This app is RuneScape 3, the modern client, not Old School RuneScape. Jagex runs 29 skills here, and the newest of them, Necromancy, arrived on 7 August 2023 as a fourth combat style that sits outside the melee, ranged and magic triangle. Necromancy, Invention and Archaeology all climb to level 120 instead of stopping at 99.
Boss fights are where RuneScape tests everything you've learned. This guide covers strategies for bosses across all areas, organized by progression order. For general combat techniques, see our combat guide.
Boss Difficulty Overview
| Area | Difficulty | Recommended Build | Key Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Um | Easy | Melee | Omni guard |
| Elite Dungeons | Moderate | Melee | Omni guard |
| Prifddinas | Hard | Necromancer | Death guard |
| Anachronia | Very Hard | Necromancer | Death guard |
| Lumbridge | Extreme | Necromancer | Death guard |
City of Um Bosses
Area difficulty: Easy Recommended level: Necromancy 1 to 120 Recommended build: Melee with Omni guard
Strategy
The first bosses teach core combat mechanics. Focus on learning patterns rather than dealing damage. Necromancy ignores the melee, ranged and magic triangle and runs its own gear line, the death guard main hand and the skull lantern off hand. This is your primary tool here.
Key tips:
- Don't rush. Learn the attack patterns first.
- Use Necromancy as a fourth combat style to create safe windows.
- Omni guard is enough to handle everything here.
Elite Dungeons Bosses
Area difficulty: Moderate Recommended level: High combat with tier 80 gear or better, or story mode at any level Recommended build: Melee with Omni guard
Strategy
Early game bosses test your understanding of Revolution and Full Manual ability bars. Players who skipped learning this mechanic will hit a wall here.
Key tips:
- Revolution and Full Manual ability bars is critical for these fights.
- Farm Omni guard upgrades if you're struggling.
- Consider switching to Melee if your current setup isn't working.
Prifddinas Bosses
Area difficulty: Hard Recommended level: Skills 75 plus for most of the city Recommended build: Necromancer with Death guard
Strategy
Mid-game bosses are the major skill check. They combine multiple mechanics and punish players who rely on a single strategy.
Key tips:
- You need both Necromancy as a fourth combat style and Conjures, Necrosis and Residual Souls mastery.
- Death guard makes a significant difference. Get it before attempting these.
- See our combat guide for advanced techniques.
Anachronia Bosses
Area difficulty: Very Hard Recommended level: Hunter 70 plus, Archaeology from level 1 Recommended build: Necromancer with Death guard
Strategy
Late-game bosses are serious challenges. Build optimization matters as much as mechanical skill.
Key tips:
- Make sure your build is fully optimized.
- Death guard at max upgrade is recommended.
- Study each boss's attack patterns. Most have 2-3 phases.
Lumbridge Bosses
Area difficulty: Extreme Recommended level: Levels 1 to 30 Recommended build: Necromancer with Death guard
Strategy
Endgame bosses are the ultimate test. They require mastery of all combat systems and an optimized build.
Key tips:
- Top-tier build with best-in-slot gear is mandatory.
- Master every mechanic. See our combat guide.
- These fights reward patience and pattern recognition above all else.
General Boss Tips
- Learn before you fight: Spend your first attempt observing attack patterns. Don't try to win on attempt one.
- Match your build: Some bosses favor certain builds over others. Don't be afraid to switch.
- Upgrade your equipment: A max-upgraded Death guard trivializes fights that seem impossible with weaker gear.
- Use Necromancy as a fourth combat style: The core combat mechanic is your best defensive tool in every boss fight.
- Check the walkthrough: Our walkthrough tells you when you're ready for each boss.
More RuneScape Guides
- RuneScape RuneScape Overview
- RuneScape Best Builds
- RuneScape Tier List
- RuneScape Walkthrough
- RuneScape Beginner's Guide
- RuneScape Tips & Tricks
- RuneScape Weapons Guide
- RuneScape Combat Guide
- RuneScape Maps & Locations
- RuneScape Crafting Guide
- RuneScape Classes & Characters
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- New World: Aeternum Boss Guide: mmo game with similar mechanics
- Lost Ark Boss Guide: mmo game with similar mechanics
- The Elder Scrolls Online Boss Guide: mmo game with similar mechanics
