Introduction to Bossing in OSRS: A Beginner's Guide to PvM in Old School RuneScape for New Players
Image Credit: Jagex, Old School RuneScape
Bossing is a major part of Old School RuneScape (OSRS) and a huge goal for many players. Boss fights pit you against some of the game’s toughest and most rewarding monsters with the chance to earn rare loot as a drop. This guide will walk new or low-level players through the essentials of bossing, from understanding what a boss is and how you can get started learning to boss, strategies, and recommendations for accessible beginner bosses.
Tips for New or Low Level Players
Getting into bossing for the first time can be intimidating, but following a few key strategies will help you succeed.
Start Small: Choose beginner-friendly bosses with lower requirements, such as Obor (Hill Giant boss) or Bryophyta (Moss Giant boss). These bosses provide a manageable introduction to basic mechanics.
Gear Up: Invest in gear that maximizes your combat level without breaking your bank. For example, Rune Armor is affordable and provides decent defense, or you can look into free earnable (yet powerful) items like the Dragon Defender or Fighter Torso. For weapons, aim for high accuracy to land consistent hits, such as the Dragon Scimitar (for melee) or Magic Shortbow (for ranged).
Understand Prayer Mechanics: Learn to use Protect from Melee, Magic, or Ranged based on the boss’s attack style. Practicing prayer flicking (turning prayer on and off quickly to save prayer points) can help with sustained fights.
Bring Supplies: Potions, food, and teleport options are essential:
Prayer Potions help sustain your prayer during long fights.
Saradomin Brews are good for healing.
Teleport Tabs ensure you have a quick escape if the fight becomes too dangerous.
Use Safe-Spots: Many bosses can be safe-spotted, allowing you to attack without taking damage. Safe-spotting is especially helpful with Crazy Archaeologist and Barrows Brothers.
Practice with Minigame Bosses: Minigame bosses like Wintertodt and Tempoross are low-risk and good for building experience without heavy combat focus.
Recommended Beginner Bosses
1. Obor (Hill Giant Boss) - Check out our Obor guide here.
Requirements: Requires a Giant Key, dropped by Hill Giants.
Strategy: Obor’s knockback attack can push you away, so stay back when he winds up. Use Protect from Melee and bring mid-level food like Lobsters or Swordfish. He has simple mechanics and offers decent rewards, making him a solid starting point for low-level players.
2. Bryophyta (Moss Giant Boss) - Check out our Bryophyta guide here.
Requirements: Requires a Bryophyta’s Key, dropped by Moss Giants.
Strategy: Bryophyta summons Growthlings that heal her, so take them out quickly. Use Protect from Melee and bring plenty of food to stay healed during the fight. Bryophyta is ideal for newer players, offering steady rewards and valuable loot like Bryophyta’s Essence.
3. Giant Mole - Check out our Giant Mole guide here.
Requirements: No specific requirements, but a light source is necessary.
Strategy: Found beneath Falador Park, the Giant Mole burrows to different areas mid-fight, requiring you to chase it. Use Protect from Melee and bring decent food for a longer battle. Mole Claws and Mole Skins can be traded for Bird Nests, which often contain profitable seeds.
3. King Black Dragon - Check out our KBD guide here.
Requirements: No specific requirements, but anti-dragonfire protection is essential, such as an Anti-dragon Shield or Antifire Potions.
Strategy: Located in the KBD Lair in the Wilderness, the King Black Dragon uses various dragonfire attacks, including poison and freeze dragonfire. Bring an Anti-dragon Shield along with Antifire Potions for full protection, and use Protect from Melee if fighting in melee range. The KBD drops valuable items like the Dragon Pickaxe and Draconic Visage.
5. Crazy Archaeologist - Check out our Crazy Archaeologist guide here.
Location: Wilderness, near the Lava Maze.
Strategy: Use Protect from Missiles to reduce ranged damage. When he shouts “RELIC POWER!” move out of the way to avoid his special attack. Stay alert, as the Wilderness setting makes this a high-risk, high-reward fight. Obviously beware of PKers as well.
6. Barrows Brothers - Check out our Barrows guide here.
Requirements: Priest in Peril and Nature Spirit for Morytania access.
Strategy: Each brother has a unique attack style; switch prayers to match their style. Use safe-spots where available and focus on using Magic against melee brothers and Melee against Karil. Barrows offers unique armor drops and high Magic XP, making it a great low-risk boss.
Preparing for More Advanced Bosses
Once you’ve mastered beginner bosses, you can start preparing for tougher solo challenges like Zulrah and Vorkath, or the God Wars Dungeon generals. These bosses require better stats, better gear, and mastery of advanced mechanics like prayer switching and resource management. Raids like Chambers of Xeric or Theatre of Blood are also good options as you develop skills and build a team. Remember that for many of these bosses you can also bring friends along to help you take them down as you learn.
Final Thoughts on Getting Started with Bossing in OSRS
Bossing in OSRS is a rewarding journey that offers high-value loot, rare items, and the satisfaction of overcoming some of the game’s toughest monsters. Start small, learn the basics, and gradually work your way up to harder bosses as your skills and resources improve. With time and practice, you’ll be able to take on any boss RuneScape has to offer.
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