Demonic Skull and Double XP: A Comprehensive Guide for RuneScape 3 Players
The short answer to the question, “Does the Demonic Skull work with Double XP (DXP) in RuneScape 3?” is no, not directly. While both impact experience gains, they function independently of each other. The Demonic Skull provides a base XP modifier, while DXP only doubles your base experience. This article will delve into the intricacies of how these boosts interact, and will also address some frequently asked questions surrounding both the Demonic Skull and Double XP events.
Demonic Skull vs. Double XP Explained
Understanding Base XP Modifiers
In RuneScape 3, experience gains are calculated based on a “base XP” amount. This base XP is then modified by various bonuses, modifiers, and buffs. The Demonic Skull, used for Runecrafting in the Abyss, provides a significant 350% base XP modifier. This means that, without any other modifiers, you earn 3.5 times the normal experience when crafting runes.
How Double XP Functions
Double XP Live (DXP) events, on the other hand, work by directly doubling your base XP earned. For members, this is a 100% base XP modifier. So if your activity usually grants 100 XP, you will get 200 XP during DXP, before any other modifiers apply. For free-to-play players, it’s a 20% base xp modifier.
The Key Difference and Why They Don’t Stack Directly
The critical difference is that the Demonic Skull modifies the base XP before DXP is applied. So, while the Demonic Skull gives a huge 350% modifier to base xp, Double XP only doubles the original base xp. This is why you won’t see a massive 450% boost during DXP weekends. Instead, the Demonic Skull’s modifier is applied then DXP doubles the base xp, not the xp modified by the skull. This means that during double XP weekends runecrafting in the abyss with a Demonic Skull is actually LESS efficient.
For example, if your runecrafting action awards 100 base XP:
- Without DXP: Demonic Skull (350% boost) results in 450 total XP.
- During DXP: Demonic Skull still provides 350% boost, so your base becomes 450xp. DXP then doubles the original base, so adding another 100xp for 550 total xp.
- If DXP applied to the Demonic Skull’s boosted XP: The Demonic Skull would get doubled as well, and you would receive 900xp total.
Thus, using the Demonic Skull during DXP is still beneficial, but not as efficient as it is outside of DXP. The DXP boost is applied to a much smaller base, as the skull modifier adds its own boost. This leads most players to prioritize other skills during DXP and save their Demonic Skull use for regular experience training.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does the Demonic Skull work with Protean essence?
No, the Demonic Skull’s experience boost does not work with Protean essence. Additionally, the soul altar does not require any charges to use Protean essence.
2. Does the Demonic Skull stack with Brawlers?
If the Demonic Skull is used alongside Agility brawling gloves, the Demonic Skull bonus takes priority, and the bonuses do not stack. However, the brawling gloves will still lose their charge.
3. Does Bonus XP stack with Double XP Weekend?
Yes, Bonus XP (BXP) does stack with Double XP events. However, you can usually only use one consumable to provide a bonus at a time.
4. How Does Double XP work in RS3?
During Double XP Live, base XP for most combat and skilling activities is increased by +100% for RuneScape members and +20% for free-to-play players.
5. How do I maximize my DXP in RS3?
To maximize DXP, consider:
- Upgrading weapons and combat equipment to maximise experience gains when training combat skills.
- Joining clans and skilling in the clan citadel for a base 3% bonus experience, plus an additional 1% for each fealty rank (up to +3%), for a total of 6%.
- Actively using Bonus XP, torstol incense, Pulse Cores, and urns.
6. Does BXP stack with DXP in RS3?
Yes, Bonus XP (BXP) stacks with Double XP. During DXP, you essentially get 3x base xp (Base + Bxp + Dxp), meaning that any Bonus XP you’ve earned gets multiplied.
7. Does the Chaos Altar work on DXP?
No, altars have never worked with DXP. Specifically, the Chaos Altar does not benefit from DXP in any way.
8. Do Double XP tokens stack with Double XP 2k23?
Yes, Double XP tokens stack with Double XP Live events.
9. How often does RS3 do Double XP?
Double XP Live events typically run every 3 months (4 times a year).
10. How do you leave the abyss in RS3?
To leave the Abyss, simply enter the Abyss, find and enter the altar, then leave via the portal. No tiaras or talismans are necessary when entering the portals to go to the various altars via the Abyss.
11. Do Hunter urns work with Proteans?
No, using protean traps does not fill hunter urns.
12. Can you get skill shards from Proteans?
Yes, you can obtain skill shards from Proteans, but the likelihood is influenced by the number of actions, rather than the experience gained. This applies if you have a skill at level 99.
13. Does Powder of Burials work with DXP?
No, Powder of Burials does not work during Double XP Live. It also does not work for scattering demonic ashes nor the ectoplasmator variants.
14. Is the Chaos Altar better than Ecto?
Worshipping the Ectofuntus gives 400% of the normal experience. The Chaos Altar gives a theoretical average of 700% due to its 50% chance of bone non-consumption, but is less reliable. It depends on the amount of bones you bring.
15. Does XP Capacitor work with DXP?
Yes, XP Capacitors do stack with DXP.
Conclusion
The Demonic Skull, with its significant base XP modifier for Abyss Runecrafting, remains an incredible experience boosting tool in RuneScape 3. However, it is crucial to understand that it does not directly stack with Double XP Live events in the way some players might expect. DXP only doubles the base xp, and thus the Demonic Skull’s modifiers are applied first. This makes the Demonic Skull less efficient during DXP weekends, as the bonus xp isn’t as impactful as it is outside of DXP. By understanding the nuances of how these boosts work, players can make informed decisions about how to train their skills effectively. This also means it is often more effective to train runecrafting with a Demonic Skull outside of DXP.