Hey, RuneScape fanatics! If you're looking to level up your combat skills, rack up some serious GP, and snag some valuable drops, then you've come to the right place. Today, we're diving deep into the world of Old School RuneScape (OSRS), specifically focusing on how to dominate Brutal Black Dragons (BBDs) using good old-fashioned melee combat. These fearsome beasts are a rite of passage for many adventurers, and while other methods exist, there's a unique thrill and efficiency to slaying them up close and personal. So, grab your best gear, brush up on your prayer flicking, and let's get ready to rumble!

Why Melee Brutal Black Dragons?

So, why choose melee for slaying Brutal Black Dragons? Well, there are several compelling reasons. First off, it can be a highly profitable method. BBDs drop valuable items like Dragonhide, rune items, and, of course, the coveted Dragon items, which can be sold for a nice profit. Furthermore, melee training at BBDs can be a great way to level up your attack, strength, defense, and hitpoints simultaneously. This makes it an efficient method for overall combat training. And let's not forget the pure satisfaction of wading into battle, swinging your weapon, and overcoming a tough opponent through skill and strategy. Finally, while ranged and magic are viable options, melee offers a unique, engaging, and sometimes faster experience, depending on your gear and setup.

Now, before we get started, I want to clarify that this guide is designed to provide you with the essential information and strategies for melee combat against BBDs. This guide is tailored for efficiency and maximizing your profit. Remember, the game is all about having fun and finding the play style that you enjoy most.

Understanding the Brutal Black Dragon

Before you go charging into battle, it's essential to understand your opponent. Brutal Black Dragons are level 130 monsters with a variety of attacks. They have a strong melee attack, a powerful dragonfire breath attack, and the ability to use ranged and magic attacks. They are aggressive and will attack you on sight. They can be found in a few locations, but the most popular is the Catacombs of Kourend. Understanding their attack patterns is critical for survival. The dragonfire breath is their most dangerous attack, so you'll need to be prepared with the proper protection.

Gear and Inventory for Meleeing BBDs

Gear and inventory are the backbone of any successful melee trip against BBDs. Choosing the right equipment and supplies can significantly impact your efficiency, survivability, and overall profit. Here's a breakdown of the gear and inventory you'll need:

Essential Gear

• Weapon: This depends on your budget and combat stats. The Abyssal Whip is an excellent and affordable choice for most players, providing a good balance of attack speed and accuracy. If you can afford it, the Ghrazi Rapier is the best in slot. Other options include the Saradomin Sword (SS), the Bludgeon, and the Blade of Saeldor depending on your budget and preference. Don't go cheap; a good weapon makes a massive difference.
• Armor: You'll want armor that provides good defensive stats and Prayer bonus. Bandos chestplate and tassets are considered the best in slot for maximum melee attack bonus and defensive stats, but they can be expensive. Other options include Dragonhide armor or rune armor. The goal is to maximize your melee attack bonus while maintaining a decent defense.
• Helmet: Helm of Neitiznot is a solid option. You can also use a Serpentine helm for extra poison protection or a Berserker helm for a slightly better melee bonus.
• Boots: Primordial boots are best in slot but are expensive. Dragon boots are a great affordable alternative. They offer a good strength bonus.
• Gloves: Barrows gloves are the best-in-slot gloves for melee. They offer significant bonuses to both attack and strength. If you have not completed the recipe for disaster quest, rune gloves are a solid alternative.
• Amulet: Amulet of Fury is a great all-around choice. This provides good defensive stats and an attack bonus. If you can afford it, the Amulet of Torture is the best in slot.
• Ring: Berserker ring (i) is the best in slot for maximum strength bonus. You will need to complete the Nightmare Zone to imbue the ring.

Inventory Essentials

• Prayer Potions: Prayer potions are critical. They restore your prayer points, allowing you to use protection prayers. Bring enough to keep your prayer up throughout your trip. The number you need will depend on your prayer level and gear. If you don't have enough prayer, you are at risk of taking a lot more damage.
• Super Restores: Super restores are crucial for restoring your stats, allowing you to survive the dragon's attacks. These will also restore your prayer points. This can save you inventory space.
• Antidragon Shield: Essential for protecting against the dragon's fire breath. You can use a Dragonfire shield or Anti-dragon shield.
• Food: High-healing food is essential for surviving the dragon's attacks. Shark, Monkfish, Anglerfish, or Saradomin Brews are good choices. Bring enough food to keep you alive and your trip going. Anglerfish are a good choice to heal and help you use less food. This is another way to help make your trips more efficient.
• Teleport Tablets/Runes: Bring a way to teleport out in case things go south or when you need to bank. The house teleport is a great choice as well. You will be able to bank frequently and stay longer.

Combat Strategies and Techniques

Now, let's talk about the actual combat. Here's how to engage those Brutal Black Dragons effectively:

Prayer Flicking

Prayer Flicking is an advanced technique that can significantly increase your efficiency and reduce the amount of damage you take. It involves quickly toggling between protection prayers (Protect from Melee, Protect from Range, Protect from Magic) and other prayers, such as Piety, to conserve prayer points. This is done to only activate protection prayers when attacked and to switch back to the more offensive prayers when not under attack. It takes some practice, but it's a game-changer.

Dragonfire Management

Brutal Black Dragons' dragonfire breath is their most dangerous attack. Always use an antidragon shield to mitigate the damage. If you're using a Dragonfire shield, you'll have to manually activate it to block the dragonfire. Otherwise, make sure you're always wearing your shield, so that you are prepared for the attack.

Positioning and Movement

Positioning is key. Try to position yourself so that you can quickly move out of the dragon's attack range if necessary. Don't stand too close to multiple dragons at once. Be prepared to move and dodge. When you are moving, it's a great opportunity to take a break and let your prayer points restore so that you can flick.

Gear Swaps (Optional)

Gear swapping can further optimize your kills. For example, you can switch to a higher strength-boosting weapon after the dragon's special attack to maximize your damage output. This is a more advanced technique and not necessary for beginners, but it can make a difference if you're trying to min-max.

Location and Tips for Brutal Black Dragons

Finding the right location and making smart choices can make your Brutal Black Dragon trips even more successful. Let's delve into some tips to help you:

Best Locations

• Catacombs of Kourend: This is the most popular location. It's easily accessible and offers a convenient banking location. The Catacombs also have the added benefit of being a multi-combat area, so you can fight multiple dragons at once, but be aware of the increased risk.
• Taverley Dungeon: This dungeon has a few Brutal Black Dragons. It's a bit less crowded than the Catacombs, and it's easily accessible from a bank. However, the dragons are spread out, and it can be a longer trip.

Tips for Success

• Bring a Bonecrusher: Using a Bonecrusher necklace to automatically bury the bones will help save you inventory space and increase your profit. It's an excellent investment.
• Use the Slayer Skill: If you have a slayer task for dragons, it's the perfect opportunity to slay BBDs. The Slayer skill will provide an extra attack bonus and bonus XP.
• Monitor Your Health and Prayer: Keep an eye on your health and prayer points at all times. Use food and prayer potions as needed to stay alive. Knowing when to teleport out is vital to keeping yourself alive. Don't be afraid to leave before you die.
• Consider a Cannon: Using a dwarf multicannon can significantly increase your kill rate, especially in multi-combat areas. However, it requires ammunition and can increase the cost of your trips.
• Banking: Banking efficiently is key to making money and maximizing XP rates. Be prepared to bank frequently and efficiently to avoid wasting time. Know how to set up your inventory so that you can make the most of each trip.

Frequently Asked Questions about Brutal Black Dragons

Let's clear up some common questions about battling Brutal Black Dragons:

What are the best stats for meleeing Brutal Black Dragons?

• Ideally, aim for at least 70 in Attack, Strength, and Defence. Higher stats make the fight easier and more efficient. At least 43 prayer for protect from melee.

How much does it cost to kill Brutal Black Dragons?

• The cost varies depending on your gear and supplies. However, it can be a profitable method. The cost of supplies is usually offset by the drops. The costs can vary.

Where can I find Brutal Black Dragons?

• They are found in the Catacombs of Kourend and the Taverley Dungeon.

How do I protect myself from the dragon's fire breath?

• Use an Anti-dragon shield. Dragonfire shields require activation.

What are the best drops from Brutal Black Dragons?

• Dragonhide, Rune items, and Dragon items are the most valuable drops.

Can I use melee on a slayer task?

• Yes, melee is a great option for slayer tasks. This gives you extra benefits to kill the dragons.

Conclusion

There you have it, folks! Meleeing Brutal Black Dragons in OSRS can be a challenging but rewarding experience. With the right gear, strategies, and a bit of practice, you'll be well on your way to dominating these fearsome beasts. Remember to stay focused, manage your resources, and most importantly, have fun! Good luck, and happy slaying!