Old School RS (OSRS) is a game defined by its dynamic and ever-evolving nature, particularly when it comes to gear. From its initial release in 2013, the game has seen a massive transformation in what constitutes the best-in-slot (BiS) equipment. Initially, a full set of the best gear could be acquired for less than 10 million OSRS gold pieces (OSRS GP). Today, however, securing the best gear can cost over 10 billion GP, marking a staggering 1,000-fold increase in the value and complexity of top-tier items. This article takes you on a historical journey through the game's power creep, examining the best gear for each combat style over the years and the significant updates that have shaped the game.

What is Power Creep?

Power creep refers to the gradual increase in the strength of gear or enemies in a game over time. In most successful RPGs, the ceiling of power constantly shifts upwards. This mechanism is essential for the game's longevity, ensuring that new content remains challenging and rewarding. Without power creep, new updates would feel redundant, offering no incentive for players to engage with fresh content.

The Early Days: 2013

Upon its release in February 2013, OSRS brought players back to the game's 2007 state. At this time, the best melee armor was relatively basic, lacking modern enhancements like the Infernal Cape or Tentacle Whip. Magic gear relied heavily on Ahrim’s set and gear from the Mage Training Arena, offering no offensive bonuses beyond accuracy. Similarly, ranged gear was limited, with God Dehyde and Karil’s armor being the top choices, but offering no damage bonuses.

The Introduction of God Wars Dungeon: Late 2013

The first significant update that introduced a major power creep was the God Wars Dungeon. This iconic update brought in Bandos and Armadyl armor sets, along with powerful weapons like the Armadyl Crossbow and Godswords. These additions drastically changed the best-in-slot gear landscape:

    Melee: Bando armor became the new best-in-slot, offering both defense and strength bonuses.

    Magic: The Staff of the Dead introduced the first magic damage bonus.

    Ranged: Armadyl armor and crossbow set a new standard, significantly increasing the cost and power of ranged gear.

Slayer Bosses and the Corporeal Beast: 2014

In 2014, the introduction of Slayer bosses like Kraken and Thermonuclear Smoke Devil, along with the Corporeal Beast, brought further enhancements:

    Melee: The Tentacle Whip and Dragon Boots improved melee damage and accuracy.

    Magic: The Arcane Spirit Shield and Occult Necklace provided significant magic attack bonuses, while the Trident of the Seas introduced a staff with built-in spells.

    Ranged: The Odium Ward offered slight improvements in range accuracy and strength.

The Zulrah Era: 2015

Zulrah, released in 2015, revolutionized OSRS with its complex mechanics and valuable drops:

    Melee: The Serpentine Helm and Primordial Boots provided new best-in-slot options with strong bonuses.

    Magic: The Trident of the Swamp, an upgrade from the Trident of the Seas, further increased magic damage.

    Ranged: The Toxic Blowpipe introduced a new meta, allowing rapid, high-DPS attacks that dominated most PVM scenarios.

Chambers of Xeric and The Inferno: 2017

2017 was a landmark year with the release of the Chambers of Xeric, OSRS’s first raid, and The Inferno:

    Melee: The Infernal Cape replaced the Fire Cape as the best-in-slot cape. Dragon Claws became the best special attack weapon.

    Magic: Ancestral Robes and the Kodai Wand emerged as top-tier magic gear.

    Ranged: The Twisted Bow, the most powerful ranged weapon, redefined the meta, making ranged the strongest attack style.

Theatre of Blood and Dragon Slayer II: 2018

The Theatre of Blood, introduced in 2018, brought another wave of power creep:

    Melee: The Ghrazi Rapier and Avernic Defender became the best-in-slot for one-handed melee, while the Scythe of Vitur dominated as the best overall melee weapon.

    Magic: The Sanguinesti Staff, with its healing passive effect, replaced the Trident of the Swamp.

    Ranged: The Vorkath’s head upgrade and Ava’s Assembler provided minor improvements.

Quality of Life and Incremental Updates: 2019-2020

The years 2019 and 2020 focused heavily on quality of life improvements and minor content additions:

    Melee: The Ferocious Gloves and Neitiznot Faceguard provided slight enhancements.

    Magic: The Harmonized Nightmare Staff introduced niche uses for faster casting speeds.

    Ranged: The Crystal Armor and Bow of Faerdhinen offered mid-tier improvements.

Nex and Raids 3: Tombs of Amascut: 2022

2022 saw significant power creep with the release of Nex and the Tombs of Amascut:

    Melee: The Torva set and Osmumten’s Fang redefined best-in-slot melee gear.

    Magic: The Elidinis’ Ward and Tumeken’s Shadow greatly increased magic DPS.

    Ranged: The Masori Armor and Zaryte Crossbow provided powerful new options, making range even more formidable.

Recent Updates: 2023-2024

The most recent updates have continued to push the boundaries of power creep:

    Melee: The Inquisitor’s Mace and Elder Maul became more viable through rebalancing.

    Magic: Middle-tier magic gear saw enhancements, though top-tier gear remained unchanged.

    Ranged: The Quiver, allowing the use of two different types of ammo simultaneously, provided a substantial boost to ranged combat.

Conclusion

Old School RuneScape’s gear evolution is a testament to the game's dynamic nature and the importance of power creep in maintaining player engagement. Each major update brings new challenges and rewards, ensuring that the game remains fresh and exciting. As we look forward to future content, the cycle of power creep will undoubtedly continue, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of Gielinor. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a new player, understanding this history of gear evolution is crucial to mastering the game and staying ahead of the curve.

RSorder Team