Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a game known for its freedom, grind, and challenge—but nothing gets the adrenaline pumping quite like bossing. Boss fights in OSRS range from laughably simple to brutally punishing, and figuring out where to start as a new player can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there’s a natural “bossing ladder” that players can climb, helping them gain the experience, gear, and confidence needed to take on the game’s hardest PvM content.

This guide is for NOOBS—players who’ve got some decent combat stats, maybe their first whip or dragon scimitar, and are asking: Which boss should I kill first? What’s safe, rewarding, and fun?

Let’s break down the OSRS bossing ladder step by step.

Before You Begin: Recommended Stats for Entry-Level Bossing

Before jumping into any boss fight, here are baseline combat stats that will make your life easier:

Combat Level: 85+

Attack/Strength/Defense: 70+

Ranged: 70+

Magic: 70+

Prayer: 43 (for overheads), 70+ recommended for Piety and protection prayers

Hitpoints: 70+

Gear-wise, a whip, rune/dragon defender, full Rune/Dragon or Barrows armor, and basic potions/food will suffice. Consider grinding for Ava’s device, Ardougne cloak, fire cape (if possible), and a rune crossbow with broad bolts for range-based bosses.

Tier 1: Beginner Bosses (Your First PvM Fights)

1. Giant Mole

Location: Falador Mole Lair

Requirements: None

Recommended Setup: Melee with Protect from Melee

•Why It’s Great for Noobs:

Giant Mole is an excellent first boss. It’s safe (you can teleport out anytime), fairly easy, and helps you learn about boss movement and prayer usage. Bring a light source, spade, and some decent food. The drops (mole claws/skins) can be traded to Wyson for nests, which are useful or profitable.

2. King Black Dragon (KBD)

Location: Deep Wilderness (Teleport via burning amulet)

Requirements: None

Recommended Setup: Range or Melee, Antifires, Protect from Magic

•Why It’s Great for Noobs:

KBD is a low-tier multi-combat boss that teaches you to manage prayer and mechanics like poison and dragonfire. Bring antifire potions and a dragonfire shield/antidragon shield. Be cautious of PKers in the area.

Tier 2: Intermediate Bosses (Better Drops, More Challenge)

3. Barrows Brothers

Location: Morytania (Canifis teleport > Swamp boat)

Requirements: Priest in Peril, some Morytania progress

Recommended Setup: Magic (for melee brothers), Melee or Range for Ahrim/Karil

•Why It’s Great:

Barrows isn’t one boss—it’s six. This is an incredible early money maker and teaches you to switch gear/prayers and manage multiple enemies. The Barrows equipment drops are valuable and usable for bossing later.

4. Obor & Bryophyta

Location: Obor (Hill Giants), Bryophyta (Moss Giants)

Requirements: Keys dropped by giants

Recommended Setup: Basic Melee or Range, Protect from Melee

•Why Fight Them:

These are solid beginner bosses, though gated behind keys. Great for learning solo bossing and useful for ironmen hunting early game gear (rune drops, mossy keys).

Tier 3: Entry-Level God Wars & Slayer Bosses

5. Sarachnis

Location: Forthos Dungeon

Requirements: Moderate stats, access to Forthos Dungeon

Recommended Setup: Melee with Protect from Melee

•Why It’s Great:

Sarachnis is a soloable boss with solid food drops, great for ironmen or those learning bossing. It drops clue scrolls and uniques like the Sarachnis cudgel. Mechanics are simple—watch out for webs and spawns.

6. Chaos Fanatic, Crazy Archaeologist, Scorpia

Location: Wilderness

Requirements: None

Recommended Setup: Range or Magic, Antipoison, quick escape teleports

•Why Fight Them:

These Wilderness bosses are easy, fun, and can drop Odium/Malediction shard pieces. They’re good for practicing PvM under pressure (due to potential PKers).

7. Dagannoth Kings (DKs)

Location: Lighthouse (after Horror from the Deep)

Requirements: High combat stats and prayer

Recommended Setup: Melee/Magic/Range hybrid

Why It’s Great:

Your first taste of team bossing or 3-style combat! Dag Kings drop berserker rings, archers rings, and more. Great profit potential, and you learn style-switching and positioning.

Extra Tips for New Bossers

Always bring teleport options (jewelry, house tab, or runes).

Read up on boss mechanics before your first trip—watch a short guide video.

Use prayer flicking to extend trips (start with Protect from Melee flicks).

Practice on Slayer bosses (like Turoth, Basilisks, or Kraken) to get used to special attacks.

Join a PvM clan or Discord—lots of veterans enjoy teaching new players.

Upgrade your gear slowly—don’t rush Bandos; start with Barrows and Slayer Helm upgrades.

Final Thoughts: Climbing the Bossing Ladder with Confidence

Bossing in OSRS is one of the most satisfying parts of the game. It’s where your preparation, gear, and knowledge come together in real-time battles for epic loot and bragging rights. For new players, the key is starting small and working your way up.

From the Giant Mole to the Dagannoth Kings, every step of the ladder teaches you something new. With patience, practice, and some bruises along the way, you’ll soon be ready for tougher bosses like Zulrah, Vorkath, and even Raids.

So grab your whip, stock up on sharks, and take your first swing. Every legendary boss slayer started as a noob—just like you.