Karil’s Offhand Pistol Crossbow is a notable weapon in the world of Old School RuneScape and RuneScape 3, belonging to the Barrows equipment set specifically tied to Karil the Tainted. As a powerful offhand ranged weapon, it has drawn interest from players for its fast attack speed and synergy with its main-hand counterpart. While many players debate whether it’s worth using in high-end PvM or mid-level content, understanding the true value of Karil’s Offhand Pistol Crossbow requires an exploration of its stats, how to obtain it, its combat effectiveness, and how it compares to other offhand ranged weapons in the game.
Overview of Karil’s Offhand Pistol Crossbow
Origin and Lore
Karil the Tainted is one of the six Barrows Brothers, and his specialization is in Ranged combat. His unique weaponry consists of dual-wielded pistol crossbows a fast and agile style of ranged fighting. The offhand pistol crossbow is a mirror to his main-hand crossbow, offering high speed and relatively low delay between attacks. While not the strongest in terms of raw damage output, its usability and speed make it attractive for certain scenarios.
Basic Stats
In RuneScape 3, Karil’s Offhand Pistol Crossbow offers solid stats for an offhand ranged weapon in the level 70 tier:
- Level Required: 70 Ranged
- Ranged Bonus: +54
- Speed: Fastest
- Ammo Type: Bolts (requires use with Karil’s ammunition or alternatives if augmented)
It is important to note that the weapon can be augmented using Invention, which allows for the use of perks, making it more valuable in late-game setups or PvM scenarios where utility is key.
How to Obtain Karil’s Offhand Pistol Crossbow
Barrows Minigame
The most common method of obtaining Karil’s Offhand Pistol Crossbow is through the Barrows Brothers minigame. Located in Morytania, Barrows involves defeating six crypt guardians and looting their underground chests for rewards.
There is no guaranteed way to obtain a specific piece of Barrows gear, so acquiring the offhand pistol crossbow can require multiple runs and a bit of luck. Each successful chest has a chance of giving any of the six brothers’ unique equipment pieces, including Karil’s set.
Grand Exchange and Trade
For players who prefer not to grind through Barrows, the weapon is also available on the Grand Exchange, provided you have sufficient gold. Market prices can vary depending on supply and demand, but it typically remains affordable for most mid-to-high-level players. Be sure to check if you want an augmented or non-augmented version, as that affects the pricing significantly.
Combat Utility and Performance
Dual-Wield Synergy
One of the primary advantages of Karil’s Offhand Pistol Crossbow is its ability to pair with the main-hand pistol crossbow for dual-wielding. This setup allows for faster attack rates and better damage-over-time performance compared to using a two-handed bow in certain scenarios. Dual-wielding also enables the use of dual-wield abilities such as Rapid Fire and Snapshot more efficiently.
PvM Scenarios
While not typically used in top-tier PvM like elite dungeons or raids, Karil’s Offhand Pistol Crossbow remains viable in mid-tier bosses and Slayer assignments. Its speed makes it useful for targets with lower defense, where you benefit more from frequent hits rather than high single-shot damage. It’s especially good for dealing with swarms of weaker enemies or when training Ranged in a cost-effective manner.
Augmentation and Invention Synergy
When augmented, the weapon can be used to level up and unlock perks from the Invention skill. Some recommended perks to use on Karil’s Offhand Pistol Crossbow include:
- Precise Increases minimum hit, improving damage consistency.
- Equilibrium Balances high and low damage ranges for more reliable DPS.
- Aftershock Deals extra damage passively after a buildup of attacks.
This additional customization makes the crossbow more attractive for endgame players looking to fine-tune their equipment without investing in the highest-tier items.
Comparison with Other Offhand Ranged Weapons
Royal Crossbow Offhand
The Royal crossbow line is a decent competitor to Karil’s set, but it is two-handed. Therefore, Karil’s crossbow offers an offhand option with more flexibility. If you want to use a shield or specific offhand perks, Karil’s becomes an obvious choice.
Ascension Crossbows
Ascension Crossbows, particularly the Offhand Ascension, are much more powerful than Karil’s but also significantly more expensive. For players not yet ready to invest tens of millions of gold, Karil’s offers an affordable and efficient substitute that performs well in most standard PvM environments.
Death Lotus Dart Comparison
In some PvP scenarios or quick training methods, darts like the Death Lotus darts are favored due to their speed. However, they are consumable and expensive. Karil’s crossbow offers a reusable option that achieves nearly the same purpose without breaking your bank.
Set Bonuses and Additional Features
Karil’s Set Effect
When wearing the full set of Karil’s gear hood, top, skirt, and both crossbows players unlock a passive effect that slightly reduces the target’s Agility. While niche in use, this effect may aid in PvP by making it harder for enemies to escape or in specific bosses where movement speed matters.
Durability and Repair
Like other Barrows gear, Karil’s Offhand Pistol Crossbow degrades with use. Once fully degraded, it must be repaired using coins at repair NPCs or at an armour stand. Players with high Smithing and the right tools can reduce repair costs, making it even more economical long-term.
Is It Worth It?
For Mid-Level Players
Karil’s Offhand Pistol Crossbow is an excellent choice for players progressing through RuneScape’s mid-level content. It’s strong enough to take on many Slayer tasks, bosses, and training areas. Its cost-effectiveness and decent damage output make it a good investment before stepping into more elite gear like Ascensions or Noxious weapons.
For High-Level Players
High-level players may only find utility in Karil’s crossbow if they are specifically looking for Invention leveling gear, are building alternative loadouts, or enjoy niche dual-wielding builds. Otherwise, they may prefer more powerful weapons for optimal damage output.
For PvP
In PvP, the fast speed and versatility of dual-wield crossbows can offer unique advantages. The ability to pair it with different main-hand weapons allows for creative setups, though again, more powerful alternatives exist for serious PvP enthusiasts.
Karil’s Offhand Pistol Crossbow is a versatile and well-rounded weapon suitable for a variety of gameplay situations in RuneScape. Whether you’re a mid-level player looking to boost your Ranged damage or a veteran wanting a reliable secondary weapon for niche builds, it has something to offer. Though it may not match the raw power of endgame weapons, its affordability, speed, and augmentation options make it a solid choice for both practical use and Invention training. Understanding when and how to utilize Karil’s Offhand Pistol Crossbow will help you get the most value out of your time in Gielinor.