Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is home to a wide variety of monsters, many of which offer unique challenges and rewarding loot. One such monster is the Drake - a high-level, powerful dragon that resides deep within the Wilderness Volcano. Drakes present an exciting opportunity for skilled players seeking a thrilling boss fight combined with the risk of player-versus-player (PvP) combat. This comprehensive Drake guide covers everything you need to know, from where to find these fearsome beasts and how to prepare for the fight, to the best strategies for defeating them and maximizing your profit.

 

What Are Drakes in OSRS?

Drakes are level 255 dragon-type monsters that inhabit the Wilderness Volcano, an area located within level 34 Wilderness. They are distinct from regular dragons in OSRS due to their significantly higher combat stats, aggressive nature, and the dangerous PvP environment they live in. Drakes attack primarily with melee strikes and a powerful dragonfire breath, making them formidable opponents.

 

Drakes are popular targets for high-level players because of their valuable loot, including the rare Draconic Visage, which is a key component in crafting the Dragonfire Shield - one of the best defensive shields in the game. Aside from this coveted drop, Drakes also yield dragon bones, valuable ores, and various other items that make hunting them highly profitable.

 

Where to Find Drakes

Drakes are exclusively found in the Wilderness Volcano crater, which is a dangerous volcanic area situated in level 34 Wilderness. The crater is characterized by rocky terrain and lava pools, making navigation tricky but offering a prime hunting ground for those brave enough to face the threat.

 

To reach the Wilderness Volcano, players typically use several different routes. One common method is teleporting to Edgeville with an Amulet of Glory and then running northeast into the Wilderness Volcano. Alternatively, you can teleport to Dorgesh-Kaan and travel northeast across the lava bridge. Players can also use the Wilderness Obelisks to teleport closer to level 30 Wilderness and then navigate to the crater. Since this is a deep Wilderness area, caution is essential due to the risk of being attacked by other players.

 

Combat Characteristics of Drakes

Drakes are tough opponents with very high combat stats, including over 250 hitpoints and strong offensive and defensive capabilities in melee, magic, and ranged. They hit hard with their melee attacks, which makes using Protect from Melee prayer essential for survival. Their dragonfire breath attack is also lethal without the right protection, so bringing anti-dragonfire potions and a Dragonfire Shield or Anti-Dragonfire Shield is highly recommended.

 

Their combat style revolves around aggressive melee strikes paired with dragonfire breath, which can quickly deplete your health if you are not well-prepared. Because of these attributes, Drakes are considered one of the more challenging monsters in OSRS, suitable for players with high combat levels and experience.

 

Preparing to Fight Drakes

Preparation is key when tackling Drakes. Given the high risk of death in the Wilderness, where other players can attack at any moment, you must bring the right gear, inventory setup, and combat strategy to maximize your chances of success.

 

Gear Recommendations

For gear, your main priority should be defense, especially against dragonfire and melee attacks, alongside strong offensive capabilities. The Dragonfire Shield or the Anti-Dragonfire Shield is almost mandatory to reduce the damage from their dragonfire breath. For your weapon, powerful melee weapons such as the Abyssal Whip, Dragon Scimitar, or Dragon Longsword are excellent choices to ensure you can deal significant damage quickly.

 

Armor should focus on high defense and strength bonuses, so Bandos armor pieces or Rune platebody and platelegs are ideal. For accessories, the Amulet of Fury is popular for its balanced stats, though the Amulet of Glory is helpful if you want teleport options in emergencies. Barrows gloves offer strong bonuses in the gloves slot, and a Fire Cape or Ava's Assembler provides additional strength and defensive stats. Dragon boots or Rune boots complement the setup well. You can also buy OSRS GP to get better armor.

 

Inventory Setup

Your inventory should be stocked with plenty of high-healing food such as Sharks, Monkfish, or better. Bring super combat potions or Saradomin brews to boost your offensive stats and heal during combat. Anti-dragonfire potions are essential to reduce the damage from dragonfire. You should also carry prayer potions to maintain Protect from Melee prayer throughout the fight. Since the Wilderness is a PvP zone, bring teleportation items or runes for quick escapes - Teleport to House tablets or Amulet of Glory teleports work well.

 

If you are fighting in level 30+ Wilderness, consider bringing a Looting Bag to safely store your drops, protecting them from being lost if you die. This can significantly increase your profit per trip.

 

Combat Strategy Against Drakes

To defeat a Drake efficiently, start by activating the Protect from Melee prayer to reduce the damage you take from its melee attacks. Immediately drink an anti-dragonfire potion to mitigate dragonfire damage. Engage the Drake using your best melee weapon and keep attacking while closely monitoring your health.

 

Eat food before your hitpoints drop too low, and use Saradomin brews or other healing methods to maintain your health. If possible, practice prayer switching between Protect from Melee and Protect from Magic to further reduce damage during dragonfire attacks, although this requires quick reflexes and good timing.

 

Stay mobile during the fight - avoid standing in the same spot for too long, as Drakes can hit hard and multiple Drakes may spawn nearby if you are not careful. Being aware of your surroundings and ready to teleport out if PKers appear is crucial to survival.

 

Dealing with Player Killers (PKers)

One of the biggest risks when hunting Drakes is being attacked by other players looking to kill and loot you. Because Drakes live in deep Wilderness, PKers often patrol this area seeking targets.

 

To reduce the risk of being killed by other players, always travel with a group when possible. A team of friends or clanmates can offer protection and help fend off attackers. If going solo, carry as few valuable items as possible and keep your teleportation methods ready for a quick escape. Always pay attention to your mini-map and the Wilderness level to stay alert for player movement nearby.

 

Using the Looting Bag to safeguard your drops is also highly recommended, especially above level 30 Wilderness where items you carry risk being lost on death.

 

Loot and Profitability

Drakes offer a lucrative hunting opportunity primarily because of the rare and valuable Draconic Visage. This rare drop is used to craft the Dragonfire Shield, a high-level defensive shield prized for its ability to absorb dragonfire and provide strong defense stats.

 

Aside from the visage, Drakes drop dragon bones, adamantite ore, runes, and OSRS gold, all of which can be sold on the Grand Exchange for a good profit. Dragon bones are especially valuable for players training Prayer or selling to other players.

 

Using a Ring of Wealth can help increase your chances of receiving rare drops, and the Looting Bag can help you safely collect all items during your kill sessions.

 

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Once you are comfortable killing Drakes solo, you can consider more advanced techniques like fighting multiple Drakes at once for increased kill speed and loot. However, this requires superior gear, precise prayer switching, and constant awareness of your surroundings to avoid being overwhelmed or attacked by PKers.

 

Utilizing special attacks from weapons like Dragon daggers or Dragon claws can increase your damage output, helping you kill Drakes faster. If you are part of a clan or group, coordinated team attacks can make hunting Drakes much safer and more efficient.

 

Final Thoughts

Drakes are one of OSRS's most thrilling and rewarding monsters. The combination of challenging combat, high-risk Wilderness location, and valuable drops makes them a favorite for experienced players seeking both excitement and profit.

 

Success at hunting Drakes depends on proper preparation - with the right gear, inventory, and combat tactics - as well as staying alert and ready to respond to PK threats. Whether you are hunting solo or with a team, patience and practice will improve your kill speed and survivability.

 

If you're after the elusive Draconic Visage or want to push your PvM skills to the limit, Drakes offer an exceptional opportunity. Equip yourself well, keep your wits about you, and dive into the Wilderness Volcano for some of OSRS's most intense and rewarding combat encounters.