Understanding Undead Spells in RuneScape
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The world of RuneScape is rich with magic, and among its diverse spells, those that interact with the undead hold a unique place. There isn’t one single “undead spell” in RuneScape, but rather a variety of spells that target, manipulate, or are associated with undead creatures. These spells are spread across different spellbooks and serve various purposes, from combat to utility. To truly understand the concept of “undead spells” in RuneScape, it’s essential to explore the individual spells and their mechanics. These spells provide different game mechanics based on the spell book, combat triangle, as well as game-play functionality.
Spells That Affect Undead
Several spells in RuneScape directly interact with undead monsters. These are some of the most notable, often employed for training or completing specific tasks:
Crumble Undead
Crumble Undead is a combat spell from the standard spellbook that requires a Magic level of 39. This spell is specifically designed to inflict damage on undead monsters, with a maximum hit of 150 life points. The list of affected creatures is extensive, encompassing:
- Banshees
- Shades
- Zombies
- Skeletons
- Ghosts
- Crawling Hands
- Skeletal Hands
- Zombie Hands
- Revenants
- Zogres
- Skogres
- Ankous
This makes it a highly useful spell for training and specific slayer tasks. It is a very popular and frequently used magic spell. Crumble Undead costs 2 earth runes, 2 air runes, and 1 chaos rune to use, and it provides 98 experience points per successful cast. When used on target practice zombies underneath the Magic Guild, it can yield up to 110-130k experience per hour.
Undead Grasp
While Crumble Undead deals damage, Undead Grasp offers a different utility. It is a spell that can bind an opponent, preventing their movement. It has a base max hit of 24, and a 50% chance to stop the target from moving for four ticks (2.4 seconds). This chance becomes 100% if the Mark of Darkness spell is active, though the bind duration remains the same. The spell does not specify that it works only on undead, however its name suggests an association.
Other Related Spells and Abilities
While not directly labeled as “undead spells”, several spells in RuneScape have interactions with undead creatures, such as those that provide protection. Conversely there are many spells in RuneScape that cannot be used against undead due to their nature of being non-living. These types of protections and restrictions are useful game mechanics.
Spells that Create Undead
Unlike spells that harm undead, there are now spells that create undead. Runescape has introduced Necromancy as the 29th combat skill. This standalone combat style released on August 7, 2023, sits outside the existing combat triangle. While the skill involves many aspects, some of it includes the creation of undead as a combat companion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions that delve deeper into the nuances of undead spells and related mechanics in RuneScape:
-
What spellbook is Crumble Undead found in?
Crumble Undead is a combat spell found in the standard spellbook, making it widely accessible to players.
-
Can Crumble Undead be used against demons?
No, Crumble Undead specifically targets undead creatures. Attempting to use it on non-undead NPCs will trigger a chatbox message indicating that “This spell only affects skeletons, zombies, ghosts and shades.”
-
Do positive or negative damage effects heal or harm the undead in RuneScape?
Traditionally, negative damage heals Undead, while positive energy damages them. Undead creatures are damaged by positive energy, are healed by negative energy, and don’t benefit from healing effects.
-
What is the Animate Dead spell in RuneScape?
Animate Dead is an Ancient Magicks spell and an Aspect of Evasion requiring level 84 Magic and completion of the City of Senntisten to cast. For each piece of magic tank armour worn, the player casting the spell: Gains 10% of its armour value as flat damage reduction and gains 25% of your Defence level as flat damage. It is not a spell that creates undead but enhances the players survivability.
-
Can undead benefit from traditional healing effects?
No, according to their trait description, undead do not benefit from healing effects. They are instead affected oppositely by positive and negative energy.
-
Does Turn Undead exist in RuneScape, and how would it function?
There is no Turn Undead spell with that name in RuneScape. However, the described mechanic of pushing undead away could be similar to how some existing knock-back mechanics may work.
-
What immunities do undead have in RuneScape?
While there is no specific list given, the trait description for Undead would imply that they are immune to effects that would harm a living being such as poison, disease, or paralysis.
-
How do undead work in the lore of Runescape?
The undead in RuneScape are often reanimated corpses or spirits, brought back through magic, dark energy, or other supernatural means.
-
Is there a spell called Destroy Undead or Dispel Undead in RuneScape?
While similar concepts might be in other games, there is no spell with those exact names in RuneScape.
-
How effective is Crumble Undead against Ankous?
Crumble Undead is effective against Ankous as they are included in the list of undead monsters the spell can target.
-
Does RuneScape have Necromancy as a skill?
Yes, Necromancy is a recently released combat skill in RuneScape and it allows players to create their own undead minions.
-
Are there any druidic spells that interact with undead?
The druidic spell, specifically Bloom, which helps grow fungus on rotten logs, has no direct interaction with undead creatures.
-
Are Shadow spells considered earth spells in RuneScape?
Yes, from the Ancient Magicks spellbook, shadow spells are classified as earth spells and do not interact directly with undead in a particular way.
-
Are there any spells that prevent undead from forming?
There are no such spells in RuneScape that prevent undead from forming. Players should be aware of mechanics that allow undead to resurrect in combat.
-
What are the main weaknesses of undead in RuneScape?
While specific vulnerabilities depend on the type of undead, many undead in RuneScape are vulnerable to fire-based attacks, similar to how undead are vulnerable in many fantasy settings. Many Undead cannot regenerate against Holy or Slaying weapons.
Conclusion
The concept of undead spells in RuneScape encompasses a wide array of magical abilities and interactions. From spells that directly inflict damage on undead creatures to those that provide utility and support, this part of the game adds a deep and rich layer of gameplay. As you venture through Gielinor, be sure to consider the varied applications of these spells and their impact on your encounters with the reanimated. The recent addition of the Necromancy skill adds another exciting dimension to the world of RuneScape’s undead.