Spear

Spears are two-handed long weapons; whereas hastas are one-handed. They are obtained from either monster drops, purchasing from a shop or players, or smithing on the special barbarian anvils after learning in Barbarian Training. Spears can be poisoned with normal weapon poisons or a Karambwan Paste, which is more potent and can only be used on spears (this was an attempt by Jagex to make spears more popular).

Although they can only be used to train controlled and defensive attacks, spears are still arguably the most flexible weapons in the game, as they are the only weapon to use Stab, Crush, and Slash attack styles. However, spears are rarely used as they do not excel in any particular style and other two-handed weapons, such as the two-handed sword and the halberd have higher attack bonuses. The only exception to this is Vesta's spear, and the Zamorakian spear. All other spears (and hastas) have equal attack bonuses.

Every spear combat style except Defensive gives shared melee experience (Attack, Strength, and Defence). All styles also give Hitpoint experience.

With the weapon animation update of july 28 the zamorakian spear's attack animation has been improved making it appear far more credible. The same attacking sprite has been applied to the regular spears (bronze-dragon) so that they are, concerning animations, on one line with the newly improved zamorakian spear.