How to Get the Zombie Axe in Old School RuneScape

The Zombie Axe has quickly become one of the most exciting mid-level weapons in Old School RuneScape, bridging the gap between the Dragon Scimitar and the Abyssal Whip. Its strength and unique feel make it a highly desirable item-especially for Ironmen looking for long-term upgrades. However, obtaining it requires time, preparation, and a good understanding of the grind. While some players choose to buy OSRS gold to speed up their progress, this guide will focus on the in-game methods you can use to earn the Zombie Axe efficiently.

Quest and Skill Requirements

Before you can obtain the Zombie Axe, you’ll need to complete Defender of Varrock, which unlocks access to the armored zombies that drop it. That means you’ll have to knock out several prerequisite quests first. Most aren’t too difficult, but Garden of Tranquillity can be a little tedious because of its length.

Alongside quests, a handful of skill requirements are essential:

· 55 Smithing (70 to repair) - You only need 55 Smithing for Defender of Varrock, but the axe drops in a broken state. Repairing it requires 70. A practical way for Ironmen is to train to 66 via Giants’ Foundry, then use a Kovac’s grog (+4 boost) to reach 70 temporarily.

· 52 Hunter - Needed during the quest for a tracking segment.

· 65 Attack - Required to wield the Zombie Axe once repaired.

· Recommended stats - 60 Strength, 60 Defence, and at least 55 Magic (for High Alchemy) are very helpful.

Meeting these requirements ensures you can both obtain and actually use the axe once you finally get it.

Drop Rate and Loot Along the Way

The Zombie Axe is a 1/800 drop from armored zombies. This can be a long grind, especially if you go dry, so it’s crucial to pick up everything of value along the way. Fortunately, armored zombies drop a variety of useful items:

· Runes and Pure Essence (stackable and noted). Chaos, death, and blood runes are particularly useful if you’re bursting.

· Herbs - Unnoted, but storable in the Herb Sack.

· Planks - Normal, oak, and teak planks, all noted-excellent for Construction training.

· Coins and Alchables - Drops like adamant kiteshields and maces can be high-alched for steady profit.

· Hard Clue Scrolls (1/128) - Great for extra rewards, especially with clue boxes unlocked.

Picking up these items turns a potentially frustrating grind into a profitable one.

Killing Methods

There are two main strategies for farming the Zombie Axe: Melee and Mage (bursting/barraging).

1. Melee Method

Melee is slower but much more AFK-friendly. Set up near the ladder in the first room of armored zombies. By positioning carefully, you can “safe spot” the ranged zombie so only melee zombies reach you.

· Recommended stats: 65 Attack, 60 Strength, 60 Defence.

· Gear setup:

 o Helmet: Neitiznot Helm (or best available).

 o Amulet: Salve Amulet (e) - mandatory for bonus DPS.

 o Weapon: Dragon Scimitar until you obtain the Zombie Axe.

 o Body/Legs: Proselyte (for prayer bonus) or strong defensive armor.

 o Shield: Dragon Defender if possible.

 o Cape: Fire Cape or Ardougne Cloak.

 o Gloves/Boots/Ring: Barrows gloves, climbing boots, Berserker ring (or Explorer’s ring for prayer bonus).

Pray Melee if possible, or simply eat food to tank damage. Using Moonlight Mixes or prayer gear extends trips significantly.

2. Mage Method (Bursting/Barraging)

If you can afford the runes, bursting is by far the faster method. Armored zombies have level 1 Magic and no Magic defence, so you’ll land nearly every hit.

· Recommended stats: 62+ Magic (for Smoke Burst; Ice Burst/Barrage is better), 60 Defence for tanking.

· Gear setup:

 o Helmet/Body: Proselyte for prayer bonus.

 o Amulet: Salve Amulet (ei) - enchanted and imbued for Magic damage boost.

 o Weapon: Best available staff (ancient staff, master wand, etc.).

 o Off-hand: Book of Darkness or similar.

 o Cape: God Cape or Ardougne Cloak.

 o Other gear: Mystic boots, Barrows gloves, prayer ring or Explorer’s ring.

The bursting spot is northwest of the starting area. Use corner “stacking” to gather zombies into a tight group, then unleash AoE spells. Mix in the occasional Blood Burst to heal from the ranger zombie’s damage, but avoid using it exclusively since blood runes are costly.

Final Tips

· Be patient-at 1/800, the Zombie Axe can take thousands of kills.

· Always pick up stackables, planks, and alchables to make the grind rewarding.

· Use melee for AFK sessions and mage for maximum efficiency.

· Make sure your Salve Amulet (e or ei) is equipped at all times-it’s the biggest DPS boost you’ll get here.

Whether you get lucky at 100 kills or go dry past 2,000, you’ll walk away with valuable resources, experience, and eventually one of the best mid-level weapons in the game. The Zombie Axe is worth the grind-good luck on your hunt! And if you’d rather skip some of the slower parts of the journey, many players look for the cheapest OSRS gold to help cover supplies and gear upgrades along the way.