Special attacks in Old School RuneScape are designed to hit harder, land more often, or reduce enemy defence. But the question players ask most is: what actually stacks with a special attack DPS boost? The answer depends on whether the bonus comes from prayers, potions, gear, or other multipliers.
How Special Attack Damage Is Calculated
Every special attack follows the same formula path:
- Base stats → your visible Attack and Strength levels.
- Gear bonuses → accuracy and strength from equipment.
- Prayers and potions → stat multipliers applied to base levels.
- Set effects → e.g., Void multipliers.
- Special attack multiplier → applied last to accuracy or max hit.
This order explains why some boosts stack and others don’t.
Boosts That Stack With Special Attacks
Prayers
Prayers like Piety, Rigour, and Augury apply before the special multiplier. They raise your effective stats, so the spec benefits fully.
Potions
Super combat potions, overloads, and divine potions boost visible levels. Since specials scale from your current stat, these boosts always stack.
Gear Bonuses
Strength bonus, accuracy bonus, and set effects like the Slayer helmet or Salve amulet apply normally. They combine with the special multiplier instead of replacing it. Compare different styles and weapons easily with our OSRS DPS Calculator.
Void Set
Void’s 10% or 12.5% accuracy/strength effect is applied before the special attack multiplier, meaning it stacks perfectly with specs like Dragon Claws or Armadyl Godsword.
Conditional Bonuses
Effects such as Slayer helmet (on-task) or Salve (undead) also stack with specials if conditions are met.
Boosts That Do Not Stack
Multiple Visible Level Boosts
Two visible boosts (like a potion plus stew) don’t stack; only the highest applies.
Special Attack Multipliers
You can’t stack two specials. Each weapon’s multiplier applies on its own swing.
Conflicting Gear Effects
Some bonuses override others instead of layering. Example: Inquisitor’s bonus applies only to crush weapons, not as a universal damage multiplier.
DPS Stacking Examples
| Weapon | Special Effect | Stacks With | Doesn’t Stack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dragon Claws | 4-hit accuracy/damage check | Potions, Piety, Void, strength gear | Other special multipliers |
| Dragon Dagger | 2 hits, +15% accuracy | Prayers, potions, Slayer helmet | Duplicate accuracy boosts |
| Dragon Warhammer | Defence reduction | Potions, Piety, Void | Doesn’t stack with other def-reducing specials |
| Armadyl Godsword | High-accuracy + boosted damage | Void, potions, prayers, gear bonuses | Other special multipliers |
When Stacking Matters Most
- Bossing: Coordinated Dragon Warhammer or Bandos Godsword specials benefit from stacked prayers and potions.
- PvP: Void + potion + prayer + Dragon Claws spec can decide fights in a single burst.
- Slayer Tasks: Slayer helmet + potion + prayer stacks fully for consistent task damage.
For testing setups, try the OSRS special attack DPS calculator or compare against the melee DPS calculator tool. If you’re focused on task efficiency, the Slayer DPS calculator is another useful reference.
FAQs
Do prayers stack with special attacks?
Yes, they raise effective stats before the multiplier.
Do potions stack with special attacks?
Yes, potions boost visible levels used in spec calculations.
Can two special attacks stack together?
No, each spec has its own multiplier.
Does Void armour stack with specials?
Yes, Void applies first, then the special multiplier.
Do Slayer helmet or Salve bonuses stack with specs?
Yes, if conditions are met (Slayer task, undead enemy).
Edwards is the creator of OSRSDPSCalc.online, a specialized calculator site designed to help Old School RuneScape players optimize their damage output and gear setups. With a focus on accuracy and ease of use, Edwards provides reliable tools and insights that save players time and enhance gameplay. His dedication to the OSRS community ensures each feature is built with precision, helping users make smarter in-game decisions.