RuneScape, the enduringly popular MMORPG, offers a vast array of skills for players to master. Among these, Fletching allows you to craft a variety of useful items, from bows to arrows. This guide focuses specifically on arrow making, providing a comprehensive walkthrough for creating these essential projectiles, from the very basic to more advanced types. Whether you’re a beginner just starting your RuneScape journey or a seasoned adventurer looking to refine your fletching skills, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and steps to produce arrows efficiently and effectively.
Why Fletch Arrows?
Arrows are the fundamental ammunition for ranged combat in RuneScape. While you can purchase them from various shops, crafting your own arrows offers several advantages:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Especially at lower levels, crafting arrows is significantly cheaper than buying them.
- Experience: Fletching arrows grants valuable Fletching experience, allowing you to level up the skill and unlock the ability to create more powerful equipment.
- Self-Sufficiency: You’ll become less reliant on vendors and other players for your ammunition supply.
- Profit (Later On): While early arrow types may not be profitable, crafting higher-level arrows can become a decent source of income.
Getting Started: The Basics of Arrow Fletching
Before you can start fletching arrows, you’ll need a few essential items:
- Knife: A knife is required for all fletching activities. You can purchase one from general stores or crafting shops.
- Logs: You’ll need logs to create arrow shafts. The type of logs you need depends on the type of arrow you want to make.
- Feathers: Feathers are essential for stabilizing the arrow in flight. You can obtain them by killing chickens, purchasing them from other players, or buying them from certain shops.
Required Skills and Materials Overview:
Here’s a table summarizing the required Fletching level, materials, and experience gained for each type of arrow:
| Arrow Type | Fletching Level | Materials | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze Arrow | 1 | Arrow Shaft + Bronze Arrowtips + Feathers | 1.3 |
| Iron Arrow | 15 | Arrow Shaft + Iron Arrowtips + Feathers | 2.5 |
| Steel Arrow | 30 | Arrow Shaft + Steel Arrowtips + Feathers | 3.8 |
| Mithril Arrow | 45 | Arrow Shaft + Mithril Arrowtips + Feathers | 5.0 |
| Adamant Arrow | 60 | Arrow Shaft + Adamant Arrowtips + Feathers | 6.3 |
| Rune Arrow | 75 | Arrow Shaft + Rune Arrowtips + Feathers | 7.5 |
| Amethyst Arrow | 50 | Arrow Shaft + Amethyst Arrowtips + Feathers | 5.4 |
| Dragon Arrow | 90 | Arrow Shaft + Dragon Arrowtips + Feathers | 10.0 |
Step-by-Step Guide to Fletching Arrows
Here’s a detailed guide to crafting arrows, covering each stage of the process:
Step 1: Obtaining Logs and Making Arrow Shafts
- Chop Logs: Head to a tree and chop logs. For basic arrows, regular logs are sufficient. Use an axe to chop the tree. The better the axe, the faster you’ll chop.
- Use Knife on Logs: With logs in your inventory, use your knife on them. This will bring up a menu with fletching options.
- Select Arrow Shafts: Choose the option to create arrow shafts. Each log will yield 15 arrow shafts.
Step 2: Acquiring Arrowtips
Arrowtips determine the strength of your arrows. Here’s how to obtain them:
- Mining and Smithing: The most common method is to mine ores and then smelt them into bars. Use these bars at an anvil to smith arrowtips. For example, mine copper and tin ore, smelt them into bronze bars, and then smith bronze arrowtips.
- Purchasing: You can buy arrowtips from other players at the Grand Exchange or from specific shops that sell them. This can be a faster option, especially for higher-level arrowtips.
- Monster Drops: Some monsters drop arrowtips as loot. This is a less reliable method, but it can be a good way to acquire arrowtips while training combat.
Here is a list of ores, bars, and anvil actions required for creating various arrow tips:
| Arrowtip | Ore Required | Bar Required | Anvil Action | Smithing Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze Arrowtips | Copper and Tin | Bronze Bar | Smith Bronze Arrowtips | 1 |
| Iron Arrowtips | Iron Ore | Iron Bar | Smith Iron Arrowtips | 15 |
| Steel Arrowtips | Iron and Coal | Steel Bar | Smith Steel Arrowtips | 30 |
| Mithril Arrowtips | Mithril Ore | Mithril Bar | Smith Mithril Arrowtips | 45 |
| Adamant Arrowtips | Adamantite Ore | Adamantite Bar | Smith Adamant Arrowtips | 60 |
| Rune Arrowtips | Runite Ore | Runite Bar | Smith Rune Arrowtips | 75 |
| Amethyst Arrowtips | Amethyst | N/A | Craft Amethyst Arrowtips | 50 |
| Dragon Arrowtips | N/A | N/A | Dragon Arrowtips (purchase or obtain as a drop) | N/A |
Step 3: Gathering Feathers
Feathers are crucial for arrow stability and flight. Here’s how to get them:
- Killing Chickens: The most common method is to kill chickens. Chickens are low-level creatures found in various locations, such as Lumbridge.
- Purchasing: You can buy feathers from general stores or from other players at the Grand Exchange. This is a convenient option, especially if you don’t want to spend time killing chickens.
- Monster Drops: Some monsters drop feathers as loot.
Step 4: Combining the Materials
Now that you have arrow shafts, arrowtips, and feathers, you can combine them to create arrows:
- Open Inventory: Ensure you have arrow shafts, the correct type of arrowtips, and feathers in your inventory.
- Use Arrowtips on Arrow Shafts: Click on the arrowtips in your inventory and then click on the arrow shafts. This will bring up a menu asking how many arrows you want to make.
- Select Quantity: Choose the number of arrows you want to create. You’ll create 15 arrows per action, using 15 arrow shafts, 15 arrowtips, and 15 feathers.
- Confirm: Confirm the action, and your character will begin fletching the arrows.
Detailed Breakdown of Arrow Types
Let’s delve into the specifics of crafting each arrow type, including the level requirements, materials, and tips for efficient production.
Bronze Arrows
- Fletching Level: 1
- Materials: Arrow Shafts, Bronze Arrowtips, Feathers
- Experience: 1.3 per 15 arrows
- Notes: Bronze arrows are the most basic type and are ideal for training Fletching at the lowest levels. Mine copper and tin to create bronze bars, then smith the bars into arrowtips.
Iron Arrows
- Fletching Level: 15
- Materials: Arrow Shafts, Iron Arrowtips, Feathers
- Experience: 2.5 per 15 arrows
- Notes: Iron arrows are a slight upgrade from bronze. Mine iron ore and smith the bars into iron arrowtips.
Steel Arrows
- Fletching Level: 30
- Materials: Arrow Shafts, Steel Arrowtips, Feathers
- Experience: 3.8 per 15 arrows
- Notes: Steel arrows offer a noticeable improvement in accuracy and damage. Mine iron and coal, smelt them into steel bars, and smith steel arrowtips.
Mithril Arrows
- Fletching Level: 45
- Materials: Arrow Shafts, Mithril Arrowtips, Feathers
- Experience: 5.0 per 15 arrows
- Notes: Mithril arrows are a solid choice for mid-level players. Mine mithril ore and smith mithril arrowtips.
Adamant Arrows
- Fletching Level: 60
- Materials: Arrow Shafts, Adamant Arrowtips, Feathers
- Experience: 6.3 per 15 arrows
- Notes: Adamant arrows are a powerful option for players with higher combat levels. Mine adamantite ore and smith adamant arrowtips.
Rune Arrows
- Fletching Level: 75
- Materials: Arrow Shafts, Rune Arrowtips, Feathers
- Experience: 7.5 per 15 arrows
- Notes: Rune arrows are among the strongest non-special arrows in the game. Mine runite ore and smith rune arrowtips.
Amethyst Arrows
- Fletching Level: 50
- Materials: Arrow Shafts, Amethyst Arrowtips, Feathers
- Experience: 5.4 per 15 arrows
- Notes: Amethyst arrows are crafted from Amethyst mined at the Mining Guild and require level 50 Mining to obtain. These arrows are a good mid-level option.
Dragon Arrows
- Fletching Level: 90
- Materials: Arrow Shafts, Dragon Arrowtips, Feathers
- Experience: 10.0 per 15 arrows
- Notes: Dragon arrows are some of the strongest arrows available, offering exceptional damage. These are typically acquired through high-level PvM activities or purchased from other players, as Dragon Arrowtips cannot be smithed.
Tips for Efficient Arrow Fletching
Here are some tips to help you fletch arrows more efficiently:
- Location: Choose a convenient location with easy access to banks and resource gathering areas. The Grand Exchange is a great place to buy and sell materials.
- Banking: Utilize banks to store and retrieve materials quickly. Having a nearby bank saves time and reduces inventory clutter.
- Pre-Prepare: Gather a large quantity of logs, arrowtips, and feathers before you start fletching. This reduces the need to constantly interrupt your fletching to gather resources.
- Grand Exchange: Use the Grand Exchange to buy materials in bulk at competitive prices. Selling your crafted arrows can also generate profit or recoup your material costs.
- Tick Manipulation: More advanced players can use tick manipulation techniques to speed up the fletching process. This involves performing actions in a specific rhythm to maximize efficiency. However, this requires practice and precision.
- Portable Fletchers: Portable fletchers, which can be obtained from Treasure Hunter or purchased from other players, can significantly speed up the process by providing a temporary boost to your Fletching skill.
Leveling Fletching Efficiently: A Training Guide
Here’s a suggested training path for leveling your Fletching skill quickly:
- Levels 1-5: Fletch Arrow Shafts from Logs. This is the fastest way to get started.
- Levels 5-15: Craft shortbows from logs.
- Levels 15-20: Craft longbows from logs.
- Levels 20-30: Craft oak shortbows.
- Levels 30-35: Craft oak longbows.
- Levels 35-40: Craft willow shortbows.
- Levels 40-50: Craft willow longbows.
- Levels 50-55: Craft maple shortbows.
- Levels 55-65: Craft maple longbows.
- Levels 65-70: Craft yew shortbows.
- Levels 70-80: Craft yew longbows.
- Levels 80-85: Craft magic shortbows.
- Levels 85-99: Craft magic longbows and then Elder shieldbows from level 90.
Advanced Fletching Techniques
As you progress in Fletching, you may want to explore more advanced techniques:
- Stringing Bows: In addition to making arrow shafts and arrows, you can string bows to make them usable. This requires bowstrings, which can be crafted from flax or purchased.
- Making Crossbows: Fletching also allows you to create crossbows, which are another type of ranged weapon. This requires specific materials and higher Fletching levels.
- Fletching Darts: You can also fletch darts, which are used with the Throwing skill. Darts require feathers and dart tips.
Making Profit with Fletching
While lower-level arrows may not be profitable, crafting higher-level arrows and bows can be a good way to make money:
- High-Level Arrows: Crafting rune or dragon arrows can be profitable, especially if you gather the materials yourself.
- Bows: Stringing and selling bows, especially high-level bows like magic longbows and yew longbows, can generate a decent income.
- Check Prices: Always check the Grand Exchange prices before crafting to ensure that the items you’re making are profitable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes that players make when fletching arrows:
- Using the Wrong Arrowtips: Ensure you are using the correct arrowtips for the arrow type you are trying to create.
- Forgetting Feathers: Feathers are essential for arrow creation. Don’t forget to include them in your inventory.
- Not Having a Knife: A knife is required for all fletching activities. Always keep one in your inventory.
- Ignoring Bank Space: Manage your bank space effectively to avoid running out of room for materials and finished products.
- Not Checking Prices: Always check the Grand Exchange prices before buying materials or selling finished products to ensure you are getting the best deals.
Conclusion
Fletching arrows in RuneScape is a valuable skill that provides you with essential ammunition for ranged combat, grants Fletching experience, and offers a degree of self-sufficiency. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to craft arrows efficiently and effectively, from the basic bronze arrows to the powerful dragon arrows. Happy Fletching!