OSRS Twisted Bow (Tbow) Guide | How it Works & Best Uses (2025) | Tons of XP Blog
The OSRS Twisted Bow (Tbow) is iconic. Learn how its unique damage scales with Magic level, where Tbow is BiS (CoX, GWD), best gear setups, and if it's worth the price.
OSRS Twisted Bow (Tbow) Explained – The Ultimate Ranged Weapon?
Dropped exclusively from the Chambers of Xeric (CoX Guide), the Twisted Bow (Tbow) became an instant legend for its unique ability to demolish high-magic targets. Its immense price tag and game-changing power always lead to the question: Is the Tbow really worth the hype (and the billion+ GP)? Let's dive into how it works and where it shines.
1. How Tbow's Unique Scaling Works
Unlike other weapons, the Tbow's damage and accuracy scale based on the target's Magic Level OR Magic Accuracy, whichever is higher.
- The Formula: The higher the target's effective Magic stat, the more damage and accuracy the Tbow gets.
- The Cap: This scaling effect caps out. It provides maximum benefit against targets with an effective Magic level/accuracy of around 250 (for accuracy) and 350 (for damage).
- Against Low Magic: If a monster has very low Magic (like General Graardor or many melee-based Slayer monsters), the Tbow performs poorly – sometimes worse than a simple Rune Crossbow!
This mechanic makes the Tbow incredibly situational, but unbelievably powerful in the right places.
2. Where is Twisted Bow Best-in-Slot (BiS)?
Tbow truly dominates against high-magic bosses and monsters:
Boss / NPC | Why Tbow is BiS Here | Notes |
---|---|---|
Great Olm (CoX) | Olm's head/hands have very high Magic. Tbow melts them. | BiS for ranged phases by far. |
Commander Zilyana (Sara GWD) | High Magic level makes Tbow incredibly accurate/strong. | Allows for easy kiting methods. |
Kree'arra (Arma GWD) | High Magic level, Tbow hits like a truck. | Often paired with Black Chins for minions. |
Alchemical Hydra | High Magic level boss. | Makes kills significantly faster. |
Chambers of Xeric (General) | Tekton (high defence, Tbow still accurate), Shamans, Vespula portal, Vasa crystals. | Very versatile within CoX. |
Tombs of Amascut (Situational) | Can be strong vs Wardens P2/P3, Akkha shadows depending on invocations/gear. (ToA Guide) | Sometimes outclassed by Shadow/Fang combo. |
Certain Slayer Mobs | Brutal Black Dragons, Demonic Gorillas (ranged phase) | Effective but overkill / expensive for Slayer generally. |
3. Optimal Gear Setup with Tbow
To get the most out of your Tbow, pair it with high Ranged Attack and Strength bonus gear:
- Armour: Full Fortified Masori (f) is BiS > Normal Masori > Armadyl. (Void Knight range gear is sometimes used but generally worse than Masori/Arma unless against very low defence).
- Ammunition: Dragon Arrows > Amethyst Arrows > Rune Arrows. Always use the best arrows you can afford!
- Cape: Ava's Assembler (or Max/Completionist cape).
- Amulet: Necklace of Anguish.
- Gloves: Zaryte Vambraces > Barrows Gloves.
- Boots: Pegasian Boots.
- Ring: Venator Ring (sometimes for multi-target) > Archer's Ring (i).
- Potion: Divine Bastion Potion or Ranging Potion. Use Overloads/Salts in raids.
Check our Gear Progression Guide for item details.
4. Using Tbow Effectively (Spec & Switches)
- Defence Reduction: Always carry a Dragon Warhammer or Bandos Godsword. Lowering the target's defence boosts Tbow's already good accuracy even further, especially helpful on bosses like Tekton or Olm melee hand.
- No Special Attack: The Tbow itself doesn't have a special attack. You rely on specs from other items.
- Know When NOT to Use It: Recognize when a monster has low Magic. Switching to a Blowpipe, Bowfa, or ZCB might be better DPS in those situations (e.g., CoX Vanguards, ToB Nylocas boss).
5. Tbow Alternatives & When They're Better
Situation | Better Weapon Choice | Why |
---|---|---|
Mid/Low Magic Defence Targets | Bow of Faerdhinen (Bowfa) + Crystal | Better raw DPS without high magic scaling, much cheaper. |
Very High Defence Targets | Zaryte Crossbow (ZCB) + Ruby/Diamond bolts | Bolt specs (like Ruby Bolts (e)) ignore some defence/scale HP. |
Low Defence / Healing Needed | Toxic Blowpipe (BP) | Faster attack speed, healing spec useful for sustain. |
General Slayer / Mid-Level | BP / Bowfa / Dragon Crossbow | Tbow is usually overkill and too expensive to use for regular tasks. |
Verdict: Situational God-Tier, Worth the Price?
The Twisted Bow remains a dominant force in OSRS against high-magic targets. Its unique scaling provides unparalleled DPS in key end-game content, especially Chambers of Xeric. While incredibly expensive, for players who frequently engage in Tbow-favored content, the significant increase in kill speeds, efficiency, and overall ease often justifies the massive price tag. However, its niche nature means cheaper alternatives like the Bowfa are better value for players tackling a wider variety of content.
Want to experience the Tbow's power in CoX without the 1B+ price tag? Our veteran raiders can carry you or even lend gear during coaching sessions.
→ Book a Chambers of Xeric Session Here <<
Dreaming of owning a Tbow? Get closer to your goal with safe and fast OSRS Gold <<