To optimize your PvM gear loadout for the Abyssal Depths in RuneScape: Dragonwilds, prioritize power armour for maximum damage output, select weapons based on tier and cost-effectiveness, and augment your gear with critical Invention perks like Precise and Biting. As of June 22, 2026, the primary goal is to defeat monsters faster, making damage bonuses superior to defensive bonuses for most PvM encounters.
Recommended Power Armour
For PvM, power armour is generally recommended over tank armour due to its superior damage bonuses, which directly increase your maximum hit and allow for quicker monster defeats. While tank armour offers greater defensive bonuses, the trade-off in damage is typically not worth it for efficient PvM. Armour tier directly impacts damage bonuses and ability damage, with higher tiers usually corresponding to higher Defence level requirements.
Players should consider the upkeep costs of degradeable equipment. High repair costs or a low number of equipment charges can make certain items less economical despite their initial Grand Exchange price. This guide focuses on power armour recommendations, as they are most effective for PvM situations.
| Combat Style | Armour Type | Tier Impact | Damage Bonus | Defensive Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melee | Power Armour | High | Greater | Lesser |
| Ranged | Power Armour | High | Greater | Lesser |
| Magic | Power Armour | High | Greater | Lesser |
| Necromancy | Power Armour | High | Greater | Lesser |
| Hybrid | Power Armour | High | Greater | Lesser |
Cape, necklace, and ring slots are crucial for their style bonuses. Many items in these slots offer bonuses across all three combat styles, which can be more cost-effective than purchasing multiple style-specific items. The 0.12 update introduced new equipment like Infinity Robes and Red Dragonhide armour, which are relevant for Magic and Ranged power setups respectively. Vestige sets such as Lunar Garou, Desert Robes, Kalphite Carapace, and Obsidian also offer specialized options, though their specific power vs. tank attributes for PvM are not fully detailed in available sources.
Weapon Choices and Considerations
Weapons are a critical component of any PvM loadout, with their tier affecting ability damage and accuracy. While attack rate influences a weapon’s individual damage rating, weapons of equivalent tiers generally deal comparable damage over time. Most bosses in Dragonwilds either lack a specific weakness or have only an affinity weakness, making specific attack types less of a primary consideration for weapon selection.
Players can choose between two-handed weaponry or dual-wielding a main-hand and off-hand weapon. Both options provide 150% of the damage of a main-hand weapon alone. The choice between them primarily affects the available abilities. For most PvM scenarios, either option is viable, and players can prioritize the most cost-effective choice. When dual-wielding, the off-hand weapon contributes only 50% damage, and only the main-hand weapon’s tier determines accuracy. This allows for a budget-conscious approach where a higher-tier main-hand weapon can be paired with a lower-tier off-hand.
The 0.12 update introduced eight Adamant weapon types and Yew ranged equipment, providing new options for early to mid-tier progression. Higher level weapons, like armour, are degradeable, and their upkeep costs should be factored into your decision.
| Weapon Type | Damage Contribution | Accuracy Determination | Ability Impact | Cost-Effectiveness Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two-handed | 150% (of main-hand) | Main-hand tier only | Affects abilities | Often simpler purchase |
| Dual-wield | 100% (main-hand) + 50% (off-hand) | Main-hand tier only | Affects abilities | High-tier MH, lower-tier OH |
Essential Invention Perks
Invention perks significantly enhance PvM effectiveness by augmenting body, leg, and weapon slots. This is available for most tier 70+ items and requires Invention 40+ with super invention potions, or Invention 86+ with extreme invention potions for higher-tier perks. Perks are applied using gizmos, and nearly all augmented equipment uses a universal charge pack for degradation, separate from unaugmented items.
For optimal PvM, certain perks are highly recommended. Precise increases minimum hit, ensuring more consistent damage. Eruptive boosts overall ability damage. Biting increases critical hit chance, leading to burst damage. Absorbative can reduce incoming damage, offering a defensive layer without sacrificing power armour’s damage focus. Demon Slayer and Dragon Slayer are highly situational but provide significant damage boosts against specific monster types, which may be relevant if the Abyssal Depths contain demons or dragons. Mobile and Venomblood offer utility, with Mobile allowing for faster movement and Venomblood providing immunity to poison.
| Slot | Perk | Cost (Invention 40+) | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main-hand | Precise 2 | 181,860 | Increases minimum damage by 1.5% per rank. |
| Off-hand | Eruptive 2 | 181,860 | Increases ability damage by 0.5% per rank. |
| Body | Biting 2 | 312,165 | +2% critical hit chance per rank. |
| Body | Absorbative 2 | 244,220 | 20% chance to reduce damage by 5% per rank. |
| Legs | Demon Slayer + Dragon Slayer | 320,096 | +7% damage to demons and dragons. |
| Legs | Mobile + Venomblood | 511,476 | Surge twice as often, poison immunity. |
For players with Invention 86+ and extreme invention potions, higher ranks of these perks are available, offering even greater benefits. For example, Precise 6 costs 2,989,057 (for 1 x Small crate (historic)) and Eruptive 4 costs 727,887 (for 2 x Small crate (timeworn)). These higher-tier perks provide a more substantial increase to their respective effects, making them a worthwhile investment for high-level PvM.
FAQ
What is the most important factor when choosing gear for PvM in the Abyssal Depths? The most important factor is maximizing your damage output. Power armour provides greater damage bonuses than tank armour, allowing you to defeat monsters faster.
Should I use two-handed weapons or dual-wield for PvM? Both two-handed and dual-wielding weapons offer 150% of a main-hand weapon’s damage. The choice primarily depends on the abilities you wish to use, as some require a specific weapon type. You can opt for the most cost-effective choice as either is generally viable for most PvM.
Are Invention perks necessary for PvM in the Abyssal Depths? Yes, Invention perks are highly beneficial for PvM. They can significantly increase your damage output (e.g., Precise, Biting, Eruptive) or provide useful utility (e.g., Mobile, Venomblood), making encounters more efficient and safer.
How do I manage the cost of degradeable gear? When selecting degradeable gear, consider both the initial purchase price and the hourly upkeep costs. Items with high repair costs or low equipment charges may be less economical in the long run. Prioritize items that offer a good balance of performance and affordability.
Does monster weakness matter for weapon choice in the Abyssal Depths? Most bosses either have no weakness or only an affinity weakness, so weapon attack type is usually not a primary consideration for PvM. Focus on weapon tier and damage output instead.