Basilisk bones in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) are a type of bone dropped exclusively by basilisks and their superior variant, the basilisk knight. They are noted for their high Prayer experience per bone and are a key component in creating the amulet of blood, making them valuable for both training and quest requirements.
What Are Basilisk Bones?
Basilisk bones are a members-only item introduced with the Fremennik Isles quest. They are dropped by basilisks, which are Slayer monsters found in the Fremennik Slayer Dungeon (requires 40 Slayer to kill) and the Jormungar’s Prison area. The bones are notable for giving 200 Prayer experience each when buried or used on a gilded altar, which is significantly higher than the 120 experience from dragon bones. This makes them a popular choice for players seeking efficient Prayer training without the high cost of dragon bones.
How to Obtain Basilisk Bones
Basilisk bones are obtained as a 100% drop from basilisks and basilisk knights. Basilisks have a combat level of 61 and require level 40 Slayer to harm. They are weak to melee and ranged attacks, and using a mirror shield is essential to avoid being petrified by their gaze. Basilisk knights, on the other hand, are superior Slayer monsters that appear after killing a certain number of basilisks on a Slayer task. They have a combat level of 134 and require level 60 Slayer. Both variants drop the bones, but knights have a higher drop rate for noted bones (5–15 noted) compared to regular basilisks (1–3 noted).
Uses and Value
The primary use of basilisk bones is for Prayer training. At 200 experience per bone, they offer a cost-effective alternative to dragon bones (120 XP) when used on a gilded altar with burners, which multiplies the experience by 3.5x. This results in 700 XP per bone on a gilded altar, making them a solid mid-level training option. Additionally, basilisk bones are required to create the amulet of blood, a powerful neck slot item that provides a 20% chance to heal 10% of the damage dealt in combat. To make this amulet, players must use a blood shard on a basilisk bone, requiring level 80 Crafting and completion of the Sins of the Father quest. The amulet is highly sought after for its healing effect, making the bones valuable beyond Prayer training.
How to Choose Between Bones for Prayer
When deciding which bones to use for Prayer training, consider the cost per experience and the method of training. Here are the common options:
- Basilisk bones: 200 XP base, moderate cost, good for mid-level players.
- Dragon bones: 120 XP base, lower cost, widely used.
- Superior dragon bones: 150 XP base, higher cost, better XP/hour.
- Wyvern bones: 72 XP base, cheap but low XP.
For most players, basilisk bones are a balanced choice if you want more XP than dragon bones without paying the premium for superior dragon bones. However, always check the current Grand Exchange prices, as the cost-effectiveness can fluctuate.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
A common misconception is that basilisk bones are only useful for Prayer. In reality, their role in crafting the amulet of blood makes them a key item for end-game PvM. Another issue is that players often confuse basilisk bones with lizardman bones, which are a different item with no special uses. Additionally, some players think that using a mirror shield is optional, but without it, basilisks will petrify you, making the fight impossible. Always equip a mirror shield when fighting basilisks.
Comparison: Basilisk Bones vs. Other Bones
Compared to other bones, basilisk bones offer a unique combination of high XP and a secondary use. Dragon bones are cheaper but give less XP, while superior dragon bones give more XP but are significantly more expensive. Wyvern bones are the cheapest but are inefficient for training. In terms of value, basilisk bones are often priced higher than dragon bones due to their use in amulets of blood. For players who want to train Prayer efficiently without spending a fortune, basilisk bones are a strong contender, especially if you collect them yourself through Slayer tasks.
Cost and Profitability
The price of basilisk bones fluctuates based on supply and demand. As of 2024, they typically sell for around 2,000–3,000 coins each. When used on a gilded altar, they provide 700 XP per bone, making the cost per XP roughly 3–4 coins, which is competitive with dragon bones. If you are killing basilisks for Slayer, you can profit from the bones and other drops, such as the basilisk head (a rare drop) and various seeds. The amulet of blood is worth several million coins, so the bones are a steady source of income for players who can craft the amulet.
Safety and Efficiency Tips
When fighting basilisks, always bring a mirror shield to avoid petrification. The shield can be bought from Slayer masters or made with a crafting level of 4. For efficient kills, use a weapon with high accuracy, such as a whip or a dragon scimitar. If you are on a Slayer task, consider using a cannon to speed up kills, but be aware that basilisks are weak to ranged, so a crossbow with broad bolts is effective. For the superior basilisk knight, it is recommended to have a high combat level and good gear, as it hits hard and has a special attack that can drain your Prayer. Always have food and potions ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Prayer XP for basilisk bones?
Basilisk bones give 200 Prayer experience when buried or used on an altar. With a gilded altar and burners, this is multiplied by 3.5x, resulting in 700 XP per bone.
Can I use basilisk bones on an altar?
Yes, basilisk bones can be used on any altar, including the gilded altar in a player-owned house. Using them on a gilded altar with burners lit gives the best experience.
Are basilisk bones worth collecting?
Yes, especially if you are training Prayer or want to craft an amulet of blood. They are also a good source of profit if you kill basilisks for Slayer tasks.
How do I get a mirror shield?
You can buy a mirror shield from Slayer masters, such as Vannaka or Chaeldar, or make one with level 4 Crafting by using a steel bar on a glassblowing pipe. It is required to fight basilisks safely.
What is the drop rate of basilisk bones?
Basilisks always drop 1–3 basilisk bones, while basilisk knights drop 5–15 noted bones. The drop rate is 100% for both.
Can I use basilisk bones on a player-owned house altar?
Yes, you can use them on any altar in your player-owned house, including the gilded altar, which is the most efficient for Prayer training.
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