Black dragon/Strategies

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Black dragons have among the highest defence for a normal monster in RuneScape - their magic defence is quite high, so maging them is not advisable. Despite this, they are weak to stabbing and ranged attacks.

As with all dragons, an anti-dragon shield, a dragonfire shield, or a Super antifire potion is essential when fighting them. Without one, players can be hit extremely hard by dragonfire (up to 500 points of damage). Lower-levelled players could potentially be killed in one hit by this attack. However, with an anti-dragon shield, dragonfire will only deal up to 50 damage. An anti-fire potion used in addition to the shield will completely negate this attack. Additionally, players with a herblore level of 85 may use a super antifire potion which negates the dragon's breath without the need of an anti-dragon shield, allowing players to safely use a two-handed weapon or a defender. The dragon's melee attacks can deal up to 214 damage and may be completely negated with Protect from Melee. Using Protect from Melee with prayer potions in conjunction with a suitable shield and antifires, players will take absolutely no damage at all. It is advised if the player is not using protect from melee that they have at least a few prayer points in case a battle turns sour.

They can be ranged or maged safely in all of their locations, though maging them is not advisable due to these dragons' high magic defence. If ranging, it is advisable to use the best possible crossbow (ideally a Rune crossbow with Mithril, Adamant or Broad-tipped bolts) as an Anti-dragon/Dragonfire shield can still be equipped. However, pearl-tipped enchanted bolts are NOT a viable choice, due to the myth since Black Dragons are fire-breathing monsters and, thus, more subsceptible to the special effect of these bolts, Sea Curse, which is slightly true however they are not fire elements or fire in nature, unlike the "Fire Giant". While the dragonfire is melee range only, unlike that of Metal Dragons and the King Black Dragon, players can be exposed to attack when venturing forth to pick up treasure. Without protection, that can lead to a very nasty surprise.

Using emerald bolts (e), one can poison the black dragon. Since the dragon's Life Points are high, the poison can do a little poison damage before it finally expires, especially if you are of a low ranged level (however in that case it might be better to not kill these dragons). Just remember to switch to a different set of bolts when the poison takes hold (such as broad-tipped bolts).

Players with a high Attack and Strength level could melee them in a Safe spot with a Dragon halberd. Not only is the halberd capable of taking advantage of the dragon's weakness to stab, but its Special attack also does decent damage on them. Despite the benefits, this is notably slow and not recommended. In addition, the halberd is a 2-handed weapon, which does not allow for the Anti-Dragon Shield. In the event of a misclick, players can take very hard damage from dragonfire.

Recommended setups

Prayer method

Note: Always use Turmoil, Piety or the Incredible Reflexes and Ultimate Strength prayers, particularly if not using a stab weapon. These dragons have very high defence and a good amount of health, boosting your offence is certainly a good thing to do.

Since they hit so hard frequently use the curse Deflect Melee as it will cut into their health 10% of their hits

Tanking method

Note: Even when tanking black dragons, turmoil or piety should be used to increase kill speed and defence levels. Without the +25% defence from praying, tanking these can turn very nasty.

Note: Without super antifire potions, killing these is quite a lot slower due to the loss of +25 bonus to stab given by the dragon defender. This is especially important to bear in mind if chaotic weapons are not being used.

Ranged method

Notes: Ranging these is only recommended if your ranged level exceeds your attack and strength levels by 20 or more. If you do not own a void set with a deflector and you are killing these off-task, you can use the on-task gear to replace it, but void will lead to faster kills. You can range black dragons without antifire measures if you are very careful. You can also bring an antifire shield to use only when running out of your safespot to pick up drops.

Remember, at least three pieces of Void knight equipment must be worn along with the Void ranger helm to receive the set effect. With the addition of the Void knight deflector, players could swap out one of the pieces (other than the helm) for other equipment.

Note: It is highly recommended to use prayers like Eagle eye and Rigour to speed up kills, as well as (extreme) ranging potions.

Note: A cautious player could wear A void ranged helmet, a black dragonhide body, void knight robes, a rune or chaotic crossbow, a void knight deflector, boots of their choice (preferably from the above list), void knight gloves, Ava's alerter, a ring of the player's choice (again, perferably from the above list) and the players choice of bolts. A player would use a safe spot in the dungeon and get kills faster then one wearing a full void knight set without the deflector (wearing the top) and a anti dragon-shield, be very cautious though.

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