Fighting monsters in the shadowy depths of caves across Gielinor is one of Old School RuneScape most exciting—and dangerous—activities. Whether you’re clearing Slayer tasks or farming valuable drops, having the right gear can make or break your success. This guide breaks down the top ranged weapons, armor, accessories, and shields to help you dominate cave combat in OSRS.

Caves are often filled with aggressive, high-defense monsters, so having powerful and precise long-range weapons is essential. Here are the top picks for your ranged setup:

1. Toxic Blowpipe

Why Use It: One of OSRS fastest ranged weapons, the Toxic Blowpipe excels thanks to its high attack speed and poison damage.

Ammo: Uses darts (e.g., Amethyst, Rune).

Bonus: Poison ticks add consistent chip damage, which is perfect for longer fights or mobs with high health.

2. Rune Crossbow

Why Use It: Affordable, versatile, and capable of using enchanted bolts with powerful special effects.

Recommended Bolts: Ruby bolts (e) for huge percent-based damage on high-HP targets.

Perk: Can be used with a shield, giving you defensive flexibility.

3. Dragon Crossbow

Why Use It: A superior version of the Rune Crossbow with improved stats and compatibility with even more powerful bolts.

Recommended Bolts: Diamond bolts (e) for armor penetration against tanky monsters.

When to Use: Ideal for high-level PvM in caves like the Catacombs of Kourend or Slayer Tower.

Armor isn’t just about staying alive—it also boosts your ranged accuracy and damage. Here are the top sets that balance offense and defense:

1. Karil Armor

Strength: Offers solid defense stats while boosting ranged attack bonuses.

Use Case: Great against magic-based enemies thanks to its magic defense.

Note: Degrades with use, so bring repair costs into consideration.

2. Elite Void Knight Gear (Ranged)

Strength: Increases ranged damage and accuracy by a percentage, rather than flat bonuses.

Use Case: Excellent for consistent DPS in multi-monster areas.

Extra: Only effective when worn as a full set.

3. Armadyl Armor

Strength: One of the highest tier ranged sets in OSRS.

Stats: Provides top-tier ranged attack and decent defense bonuses.

Cost: Expensive, but worth it for high-end Slayer or bossing content.

4. Crystal Armor

Strength: Pairs perfectly with the Bow of Faerdhinen.

Bonus: Provides set bonuses when used with the crystal bow or its upgraded form.

Downside: Requires charging and special attack energy reduction can be a drawback in long fights.

Accessories can significantly boost your damage output and survivability. Don’t go into battle without these:

1. Ava Assembler

Effect: Increases ranged accuracy and damage while recovering most used ammo.

Why It Matters: Saves resources and boosts efficiency in long cave runs.

2. Archer Ring (i)

Effect: Offers a major boost to your ranged attack bonus.

Upgrade Note: The imbued version provides double the effect—worth investing in.

3. Necklace of Anguish

Effect: Best-in-slot ranged amulet, offering both offense and prayer bonuses.

Alternative: If you’re on a budget, Amulet of Fury or Glory can fill the gap.RSgoldfast: The place for OSRS players to get the cheapest, safest and fastest OSRS gold!

If your setup includes a crossbow, pairing it with a defensive shield is a wise move for surviving high-damage encounters.

1. Dragonfire Shield (DFS)

Effect: Blocks dragonfire and adds strong melee and ranged defense.

Bonus: Can be charged to deal offensive dragonfire damage.

2. Dragonfire Ward

Effect: Ranged-focused variant of the DFS.

Stats: Superior ranged defense, making it ideal for crossbow users in dragon-heavy or high-damage areas.

3. Twisted Buckler

Effect: Highest ranged attack bonus of any shield in OSRS.

When to Use: Ideal for maximizing DPS when defense isn’t a major concern.

Always scout your cave beforehand to tailor your gear to specific enemy weaknesses (e.g., use ruby bolts on high-HP bosses).

Bring Saradomin Brews or food with high healing values for extended fights.

Use Prayer and gear synergies (e.g., Rigour with Armadyl) to boost kill speed and reduce damage taken.

Cave fighting in OSRS blends strategy with execution. Whether you’re taking on spiritual creatures in the God Wars Dungeon or grinding in the Catacombs of Kourend, optimizing your gear makes the grind smoother and more rewarding. Prioritize gear that balances offense, survivability, and utility, and you’ll be slaying efficiently in no time. Get cheap RS gold now at RSgoldfast and level up your game! Fast, secure, reliable - join thousands of satisfied players!