The abyssal whip is one of the most iconic weapons in Old School RuneScape. Requiring 70 Attack to wield, this one-handed melee weapon has remained a staple for mid-to-high level players thanks to its speed, affordability, and non-degradable nature. While many obtain it as a drop from abyssal demons, others prefer to buy it directly with OSRS Gold on the Grand Exchange, where it’s consistently one of the most traded items. Though outclassed in raw power by weapons like the Ghrazi Rapier or Blade of Saeldor, the whip continues to be one of the most reliable training tools in the game.
How to Get the Abyssal Whip
There are several ways to obtain the abyssal whip. Players most commonly get it as a 1/512 drop from abyssal demons in the Slayer Tower or Wilderness Slayer Cave. Greater abyssal demons in the Catacombs of Kourend also drop the whip at the same 1/512 rate, making them another reliable source. The Abyssal Sire offers another path through the unsired, which has about a 1/10 chance to be exchanged for a whip. For those who prefer skipping the grind, the Grand Exchange offers a steady supply at a relatively affordable price.
Combat Stats and Special Attack
The abyssal whip provides a +82 slash attack bonus and a +82 strength bonus, making it a powerful and balanced melee option. It attacks every 2.4 seconds, at the same speed as scimitars, making it very efficient for training. Players can choose between three combat styles: Flick for Attack XP, Lash for shared XP across Attack, Strength, and Defence, and Deflect for Defence XP. Its special attack, Energy Drain, consumes half the player’s special attack energy to increase accuracy by 25%. In PvP, it also drains 10% of the target’s run energy and transfers it to the wielder.
Variants and Cosmetic Options
Over time, players have been given ways to customise or upgrade the whip. The ornament kit version (or) provides a cosmetic enhancement, while volcanic and frozen whip mixes from Last Man Standing also alter its appearance but make it untradeable. For players looking for a real upgrade, the Abyssal Tentacle is created by attaching a kraken tentacle to a whip. It requires 75 Attack, boosts stats further, and comes with 10,000 charges before the whip is consumed.
Best Uses
The abyssal whip remains one of the best training weapons for Attack and Defence. It’s especially popular for:
- Slayer tasks – thanks to its speed and slash accuracy.
- General combat training – an affordable, reliable option for building melee stats.
- Treasure Trails – sometimes required for Master clue steps.
Final Thoughts
The abyssal whip has stood the test of time in OSRS. Affordable, fast, and reliable, it’s an excellent weapon for Slayer training and general melee combat. While eventually replaced by higher-tier weapons in late-game PvM, its unique mix of speed and power ensures that every player benefits from owning one during their journey. Whether you’re grinding Slayer or just training stats, the abyssal whip remains a true RuneScape classic.
