Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers a rich combat experience with a variety of spellbooks to enhance your gameplay. One of the most popular and powerful spellbooks is the Ancient Magicks spellbook, often simply called "Ancients." This spellbook provides access to devastating offensive and utility spells that are invaluable in both PvP and PvM scenarios.

 

If you're new to Ancient Magicks or want to learn how to switch to Ancients from the Standard spellbook, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. We'll cover everything from unlocking the spellbook, switching methods, advantages of using Ancients, and tips for maximizing its potential.

 

What Is the Ancients Spellbook?

The Ancients spellbook is a special set of magic spells unlocked after completing the Desert Treasure quest. Unlike the standard spellbook, which features conventional combat and utility spells, the Ancients spellbook offers powerful combat spells that deal elemental damage such as ice, smoke, shadow, blood, and smoke spells.

 

These spells are extremely useful for both Player versus Monster (PvM) and Player versus Player (PvP) activities. Some Ancients spells even come with special effects, like freezing opponents in place or draining their stats, which can turn the tide in combat.

 

Why Switch to Ancients?

Before diving into the switching process, let's look at why you might want to switch to the Ancients spellbook:

 

Powerful Combat Spells: Ancients provide high-damage spells that can target multiple enemies (like Ice Barrage) or apply special effects.

 

PvP Advantages: Freezing spells and stat-draining spells offer a tactical edge in PvP combat.

 

PvM Efficiency: Certain bosses and monsters are weak to Ancients spells, making farming faster and easier.

 

Versatility: Ancients combine offensive power with utility, especially when used with the right gear.

 

Prerequisites to Use the Ancients Spellbook

To access the Ancients spellbook, you must:

 

Complete the Desert Treasure quest.

 

Have at least 50 Magic level to cast basic Ancient spells.

 

Have the Desert Amulet 4 (or higher) to switch to the Ancients spellbook.

 

Completing Desert Treasure is a notable achievement in OSRS and opens up many other content as well, including access to new areas and equipment.

 

Step-by-Step: How to Unlock the Ancients Spellbook

Step 1: Complete Desert Treasure Quest

Preparation: This quest is challenging and requires combat skills and puzzle-solving.

 

Key Tips:

 

Bring high combat stats and gear.

 

Stock up on food and prayer potions.

 

Familiarize yourself with the quest's puzzles.

 

Reward: Upon completion, you gain access to the Ancient Magicks spellbook.

 

Step 2: Obtain the Desert Amulet 4

The Desert Amulet 4 is required to switch between the Standard spellbook and Ancients.

 

You can obtain it by:

 

Completing the Desert Treasure quest (you get Desert Amulet 1 as a reward).

 

Upgrading it by charging at the Nardah amulet charger found south of the city.

 

Each charge upgrade requires Desert Treasure progress and some OSRS gold.

 

How to Switch to Ancients Spellbook

Once you have the Desert Amulet 4, follow these steps to switch your spellbook:

 

Method 1: Using the Desert Amulet 4

Equip the Desert Amulet 4.

 

Right-click the amulet in your equipment tab.

 

Select "Ancient Magicks" to switch to the Ancients spellbook.

 

To switch back to the Standard spellbook, right-click the amulet again and select "Standard Spellbook."

 

Method 2: Using the Ancient Altar in the Pyramid

Alternatively, you can switch spellbooks by visiting the Ancient Altar located in the Desert Treasure pyramid area:

 

Go to the pyramid in the Kharidian Desert.

 

Use the altar to switch spellbooks without the amulet.

 

This method requires you to be physically present in the pyramid, making the Desert Amulet 4 the more convenient option.

 

How to Use the Ancients Spellbook Effectively

Recommended Spells for PvP

Ice Barrage: Freezes multiple opponents in place.

 

Ice Blitz: Freezes a single target, great for one-on-one fights.

 

Smoke Barrage: Deals damage and drains Defence.

 

Blood Blitz: Deals damage and heals you for a portion of the damage dealt.

 

Shadow Barrage: Deals damage and drains Strength.

 

Recommended Spells for PvM

Ice Barrage: Effective against groups of monsters.

 

Blood spells: Useful for sustainability during long fights.

 

Smoke spells: Lowering enemy Defence helps reduce damage taken.

 

Shadow spells: Draining Strength reduces enemy attack power.

 

Tips for Maximizing Your Ancients Experience

Gear Up: Use gear that boosts Magic accuracy and damage, such as the Ahrim's robes, Void Mage set, or Ancestral robes.

 

Use Staves: Some staves can autocast Ancient spells, which is invaluable for faster and efficient combat. You can buy OSRS GP to get more staves.

 

Combine with Prayer: Use Magic-boosting prayers such as Mystic Might or Augury.

 

Practice Spell Switching: Switching between spellbooks quickly during combat can provide tactical advantages.

 

Use Magic Potions: Boost your Magic level to increase spell accuracy and damage.

 

Know Your Targets: Certain monsters are more vulnerable to specific Ancient spells, so tailor your spell choice accordingly.

 

Common Questions About Switching to Ancients

Do I Lose Access to Standard Spells?

No. You can switch back and forth between the Standard spellbook and Ancients whenever you like using the Desert Amulet 4 or the Ancient Altar.

 

Can I Use Ancient Spells Without Desert Treasure?

No. Desert Treasure completion is mandatory to unlock the Ancient Magicks spellbook.

 

How Do I Recharge the Desert Amulet 4?

Visit the Nardah Amulet Charger and pay coins to upgrade or recharge your Desert Amulet up to Desert Amulet 4.

 

Are Ancient Spells More Expensive to Cast?

Yes. Most Ancient spells require more runes than standard spells, so stock up accordingly (blood, ice, smoke, and shadow runes).

 

Conclusion

Switching to the Ancients spellbook in OSRS opens up a powerful and dynamic set of spells that can significantly enhance your combat performance. Whether you're a PvP warrior looking to freeze your opponents or a PvM enthusiast aiming to maximize damage and utility, Ancient Magicks is an invaluable tool in your arsenal.

 

To switch:

 

Complete the Desert Treasure quest.

 

Obtain and upgrade your Desert Amulet to level 4.

 

Use the amulet or visit the Ancient Altar to toggle between spellbooks.

 

Mastering Ancients requires practice, proper gear, and knowledge of the spells. With these tools and tips, you'll be ready to wield the power of the Ancients like a pro.