Unearthing the Past: What Used to Drop Dragon Claws?
The answer depends entirely on which game you’re talking about! The iconic “dragon claws” exist in several games, each with its own unique mechanics and lore. Most notably, Dragon Claws were a highly sought-after item from Chambers of Xeric Raids in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), but they were also obtainable in other ways. In other games, “dragon claws” might refer to crafting components harvested from dragons, or rare items dropped by specific enemies. Let’s delve into the specifics of how you’d acquire “dragon claws” in different gaming contexts, primarily focusing on OSRS where they had a significant impact on the metagame.
The Glory Days of OSRS Dragon Claws
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), dragon claws are a pair of metallic claws made from dragon metal. They were a rare drop from the Chambers of Xeric raid. They quickly rose to prominence because of their special attack, “Claws of Guthix,” a devastatingly powerful and accurate flurry of four rapid hits. This made them incredibly potent in player-versus-player (PvP) combat and useful for some bossing scenarios.
Beyond the Chambers: Alternative OSRS Acquisition
While the primary source was the Chambers of Xeric, there was another, albeit temporary and less reliable, method of obtaining dragon claws in OSRS:
- Last Man Standing: During a game of Last Man Standing, players could temporarily obtain dragon claws from objects opened with bloodier keys. This was not a consistent way to acquire them permanently, but offered a chance to experience their power within the minigame.
Dragon Claws in Other Gaming Universes
The concept of “dragon claws” isn’t unique to OSRS. Other games feature items or components derived from dragons that could fall under this broad category.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
In The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, you obtain dragon claws by shooting the dragons that soar the skies. These materials are crucial for upgrading armor and infusing weapons with elemental powers. Unlike OSRS, there is no weapon named “Dragon Claws” in TOTK; rather the claws themselves are used as crafting resources.
Skyblock
In Skyblock, the Dragon Claw is a rare drop from killing dragons in The End. This drop is essential for upgrading certain items and progressing through the game. The drop rate is dependent on how many summoning eyes have been placed before the fight, with a chance per placed eye.
Skyrim
In The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, you find various dragon claws scattered throughout the world, typically in ancient Nordic ruins. These claws aren’t weapons, but rather keys used to solve puzzle doors and progress through dungeons.
MMORPGs and Other Titles
Many other MMORPGs and RPGs feature dragon claws as either crafting components, rare drops from dragons, or even as weapons themselves. Their utility varies wildly depending on the game’s mechanics.
Why Were Dragon Claws So Desirable?
The popularity of dragon claws, particularly in OSRS, stemmed from several factors:
- High Damage Output: The “Claws of Guthix” special attack was capable of delivering immense burst damage, often catching opponents off guard.
- Accuracy: The special attack was known for its high accuracy, making it reliable even against heavily armored opponents.
- Rarity: Their rarity from the Chambers of Xeric made them a status symbol and a valuable commodity.
- Versatility: While primarily used in PvP, they found niche uses in Player vs Environment situations, offering new ways to deal damage.
FAQs about Dragon Claws
1. What exactly is the “Claws of Guthix” special attack?
In OSRS, the “Claws of Guthix” special attack consumed 50% of the weapon’s special attack energy and unleashed a rapid flurry of four individual hits. Each hit had its own accuracy roll, allowing for potentially devastating damage.
2. How rare were Dragon Claws from Chambers of Xeric?
Dragon Claws were considered a rare drop from the Chambers of Xeric. The exact drop rate was never officially released by Jagex, but community estimates suggested a drop rate of approximately 1 in 500 raids or higher, depending on party size and raid completion speed.
3. Were there any skill requirements to wield Dragon Claws in OSRS?
Yes, wielding Dragon Claws in OSRS required a minimum Attack level of 60.
4. Did Dragon Claws have any other stats besides Attack bonuses?
In OSRS, Dragon Claws primarily provided Attack bonuses. Their defensive stats were relatively low, emphasizing their offensive nature.
5. What was the price of Dragon Claws in OSRS’s Grand Exchange?
The price of Dragon Claws in the Grand Exchange fluctuated based on demand and supply, but they were consistently a high-value item, often trading for tens of millions of gold pieces, peaking when a major change to a new fighting meta.
6. How do Dragon Claws work in Tears of the Kingdom?
In Tears of the Kingdom, Dragon Claws are harvestable materials dropped from dragons by shooting certain parts of their bodies with arrows. These claws are used for upgrading armor sets and fusing with weapons to grant them elemental properties, depending on the dragon they came from.
7. What dragons drop claws in Tears of the Kingdom?
The dragons you can farm for claws in Tears of the Kingdom are:
- Dinraal (Fire Dragon)
- Naydra (Ice Dragon)
- Farosh (Lightning Dragon)
- Light Dragon (Zelda)
8. Can I use Dragon Claws as weapons in Tears of the Kingdom?
No, you cannot directly use Dragon Claws as standalone weapons in Tears of the Kingdom. They are primarily used as fusing materials and for armor upgrades.
9. How do I effectively farm Dragon Claws in Tears of the Kingdom?
The best way to farm Dragon Claws in Tears of the Kingdom is to find a good position on the dragon, hop off, and glide for a slow-motion shot at the desired part (usually the foot/hand) using a bow and arrow. The dragons have a timer, as well as an animation they do that you can use to figure out how to time it. You can trigger another drop by either teleporting to a new area, or camping at a fire until morning, and then re-engaging the dragon.
10. What are Dragon Claws used for in Skyrim?
In Skyrim, Dragon Claws are keys used to unlock puzzle doors found within Nordic ruins. Each claw has a specific sequence of symbols that must be matched to open the door and proceed further into the dungeon.
11. Where can I find Dragon Claws in Skyrim?
Dragon Claws in Skyrim can be found in various locations, often in the possession of draugr or other enemies guarding ancient ruins. Some are also sold by merchants. The locations are:
- Amethyst Claw in Vahlok’s Tomb.
- Coral Claw bought from Birna in Winterhold.
- Diamond Claw on a Draugr in Skuldafn.
- Glass Claw in Forelhost.
- Iron Claw in Valthume.
12. Do all Dragon Claws in Skyrim unlock the same doors?
No, each Dragon Claw in Skyrim is unique and unlocks a specific puzzle door associated with the ruin where it is found.
13. What is the Dragon Claw reforge stone in Skyblock?
In Skyblock, the Dragon Claw is a RARE Reforge Stone used to apply the Fabled reforge to swords and fishing rods, granting Strength and Crit Damage. It’s obtained from killing Dragons in the End.
14. What factors impact the drop rate of Dragon Claws in Skyblock?
The chance of getting a Dragon Claw in Skyblock increases with the number of Summoning Eyes placed before summoning the Dragon.
15. How does gaming impact learning?
Games can significantly enhance learning by providing interactive and engaging experiences. GamesLearningSociety.org, showcases how game-based learning can foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and collaboration. The Games Learning Society works to promote the understanding and use of games for educational purposes.
In Conclusion
The concept of “dragon claws” varies significantly across different games, from powerful weapons in OSRS to crafting materials in Tears of the Kingdom and puzzle keys in Skyrim. Understanding the specific context is key to appreciating their role and significance in each respective game world. No matter the form, the allure of the dragon and its associated treasures continues to captivate gamers across genres.