RuneScape Combat Tiers

[Zaaps1]

[hide=Introduction]First of all, what are tiers? Tiers are basically measurements of how good one candidate is compared to the best of the group. Many competitive games have tiers lists as a way to predict outcomes or make competitions more fair.

 

 

 

Out of curiosity, I've looked over the web and I couldn't find any tiers for the different RuneScape combat methods. So I thought: why not make one?

 

 

 

The purpose of this tier list is to clarify the benefits and weaknesses of each method of competitive combat. For example, d claws, or ice barraging. For melee, only items will be ranked. For ranged, bows or crossbows with their highest (practical) ammo will be ranked. For magic, only spells or spell combos will be ranked. All candidates must directly inflict damage. Poison will be taken into consideration and so will Vengeance. In other words, this list goes far beyond the simple: "DFS has better stats!!!".

 

 

 

This list is based only on PvP combat, not PvM.

 

 

 

This list is by no means "final". In fact, I'm nowhere close! But little steps will get it there. I expect there to be many, many mistakes in my placing. But don't be a troll and go, "wtf AGS r betrrr!!!11", instead, type out a logical sentence with your evidence. This way, I can look into it further. If you just state an item is better or worse and give no backing, you will be ignored.[/hide]

 

[hide=You Can Help]Aside from correcting mistakes, I also need the practical uses of each item as well as basic data. Basically, I need more info on each and every item on the list. Most specifically:

 

 

 

1) I need info on all the PvP items, their damage rates, overall effectiveness, etc.

 

2) I need info on damage rates and popular responses to the items. For example, if your opponent has an AGS, what would you do?

 

3) How often can you cast Spellbook Swap/Vengeance?[/hide]

 

 

 

My ROUGH DRAFT of the list follows. I know there are mistakes. Please POST them and not FLAME them. The order they appear within the tier does not reflect their superiority. So just because something is at the bottom of the group does not mean it is the worst.

 

 

 

Remember that while I will mention price generalizations, they are all based on effectiveness, not price.

 

 

 

Also, all of these are viable pking options only. Adamant longsword isn't on here. There's a good reason for that.

 

 

 

[hide=Tier 1]This class of items/spells are simply good. However, they all come with 2 extremely high-level barriers: high requirements and high cost. You typically do not see many of these used.

 

 

 

Spectral/Elysian/Divine/Arcane Spirit Shield

 

Vesta's/Statius'/Morrigan's/Zuriel's Armors

 

Vesta's/Statius'/Morrigan's/Zuriel's Weapons

 

Spellbook Swap

 

Teleblock

 

Energy Transfer

 

3rd Age Ranger Armor[/hide]

 

[hide=Tier 2]These items are highly priced but reasonable for their effectiveness. They are seen mostly in higher level PvP. They have high requirements as well. These items are best known for their ability to hit and hit high, or their outstanding defense. Of course, there are exceptions to these rules.

 

 

 

Dragon Claws

 

Armadyl Godsword

 

Bandos Godsword

 

Class 5 Weapons (SC Only)

 

Ancients Combos

 

Vengeance/Vengeance Other

 

Dark Bow

 

Full Dharok's Set

 

Blessed Spirit Shield

 

Dragonfire Shield

 

Bandos armor

 

Armadyl armor

 

Ahrim's

 

Mage's Book

 

Master Wand

 

Barrows Gloves

 

Fury

 

Verac's Helm

 

Verac's Skirt[/hide]

 

[hide=Tier 3]Neitiznot Helm

 

Saradomin Godsword

 

Zamorak Godsword

 

Verac's Set

 

Void set (melee or range)

 

Barrows melee armors

 

Karil's leatherarmor

 

Infinity

 

Dragon Dagger P++

 

Dragon armor

 

Rune defender

 

Abyssal Whip

 

Class 4 Weapons (SC only)

 

Ice Barrage

 

Flames Of Zamorak/Claws of Guthix/Saradomin Strike (w/ Charge)

 

Rune Crossbow

 

Crystal Bow 10/10

 

FoG Shields

 

Regen Bracelet

 

Glory

 

Warrior Helmet

 

Granite Maul[/hide]

 

[hide=Tier 4]Berserker Helmet

 

Obsidian Maul (w/ Berserker Necklace)

 

Dragon Scimitar

 

Dragon Mace

 

Saradomin Sword

 

Zamorakian Spear

 

Ice Burst

 

Magic shortbow

 

Rune knives

 

Dragon darts

 

Granite armor

 

Black Dragonhide

 

Mystic Robes

 

Spitbark Armor

 

Class 3 Weapons (SC only)

 

Combat Bracelet

 

Wave spells

 

Iban Blast

 

Flames of Zamorak/Claws of Guthix/Saradomin Strike (w/o Charge)[/hide]

 

[hide=Tier 5]Class 1 and 2 Weapons (SC only)

 

Dragon Longsword

 

Dragon Battleaxe

 

Barrelchest Anchor

 

Obsidian sword (w/ Berserker Necklace)

 

Proselyte Armor

 

Void set (magic)

 

Dragon Gauntlets[/hide]

 

[hide=Tier 6]Rune weapons

 

Maple shortbow

 

Rune Gauntlets

 

Blast spells[/hide]

 

 

 

There's my work, now let's edit this. Discuss my placement and perhaps the correct placement of the items. If I've left any out, please tell me.

 

 

 

That's all for now. I hope you've enjoyed it.

[FooK-A-Ji]

Nice work. Now go play WoW :mrgreen:

 

No seriously though, nice work :thumbup:

[Zaaps1]

Nice work. Now go play WoW :mrgreen:

 

 

 

Many games have them, so the idea isn't from exclusively one game.

 

 

 

Off topic but WoW confuses me...greatly :wall:

[Returned3]

I'm using Tier 2/3 equipment, not bad.

 

 

 

Pretty cool list dude, it'd be awesome if Runescapers actually started dividing weapons/armours based on your list. Let's hope it can.

[Darkkalphite]

I think the Rune Defender should be in Class A, does a real good job of breaking your opponents defences down. Especially with a DDS spec or whip. And it's the best offensive shield, after all.

[X3EN]

SC 5 items are correctly placed in Class A

 

SC 4 items should NOT go in Class A, since they match class B description; SC 3 should be downgraded to Class C, and both SC 1/2 should go in Class D

 

 

 

P.S. I know since when SC came out I had 40+ skills and now I have 60+ skills. SC 4 is just not as good to qualify for A.

[britonlongbow]

Could you explain your thinking behind teleblock being in tier one and ice barrage being in tier three ?

[Zaaps1]

Could you explain your thinking behind teleblock being in tier one and ice barrage being in tier three ?

 

 

 

Teleblock is the deadliest magic spell, maybe with the exception of the Ancient combo. And since the ancient combo is superior over ice barrage, it does into Tier 2.

 

 

 

That's my thinking, but that doesn't mean it's right. Feel free to tell me what you think it should be.

[Pythonic]

3) How often can you cast Vengeance?

 

 

 

You can cast the spell vengeance every thirty seconds.

[Mdeoxys]

nice list, very well done!

[Agent1777]

Class B \

[Master_Smither]

SGS should be in tier class A and the SC weapons should be in class B along with the Helm of Neitiznot. Otherwise nicely done.

 

 

 

1) I need info on all the PvP items, their damage rates, overall effectiveness, etc.

 

The pvp armours usually pay for their cost in drops due to the better max hits and the better accuracy especially in zuriel. They tend to hit more accurately and higher than even bandos so they are well worth the cost.

 

 

 

3) How often can you cast Spellbook Swap/Vengeance?

 

Spellbook swap can be casted as much as you like except the animation is slow and there is a 2 minute cap on the time you have to use a spell from the book you swapped to. Vengenance is every 30 seconds.

[Zaaps1]

SGS should be in tier class A and the SC weapons should be in class B along with the Helm of Neitiznot. Otherwise nicely done.

 

 

 

I was under the impression that SGS was less useful than Bandos and Armadyl for PvP. Is that true? If it isn't, then it should be in class A.

 

 

 

What's the casting time for Spellbook Swap?

[Master_Smither]

SGS should be in tier class A and the SC weapons should be in class B along with the Helm of Neitiznot. Otherwise nicely done.

 

 

 

I was under the impression that SGS was less useful than Bandos and Armadyl for PvP. Is that true? If it isn't, then it should be in class A.

 

 

 

What's the casting time for Spellbook Swap?

 

 

 

It could be argued both ways the special is accurate like the ZGS special but the effect isn't great at all. You see alot more actual hits(not 0's) from ZGS/SGS specials than you do from BGS and even AGS. It's up to you whether you count it as good or not.

 

 

 

As for book swap the animation is probably around 15 seconds for the book to swap to the other spell book. Someone would have to time it to be sure though. Other than the animation and the time it takes you to cast whatever spell you want there isn't any restriction.

[Darkkalphite]

SGS should be in tier class A and the SC weapons should be in class B along with the Helm of Neitiznot. Otherwise nicely done.

 

 

 

1) I need info on all the PvP items, their damage rates, overall effectiveness, etc.

 

The pvp armours usually pay for their cost in drops due to the better max hits and the better accuracy especially in zuriel. They tend to hit more accurately and higher than even bandos so they are well worth the cost.

 

 

 

3) How often can you cast Spellbook Swap/Vengeance?

 

Spellbook swap can be casted as much as you like except the animation is slow and there is a 2 minute cap on the time you have to use a spell from the book you swapped to. Vengenance is every 30 seconds.

 

Helm of neitiznot is your pvping helm of choice, only a warrior or torag's helm can sometimes proof more useful. (D claw rushing, tanking) It should stay where it is.

[Master_Smither]

SGS should be in tier class A and the SC weapons should be in class B along with the Helm of Neitiznot. Otherwise nicely done.

 

 

 

1) I need info on all the PvP items, their damage rates, overall effectiveness, etc.

 

The pvp armours usually pay for their cost in drops due to the better max hits and the better accuracy especially in zuriel. They tend to hit more accurately and higher than even bandos so they are well worth the cost.

 

 

 

3) How often can you cast Spellbook Swap/Vengeance?

 

Spellbook swap can be casted as much as you like except the animation is slow and there is a 2 minute cap on the time you have to use a spell from the book you swapped to. Vengenance is every 30 seconds.

 

Helm of neitiznot is your pvping helm of choice, only a warrior or torag's helm can sometimes proof more useful. (D claw rushing, tanking) It should stay where it is.

 

 

 

The description for Class A items is "These items are highly priced but reasonable for their effectiveness. They are seen mostly in higher level PvP. They have high requirements as well. These items are best known for their ability to hit and hit high, or their outstanding defense. Of course, there are exceptions to these rules."

 

They are not expensive nor do they have high requirements. Most everyone uses them because they are a cheap decent item but they don't call into the group of Godswords, bandos armours, and maxed mage items. They fall under something more welfare of a class such as B or even C. But I argue B because they are used enough not to be with mystic.

[Darkkalphite]

"Of course, there are exceptions to these rules."

 

This means if an item is cheap or doesn't have really high req but still does the job the best of all items in that slot it could belong to that tier.

[Zaaps1]

SGS should be in tier class A and the SC weapons should be in class B along with the Helm of Neitiznot. Otherwise nicely done.

 

 

 

1) I need info on all the PvP items, their damage rates, overall effectiveness, etc.

 

The pvp armours usually pay for their cost in drops due to the better max hits and the better accuracy especially in zuriel. They tend to hit more accurately and higher than even bandos so they are well worth the cost.

 

 

 

3) How often can you cast Spellbook Swap/Vengeance?

 

Spellbook swap can be casted as much as you like except the animation is slow and there is a 2 minute cap on the time you have to use a spell from the book you swapped to. Vengenance is every 30 seconds.

 

Helm of neitiznot is your pvping helm of choice, only a warrior or torag's helm can sometimes proof more useful. (D claw rushing, tanking) It should stay where it is.

 

 

 

The description for Class A items is "These items are highly priced but reasonable for their effectiveness. They are seen mostly in higher level PvP. They have high requirements as well. These items are best known for their ability to hit and hit high, or their outstanding defense. Of course, there are exceptions to these rules."

 

They are not expensive nor do they have high requirements. Most everyone uses them because they are a cheap decent item but they don't call into the group of Godswords, bandos armours, and maxed mage items. They fall under something more welfare of a class such as B or even C. But I argue B because they are used enough not to be with mystic.

 

 

 

I did mention, however, that they were placed on tiers on basis of usefulness, not of price. I only drew general statements for the first two tiers to show the general trend. That was not the qualifications I was looking at when deciding the tiers.

 

 

 

The doesn't matter though, since either way the question is still: "Is the Neitiznot helm useful?"

[Master_Smither]

"Of course, there are exceptions to these rules."

 

This means if an item is cheap or doesn't have really high req but still does the job the best of all items in that slot it could belong to that tier.

 

 

 

It's debatable and up to Zapp to decide whether it is the exception but I believe it doesn't go with godswords and high level armour because it is used by welfarers and people who want some cheap helm to do the job. Also it doesn't do the job of the best items in that slot. Something like verac's helm or statius full helm is used by alot of hardcore pkers who skull in maxed mage or maxed melee armour want the defence bonuses over the str.

 

 

 

I'd also like to request verac helm being updated to Class A.

 

 

 

[hide=]

SGS should be in tier class A and the SC weapons should be in class B along with the Helm of Neitiznot. Otherwise nicely done.

 

 

 

1) I need info on all the PvP items, their damage rates, overall effectiveness, etc.

 

The pvp armours usually pay for their cost in drops due to the better max hits and the better accuracy especially in zuriel. They tend to hit more accurately and higher than even bandos so they are well worth the cost.

 

 

 

3) How often can you cast Spellbook Swap/Vengeance?

 

Spellbook swap can be casted as much as you like except the animation is slow and there is a 2 minute cap on the time you have to use a spell from the book you swapped to. Vengenance is every 30 seconds.

 

Helm of neitiznot is your pvping helm of choice, only a warrior or torag's helm can sometimes proof more useful. (D claw rushing, tanking) It should stay where it is.

 

 

 

The description for Class A items is "These items are highly priced but reasonable for their effectiveness. They are seen mostly in higher level PvP. They have high requirements as well. These items are best known for their ability to hit and hit high, or their outstanding defense. Of course, there are exceptions to these rules."

 

They are not expensive nor do they have high requirements. Most everyone uses them because they are a cheap decent item but they don't call into the group of Godswords, bandos armours, and maxed mage items. They fall under something more welfare of a class such as B or even C. But I argue B because they are used enough not to be with mystic.

 

 

 

I did mention, however, that they were placed on tiers on basis of usefulness, not of price. I only drew general statements for the first two tiers to show the general trend. That was not the qualifications I was looking at when deciding the tiers.[/hide]

 

 

 

The doesn't matter though, since either way the question is still: "Is the Neitiznot helm useful?"

 

 

 

It's useful for welfares or people who want to lose very little when they die other than that no it's not. It's a cheap helm used by cheap people who don't risk much and thats why it's not fit to be classed with bandos or maxed mage equipment.

[Zaaps1]

Changes made.

 

 

 

-Verac's Helm and Skirt bumped up 1 class

 

-Neitiz bumped down

[Darkkalphite]

"Of course, there are exceptions to these rules."

 

This means if an item is cheap or doesn't have really high req but still does the job the best of all items in that slot it could belong to that tier.

 

 

 

It's debatable and up to Zapp to decide whether it is the exception but I believe it doesn't go with godswords and high level armour because it is used by welfarers and people who want some cheap helm to do the job. Also it doesn't do the job of the best items in that slot. Something like verac's helm or statius full helm is used by alot of hardcore pkers who skull in maxed mage or maxed melee armour want the defence bonuses over the str.

 

 

 

I'd also like to request verac helm being updated to Class A.

 

 

I still think a Neitiznot helm is better then verac's helm. I do agree however that verac's helm needs to be updated. Statius full helm and Verac's Helm both have negative magic bonusses, neitiznot however does not. It's really a multipurpose helmet that can fit many roles very good. Other than that it even has the Str bonus of a statius full helm and the prayer bonus of veracs helm. It only has worser melee defence stats but it has, as I mentioned earlier, a mage defense bonus. I think Neity really deserves that spot in the A-tier.

 

 

 

Edit: Noeeees don't bump down xD

[Master_Smither]

"Of course, there are exceptions to these rules."

 

This means if an item is cheap or doesn't have really high req but still does the job the best of all items in that slot it could belong to that tier.

 

 

 

It's debatable and up to Zapp to decide whether it is the exception but I believe it doesn't go with godswords and high level armour because it is used by welfarers and people who want some cheap helm to do the job. Also it doesn't do the job of the best items in that slot. Something like verac's helm or statius full helm is used by alot of hardcore pkers who skull in maxed mage or maxed melee armour want the defence bonuses over the str.

 

 

 

I'd also like to request verac helm being updated to Class A.

 

 

I still think a Neitiznot helm is better then verac's helm. I do agree however that verac's helm needs to be updated. Statius full helm and Verac's Helm both have negative magic bonusses, neitiznot however does not. It's really a multipurpose helmet that can fit many roles very good. Other than that it even has the Str bonus of a statius full helm and the prayer bonus of veracs helm. It only has worser melee defence stats but it has, as I mentioned earlier, a mage defense bonus. I think Neity really deserves that spot in the A-tier.

 

 

 

Edit: Noeeees don't bump down xD

 

 

 

Yes it is useful but when your risking something like 15M in equipment such as a hybrid does they use the verac helm for the defence bonuses because they want the better chance of not getting hit 70 by an AGS or 50+ by d stone e bolts. Therefore the neit does not fit in with something like full ahrims, mage book, and master wand but it does fit in with the other helms such as berserker and warrior.

[nubbycubby]

• [*:4z5vgsh3]Add the Seercull bow in there somewhere - it's useful for making mages spend a turn on using super restore, or crippling those who don't have super restores
   
  [*:4z5vgsh3]Dragon armor is too high in your tier list; there are better options: strength boosting gear like Bandos or more defensive armor like Barrows
   
  [*:4z5vgsh3]God spells are a bit too high on your tier list; I hardly see anyone use them, and they're outclassed by Ancients
   
  [*:4z5vgsh3]FoG shields should be in the F2P tier, because only F2P use them
   
  [*:4z5vgsh3]Granite Maul is in Class D? maxed Range/2h'ers could work wonders with it
   
  [*:4z5vgsh3]Knives are stronger than darts; rune knives should be in a higher tier than dragon darts, not the same!
   
  [*:4z5vgsh3]Add obsidian rings to your list! They're fairly powerful, and have the speed of a shortbow (6) and are one-handed

[purewcnub]

• [*:3vw78cbp]Add the Seercull bow in there somewhere - it's useful for making mages spend a turn on using super restore, or crippling those who don't have super restores
   
  [*:3vw78cbp]Dragon armor is too high in your tier list; there are better options: strength boosting gear like Bandos or more defensive armor like Barrows
   
  [*:3vw78cbp]God spells are a bit too high on your tier list; I hardly see anyone use them, and they're outclassed by Ancients
   
  [*:3vw78cbp]FoG shields should be in the F2P tier, because only F2P use them
   
  [*:3vw78cbp]Granite Maul is in Class D? maxed Range/2h'ers could work wonders with it
   
  [*:3vw78cbp]Knives are stronger than darts; rune knives should be in a higher tier than dragon darts, not the same!
   
  [*:3vw78cbp]Add obsidian rings to your list! They're fairly powerful, and have the speed of a shortbow (6) and are one-handed

 

From my experience d darts > Rune knives

 

God spells very useful as they can be used along with entangle and teleblock, and can hit 30 if charged.

[Darkkalphite]

"Of course, there are exceptions to these rules."

 

This means if an item is cheap or doesn't have really high req but still does the job the best of all items in that slot it could belong to that tier.

 

 

 

It's debatable and up to Zapp to decide whether it is the exception but I believe it doesn't go with godswords and high level armour because it is used by welfarers and people who want some cheap helm to do the job. Also it doesn't do the job of the best items in that slot. Something like verac's helm or statius full helm is used by alot of hardcore pkers who skull in maxed mage or maxed melee armour want the defence bonuses over the str.

 

 

 

I'd also like to request verac helm being updated to Class A.

 

 

I still think a Neitiznot helm is better then verac's helm. I do agree however that verac's helm needs to be updated. Statius full helm and Verac's Helm both have negative magic bonusses, neitiznot however does not. It's really a multipurpose helmet that can fit many roles very good. Other than that it even has the Str bonus of a statius full helm and the prayer bonus of veracs helm. It only has worser melee defence stats but it has, as I mentioned earlier, a mage defense bonus. I think Neity really deserves that spot in the A-tier.

 

 

 

Edit: Noeeees don't bump down xD

 

 

 

Yes it is useful but when your risking something like 15M in equipment such as a hybrid does they use the verac helm for the defence bonuses because they want the better chance of not getting hit 70 by an AGS or 50+ by d stone e bolts. Therefore the neit does not fit in with something like full ahrims, mage book, and master wand but it does fit in with the other helms such as berserker and warrior.

 

Wouldn't it make sense for a hybrid to use a neitiznot helm since it has no negative bonusses? Just mentioning.