And of course, melee still lacks a true crush-based mega rare. With players using a Scythe (a slash weapon) as their best crush option, there's a clear opportunity here. A faster, heavy-hitting crush weapon could finally shake things up in RuneScape gold raids and bossing alike.
Magic: Elemental Power and a New Cape Era
Magic gear has become one of the most dynamic areas in OSRS. Between Ancestral, Virtus, and powerful two-handed weapons like the Shadow of Tumeken, there's no shortage of options. However, Jagex has already said the Shadow will receive a rework before any new mage weapons are released - so we may be waiting a while.
In the meantime, one of the most exciting frontiers is elemental spell scaling. The elemental weakness update hinted at a system where fire, water, earth, and air spells could finally compete with ancient magics. Jagex could build on this by introducing elemental robes or a new off-hand tome that amplifies elemental effects, similar to the "Devil's Element" buff from the Leagues.
Beyond armor, mages desperately need a new amulet upgrade. The current BiS options are cheap and outdated - a proper endgame amulet could easily become a prestige item. Similarly, a wave-based Mage Arena 3 with a unique untradeable mage cape feels like a natural next step, mirroring the prestige of the Infernal Cape and Quiver of Ful.
Ranged: Refinement and Sidegrades
Ranged has seen steady, thoughtful updates. The Masori armor remains the BiS set, supported by new additions like the Ventor Ring, Ful Masori Quiver, and ranged-strength-boosting boots from the Delve boss.
If the current trend continues, the next major ranged upgrade will likely be an improved Necklace of Anguish - perhaps a version tied to the upcoming vampire storyline. Ammo upgrades also feel inevitable. While Jagex probably won't push past Dragon arrows and Dragon bolts soon, specialized niche ammo (like elemental or gemstone variants) could expand ranged's utility in new content.
Armor variety, however, is a trickier space. Melee and magic have multiple "styles" to play with (crush, slash, stab; ancients vs. elemental), but ranged mainly scales from light to heavy. A possible innovation would be sidegrade sets that boost specific weapon types. Imagine a set that speeds up ballista attacks or improves crossbow accuracy - focused gear like this could open up new metas without outright replacing Masori.
Utility Gear and Non-Combat Upgrades
Beyond the big three combat styles, OSRS has room for creativity in universal and utility gear. Items like the Lightbearer and Serpentine Helm show how powerful unique effects can be. Future accessories could expand on bleed, burn, or poison mechanics - effects that are underused but becoming more relevant with recent boss designs.
The ammo slot might finally see innovation, too. Instead of simple prayer bonuses, imagine a slot that grants flat offensive stats or unique combat effects. And with sailing introducing new materials, hybrid gear that benefits multiple styles could become a focus area.
Skilling gear upgrades are also overdue. The canceled DemonicDigger and farming enhancers show Jagex's interest in improving non-combat quality of life. Mining, woodcutting, and crafting could all see efficiency-boosting equipment in the near future, continuing the trend of rewarding skill investment.
Looking Ahead: Raids 4 and Beyond
With Raids 4 planned for 2026, the stage is set for the next big gear shakeup. If history repeats, we'll likely see a mix of seven unique drops covering all styles. Predictions? A crush mega rare, elemental mage robes, a bleed-based special attack weapon, a new piece of ranged armor with set effects, and a unique jewelry piece that amplifies damage-over-time effects like burn or poison.
Meanwhile, the upcoming Vampyre Finale Quest and the Land of cheap OSRS gold Vampyrium update will almost certainly expand the Vampyre Bane gear line. We might even see an upgraded Blisterwood weapon or a new Faraday's Aid ring that lets players use any weapon against vampires.
