Creating builds in OSRS can be both rewarding and challenging. Among the most interesting builds is the Mage Pure. A Mage Pure is designed to deal heavy magical damage at a low combat level, primarily for PvP. If you're someone who enjoys spellcasting and wants to dominate the wilderness or duel arena with magic, then this is the pure build for you.

In this guide, we'll break down what a Mage Pure is, how it works, how to build it, and the pros and cons of this glass-cannon style.

What is a Mage Pure?

A Mage Pure (or Magic Pure) is a type of pure account in OSRS that focuses almost exclusively on training the Magic skill. These OSRS accounts avoid leveling combat skills like Defence, Attack, and Strength, keeping their combat level low while still maintaining access to powerful combat spells. Some players also avoid training Hitpoints too much to preserve a very low combat level.

The goal is to output as much damage as possible through Magic while remaining low-level, allowing you to fight weaker opponents in PvP scenarios. Most Mage Pures aim to reach level 59 Magic, which unlocks key spells like Fire Blast or Snare. Going higher is possible, but the XP gained from high-level spells can start increasing your Hitpoints, which may raise your combat level unnecessarily.

Why Make a Mage Pure?

Mage Pures offer a fun and unique way to engage in PvP, especially in Free-to-Play or low-level areas of the Wilderness. You get access to powerful combat spells early on, and because your other combat stats are low, your opponents might underestimate your strength. It's also a good way to practice PvP without committing to more advanced pure builds like hybrids or Zerker Pures.

Additionally, Mage Pures are relatively fast and cheap to build if you use the right methods. You can start working on one almost immediately after creating your account.

How to Build a Mage Pure

Here's a step-by-step look at how to build a Mage Pure account from scratch.

Step 1: Early Game and Initial Training

Start by completing Witch's Potion and Imp Catcher. These quests offer early Magic XP and can bump your level up quickly without requiring any combat.

Next, you can begin splashing or casting low-level combat spells like Wind Strike on enemies. If you're in Members' worlds, splash on seagulls, rats, or any low-hitting enemy that won't kill you.

Buy a Staff of Air and use mind runes to keep things affordable. You can also do some AFK splashing if you wear metal armor to reduce your Magic accuracy (ensuring you don't kill your target too quickly).

Train until you can cast stronger spells like Fire Strike and then Fire Bolt. If you're heading for PvP, you'll want to get at least level 59 Magic to unlock Fire Blast.

Step 2: Decide on Hitpoints

If you want to keep your combat level very low, you'll need to minimize Hitpoints experience. This means focusing on methods like splashing, where you don't gain HP XP.

However, many players opt to accept some HP levels for better survivability and damage thresholds. If you train via regular combat spells, you'll gain HP XP naturally.

This is a trade-off. More HP gives you better survivability, but also increases your combat level, potentially matching you against stronger foes in PvP.

Step 3: Important Spells to Unlock

· Snare (lvl 50): Roots your enemy for 10 seconds. Crucial in PvP.

· Teleblock (lvl 85): Prevents enemies from teleporting. Very useful in the deep Wilderness.

· Fire Blast (lvl 59): Your standard combat spell for PvP.

· Entangle (lvl 79): A stronger version of Snare.

· Ice Spells (Ancients): Requires Desert Treasure. Ice Barrage and Ice Blitz are incredibly strong in multi-combat PvP.

Step 4: Essential Quests

· Witch's Potion – Free Magic XP

· Imp Catcher – Another easy Magic XP quest

· Lost City – Required for Dragon Dagger if you hybrid later

· Desert Treasure – Unlocks Ancient Magicks, key for high-level PvP

· The Grand Tree and Tree Gnome Village – If you want access to Spirit Trees and travel

Be mindful: Some quests may give Defence or other unwanted XP. Always check rewards before starting.

Step 5: Gearing Up

For gear, you'll want to focus on Magic attack bonuses. Here's a basic setup:

· Staff of Air / Fire / Ancient Staff: Required to autocast spells.

· Wizard Robes / Ghostly Robes / Mystic Robes / Infinity Robes: Depending on your wealth and level.

· Amulet of Magic / Amulet of Glory / Occult Necklace: The Occult Necklace offers a +10% Magic damage boost.

· God Books or Mage Books: If you have access, they offer Magic bonuses in the shield slot.

· Wizard Hat / Ahrim's Hood: For style and bonuses.

· Climbing Boots / Mystic Boots / Infinity Boots: Infinity Boots are the best, but expensive.

In F2P, the best setup includes the Wizard set and the Amulet of Magic.

How Mage Pures Work in Combat

In PvP, your goal is to deal massive damage quickly while avoiding hits due to your low Defense. Here are a few tips for fighting as a Mage Pure:

· Use autocast for consistent damage, but switch to manual casting when going for a finishing blow. Manual casting is faster by 1 tick.

· Consider using a weaker spell to bait your opponent's prayer switches, then cast a stronger spell (like Fire Blast or Ice Barrage) for the kill.

· Use Snare or Entangle to freeze your opponent in place. This is especially effective against melee users.

· If you're in a no-honour fight (no rules), you can use farcasting to damage your enemy from a distance while keeping yourself safe.

· In team fights or clan wars, use freeze spells and teleblock to trap and isolate enemies for your team.

Advantages of a Mage Pure

1. High Damage Potential: With spells like Fire Blast or Ice Barrage, Mage Pures can consistently deal high damage even at low combat levels.

2. Low Combat Level: You can remain at a very low level and still hit hard, giving you an advantage over similarly leveled opponents who don't expect strong attacks.

3. Crowd Control: Spells like Snare, Entangle, and Ice Barrage can freeze enemies, giving you space and time to finish them off or escape.

4. Teleport Utility: Magic grants access to teleport spells for quick escapes, repositioning, and travel.

5. Hybrid Flexibility: You can switch between Magic and Ranged without affecting your combat stats much. A Magic Shortbow or Blowpipe pairs well with your magic arsenal.

6. Easy to Create: Compared to other pure builds, Mage Pures are fast to build if you focus just on Magic and skip quests that give unwanted XP.

Disadvantages of a Mage Pure

1. Low Defence: You're extremely vulnerable to melee or ranged attacks. If you're frozen or caught off guard, you may die quickly.

2. Glass Cannon: You can deal high damage, but you can't tank hits. Your survival depends heavily on positioning and using spells effectively.

3. Expensive to Maintain: High-level spells require a lot of runes, especially if you're using Ancient Magicks like Ice Blitz or Barrage. Expect to spend a lot of OSRS gold on runes and gear.

4. Dependent on Spells: If you run out of runes or get interrupted during casting, you're in trouble. You can't fall back on melee or tanking.

5. Anti-Mage Gear Counters You: Enemies wearing dragonhide armor or using Protect from Magic prayers will significantly reduce your effectiveness.

6. Limited Training Methods: Getting high Magic levels without gaining unwanted HP XP requires splashing or alternative training methods, which can be slower.

Final Thoughts

Creating a Mage Pure in OSRS is worth it if you enjoy PvP and want to specialize in a unique combat style. While the build has its weaknesses, it also comes with powerful advantages like burst damage, battlefield control, and low-level dominance.

Whether you're a seasoned PvPer looking for a new challenge or a new player trying out builds for the first time, a Mage Pure is a great way to learn the fundamentals of magic combat while having fun in the process.

Just remember to avoid quests that give unwanted combat XP, plan your rune usage carefully, and always be ready to teleport out if things go south. With enough practice, you'll master the art of spellcasting and become a force to be reckoned with in the Wilderness.

RSorder Team