Bursting is a popular method in Old School RuneScape for training Magic and Slayer skills. This guide will cover everything you need to know about bursting, from its fundamentals to advanced strategies and the best locations for efficient training.
Introduction
In the vast and ever-evolving world of Old School RuneScape (OSRS), players are constantly seeking efficient and effective ways to level up their skills. Among the various training methods, bursting stands out as a popular choice for both Magic and Slayer. Bursting involves utilizing high-level Ancient Magicks spells, primarily Ice Burst and Ice Barrage, to damage multiple enemies simultaneously, resulting in rapid experience gains. This guide will delve into the intricacies of bursting, providing insights into its benefits, requirements, optimal locations, equipment choices, and effective strategies to maximize your training efficiency. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a novice adventurer, understanding the nuances of bursting can significantly enhance your OSRS journey.
What is Bursting?
Bursting, in the context of OSRS, refers to the practice of using high-level Ancient Magicks spells, such as Ice Burst and Ice Barrage, to damage multiple enemies simultaneously. This method leverages the area-of-effect nature of these spells, allowing players to hit a large number of targets with a single cast. Typically, bursting is performed in multi-combat areas where enemies can be grouped together, maximizing the number of targets affected by each spell. The effectiveness of bursting lies in its ability to deliver a significant amount of damage in a short timeframe, leading to substantial experience gains for both Magic and Slayer skills.
Benefits of Bursting
Bursting offers several advantages for players seeking efficient training in OSRS. Firstly, its ability to hit multiple targets simultaneously translates to a significantly faster experience gain per hour compared to traditional single-target combat methods. This efficiency is especially pronounced for both Magic and Slayer training, as it allows players to rack up experience points at a rapid pace. Secondly, bursting often involves killing monsters with low defense, leading to more frequent drops of valuable items. This can result in a decent profit margin, offsetting the cost of runes and other consumables used during the process. Finally, bursting can be a relatively passive form of training, allowing players to engage in other activities, like watching videos or browsing the web, while still gaining experience. This makes it a popular choice for those seeking a less demanding training method.
Requirements for Bursting
While bursting is a powerful training method, it does have some prerequisites. Firstly, you’ll need a minimum Magic level of 70 to unlock the Ice Burst spell, which is the foundation of most bursting strategies. This spell is found in the Ancient Magicks spellbook, which requires completing the Desert Treasure quest. Additionally, depending on your chosen bursting location, you may need to fulfill specific quest requirements, such as completing Monkey Madness for access to Maniacal Monkeys or Desert Treasure I for Dust Devils. Furthermore, having a decent amount of runes for your burst spell and other necessary consumables is essential. While these requirements might seem demanding, the experience gains and potential profits offered by bursting make the investment worthwhile for many players.
Best Locations for Bursting
Choosing the right location for bursting is crucial for maximizing your experience per hour and potentially even making some profit. Maniacal Monkeys, located in the Ape Atoll, offer a high experience rate for both Magic and Ranged training. Their low defense stats make them easy targets for bursting, and they frequently drop prayer potions, which can offset the cost of bursting. Dust Devils, found in the Catacombs of Kourend, are another popular choice, providing excellent Slayer experience rates, especially when using Ice Barrage. They also drop valuable runes, which can contribute to offsetting the cost of bursting. For those with a higher Slayer level, Greater Nechryael in the same location offer even more experience per hour. Ultimately, the best location for you will depend on your current skill levels, quest progress, and preferred training style.
Maniacal Monkeys
Maniacal monkeys are a popular choice for bursting due to their low defense stats and high experience rates. They are located in the Ape Atoll, an area accessible after completing the Monkey Madness quest. These monkeys are particularly effective for training Magic and Ranged, as they are vulnerable to both Ice Burst and Chinchompas. Their frequent drops of 1-dose prayer potions can help offset the cost of bursting. The optimal strategy for bursting Maniacal monkeys is to maximize your damage output by utilizing the highest level spells and equipment available. Protect from Melee is recommended to minimize damage taken, and maximizing Prayer bonus further enhances your damage potential. With their low defense, these monkeys provide a relatively low-stress training experience while offering competitive experience rates.
Dust Devils
Dust devils are a Slayer monster requiring 65 Slayer to kill, and they can be a great option for bursting. They are found in the Catacombs of Kourend, an area accessible after completing the Desert Treasure I quest. Dust devils are known for their high Slayer experience rates per hour when using Ice Barrage. The key to maximizing efficiency is to group them together for simultaneous bursts. While their defense is higher than Maniacal monkeys, their frequent drops of Rune items can partially offset the cost of bursting. The best strategy is to use Protect from Melee to minimize damage and wear a fast ranged weapon like darts or a toxic blowpipe to quickly aggro them. This will ensure they are clustered together for efficient bursts, maximizing both Slayer and Magic experience.
Greater Nechryael
Greater Nechryael, requiring 80 Slayer to kill, are another popular choice for bursting due to their high Slayer experience rates per hour. They are also found in the Catacombs of Kourend, making them convenient for those already familiar with the location. Similar to Dust Devils, the key to maximizing experience with Greater Nechryael lies in grouping them for efficient bursts. The high defense of these monsters, however, makes it crucial to utilize Protect from Melee to minimize damage. While their drops are less frequent than those of Dust Devils, they can still be a good source of Rune items, offsetting the cost of bursting. The ability to group them and collect loot effectively is essential for maximizing both Slayer and Magic experience, making Greater Nechryael a valuable option for high-level players seeking efficient training.
Equipment for Bursting
The equipment you choose for bursting significantly impacts your efficiency and experience rates; A crucial component is a staff capable of autocasting Ice Barrage or Ice Burst, with the preferred choice being the Ahrim’s staff. It offers a significant boost to Magic damage, which is essential for maximizing your burst damage. To further enhance your offensive capabilities, consider using a Slayer helm or a Neitiznot’s helm for additional damage bonuses. The use of an amulet of fury or an amulet of power is also recommended for boosting your Magic attack bonus. When it comes to armor, the choice depends on your budget and desired experience rates. The full Ahrim’s set is a popular option for its damage bonus, but the cheaper Karil’s set can also be effective. Finally, don’t forget to equip a set of appropriate runes and food to sustain your bursting session.
Strategies for Bursting
Bursting effectively requires a combination of tactics and optimization. The key is to maximize your damage output while efficiently managing aggro and loot collection. To maximize damage, prioritize the use of Ice Barrage or Ice Burst spells, as they offer the highest potential damage per cast. Additionally, utilizing the correct food and prayer bonuses can further boost your damage output. Managing aggro is crucial to ensure you don’t get overwhelmed by enemies. Keep an eye on your surroundings and adjust your position accordingly to avoid aggroing more monsters than you can handle. Efficient loot collection is essential for maximizing your experience rates. Utilize a looting bag or a familiar to quickly gather drops, as this frees up your inventory space for more efficient bursting. By implementing these strategies, you can optimize your bursting experience and achieve the highest possible experience rates.
Maximizing Damage
To maximize your damage output when bursting, prioritize the use of Ice Barrage or Ice Burst spells, as they offer the highest potential damage per cast. Boosting your Magic damage through the use of prayer bonuses is essential. Utilize the Protect from Magic prayer to reduce incoming damage and increase your offensive power. Additionally, consider using the appropriate food to further enhance your damage output. If you’re bursting in multi-combat areas, ensure that you’re stacking enemies in a tight formation to hit the maximum number of targets with each burst. Finally, maximize your Magic level and equipment for the highest possible damage output. By optimizing your damage output, you can significantly increase your experience rates and make bursting a more efficient training method.
Managing Aggro
Managing aggro, or attracting the attention of monsters, is crucial for efficient bursting. When bursting in multi-combat areas, it’s vital to control the aggro of the monsters to prevent them from swarming you. One effective strategy is to use a ranged weapon, like darts or a toxic blowpipe, to initially aggro the monsters. This allows you to safely position them before unleashing your burst spells. Alternatively, if you’re bursting in a single-combat area, consider using a method like blood bursting to quickly restore your health and avoid being overwhelmed by the monsters. The key is to manage the monsters’ aggro strategically to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted bursting experience. By understanding and employing these techniques, you can significantly improve your efficiency and maximize your experience gains.
Efficient Loot Collection
Collecting loot efficiently is essential for maximizing your gains while bursting. Consider using a loot filter to quickly identify valuable drops and prioritize their collection. This can save you time and ensure you don’t miss any valuable items. Utilize a looting strategy that minimizes the time spent picking up loot. For example, if you’re bursting monsters that drop a lot of low-value items, consider prioritizing the collection of higher-value drops and ignoring the less valuable ones. Always be mindful of your inventory space and make sure to clear it out regularly to avoid being burdened by unnecessary loot. By implementing these strategies, you can ensure that your loot collection is efficient and contributes to your overall gains from bursting.
Bursting for Slayer Experience
Bursting can be a highly effective way to train your Slayer skill. Certain Slayer tasks, like Dust Devils and Greater Nechryael, are particularly well-suited for bursting due to their susceptibility to burst spells. The high number of targets you can hit with a single cast, combined with the experience gained from killing monsters, leads to significant Slayer experience gains per hour. However, it’s important to note that bursting for Slayer experience is generally more expensive than other methods, as it requires a considerable amount of runes and supplies. Additionally, the efficiency of bursting for Slayer depends on your combat level and the type of Slayer task you are assigned. For maximum efficiency, consider choosing Slayer tasks that have a high number of monsters in a small area, allowing you to maximize your damage output and experience gains.
Bursting for Magic Experience
Bursting is a highly efficient method for training Magic, especially at higher levels. By utilizing burst spells like Ice Burst and Ice Barrage, players can hit multiple targets simultaneously, leading to massive experience gains per cast. This method is particularly effective in multicombat areas where you can stack numerous enemies in a single tile. Popular locations for bursting include Maniacal Monkeys and certain Slayer tasks, allowing you to combine Magic training with Slayer experience. The efficiency of bursting for Magic experience depends on factors like your Magic level, the choice of burst spell, and the effectiveness of your equipment. For optimal results, consider utilizing high-level burst spells, such as Ice Barrage, and maximizing your Magic damage bonus through equipment and prayer; Keep in mind that bursting for Magic experience can be expensive, as it requires a significant amount of runes and supplies. However, the high experience rates make it a viable option for players seeking to quickly level their Magic skill.
Bursting in OSRS provides a powerful and efficient way to train both Magic and Slayer skills. By understanding the mechanics of bursting, choosing the right locations, and employing optimal strategies, you can maximize your experience gains and make significant progress in your skills. Whether you’re aiming for high-level Magic or seeking fast Slayer experience, bursting offers a compelling option. Remember to consider factors like cost, equipment, and the specific monster you’re targeting to make informed decisions about your bursting endeavors. With careful planning and execution, you can unlock the full potential of bursting and elevate your OSRS journey to new heights.