prayer bonus helps save restores) or Torag's Platelegs
- Helm: Helm of Neitiznot / Serpentine Helm (if affordable, helps with venom)
- Shield: Dragon Defender
- Gloves: Barrows Gloves (Non-negotiable requirement from Recipe for Disaster)
- Boots: Dragon Boots
- Cape: Fire Cape (Ardougne Cloak if Fire Cape unavailable)
- Amulet: Amulet of Fury / Amulet of Glory
- Ring: Berserker Ring (i) / Treasonous Ring (i) / Brimstone Ring

2. High-Impact Early Upgrades (Game Changers!)

These items provide the biggest boost early on, making runs much smoother and faster. Prioritize these:

Priority	Upgrade Item	Why It's Crucial in ToB	Est. Cost (Mid '25)
1	Dragon Warhammer	Massively increases team DPS by lowering Defence	~35-40m
2	Toxic Blowpipe (+ Better Darts)	Destroys Nylocas, provides vital healing spec	~2-3m + darts
3	Occult Necklace	Straight +10% Magic Damage buff	~700k
4	Bandos Chestplate & Tassets	Best Melee Str Bonus + Good Defence	~35-40m Set
5	Trident of the Swamp	Better Magic Accuracy/Damage than Seas, venom	~1.5-2m

With these upgrades, your team contribution increases dramatically, often leading to sub-30 minute clears.

3. Mid-Tier Milestones (~300m - 800m+ Bank Value)

Pushing towards faster, more consistent runs and tackling Hard Mode requires further investment:

Slot	Recommended Upgrade	Key Benefit in ToB
Melee Weapon	Ghrazi Rapier / Osmumten's Fang	Significant stab DPS increase over Tentacle
Ranged Weapon	Armadyl Crossbow (or Dragon CB)	Bigger Ruby Bolt specs on Verzik P2
	Bow of Faerdhinen (Bowfa)	Needs Crystal Armour, strong alternative
Ranged Armour	Armadyl Chest/Chainskirt	High Ranged Accuracy, good Mage Defence
Boots	Primordial Boots / Pegasian Boots	Melee Strength / Ranged Accuracy boost
Amulets	Necklace of Anguish / Torture	BiS Ranged / Melee damage amulets
Cape	Infernal Cape	+4 Strength over Fire Cape, BiS Melee

4. Best-in-Slot Endgame Gear (The Billionaire Setup)

This is the gear used by top players for speedrunning and maximum efficiency:

Melee: Scythe of Vitur (BiS for multiple targets - Maiden Crabs, Nylos, Verzik P2 webs). Use Rapier/Fang for single target.
Ranged: Twisted Bow (BiS Verzik P3, Xarpus). Zaryte Crossbow (ZCB) for spec/rubies sometimes used.
Magic: Tumeken's Shadow (Incredible for Nylocas waves, fast barrages). Sanguinesti Staff for heal alternative.
Armour: Full Fortified Masori (f) for Range, Torva for Melee (or Bandos), Ancestral for Magic. Justiciar Chest/Legs switch for tanking (e.g., Verzik green ball soak).
Accessories: Ferocious Gloves, Avernic Defender, Lightbearer Ring (BiS for spec weapons).

Gear Progression Strategy Tips

Focus Specs: DWH first. Then maybe Dragon Claws (better than Dagger for burst DPS).
Balance Styles: ToB requires strong Melee, Ranged, and Magic. Upgrade across all three; don't just max out one style initially. A Tentacle + Blowpipe + Trident + Bandos is often better than Scythe + basic Range/Mage gear.
Magic Matters: Don't neglect Magic upgrades (Occult, Swamp Trident). They drastically help with Nylocas waves, a common point of failure.
Skill > Gear: Perfecting mechanics saves more wipes than any single gear piece. Use Practice Mode!
Team Game: Communicate with your team. If possible, coordinate upgrades – maybe one person gets DWH first, another gets Blowpipe+darts.

Ready to Enter the Theatre with Better Gear?

Knowing the upgrade path helps focus your goals. Whether you're grinding GP or considering buying some, upgrading smartly makes ToB less painful and more profitable.

Need a boost to afford that next key item? → Buy OSRS Gold Safely & Quickly Here <<

Want to skip the gear grind and experience ToB now? → Check Out Our ToB Services & Carries Here <<

Frequently Asked Questions

+What is the *absolute bare minimum* gear I need to maybe get carried through ToB?

For a pure carry where you contribute minimal DPS, you technically could go in with very basic gear (like Rune armour, Dragon Scimitar, basic range/mage). However, most teams prefer learners to have at least the 'Minimum Entry Setup' listed here (Tentacle, Blowpipe, Trident, Barrows Gloves, Fighter Torso/Proselyte) so you can contribute some damage and handle basic mechanics. Check with the specific team or service provider (like us!) for their requirements. See the main ToB Guide for stats.

+I can only afford one big upgrade for ToB right now. Should I get Bandos or a Rapier first?

Generally, getting Bandos (Chestplate and Tassets) first provides a bigger overall benefit for ToB progression than upgrading just your main weapon from Tentacle to Rapier/Fang. Bandos offers crucial Strength bonus and defensive stats, helping you survive longer and contribute more consistently. While Rapier/Fang is a DPS increase, survivability and Defence reduction (via DWH spec) are often more critical in ToB, especially while learning. Aim for DWH > Blowpipe > Occult > Bandos before considering Rapier usually.

+Is Void Knight armour good for ToB?

Elite Void Knight armour (especially Ranged helm) used to be popular for ToB due to its damage/accuracy set bonuses and allowing for easy switches (only helm/weapon change needed). However, with the introduction of gear like Bandos, Armadyl, Masori, and powerful weapons (Scythe, Tbow, Shadow), dedicated gear sets generally outperform Void significantly in terms of both DPS and survivability. Void is okay as a budget/learner option if you already have it, but aiming for dedicated sets (Bandos, Armadyl) is better long-term for ToB.