Abyssal Whip vs Abyssal Dagger DPS Comparison: Which Weapon Is Better?

Choosing between the Abyssal Whip and the Abyssal Dagger is a classic OSRS debate. Both are level 70 attack weapons with fast attack speeds, but they shine in different situations. The whip is praised for its consistency and slash accuracy, making it a reliable choice for training and Slayer. The dagger, on the other hand, offers a stab style and a unique special attack that can deal burst damage — especially effective against stab-weak monsters or in PvP.

In this comparison, we’ll break down their stats, damage potential, and efficiency so you can decide which weapon gives you the best DPS per GP in 2025.

Quick Answer

The Abyssal Whip delivers more consistent DPS thanks to its strong slash bonus and reliable accuracy. The Abyssal Dagger can outperform the whip only on stab-weak monsters or when using its special attack, which hits twice in a single tick. For most training and Slayer tasks, the whip is still the better choice.

How DPS Works in OSRS

DPS (damage per second) is calculated with this simplified formula: DPS=Max Hit×Hit ChanceAttack Speed\text{DPS} = \frac{\text{Max Hit} \times \text{Hit Chance}}{\text{Attack Speed}}

• Max Hit: Your highest possible hit, based on Strength bonus and gear.
• Hit Chance: Probability of landing an attack, based on accuracy vs enemy defense.
• Attack Speed: How fast the weapon swings (measured in ticks).

Both the whip and dagger share a 4-tick speed (2.4 seconds), so the real difference comes from accuracy, strength bonus, and attack type (slash vs stab). If you’re new to this formula, testing it with the OSRS Melee DPS Calculator will help you see real-time comparisons.

Weapon Stat Comparison

Weapon	Attack Style	Attack Speed	Strength Bonus	Notable Feature
Abyssal Whip	Slash	4 ticks	+0	High slash accuracy
Abyssal Dagger	Stab	4 ticks	+5	Special attack: two hits with +25% accuracy

Standard DPS Comparison

• Whip DPS: Consistent, especially strong against slash-weak monsters like Abyssal Demons.
• Dagger DPS: Slightly lower in normal use due to weaker accuracy compared to the whip, but can edge ahead against stab-weak enemies like Dragons, Kalphites, or Wyverns.

If you want to test how accuracy interacts with defenses, the OSRS Hit Chance Calculator can show you whether whip or dagger is more reliable on specific targets.

Special Attack Burst (Abyssal Dagger)

The dagger’s spec, Puncture, uses 25% special energy and lands two hits at 50% damage each, with +25% accuracy.

• In PvP: Useful for surprise burst combos.
• In PvM: Can give short bursts of higher DPS but isn’t sustainable over long fights.

DPS per GP: Value for Money

• Abyssal Whip: Generally cheaper on the Grand Exchange and offers better long-term value.
• Abyssal Dagger: More expensive and less efficient for everyday training, but situationally strong in niche tasks.

For players focused on Slayer efficiency, the OSRS DPS Calculator for Slayer Tasks is especially useful for seeing which weapon gives the best returns.

Practical Use Cases

When to Use the Abyssal Whip

• Slayer tasks with slash-weak enemies.
• Training Strength or Attack consistently.
• Long PvM sessions where sustained DPS matters.

When to Use the Abyssal Dagger

• Fighting stab-weak monsters (e.g., Dragons, Kalphites).
• PvP situations needing burst damage.
• As a situational secondary weapon rather than a main training tool.

FAQs

1. Which weapon has higher overall DPS?
The whip has higher consistent DPS in most scenarios.

2. Is the dagger better than the whip?
Only against stab-weak monsters or when using its special attack.

3. Does the whip hit harder than the dagger?
Not always; the dagger has a small strength bonus, but the whip’s accuracy and slash bonus usually give it higher DPS.

4. Which is better for Slayer tasks?
The whip, due to consistency and cost efficiency.

5. Is the Abyssal Dagger worth buying?
Yes, if you need a stab weapon for specific tasks or PvP, but for general training, the whip is more cost-effective.