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OSRS Ancient Staff: A Complete Guide for Mages in Old School RuneScape
OSRS Ancient Staff
The Ancient Staff in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) isn’t just any old magic stick—it’s your golden ticket to tapping into the powerful and devastating spellbook known as Ancient Magicks. Whether you’re freezing foes with Ice Barrage, nuking in multi-combat zones, or just flexing your PvP setup, the Ancient Staff is often your starting point.
But how do you get it? Is it worth using in 2025? And how does it compare to other magical weapons in OSRS? We’re diving deep into this iconic staff to give you the full breakdown.
🔍 How to Obtain the OSRS Ancient Staff
🛒 Buying from Eblis
The most straightforward way to get the Ancient Staff is by buying it from Eblis, the mysterious NPC located in the desert after completing most of the Desert Treasure I quest. He sells it for 80,000 coins.
💡 Pro Tip: You must have at least started Desert Treasure to purchase the staff.
🧟 Dropped by Mummies
Alternatively, during the Desert Treasure quest, you’ll encounter mummies inside the pyramid. These enemies have a chance of dropping the Ancient Staff as well, although it’s not guaranteed and requires some RNG luck.
📊 OSRS Ancient Staff Stats and Bonuses
The Ancient Staff comes with the following stats:
- Magic attack bonus: +15
- Melee stab/slash/crush: +6
- Magic damage: 0% (not boosted)
- Melee strength: +0
- Prayer bonus: +0
It has no Magic damage boost, which is a key drawback compared to high-tier alternatives like the Kodai Wand. However, it does allow you to autocast Ancient Magicks, which makes it invaluable early in your magic journey.
📖 Role in Ancient Magicks
🔓 Unlocking Ancient Magicks
To use Ancient Magicks, you must complete Desert Treasure I. Once unlocked, you can switch to this spellbook at any altar that allows spellbook switching (like in Edgeville, using the POH lectern, or the altar at the Pyramid).
🔮 Spellbook Usage
With the Ancient Staff, you can autocast Ancient Magick spells like:
- Ice Barrage – Freezes and hits multiple enemies
- Blood Barrage – Heals you based on damage dealt
- Shadow Barrage – Lowers enemy attack stats
- Smoke Barrage – Poisons and damages foes
Each of these has specific use-cases for PvP, PvM, or Slayer content.
⚔️ PvP Uses of the OSRS Ancient Staff
❄️ Freezing Enemies with Ice Spells
If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of an Ice Barrage, you know it’s no joke. The Ancient Staff makes these devastating attacks easier to execute by enabling autocast.
- Ice Barrage: Freeze up to 9 enemies in multi zones
- Ice Blitz: Great single-target freeze for 15 seconds
🎯 Teleblock and Combos
While the Ancient Staff doesn’t autocast Teleblock (a standard spellbook spell), it’s often used in hybrid builds that quickly switch between spellbooks to combo freezes and teleblocks.
🥷 Hybrid PvP Builds
In PvP, especially Edgeville or Deep Wilderness, players often bring the Ancient Staff as part of a hybrid setup, combining it with Dharok’s, Armadyl crossbows, or even AGS to maximize burst potential.
🐲 PvM Uses of the OSRS Ancient Staff
🧨 Multi-target Slayer and Barraging Tasks
For players using Ancient Magicks during Slayer tasks (like Dust Devils or Nechryaels), the Ancient Staff is a great option if you’re not yet able to afford more powerful gear.
🏰 God Wars Dungeon Use
Ice spells can freeze minions and bosses like Commander Zilyana or General Graardor, giving players a tactical advantage in certain fights.
📈 Magic Training
If you’re looking to train Magic efficiently using Barrage or Burst spells, the Ancient Staff is a staple starting weapon.
🪄 Alternative Magic Weapons
🏆 Master Wand
- +20 Magic attack bonus
- Can autocast Ancient Magicks
- Tradeable but expensive
🎩 Kodai Wand
- +28 Magic attack bonus
- 15% Magic damage boost
- Autocasts Ancient and Standard spells
- Very expensive
☠️ Staff of the Dead
- Great melee bonuses
- 1/8 chance to negate incoming melee damage
- Can autocast Ancient spells (Toxic version too)
📊 Comparison Table: OSRS Ancient Staff vs. Others
| Weapon | Magic Bonus | Autocast Ancient | Magic Dmg Boost | Cost (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ancient Staff | +15 | ✅ | ❌ | 80K GP |
| Master Wand | +20 | ✅ | ❌ | 5M+ GP |
| Kodai Wand | +28 | ✅ | ✅ +15% | 100M+ GP |
| Staff of the Dead | +17 | ✅ | ✅ +15% | 8M+ GP |
🛠️ Enchanting and Upgrading Options
Unfortunately, the Ancient Staff can’t be imbued or upgraded directly. There are no ornament kits either, making it mostly a functional—not fashionable—weapon.
That said, many players still wield it with pride, especially in its nostalgic Desert Treasure form.
💰 Price and Market Value
As of 2025, the Ancient Staff’s price remains steady around 80,000–100,000 GP, making it one of the most affordable weapons that autocasts Ancient spells. This price makes it perfect for:
- New PvP players
- Ironman builds
- Budget PvM setups
🧙 Best Skill Builds for the OSRS Ancient Staff
🔥 Pure Builds
Pures with Magic level 50+ often use the Ancient Staff for PKing, especially when paired with Freeze and Blitz spells.
🛡️ Zerker and Main Builds
Zerkers and Mains benefit from its utility in multi-combat and hybridding zones, with minimal risk if lost.
📈 Recommended Magic Level
You need Magic level 50 to wield the Ancient Staff. However, Ancient Magicks like Barrage require 94 Magic, so plan accordingly.
🎮 Ancient Staff in Deadman Mode and Leagues
In Deadman Mode, the Ancient Staff is a top-tier early-game weapon. Its accessibility and ability to autocast freeze spells make it invaluable for both offensive and defensive play.
In Leagues, the staff becomes even more powerful when paired with relics that boost magic accuracy or damage.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Without Ancient Spellbook: You can’t autocast Ancient spells if you haven’t switched spellbooks!
- Underleveling: Having low Magic when entering PvP zones with this staff makes you a sitting duck.
- Assuming It’s Endgame Gear: It’s great, but it doesn’t hold up vs. Kodai or SOTD in high-level PvM.
🧠 Community Opinions and Meta Talk
Some players still swear by the Ancient Staff, especially Ironmen or PvP builds. However, most high-level players switch to more powerful gear once they can afford it.
That said, it holds a special place in OSRS history and remains one of the best value weapons for anyone using Ancient Magicks.
✅ Final Verdict on the OSRS Ancient Staff
The Ancient Staff is one of the most iconic and cost-effective magic weapons in OSRS. While it doesn’t boast insane bonuses, its ability to autocast Ancient Magicks makes it a go-to for PvP, Slayer, and early-game PvM content.
🧾 Conclusion
So, is the Ancient Staff still worth it in 2025? Absolutely—especially for those diving into Ancient Magicks for the first time or needing a reliable freeze tool. While it’s easily outclassed by premium weapons, it’s still the gateway to becoming a magical menace in Gielinor.
Whether you’re barraging Nechs or locking down players in the Wilderness, the Ancient Staff has earned its reputation.
❓FAQs
1. What’s the best spell to use with the Ancient Staff?
Answer: Ice Barrage is arguably the most effective due to its freezing and multi-target capabilities.
2. Can you autocast normal spells with the Ancient Staff?
Answer: No, it only supports Ancient Magick autocasts.
3. Is the Ancient Staff worth it for Ironman accounts?
Answer: Yes, it’s accessible and doesn’t require high-cost materials or items.
4. How does the Ancient Staff compare to Trident of the Seas?
Answer: Trident has better DPS in PvM, but Ancient Staff is better for crowd control and PvP.
5. Is the Ancient Staff useful at lower Magic levels?
Answer: Yes, as soon as you hit level 50 Magic, it’s a solid option to begin your Ancient Magicks journey.
Advanced PvP Tactics with the OSRS Ancient Staff
In high-stakes PvP (Player vs. Player) combat, the Ancient staff becomes more than just a casting tool — it’s a psychological weapon. Mastery of Ancient Magicks like Ice Barrage gives you the ability to control the battlefield. Freezing your opponent in place means dictating their next move… or denying them one altogether.
Experienced PKers (player killers) often pair the Ancient staff with defensive switching. For instance, casting an Ice Barrage, then quickly switching to melee gear (such as Dharok’s or AGS) to deliver a devastating KO while your enemy is frozen.
Popular PvP Combos Using OSRS Ancient Staff
- Freeze + Melee KO: Ice Barrage your target, switch to a heavy-hitting weapon like AGS.
- Freeze + Ranged Stack: Barrage, then swap to MSB or crossbow to maintain pressure.
- Multi Barrage + Clan Support: Ideal for Clan Wars or multi-combat zones like the Revenant Caves.
You’ll often see Ancient staff PKers in Edgeville, the Wilderness, and near the Mage Arena. Their goal? Lock down and eliminate opponents before they can teleport or escape.
PvM Uses of the OSRS Ancient Staff
While PvP garners the spotlight, PvM (Player vs. Monster) applications of the Ancient staff are significant. Players frequently use Ancient Magicks to tackle Slayer tasks, bossing, and high-level PvM content.
Bosses Where Ancient Magicks Shine:
- Dagannoth Kings: Ice Barrage helps isolate one king at a time.
- Skeletal Wyverns: Blood spells allow for passive healing while dealing damage.
- Slayer Tasks in Multi-Zones: Ice Barrage quickly clears groups like Dust Devils or Nechryaels.
Pairing Ancient staff with the Slayer helmet, full Arceuus spellbook, and Occult Necklace can drastically boost your magic damage output, especially with Blood and Ice spells.
Gear Setup Recommendations with the OSRS Ancient Staff
Here’s a look at popular gear setups for different activities involving the Ancient staff:
1. PvP (Wilderness PK Build):
- Helmet: Ahrim’s Hood or Mystic Hat
- Body: Ahrim’s Robe Top / Mystic Robe Top
- Legs: Ahrim’s Robe Skirt / Mystic Robe Bottom
- Boots: Infinity Boots / Mystic Boots
- Amulet: Occult Necklace
- Cape: God Cape or Imbued Zamorak Cape
- Ring: Ring of Recoil / Seers’ Ring (i)
- Weapon: Ancient Staff
- Inventory: Multiple brews, restores, anglerfish, and combo food with teleport tabs.
2. PvM (Slayer or Multi-Combat Barraging):
- Helmet: Slayer Helmet (i)
- Cape: Ardougne Cloak 4 / Imbued God Cape
- Weapon: Ancient Staff (or Kodai Wand if upgraded)
- Shield: Mage’s Book / Spirit Shield
- Gloves: Barrows Gloves / Tormented Bracelet (if affordable)
Ancient Staff vs. Other Magic Weapons in OSRS
Now let’s pit the Ancient staff against its peers.
Ancient Staff vs. Master Wand:
- Master Wand allows autocasting both standard and Ancient Magicks.
- Has a higher Magic accuracy bonus.
- Ancient Staff is cheaper and requires less effort to obtain.
OSRS Ancient Staff vs. Kodai Wand:
- Kodai Wand is the king of magic weapons—autocasts all spellbooks and gives +15% magic damage.
- Cost difference: Kodai Wand is ~80M GP, Ancient Staff is ~80K GP.
- Winner for budget builds: Ancient staff.
Ancient Staff vs. Staff of the Dead:
- Staff of the Dead is better defensively and allows special attacks.
- Can be charged to autocast Ancient spells if upgraded to Toxic Staff of the Dead.
While the Ancient staff may not win in raw stats, it provides the best value for Ancient Magicks, making it a staple for all levels of mages.
How to Use Ancient Staff in Clan Wars and Multi PvP
In multi-combat situations, such as Clan Wars or Revenant Cave skirmishes, the Ancient staff enables you to be a key freezer or support mage.
Your Role in a Clan Fight:
- Initial Freeze: Rush in and Ice Barrage the opposing front line.
- Defensive Freezing: Protect your healers and KO units.
- Spam Barrage on Clumped Enemies: One well-placed barrage can hit 5+ enemies at once.
Communication with your team is critical. If you’re the designated freezer, you’re basically the chess master—controlling enemy movements like pawns on a board.
Best Places to Use Ancient Magicks in OSRS
Here’s where the Ancient staff really shines:
1. Slayer Tower Dungeon:
Great for barraging Dust Devils, Nechryaels, or Smoke Devils.
2. Catacombs of Kourend:
Packed with multiple monster spawns—perfect for multi-target spells like Ice Barrage.
3. Wilderness Slayer Tasks:
You can freeze enemies while tanking hits, making the Ancient staff a versatile survival tool.
4. Revenant Caves:
It’s risk vs. reward. Many players come here with max gear—bring your Ancient staff and test your luck.
Maximizing Damage with Ancient Spells
Boost your Ancient spell damage by stacking bonuses:
- Occult Necklace: +10% magic damage
- Tormented Bracelet: +5%
- Imbued God Cape: +2%
- Ancestral Robes (if you upgrade): Adds major magic bonus
With the right setup, your Ice Barrages can hit 30+, and Blood Barrages can heal up to 24 HP—talk about value!
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Ancient Staff
Even pros make mistakes. Here are some to watch out for:
- Not bringing enough runes: Barraging burns through your blood runes FAST.
- Forgetting switches: You’ll need tank or KO gear to capitalize on freezes.
- Bad positioning: Always keep your distance—freezing requires spacing and vision.
- Not setting autocast: Without autocast enabled, you’ll lose precious DPS or risk misclicks.
Upgrading from Ancient Staff: When & Why
Eventually, you may want to switch from the Ancient staff. Here’s when:
- You have the cash for a Kodai Wand.
- You need the flexibility of all spellbooks.
- You want the +15% magic damage boost.
However, keep your Ancient staff around—it’s still the most rune-efficient tool to autocast Ancient Magicks.
Ancient Staff in PvP Tournaments and Deadman Mode
In Deadman Mode and PvP Worlds, the Ancient staff is more than viable—it’s deadly.
Why? Because Ancient Magicks dominate in areas with restricted movement and high burst potential. One good barrage, and you can change the tide of a fight or escape with your loot.
The History and Lore Behind the Ancient Staff
Let’s not forget the rich RuneScape lore. The Ancient staff was originally introduced with Desert Treasure, a master quest full of betrayal, puzzles, and ancient secrets. The staff is said to have once belonged to Zamorakian cultists, wielding it to spread chaos and war.
Today, it still holds that chaotic power—only this time, in the hands of ambitious mages like you.
Tips for New Players Using Ancient Staff
New to PvM or PvP? Here’s what to remember:
- Practice with Ice Burst before upgrading to Barrage.
- Always bring teleport tabs when using it in the Wilderness.
- Learn to F3 for inventory, F4 for equipment, and F6 for spellbook—speed switching is key.
- Watch PvP videos to learn positioning and switch timing.
Conclusion
The Ancient staff in OSRS is more than a weapon — it’s a statement. Whether you’re freezing PKers in the Wilderness, barraging monsters in Catacombs, or dominating Clan Wars, this unassuming staff opens the gateway to one of the most powerful spellbooks in Old School RuneScape.
Its affordability, accessibility, and autocast capabilities make it a must-have for every mage. So, equip it, unlock Ancient Magicks, and become a force of magical destruction.
FAQs
1. Is the Ancient staff good for training Magic in OSRS?
Yes! Especially when barraging in multi-combat zones like Dust Devils or Nechryaels.
2. Can I use the Ancient staff without completing Desert Treasure?
No. You must complete Desert Treasure I to unlock Ancient Magicks and use the staff’s autocast.
3. What runes do I need for Ice Barrage?
Ice Barrage requires 2 Blood, 4 Death, and 4 Water runes per cast.
4. How does Ancient staff compare to the Toxic Staff of the Dead?
The Toxic SOTD offers better defense, DPS, and autocasting, but it’s much more expensive.
5. Can Ironman accounts get Ancient staff?
Yes. Ironmen can get it from Eblis after completing Desert Treasure or as a drop from mystic enemies like Mysterious mages.
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