The rune crossbow is a one-handed Ranged weapon requiring 61 Ranged to wield, firing bolts up to and including runite bolts. At 6 ticks (3.6s) per shot with a +90 Ranged attack bonus, it's the go-to mid-game crossbow — strong enough that even high-level players still use it with ruby and diamond bolts. Being one-handed, it pairs with a shield. Most players buy it on the Grand Exchange for a modest sum, or make it via Fletching at level 69.
Equipment bonuses
The rune crossbow's defining stat is its +90 Ranged attack bonus — the highest among standard rune-tier ranged weapons — with no other offensive bonuses, since a crossbow's damage comes from the bolts you load it with.
Attack bonuses
Defence bonuses
Other bonuses
At a 6-tick (3.6 second) attack speed and a 61 Ranged requirement, it sits a clear step above the adamant crossbow but below the dragon, Armadyl, Zaryte, and dragon hunter crossbows.
Grand Exchange price history
How to get the rune crossbow
There are two main ways to obtain a rune crossbow:
- Grand Exchange — it's tradeable, so most players simply buy one. Check the live price and history chart above for the current cost.
- Fletching — you can make one at level 69 Fletching. Cut a yew stock from yew logs (50 xp), attach runite limbs with a hammer to make an unstrung rune crossbow (100 xp), then string it with a crossbow string (50 xp), for 200 Fletching experience total. See the Fletching guide for the full path.
Ironmen who can't buy from the GE commonly farm one from the crazy archaeologist, who drops it at a rate of 5/128 (quantity 2).
Is the rune crossbow worth it?
For its low cost, the rune crossbow is one of the best-value ranged weapons in the game. It carries mid-game Ranged content single-handedly and remains useful far longer than most rune-tier gear:
- Slayer and the Fight Cave — a staple thanks to cheap broad bolts and the ability to equip a shield. For Slayer, a magic shortbow with rune or amethyst arrows is often a stronger pick.
- High-level content — it stays relevant because it can fire enchanted ruby and diamond bolts, whose special effects scale with the target's HP.
Stronger crossbows exist — the dragon, Armadyl, Zaryte, and dragon hunter crossbows all beat it — but they cost far more. The rune crossbow is the sensible step before you can afford those.
Rune crossbow FAQ
What level do you need for a rune crossbow?
You need 61 Ranged to wield the rune crossbow. To make one yourself, you also need 69 Fletching.
How do you get a rune crossbow?
It's tradeable, so most players buy it on the Grand Exchange. You can also Fletch one at level 69 (yew stock + runite limbs + crossbow string, 200 xp total), or — for ironmen — get it as a 5/128 drop from the crazy archaeologist.
Is the rune crossbow still good?
Yes. It's the standard mid-game crossbow and stays useful even at high levels because it can fire ruby and diamond bolts. The dragon, Armadyl, Zaryte, and dragon hunter crossbows are stronger, but they cost much more.
What bolts can the rune crossbow use?
It can fire any bolt up to and including runite bolts. In practice players load it with broad bolts for Slayer and the Fight Cave, or enchanted ruby and diamond bolts for tougher content.
How fast is the rune crossbow?
It attacks once every 6 game ticks, which is 3.6 seconds per shot. It has an attack range of 7, extended to 9 on the longrange combat style.
How much is a rune crossbow worth?
It's an affordable mid-game weapon. See the live price and history chart above for the current Grand Exchange value, which moves over time.
Update history
Source: OSRS Wiki — Rune crossbow (Changes).
