When it comes to choosing between the Rune med helm and the Full helm in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), players often find themselves stuck in a conundrum. Both these pieces of armor have their unique advantages, catering to different playstyles. Let's delve into a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Firstly, let's understand the basics. The Rune med helm, short for medium rune helm, is a blue, spiked helm that offers a balance of defensive capabilities and a prayer bonus. On the other hand, the Full helm, also known as the Black full helm, is a black, full-faced helm with a striking resemblance to the Barrows set, offering superior defensive stats but no prayer bonus.
Defensive Capabilities
The primary difference between the two lies in their defensive stats. While the Rune med helm offers a +3 prayer bonus along with a defense bonus of +18, the Full helm boasts an impressive defense bonus of +32, which is considerably higher.
However, the Full helm's weight is a significant downside. It's heavy, weighing 4 kg more than the Rune med helm, which could slow down your running speed, hindering your ability to escape danger or quickly move around. This weight difference might be a deal-breaker for players prioritizing agility and speed.
Prayer Bonus: A Game-Changer
The Rune med helm's prayer bonus is not to be underestimated. For players heavily reliant on protective prayers like Protect from Melee, Protect from Missiles, or Protect from Magic, the Rune med helm can significantly boost their effective life points.
Moreover, the Rune med helm can be upgraded into the Runehavi, a helm that offers a +10 boost to the Nightmare Zone (NMZ) potion effect, adding another layer of utility for players focusing on high-level grinding and bossing.
Deflect Missiles: A Hidden Gem
Another factor worth considering is the Rune med helm's ability to deflect missiles. This unique passive bonus ensures that you take no damage from any missiles (ranged attacks) when wearing the helm. This feature alone can make the Rune med helm a popular choice among PvM (Player versus Monster) enthusiasts.
However, the Rune med helm's deflect missiles mechanic has a cooldown, making it inessential for bursts of high-damage ranged attacks. For such instances, the Full helm's superior defensive stats might prove more beneficial.
Availability and Cost
The Rune med helm is available from the Grand Exchange, requiring a combat level of 75 to wear. It can also be made by players with a Crafting level of 91. In contrast, the Full helm is a reward from Barrows, the chore minigame, making it less readily available.
The cost of these helms varies with the market fluctuating. Moreover, the cost of the Rune med helm includes the cost of crafting materials, which might be more expensive than the Full helm. However, players with high-level crafting can significantly reduce this cost.
StylePoints and Aesthetics
For some players, the appearance of the helm is just as important as its functionality. The Full helm, with its sleek black design, is often preferred for its high StylePoints, making it a popular choice for many players.
The Rune med helm, with its blue and spiked design, might not be everyone's cup of tea. However, it does offer a certain uniqueness, making it an attractive choice for those who prefer to stand out.
In the end, the choice between the Rune med helm and the Full helm largely depends on your playstyle. If you're a player who favors prayer and speed, the Rune med helm might be your best bet. However, if you prioritize defense and appearance, the Full helm could be the ideal choice. Why not try each out and see which one feels like the perfect fit for you?