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Choosing between Masori BP and BowFa
Last updated 2025-11-08
Editor’s note (2025-11-8): I am turning it over to VladG123 & Fujino Ayumu (Both can be found in WDR)
Quick links for content:
The GearScape comparison calculator was used for the screenshot displaying setup costs. You can access it here.
The OSRS Wiki DPS calculator was used to compare the setups. You can find it here, as you should always use a DPS calculator when in doubt.
Ironmen
BowFa is often favoured by Ironman players due to its convenience and low upkeep compared to other weapons that require scales, good quality darts, or bolts.
Even when better weapons become available, many irons stick with BowFa to avoid the grind for maintaining those alternatives. The weapon’s strength and the resources gained while grinding for it make it a key part of early-to-mid-game progression, offering GP and various useful supplies.
You can refer to information on what’s more helpful for you with the following links:
Corrupting the BowFa (Unnecessary)
This used to be relevant prior to the chargescape changes (https://oldschool.runescape.wiki/w/Update:Game_Jam:_Charges_QoL#Game_Jam:_Charges_QoL_Improvements).
So basically, there is even less of a reason to corrupt a BowFa as a main. Instead, you could be doing raids faster with the Toxic blowpipe and Dragon darts, so you will make more GP per hour.
For this reason, it is almost always a GP loss for non-iron accounts to corrupt the BowFa. Iron accounts can also corrupt the bow if they have no other use for the shards.
If you are still concerned about cost, you are not serving yourself well to be too worried about ammo and degradation costs. It is highly likely that team content will be slowed down with such an approach. If you are doing endgame content, you will always make money.
Two options for ranged loadouts
This document is written assuming that you have neither a Tumeken's Shadow nor a Twisted Bow. If you do have a Tumeken's Shadow, the only reason to have a BowFa is if you still do not have an Infernal Cape or Quiver, but you cannot afford a Twisted Bow.
This document assumes you have max stats. After all, stats are far more important than gear in general.
We can compare a Masori BP setup + Dragon crossbow + Twisted buckler to a BowFa setup:
The Dragon crossbow + Twisted buckler is not pictured above, but it adds ~15M to the cost of the left setup. Note that the left setup therefore costs ~29M less. (Note: the GP figures are at the time of writing)
Tombs of Amascut (ToA)
BowFa was generally a bit better at higher (450+) invocation levels especially after the Summer Sweep-up Update till the Eye of Ayak released. It is worth noting that the Eye of Ayak tends to have better dps on Akkha, his shadows and, with sufficient gear, P3 wardens. Remember to use a DPS calculator for your specific situation. It is better to run higher invocation levels with a Blowpipe/ Ayak than running with the Bowfa Setup.
- BP beats BowFa @ Path of Apmeken because of its attack speed alone (more apparent ever since the 1-shot update)
- BowFa is serviceable @ Akkha, but the Eye/Masori BP prove to be usually better
- Masori BP always beats BowFa and Eye @ Akkha’s Shadows at any level (0-600)
- BowFa is better @ Akkha’s Shadows if butterflying
- BowFa slightly beats Masori DCB @ Zebak, but loses to BP in specific situations even at level 400
- Masori BP beats BowFa @ P1 Obelisk and P3 Wardens with sufficient defence drains even at level 400
- BowFa beats Masori BP or crossbow @ P2 Wardens
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Path of Apmeken
By virtue of the Toxic blowpipe’s 2-tick attack speed, you can use it to efficiently one-shot the Baboon mages and quickly deal with Baboon shamans, Cursed baboons, and Thralls. On top of this, Cursed baboons and mages are one shot by the blowpipe.
No other Ranged weapon (BowFa included) should be used as a main method for clearing this room due to the slower attack speed.
BowFa should only be used for clearing out shamans, Baboon mages, or Cursed baboons if you have somehow allowed the cursed baboons to spread too much venom. If this is the case, then gear is not your main problem in this room.
Akkha
Akkha’s defence cannot be reliably lowered.
Level 400:
https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=NeilansElemDear
After the updates to ToA, the situation has changed with BowFa. 4-tick butterflying is now actually a viable strategy. In spite of this, Eye+BP leads to a faster Akkha at the cost of tanking hits after shadows spawn.
Another issue is that the DPS calculator accounts for ruby bolts, but if your ruby effect procs at a bad moment, a lot of DPS is wasted.
Akkha’s Shadows
Level 400:
https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=DiskPlateskirtYellow
If you are in a team and camping in a spot that is out of the way of the butterfly path, you should use BP instead of BowFa.
Also, unless you are running a significantly higher invocation or you are running in a team, Akkha’s shadows lose HP pretty quickly, so ruby bolts activating at a bad time will cause a DPS loss.
Zebak
Level 400 (+20 bgs, +30 ayak):
https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=PaddlefishElaborateSuphi
As it turns out, the Dragon crossbow + buckler is actually competitive with the BowFa when factoring in ruby bolt specs. While Zebak’s hp dropping below 500 will significantly reduce the impact of ruby bolt procs, the boss will already be enraged by this point and, with the pipe’s strictly higher dps, the crossbow should only be used when the blowpipe cannot reach him (far rocks/waves).
As shown in the dps calculator, the Eye is not a viable option for Zebak regardless of raid level due to the 200 mage defence Zebak presents.
Wardens - P1 Obelisk
Level 450 (+40 BGS):
https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=SilvthrillBarleyDagannoth
The expected value of a BGS special attack on the obelisk (with Neitiznot helm, Fighter torso, Blood moon tassets, etc.) is closer to 26.
Blowpipe starts beating out BowFa at the P1 Obelisk in invocation level 400 when you BGS at least a 19. However, the maximum defence level drain on the Obelisk is actually 40, and the Toxic blowpipe does win here, but running lower invocations means you are missing out on a higher Shadow chance (which is 90% of the reason you’re at ToA in the first place).
While you are likely not averaging a 40 BGS in a solo due to needing to save your spec bar for P2, this is still quite reliable in a team, and you can still go for one BGS with a Lightbearer ring in a solo without early use of the adrenaline potion.
It is worth noting that the Eye is significantly worse at the Obelisk than both Masori BP and BowFa, thus not being included in the Dps calc.
Wardens - P2
The exact damage formulas of this phase is unknown as of the time of writing this. However, BowFa is similar to the Toxic Blowpipe , whereas Eye beats trident by a significant margin.
If you do have a Shadow setup, then a crossbow should not be brought unless it’s a Zaryte Crossbow. You should always bring a Toxic Blowpipe as you use it in the Path of Apmeken room, on Baba boulders, while swarming at Kephri, and P2 wardens.
Wardens - P3
Level 450 (+30 BGS, +20 ayak):
https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=CactusMarbleCupric
While it is true that Blowpipe wins even at invocation level 400, again - running higher invocation levels is the best play after the Summer Sweep-up. Even if you are not comfortable not losing ticks with the 2-tick attack speed of the Toxic blowpipe, the DCB setup is not far behind at all.
BowFa wins at 450+ although not by much on a lower budget, but gets overtaken by the Eye in a Virtus setup. It’s still a consideration, though.
The enrage phase has similar numbers, although you can reduce the defence by a maximum of 60 levels which would put you at the same values as the above screenshots.
ToA Summary
After the Summer Sweep-Up, BowFa was a more viable weapon than before at Akkha due to the changes (4t butterfly was an ideal method). However, it has largely been replaced by the Eye as far as Akkha and Wardens are concerned, but still remains powerful prior to obtaining certain gear upgrades (confliction gauntlets, virtus)
The BowFa still has a use case there for players who do not own a Shadow or Ayak.
If you do end up using a BowFa setup, there are some places you should be using a Toxic blowpipe even with the crystal armour:
- Ba-Ba’s boulders
- Kephri’s scarab swarms
- Akkha’s shadows
If you plan on running consistent BowFa 500 solos, this video is excellent, and the setup it uses will definitely get you there.
Chambers of Xeric (CoX)
- BowFa wins vs. Masori DCB @ Shamans
- Masori BP wins vs. BowFa @ Magic Vanguard
- BowFa wins vs. Masori DCB @ Vespula, but is more difficult to sustain a BowFa rapid 4-tick cycle
- Masori BP wins vs. BowFa @ Tightrope Mages and Rangers
- Both Masori BP and DCB win vs. BowFa @ Vasa
- BowFa slightly wins vs. Masori DCB @ Mystics
- Masori BP wins vs. BowFa @ both Small and Large Muttadiles
- BowFa wins vs. Masori DCB @ Olm Head, but loses to DHCB (common CoX upgrade)
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Lizardman shamans
Trio regular:
https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=InsectDaffodilsMeat
DCB + Buckler is a bit behind BowFa, but it’s not by that much. This does however assume that you are overloaded. If you are using a ranging potion, the difference actually becomes more narrow:
https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=OsmumtensBarbExquisite
While Toxic blowpipe walking is not commonly utilized at shamans as it is difficult to maintain the flow of damage, you can get more DPS at shamans if you decide to do this, albeit unrealistic.
If you want to go with the safer option of using a crossbow or a BowFa, the BowFa does win here and lines up with the shaman’s attack cycle for easier dodging. The Eye is not mentioned due the significantly lower dps than any shown setup
Vanguards
Trio regular (overloaded):
https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=TrimmedMortPear
Blowpipe beats BowFa here and, as an extra information, Ayak beats trident by a significant amount on the melee vanguard.
https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=RampagePlatebodySeers
Abyssal Portal (Vespula)
Trio regular (overloaded):
https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=LeafEagleMuphin
BowFa does win here if playing optimally. However, learners in particular will likely have issues maintaining a 4-tick BowFa rapid cycle at Vespula while the 6-tick DCB longrange cycle is significantly easier to sustain. Simply put, if you lose ticks regularly, DCB wins
Ayak is not particularly good on the Portal as maintaining a 3t cycle means significantly more damage taken and is thus borderline impossible.
Tightrope (Mages)
Trio regular (ranging potion):
https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=TreasureThammaronsPart
Pipe is significantly better whether you’re overloaded or not:
https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=RampageCofferTonic
Tightrope (Rangers)
Trio regular (ranging potion):
https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=AllianceFieldAttractor
Vasa Nistirio
Trio regular (ranging potion):
https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=SeasonedTreatMushrooms
Blowpipe walking is a rather underutilised but viable method at Vasa if you are willing to take the plunge, but it is challenging to avoid tick-loss with.
overloaded:
https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=AmethystMortAlliance
If you are uncomfortable with Toxic blowpipe walking at Vasa, then the DCB + Buckler still beats the BowFa while additionally allowing yourself one extra tick to switch weapons and prayer transitioning between NPCs.
Skeletal Mystics
Trio regular (overloaded):
https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=CeramicGumboCapt
The DCB would not be used here due to the bolt proc damage rapidly decreasing, leaving Eye and BowFa. The former beats BowFa when you have virtus, but BowFa otherwise remains king as far as these options are concerned.
Small Muttadile
Trio regular (overloaded):
https://dps.osrs.wiki/?id=BabySaturatedBunch
Many people tend to ignore the Toxic blowpipe here which is quite unfortunate.
Values if only using a ranging potion:
https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=GorillaBeekeepersQuintons
Large Muttadile
Trio regular (overloaded):
https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=TorchWrenchBarbarians
Blowpipe proves to be the best in this setup, not much to be added due to mutt’s simplicity.
The Great Olm (Head)
Trio regular:
https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=CommonFingernailsHorns
If you are able to use the Toxic blowpipe on the head as a runner without losing ticks, then that performs best. However, the DCB performs similarly to the BowFa here, and this is what most people will be using.
An extra piece of important information, unrelated to the head phase, is that the eye has higher DPS than the Dragon Hunter Wand, which is already much stronger than the trident on olm.
CoX Summary
Blowpipe, DCB, and buckler being better or equal to BowFa in most rooms is notable indeed. You also have an extra amount of cash, which means you are close to or can cobble together the money for a Dragon hunter lance, a very significant upgrade at CoX in general.
BowFa is somewhat overrated in regular CoX for its price, but does have merits. The main perks rely on simplicity and a faster Vespula, but the ease of use becomes less relevant with experience.
Many teams will scale to 7 or 15, but nothing changes between unscaled trios, 3+2s, 3+4s, or 3+12s.
A note about CMs: The Toxic blowpipe falls off quite a bit in CMs compared to regular CoX due to the higher defences of the mobs in general. Only if you plan on rushing CMs does the BowFa become a real option. However, bear in mind that the vast majority of time in CMs is lost due to poor procedure rather than gear, and if you are doing CMs then it is assumed you have better gear than what most people accept as a minimum for regular CoX raids.
Theatre of Blood (ToB)
There are few specifics to explain here. Both Masori and Crystal armour are not good at ToB, but having the Masori setup means you also have an extra amount of cash to spend on more useful items for this raid.
BowFa is not recommended in this raid. In places where you can Toxic blowpipe (Maiden, Nylocas, and Xarpus), you are applying significant defence drains to the point where Toxic blowpipe + Elite void armour becomes extremely strong. BowFa is designed to excel at the exact opposite of this.
Important context that explains why EVoid is strong: https://discord.com/channels/408082929940430858/521409945153830922/1223399332057845844
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Maiden
Trio regular:
https://dps.osrs.wiki/?id=OffspringGriffinTrouver
In fact, the Elite void + Toxic blowpipe setup is strong enough that you are trolling if you use best-in-slot melee on the maiden without a scythe.
Nylocas Vasilias
https://dps.osrs.wiki/?id=DiningZebakTithe
Note that the defence level of the boss in this situation is 20, but if you reduce it to 0 or values near it, then Toxic blowpipe would win by even more. You may also use the Toxic blowpipe as a way to tick-fix in order to further optimize DPS.
Xarpus
https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=BeadsMilkMagnetism
If you lack a scythe, the next best option by far is the Elite void + Toxic blowpipe setup with Dragon darts. You would have a ranged pot dose for this.
Melee is not recommended without a scythe, as you would need to learn 5 ticking or accept a 6% dps loss if doing 5.3tick. Even with 5tick Xarpus, blowpipe is the 2nd best option out there.
Non-raid content
BowFa wins | Crossbow or BP wins |
Temporarily buying a BowFa is preferred if you plan on going for an infernal cape and/or quiver without obtaining a megarare first.
Once you have acquired one or both of the infernal cape and quiver, it is best to exchange your BowFa and crystal set for the aforementioned Masori + blowpipe + crossbow setup unless you plan on camping any of the activities on the left (or Tombs of Amascut without a shadow) to an exceptional degree.
If you want to get both the infernal cape and quiver, consider doing the Colosseum first. It is becoming increasingly common for players to obtain a quiver first, and it helps you learn critical skills much faster through 25-40 minute attempts instead of 90-120 minute slogs at the Inferno. However, if you are capable of completing one of Inferno or Colosseum, you can also complete the other.
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The Inferno
The Inferno alone is the strongest justification for owning a BowFa if you do not have a Twisted bow.
Crystal armor has solid Ranged defence, and the Inferno just happens to be one of the very few places in the game where defence actually matters.
The 10-tile range of the BowFa is particularly useful for the Inferno because:
- With any crossbow, you have to either set it on long range or intentionally scuff the shield for Zuk, both of which add needless complexity to a first cape run.
- Without exposing yourself to south spawns, far west spawns (particularly magers) can also be lured just barely close enough that you can use the BowFa on rapid at max distance while still remaining behind the north pillar.
- The magers, rangers, and melees in the Inferno also run on a 4-tick cycle, which is the same as the BowFa’s rapid attack speed, making it easier to lazy flick.
Fortis Colosseum
Similarly to the Inferno, the BowFa is a good budget option for safer first quiver runs at the Colosseum for the following reasons:
- Myopia is considered an easy learner invocation
- With a BowFa and Myopia III at the northwest pillar, you can lure south spawns without exposing yourself to east spawns, then use the BowFa behind the safety of the northwest pillar
- A crossbow’s range is insufficient to perform the above without needing to run to another side of the pillar
- Some of the Colosseum mobs have high defence
Zulrah
Serpentine (Ranging potion, forgotten brew): https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=AntisantaSturdyGadderhammer
Tanzanite (Ranging potion): https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=UngaelDriedCream
Magma (Ranging potion, forgotten brew)
https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=GloughsRecoilSlug
A hybrid setup is strongly recommended instead of camping one style, which would be accessible with masori+BP and Eye. Zulrah’s phases have variable lengths, making room for damage optimization for those willing to do so.
K’ril Tsutsaroth
https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=HealingHardcoreSprite
You can afford a scorching bow setup with the extra money you have if you buy the Masori setup instead of the BowFa setup, and it trivializes K’ril.
General Graardor
https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=SnapeFeldipGuardian
BowFa is the best DPS choice here. There are also several methods using it on Graardor without taking any direct hits.
Commander Zilyana
https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=BirdDhideJewellery
Graardor and Zilyana have similar weapon use cases. BowFa still wins here.
Kree’arra
https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=ModeSitoArctic
For those who are using a crossbow setup, you should use armor with better defences than unfortified Masori
The DPS calculator only mentions the boss itself, and doesn’t take into account the more conventional way of killing Kree quickly. Chinning effectively makes your dps equal on the boss equal to that on the minion, making the parts that would benefit from BowFa far less relevant, favouring Masori. There are many resources on chinning if looking to kill Kree this way
Nex
Nex herself: https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=YeastRuthlessEarmuffs
Mages: https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=AnimationArdougneChapel
A crossbow (typically Zaryte, but Dragon if on a budget) and an Osmumten’s fang constitute the most common setup used. As shown by the DPS calculator, BowFa is somewhat worse than BP+Masori at the mages, and DCB+buckler on the boss itself
The Leviathan
https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=SinisterWimpyHolos
The DCB + Buckler setup is better on paper when Leviathan has higher HP, but the ruby bolts lose damage below 500 hp and BowFa wins once Leviathan’s HP falls below 350. It is worth noting that this means BowFa is only superior to DCB+buckler for about a fifth of the fight, at which point the time loss per kill is minor when comparing the DPS of BowFa and Masori+BP.
BP is an item you bring with either setup due to the enrage phase, but could become optional if the Webweaver Bow is implemented, whose spec is a great finisher. The spec benefits more from Masori thanks to the 100% accuracy in the enrage
Phantom Muspah
Ranged (and post-shield) form: https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=SnareHalberdPolar
Melee form: https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=BonecrusherFilledSliced
Using the Masori DCB + Buckler setup makes using Dragon sapphire bolts (e) more effective during the shielded phase. Moreover, BP+Masori can be used when the boss’s hp drops below 450 hp to minimize the dps loss of the ruby bolt damage.
As Muspah is on a 5-tick cycle, it is also much easier to do the following to flick Smite during the Prayer phase - even if you have a BowFa, you should be bringing a dragon crossbow with dragon sapphire bolts (e) for this phase anyway.
Dagannoth Prime
https://dps.osrs.wiki?id=CabinetEnhanceRoots
The toxic blowpipe setup does higher DPS than BowFa to Dagannoth Prime, although it will be harder if you are trying to only attack Prime and avoid getting the attention of the other NPCs until Prime dies.
Credits
- Ba lover (loops) for writing the original version of this document
- Chip Dump for helping me significantly with writing and presentation
- The following users for helping me proofread and otherwise participating in various discussions in the creation of this document:
- 1Shard1Bond
- Dapark
- Coronne
- DreamingNote
- D R O P P A
- FroggyThresh
- Fujino Ayumu
- Gijsro
- Help Me RNG
- Hung Cowboys
- Neon Trek
- Ollie 01
- Pariahh
- sfrz egirl
- ShiinaNoriko
- VladG123
- Wes J
Ever since releasing the first version of this specific document, I’ve seen it make its way around many places, including We Do Raids, several clans, and r/2007scape. I’m surprised this has circulated as much as it has, but I’m glad that this is being taken into consideration by many players.
This is not meant to be a “this item sucks etc.” document. Getting people to think about their own situation more critically rather than simply pushing them towards a certain setup is my main goal here.