Special attacks in Old School RuneScape aren’t just flashy moves — they can decide a fight in both PvM and PvP. Players often debate whether Dragon Claws (claws) or the Armadyl Godsword (AGS) offer the better damage output. Each spec weapon has its own mechanics, strengths, and ideal situations.
This guide explains how special attack DPS works, compares claws and AGS, and looks at other important spec weapons so you can maximize your burst damage. Combine your stat planner with the OSRS DPS Calculator to find the best XP-to-DPS balance.
What Is Special Attack DPS?
DPS, or damage per second, measures how much damage you deal over time. Spec DPS is the burst damage from a weapon’s special attack, adjusted for:
- Accuracy modifiers (how likely the spec is to hit)
- Damage multipliers (boosts to max hit or extra rolls)
- Tick speed (how many game ticks the attack takes)
- Special energy cost (how many specs you can use per bar)
In short, spec DPS tells you how much burst you can realistically expect per special attack.
Dragon Claws: Consistent Burst DP
- Mechanic: Four rapid hits in one spec. If the first two miss, the last two retry at half damage each.
- Strengths: Very reliable for delivering consistent burst damage. The multi-hit design means claws rarely “zero out.”
- Best Uses:
- PvP: Deadly KO potential, especially combined with Vengeance or Granite Maul.
- PvM: Great for bosses with low defence or when quick bursts matter, like raids.
- Weakness: High cost and limited to spec energy; not sustainable for long grinds.
Armadyl Godsword: High-Risk, High-Reward
- Mechanic: One massive hit boosted by +25% damage and +25% accuracy.
- Strengths: Unmatched KO power in PvP — a single hit can drop an opponent.
- Best Uses:
- PvP: Famous for one-hit knockouts.
- PvM: Useful against high-defence bosses where accuracy matters.
- Weakness: If it misses, the entire spec is wasted, making it less consistent than claws.
OSRS Weapon Damage Calculator – compare base damage vs spec hits.
Other Special Attack Weapons Worth Considering
Dragon Dagger (DDS)
- Two quick hits with poison chance.
- Cheap and effective for early PvP; less DPS than claws or AGS.
Granite Maul (GMaul)
- Can be queued instantly for surprise kills.
- Popular in PvP combos, but weak sustained DPS.
Dragon Warhammer (DWH)
- Lowers enemy Defence by 30% on hit.
- Essential in raids and group PvM because it boosts the whole team’s DPS.
Bandos Godsword (BGS)
- Drains enemy stats (Attack, Strength, Defence, Magic, Ranged).
- Useful for weakening bosses; indirect DPS gain.
OSRS Special Attack DPS Calculator – test spec output in different setups.
DPS Comparison: Claws vs AGS vs Other Specs
| Weapon | Spec Accuracy Bonus | Spec Effect | PvP Value | PvM Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dragon Claws | None (multi-hit mechanic) | 4 rapid hits, consistent burst | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Strong |
| AGS | +25% accuracy | +25% damage on single hit | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ KO potential | ⭐⭐⭐ Decent |
| DDS | None | Double hit + poison chance | ⭐⭐ Budget use | ⭐ Average |
| Granite Maul | None | Instant KO potential | ⭐⭐⭐ Surprise KO | ⭐ Weak |
| DWH | +50% accuracy | Defence reduction | ⭐⭐ Niche | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Essential |
PvP vs PvM: Different Spec Strategies
- PvP: Specs like claws, AGS, and GMaul dominate because burst KO potential wins fights. Accuracy boosts and timing are critical.
- PvM: Support specs like DWH and BGS shine. Lowering boss Defence increases everyone’s DPS. Claws are useful for raid burst phases, while AGS can land huge single hits against tanky enemies. When analyzing total damage contribution, the OSRS Effective Strength Calculator provides a deeper breakdown.
FAQs
Which spec weapon gives the highest DPS in PvP?
Dragon Claws generally provide the most consistent burst DPS, while AGS is best for knockout potential.
Is AGS still good in PvM?
Yes, but claws usually deliver more reliable DPS because of multiple hits.
Why is Dragon Warhammer considered meta?
Because it reduces enemy Defence by 30%, massively boosting group DPS in raids.
What’s the cheapest spec weapon worth using?
Dragon Dagger (DDS) remains a strong budget choice, especially in PvP.
Do special attacks stack with potions or prayers?
Yes. Potions raise your base stats and prayers multiply them, making specs even stronger.
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.