Everything to Know About the Dragon Crossbow in OSRS
The Dragon Crossbow is one of the most reliable mid- to late-game ranged weapons in Old School RuneScape. Sitting above the rune crossbow in power but below the elite Armadyl crossbow, it provides a great balance of accuracy, strength, and affordability. Its ability to use dragon bolts makes it a flexible option for a wide range of combat encounters, while its special attack, Annihilate, gives it a unique edge in multi-combat situations. Whether you’re training your Ranged level, farming bosses, or experimenting in PvP, the Dragon Crossbow is an excellent weapon to add to your collection.
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Requirements and Stats
To wield the Dragon Crossbow, players must have a minimum of 64 Ranged, which places it firmly within reach of mid-level accounts. Unlike higher-tier ranged weapons that demand higher stats, this makes the dragon crossbow more accessible while still offering impressive power. The crossbow has a base attack range of 7 tiles, but this can be extended to 9 tiles when using the Long-range combat style, giving it flexibility for different combat scenarios.
Stat-wise, the Dragon Crossbow boasts a +94 ranged attack bonus, which is four points higher than the rune crossbow. While this might not seem like much on paper, it makes a noticeable difference in accuracy, especially when using high-tier ammunition like dragon bolts. As a result, it fills a key role for players who want to push their ranged damage without immediately investing in much more expensive weapons like the Armadyl crossbow.
Special Attack: Annihilate
The standout feature of the Dragon Crossbow is its special attack, Annihilate, which consumes 60% of the special attack bar. Unlike most ranged weapons, Annihilate is designed for multi-target damage, striking up to nine enemies in a 3×3 area around your primary target. This makes it one of the few ranged special attacks that have an area-of-effect capability.
The damage output is adjusted depending on the target: the main enemy takes 20% extra damage, while nearby enemies take 20% less damage. This makes the attack especially useful in multi-combat zones, such as God Wars Dungeon or during PvP clashes in multi-way combat areas. Even in single-combat areas, the special attack still provides the 20% damage boost against one target, giving it some utility outside of group encounters.
There is one limitation, however: while using Annihilate, enchanted bolts will not activate their effects. This prevents potentially game-breaking combinations, but it also means players must carefully consider when to use the special attack for maximum value.
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How to Obtain the Dragon Crossbow
Crafting via Fletching
For players with 78 Fletching, the Dragon Crossbow can be crafted from scratch. This makes it an attractive option for those who want to save money on the Grand Exchange or simply prefer to make their own gear. The process also provides 275 total Fletching experience, which is a nice bonus for skillers.
The crafting process involves three main steps:
Cutting a magic stock from magic logs, which gives 70 experience.
Attaching dragon limbs to the stock with a hammer, creating an unstrung crossbow for 135 experience.
Stringing the crossbow with a crossbow string, which gives another 70 experience.
The most difficult part of this process is obtaining the dragon limbs, which are a rare drop from rune dragons and adamant dragons. Because of their rarity, dragon limbs are often the most expensive component, and their price heavily affects the overall cost of the Dragon Crossbow on the Grand Exchange.
Buying from the Grand Exchange
For players who don’t want to go through the crafting process, the Dragon Crossbow can be purchased directly from the Grand Exchange. Prices fluctuate depending on the supply of dragon limbs and overall market demand, but buying from the GE is generally the fastest way to obtain the weapon. It’s often the go-to choice for PvM-focused players who want to gear up quickly without worrying about the grind.
Cosmetic Enhancement
Beyond its combat power, the Dragon Crossbow can also be enhanced cosmetically. By using a Bounty Hunter ornament kit, players can transform it into the Dragon Crossbow (cr). This change doesn’t affect its stats or abilities but gives the weapon a sleek new appearance, making it stand out visually.
The ornament kit costs 50 Bounty Hunter Points and is obtained from the Bounty Hunter Store, which means players need to participate in PvP activities to earn it. For many, this cosmetic upgrade is a way to show off dedication to both combat and style, while still wielding a practical mid-tier ranged weapon.
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FAQs About the Dragon Crossbow
Q: Is the Dragon Crossbow better than the rune crossbow?
A: Yes. The Dragon Crossbow has a higher ranged attack bonus (+94 compared to +90) and can fire dragon bolts, which significantly increases its versatility and damage potential. However, it’s more expensive, so some players may prefer the rune crossbow as a budget option.
Q: Can enchanted bolts be used with the Dragon Crossbow?
A: Yes, enchanted bolts can be used with it under normal attacks. However, their effects will not trigger when using the special attack, Annihilate. This balances the weapon’s power and prevents unfair burst damage.
Q: How much Fletching XP does crafting it provide?
A: Crafting a Dragon Crossbow from raw materials provides a total of 275 Fletching experience. This includes cutting the magic stock, attaching dragon limbs, and stringing the crossbow.
Q: Are dragon limbs rare to obtain?
A: Yes. Dragon limbs are dropped by rune dragons and adamant dragons and have relatively low drop rates. Because of this, they are often expensive on the Grand Exchange and drive the overall cost of the crossbow.
Q: Is the Dragon Crossbow viable in PvP?
A: It can be situationally useful, especially in multi-combat areas where Annihilate can damage multiple players at once. However, in high-level PvP, it is usually outclassed by weapons like the Armadyl crossbow or the Twisted bow, which offer stronger single-target performance.
Final Thoughts
The Dragon Crossbow is a powerful ranged weapon that bridges the gap between the rune crossbow and more expensive options like the Armadyl crossbow. With strong ranged bonuses, access to dragon bolts, and a unique area-of-effect special attack, it provides both versatility and style. While it’s not the absolute best option in PvP or endgame PvM, it remains a solid and affordable weapon that many players will find useful. Whether you craft it through Fletching or purchase it on the Grand Exchange, the Dragon Crossbow is a valuable addition to any ranged setup in OSRS.
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