What’s up, guys? Today we’re diving into some of the most valuable upgrades you can make in RuneScape for 2025. Over the last month, RuneScape saw a huge surge in player counts, probably hitting the highest numbers we’ve seen in a while. This means we’ve got a lot of new and returning players, so I thought it’d be a great time to go over a few upgrades that are worth the investment in terms of both time and OSRS gold. While I’ll eventually be putting together a video specifically for new and returning players (as I do every year), I figured a few more upgrades could use an update and some fresh attention.
Now, keep in mind that there are plenty of other items and unlocks worth mentioning, but this list covers some of the most essential value-for-money and time-efficient upgrades that can give you a real edge as you head into 2025. Let’s dive in!
1. Tier 90 Necromancy Gear
First up, we’re talking about Tier 90 Necromancy Gear. This is going to take a little time to unlock, but it’s hands down one of the most efficient ways to enter endgame PvM content. The reason it’s such a great investment for newer players is that it’s incredibly cheap compared to other Tier 90 gear options, and it’s also incredibly powerful.
There isn’t a boss in the game you can’t kill with Tier 90 Necromancy gear—except, of course, for the ones that specifically restrict you from using Necromancy, like the Rex Matriarchs or the Dagannoth Kings. However, in terms of pure damage output, this gear is a fantastic way to get into PvM and start taking on endgame content without breaking the bank.
Even better, if you don’t want to go through the hassle of crafting all of the Tier 80 gear yourself, you can buy Tier 80 gear off the Grand Exchange and then upgrade it to Tier 90. This saves you both time and money, and the result is a gear set that will serve you well through most of RuneScape’s toughest bosses.
2. Bone Shield & Great Bone Shield
While you’re working on unlocking your Tier 90 gear, you’ll also want to keep an eye on the Bone Shield abilities—specifically, the Great Bone Shield. This ability is a game-changer because it allows you to ditch your regular shield and instead use the Bone Shield as part of your combat setup. Not only does this save you an inventory slot, but it means you can have your defense abilities active all the time, without needing to swap out gear.
The Great Bone Shield unlocks naturally as part of your Necromancy training, so it’s a perfect companion to your Necromancy gear. The fact that it’s available across all combat styles means that it’s incredibly versatile, and for those of you returning to the game, it’s an important unlock to consider.
3. Cinderbane Gloves
Next on the list are the Cinderbane Gloves. These gloves are a little pricier—around 70 million GP—but they’re 100% worth the investment. They are best-in-slot for a large number of bosses, particularly for fights where you can poison your target. If you’re doing high-level content like Slayer, these gloves will make a huge difference to your damage output.
Cinderbane Gloves synergize incredibly well with weapon poison and incense sticks, meaning you can maximize your damage potential. They’re a bit on the expensive side, but if you’re serious about PvM, they’ll pay off in the long run. Even though 70 million GP sounds like a lot, it’s a drop in the bucket for endgame players, and you’ll quickly see how useful they are in practically every boss fight that involves poison.
4. Budget PvM Perks from Invention
Let’s shift gears a bit and talk about budget perks from the Invention skill. Unlocking perks for your gear can be a massive game-changer in PvM. Now, I know what some of you might be thinking—perks are expensive! And yes, some of the best-in-slot perks are pricey. But here’s the thing: you don’t need to go for top-tier perks right away. There are a ton of entry-level and budget perks that can make a world of difference.
Invention can be a bit overwhelming at first, especially if you’re new to the system. But the key takeaway is that even basic perks, like those that improve your weapon’s damage or reduce incoming damage, are extremely valuable. Some of the cheaper perks are actually a great entry point, and they’ll provide noticeable improvements to your gameplay.
If you’re looking for a solid list of affordable perks, I highly recommend checking out the RuneScape Wiki for a breakdown of low-cost perks, categorized by level and type. Don’t be afraid to perk your gear up even if it’s not the best-in-slot option—it’ll still be worth it, and you’ll see a huge improvement in your PvM experience.
5. Pocket Slot: Scripture of Jazz and Scripture of Mascot
Many players overlook the pocket slot in RuneScape, which is a massive mistake. One of the best pocket slot items to invest in is the Scripture of Jazz (from Karak) or the Scripture of Mascot (from the Sanctum of Rebirth). These God books offer significant damage boosts when active, and they’re incredibly cheap to obtain. If you’re running around without using a pocket slot, you’re missing out on free damage boosts, and that’s a huge missed opportunity.
Both of these Scriptures can be bought off the Grand Exchange, and they offer solid, cost-effective upgrades to your damage output. The best part is that you don’t have to spend hours grinding for them. If you’re still using older God books or scrimshaws, consider swapping them out for one of these Scriptures to get that extra damage boost for minimal cost.
6. Defense Skill Cape (Sign of Life)
If you’re a newer player or haven’t yet unlocked the Max Cape or Zgs Cape, consider investing in the Defense Skill Cape. While it’s not the most glamorous cape, it provides a free Sign of Life on death, with a 1-hour cooldown. This means that if you die in combat, you’ll respawn with 50% of your health, without having to carry a Sign of Life in your inventory.
For a newer player, or someone who hasn’t yet obtained the top-tier capes, the Defense Skill Cape is an excellent investment. It’s also worth mentioning that this is one of the best Max Cape perks you can add later on, giving you a convenient way to ensure you always have a safety net while doing high-risk content.
7. Unlocking the Dive Ability
Finally, let’s talk about the Dive ability. This ability is essential for engaging with the more recent high-level content in RuneScape. You’ll need to complete the Succession Quest to unlock Dive, but trust me—it’s worth the time. Dive is crucial for content like the Sanctum of Rebirth, where mobility is key, and fights become much more manageable when you can dive and reposition at will.
The Dive ability is an essential tool for many of the newer bosses, and it’s expected that future releases will also incorporate it into the design of new challenges. For the time and effort required to unlock it, this ability offers immense value and will make your PvM experience far less frustrating.
Conclusion
So there you have it, guys—a few of the best value-for-money and value-for-time upgrades in RuneScape as we head into 2025. These upgrades are perfect for players looking to make the most of their time and gold, whether you’re a new player or a seasoned veteran. I hope you found this list useful, and if you did, make sure to drop a like and subscribe to RSorder for more content or buy RuneScape gold here!





