Black dragon

Black dragons are very powerful monsters, and like all other dragons, an Anti-dragon shield is a must when fighting them. They are level 227 in RuneScape, and level 200 in RuneScape Classic. They are not as popular as the weaker blue dragons and green dragons, but their chance of dropping the much coveted Draconic visage makes them popular to kill, although the chances of getting one are very slim.

Locations
Black dragons can only be found in three locations across RuneScape:
 * Taverley Dungeon - Requires dusty key or level 70-80 agility
 * Lava Maze Dungeon in level 42-43 Wilderness
 * Evil Chicken's Lair after completing the Sir Amik Varze subquest of Recipe for Disaster

Strengths and weaknesses
Black dragons have among the highest defence for a monster in RuneScape. As with all dragons, an anti-dragon shield/Dragonfire shield and/or an Antifire potion is essential when fighting them. Without one, players can be hit extremely hard by dragonfire (over 50 points of damage). Lower-leveled players could potentially be killed in one hit by this attack. Even with a Anti-dragon shield, dragonfire will still deal up to 5 damage, unless an anti-fire potion is consumed. The dragons' melee attacks deal up to 21 damage or may be completely negated with Protect from Melee. If a player uses a/an Anti-dragon/Dragonfire shield, Anti-fire potion and Protect from Melee (sustained by Prayer potions), they will be using an expensive-but-safe method of killing the dragons. It is advised if the player is not using protect from melee (i.e. if they don't bring prayer potions) that they have at least a few prayer points in case a battle turns sour.

They can be ranged or maged safely in all of their locations. If ranging it is advisable to use a crossbow (ideally a Rune crossbow with Mithril or Adamant bolts) as an Anti-dragon/Dragonfire shield can still be equipped but as long as the player remains in the safespot, they do not need to equip one of the shields - their dragonfire, unlike that of Metal Dragons and the King Black Dragon is only melee-ranged.

Players with a high Attack and Strength level could also fight them in a Safe spot with a Dragon halberd, as the Special attack does decent damage on them.

Using emerald bolts (e), one can poison the black dragon. Since the dragon has a lot of hit points, the poison can do around 15 to 20 poison damage before the dragon before it finally dies. Just remember to switch to a different set of bolts when the poison procs (such as broad-tipped bolts).

100% drops

 * Dragon bones
 * Black dragonhide

Weapons, Armour and Ammunition

 * 16 Adamant darts (p)
 * 30 Adamant javelins
 * Adamant platebody
 * Black axe
 * Dragon medium helmet
 * Dragon Spear
 * Mithril kiteshield
 * Mithril axe
 * Mithril battleaxe
 * Mithril two-handed sword
 * Rune chainbody
 * Rune javelins
 * Rune kiteshield
 * 2 Rune knives
 * Rune longsword
 * Rune sq shield
 * Rune two-handed sword
 * Shield left half
 * 150 Steel arrows
 * Rune battleaxe
 * 42 Rune Arrows
 * Rune spear

Runes

 * 75 Air runes
 * 15 Blood runes
 * 5-45 Death runes
 * 50 Fire runes
 * 3,10,45 Law runes
 * 67 Nature runes
 * 10 Chaos runes

Other

 * Coins
 * 1 or 2 Adamantite bars
 * Chaos Talisman
 * 3 Charms
 * Gold
 * Green
 * Crimson
 * Blue
 * Chocolate cake
 * Level 3 Clue Scroll
 * Draconic visage (extremely rare)
 * Uncut Gems
 * Sapphire
 * Emerald
 * Ruby
 * Diamond
 * Dragonstone
 * Half key
 * Nature Talisman
 * Runite bar
 * Silver Ore
 * Black Dragon egg (99 Summoning required) You must have 99 Summoning to obtain the drop, unlike other eggs.

Trivia

 * Many rangers pick up the hides and bones dropped to pay for the bolts or arrows.
 * In RuneScape Classic Black Dragons were the strongest monsters in RuneScape until the release of the King Black Dragon.

Black Dragon