What reanimate spells are and why they matter in OSRS
In Old School RuneScape, reanimate spells are a subset of necromancy magic that let you restore a skeleton or reanimated corpse to a temporary fighting form. They are popular in both skilling and combat because they provide mobile, semi-tanking allies you can dismiss and resummon at will. Understanding how these spells function, what gear and runes they require, and when to use them can improve your survivability, efficiency, and overall gameplay flexibility.
Core mechanics of reanimate spells
Reanimate spells bind a fresh stack of bones to an existing skeleton or corpse, effectively "rebuilding" a combat partner that you can command again. Each cast consumes runes and grants Magic experience, while the reanimated entity remains active for a limited duration or until dismissed. These spells typically require specific corpse types or previous summoning actions to target, and their success depends on your Magic level and the spell variant used. Below are common reanimate options and their verified requirements.
| Spell | Level required | Runes (per cast) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bones to bananas | 1 Magic | Air rune, Law rune | Utility option, not a traditional reanimate |
| Low tier reanimates | Various (often 30–40 Magic) | Corpse, blood runes + others | Common in early-to-mid content |
| High tier reanimates | 60+ Magic | Large rune investment, specific corpses | Used in endgame scenarios |
| Bonecrusher weapon (auto-reanimate) | 70 Slayer | No direct rune cost per reanimate | Passive effect when killing certain creatures |
How reanimate spells fit into training Magic
Using reanimate spells while training Magic can turn repetitive combat into a more interactive experience. You maintain control over a temporary ally that tanks enemies while you focus on casting or conserving supplies. This approach is helpful when practicing on aggressive monsters, as the skeleton can draw damage and allow you to reposition. It also provides consistent Magic experience per cast, especially when paired with gear and familiars that boost efficiency. However, it requires access to the needed corpses and runes, so planning your routes and inventory is important.
Practical uses in PvM and skilling
Reanimate spells see reliable use in several Old School RuneScape contexts, from solo grinds to group content. Players commonly employ them while training Slayer to keep a tanky helper nearby, or while gathering resources in dangerous areas where having an extra ally improves survivability. In PvM, these spells can help you handle packs of monsters or serve as a distraction while you focus on high-priority targets. They are also useful in boss encounters where a temporary skeleton can soak damage or trigger mechanics without risking your main health.
Skilling scenarios where reanimates help
- Training Magic with sustainable casts
- Protecting while mining or woodcutting in aggressive zones
- Holding aggro on dangerous creatures while you maintain distance
PvM scenarios where reanimates help
- Adding extra distraction against groups of enemies
- Triggering enemy attacks that require a targetable corpse or unit
- Testing mechanics in solo boss fights without risking your life points heavily
Requirements and preparation
Using reanimate spells effectively means knowing the spell level, rune cost, and corpse prerequisites for each variant. You will also need to manage inventory space for bones or corpses if the spell consumes them, and keep enough runes for sustained casting. In some situations, equipping a familiar or weapon that generates or holds bones can reduce downtime and improve your throughput. Always verify the specific requirements in the areas where you plan to train or hunt, because some locations restrict certain corpse types or make resupply harder.
Common misconceptions and clarified behavior
Some players assume reanimated entities act exactly like player-controlled companions, but they usually follow simpler AI and may not handle complex paths or target switches as well. Reanimation duration varies by spell and game tick behavior, so it is not always guaranteed to last through an entire fight. Additionally, not every skeleton type can be reanimated with any spell; you must match the correct spell to the corpse or obtain the necessary Magic level. Treat reanimate options as flexible tools rather than automatic replacements for permanent familiars, and plan around their limitations.
Summing up reanimate spells in Old School RuneScape
Reanimate spells give you an efficient, repeatable way to summon temporary allies for Magic training, Skilling safety, and PvM utility. They require thoughtful prep in terms of runes, corpses, and Magic level, but the payoff in sustained damage mitigation and experience gain can be substantial. By choosing the right reanimate variant for your content, understanding their limitations, and integrating them into your routine, you can make these spells a dependable part of your Old School RuneScape toolkit.