Steel dragon

Steel dragons are dragons with a combat level of 246 found in the Brimhaven Dungeon, the fortress of Ghorrock in the north-west of the Wilderness, and inside Kuradal's Dungeon. They can also be bought as a guardian for player-owned dungeons (only for the treasure room) for 10 million coins if the player's Construction level is 95.

Please note that with all player-owned dungeon monsters; that monsters in the dungeon will not drop any items and will not give any experience in combat.

Weakness


Like most metal dragons, Steel Dragons have extremely high defence. Since they are made out of metal, they are fairly weak to magic attacks, so spells like fire surge or magic dart are useful against them. An anti-dragon shield or dragonfire shield reduce most damage from dragonfire, an antifire potion or antifire mix reduces some dragonfire damage, and an appropriate shield and potion/mix used together negate all damage from dragonfire. (With no protection, dragonfire has a maximum hit of 490. With just a shield, it has a max hit of 50. With just a potion/mix, the max hit is reduced a bit to 250 but is still quite high, making it difficult to slay even one steel dragon without taking extensive damage.)

Weapons such as the dragon battleaxe, dragon mace, and Tzhaar-ket-em can be a good choice for meleeing because of their ability to be wielded with a shield, high crush attack bonus, and high strength bonus. Another alternative is the Leaf-bladed sword, which has the best stab bonus for any one handed-weapon and thus is very accurate. An Abyssal whip, despite having no crush bonuses whatsoever, is another choice, since the fast attack speed and high strength bonus can sometimes be considered more effective than a slow crush weapon like a dragon Mace, though accuracy may be a problem. Alternatively, a player who can make Super antifire potions can use Verac the Defiled's set instead. The set has a very high crush bonus and a chance to hit through armour, so it provides a very effective and fast alternative to kill these dragons. Another option is Dharoks the Wretched's set which also provides fast kills on Crush setting although care should be taken.

Cautions
Around the Brimhaven Dungeon are black demons, fire giants and wild dogs, so, players going to kill steel dragons may be attacked by them while passing through. Steel dragons also have the ability to use their fire breath from a distance, an ability shared with the other metal dragons, Elvarg during the Dragon Slayer quest, Brutal Green Dragons, and the King Black Dragon, so using a safe spot will not help against these beasts. Steel dragons can hit up to 220 with melee, and even harder with their breath if you are foolish/forgetful enough to leave your anti-dragon shield somewhere that is not on your character. However, some people bring runes to mage them while not getting hit at all, by standing at least 1 space away from its head (Being on low detail helps, as you can see the floor grid), wearing an Anti-dragon shield and drinking Anti-fire potions. It is also advisable to range these dragons as rangers can kill 50 or more dragons in one trip. Players planning to range them should bring several ranging potions and anti-fire potions. Usually around five ranging potions and 9 antifire potions. Bring some blessed dragon hide or black dragon hide with several adamant and emerald tipped (e) bolts. Players should also be sure to bring a woodcutting hatchet which you have the required level to use in order to negotiate the vines in Brimhaven Dungeon. If players wish to melee these dragons, prayer potions are a must for killing them effectively(about 10-15 per inventory). It is, however, NOT recommended that players kill these dragons with melee unless all their melee stats are 85 or higher. Meleers should use the Protect from Melee prayer, because defence is practically useless against them as they are so strong. Even with prayer, it is recommended that players bring 2-3 pieces of high level food just in case.

It is recommended to put game setting (under the chat box) to "filter." Otherwise, the message stating that the player's dragonfire resistance running out will be lost.

Locations
The best place to kill Steel dragons (if you were assigned by Kuradal) is definitely Kuradal's Dungeon. However, if you aren't allowed to kill the ones in her dungeon there is also the Brimhaven Dungeon. Note, however, that there are also Iron dragons in the Brimhaven Dungeon and they are aggressive. Once the aggressiveness of the Iron dragons has worn off, the Brimhaven Dungeon is also an excellent place to kill Steel dragons. Another location where Steel dragons are found is around the Fortress of Ghorrock, if you have progressed along The Temple at Senntisten quest far enough. However, getting there is much harder than getting to the Brimhaven Dungeon or Kuradal's Dungeon. Players must walk through the Wilderness in order to get to the Fortress of Ghorrock and you will most likely meet Revenants along the way. Alternatively, players with a Magic level of 96 or above are able to use the Ghorrock teleport in the Ancient Magicks spellbook to teleport to the Ice Plateau in the Wilderness. Player with 89 Magic and access to the lunar spellbook may use Ice Plateau Teleport which also leaves the player close to the fortress. Players who kill dragons here find few people and no revenants once inside the fortress since it is not actually part of the Wilderness. The easiest way to get there if a player lacks the teleport spells is to use the Ardougne teleport lever. As mentioned before it is likely that you will encounter revenants, but they can be easily outrun. Please note that if you do encounter one it will most likely get in 1-3 hits before you can escape, so make sure you are prepared to take that damage.

Strategy
Brimhaven Dungeon is the best place to kill Steel dragons if they are not your slayer task. Players should note that iron dragons, as mentioned above, are aggressive and might interrupt a player who is getting ready to mage or range a steel dragon. Melee users will also find it hard to get the iron dragons off their back. There are 4 possible strategies to kill Steel dragons:

Strategy 1 (Melee: Prayer + antifire)
Items to bring:

Note: Try to keep the ratio Prayer potions - Antifire potions to 2:1.
 * 10 Prayer Potions
 * Leaf bladed sword/Abyssal Whip
 * Armour with good prayer bonus (i.e. Soul Wars Cape, Initiate)
 * Antidragon shield/Dragonfire shield
 * 5 Antifire potion
 * 1-2 Sharks or enhanced excalibur
 * 875 coins (free with Karamja Gloves 3 equipped)
 * Hatchet (any type)

Skills Needed:
 * 43 Prayer
 * 80+ Melee stats

Strategy: Player turns on protect from melee, wields Antidragon/dragonfire shield and drinks antifire potion. This makes the player immune to the Dragons attacks. When prayer is low, drink a prayer potion. If the dragon uses dragonfire and you take damage, drink an antifire potion again. Once all potions are over, teleport away to Camelot. Restock on supplies, and withdraw 1355 coins(or 480 coins if Karamja Gloves 3 are equipped). Run to Catherby and Charter a boat to Brimhaven(or use glory and walk to dungeon with 875 coins or gloves). Enter the dungeon and make your way to the dragons again.

Strategy 2 (Magic: Claws of Guthix/Fire Wave/Fire Surge)
Items to bring:
 * Magic runes (1000 blood runes and 5000 air runes would do fine for fire wave.)
 * Magic staff (Fire/air mystic staff or Staff of light for Fire Surge, or void knight mace for Claws of Guthix)
 * Magic armour (Ahrim suggested, or mystic. Hexcrest if on a slayer task)
 * 2-3 Sharks and Enhanced excalibur
 * 3-4 Antifire potions
 * Antidragon shield
 * Emergency teleport
 * Hatchet (any type, bringing a bronze hatchet allows you to drop it and extend your trip)
 * 875 Coins(905 coins if you go from ardougne)

Skills needed:
 * 95 Magic, (Fire Surge) 75 Magic (Fire wave) or 60 Magic

Strategy: Note that you need to equip your anti-dragon shield/Dragonfire shield. Drink your magic potion and your antifire potion, and stand at least one step away from the dragon. Turn Auto-retaliate on and start to attack the steel dragon. Drink your potions when needed

Please note that you can also use the exact same outfit but chaos gauntlets and runes for fire bolt to kill Steel Dragons with a cheaper method.

Strategy 3 (Ranging: No Prayer)
Items to bring: Skill requirements: Strategy: See Strategy 2!
 * Ranging weapon (rune crossbow recommended)
 * Ranging armour (Armadyl, Void Ranger, or Black D'hide are recommended, it's not recommended to use karil, as it will cost extra and the extra defence is not needed)
 * Ruby bolts (e), Diamond bolts (e) or Broad bolts
 * Anti-dragon shield
 * 10-15 antifire potions
 * 2-3 Sharks Enhanced Excalibur
 * Emergency Teleport (just in case)
 * 1-2 Ranging potions
 * 875 Coins
 * Any hatchet
 * 70+ ranging

Strategy 4 (Mage/Range Hybrid: No Prayer)
Items to bring: Skill requirements: Strategy: Range until you need healing then switch to Blood Blitz
 * Black Dragonhide Top
 * Lunar Legs
 * Ancient Staff
 * Ranging weapon (rune crossbow recommended)
 * Crossbow bolts of your choice
 * Lunar Cape
 * Lunar Boots
 * Ring of Life
 * Regen Bracelet
 * Glory Amulet
 * Helm of Neitiznot
 * Anti-dragon Shield
 * 10-15 antifire potions
 * 2 tuna potatoes
 * 1000 Death Runes
 * 4000 Blood Runes
 * (optional) Beast of Burden familiar
 * Ectophial
 * 875 coins
 * amulet of ranging (your choice)
 * Hatchet
 * Requires 80 Magic and Desert Treasure quest completion for Blood Blitz spell (which will eliminate the need for food)

Useful for hunting Steel dragons

 * Completion of Rum Deal for a Holy wrench.
 * Progress in The Temple at Senntisten quest to access the Steel dragons around the Fortress of Ghorrock.
 * Completion of Recruitment Drive to be able to use Initiate armour.
 * Completion of Slug Menace to be able to use Proselyte armour.
 * Completion of Nomad's requiem for a Soul Wars cape.
 * Alternatively, completion of Ardougne Diary for Ardougne cloak 3.
 * Completion of Fremennik Isles for a Helm of Neitiznot.
 * Completion of Smoking Kills for a Slayer helmet (if you're on a Slayer task).
 * Slayer level of 55 and Ranged level of 50 or above to be able to use Broad-tipped bolts.
 * Completion of Family Crest quest for Chaos gauntlets (if you're going to use the Magic method).

Melee
Using Melee to kill Steel dragons is probably the fastest and most efficient way of killing them. However, you will need to invest in Prayer potions, which can cost a lot.

Melee could easily be the best way of killing Steel dragons. Using this method you will need to have the Protect from Melee Prayer on at all times when fighting with the dragons. Alternatively, players who have completed The Temple at Senntisten quest and have a Prayer level of 71 or above can use the Ancient Zarosian Curse - Deflect Melee, which is a lot more useful, while not draining your prayer points any faster. While protecting from, or deflecting melee attacks and having sufficient protection from dragonfire, the dragons cannot hit you at all.

In order to preserve as many prayer points and Prayer potions as possible, you should wear armour that provides high prayer bonus. Armour such as Initiate or Proselyte armour would be an excellent choice. Alternatively, players who have not completed quests that are required for Initiate and Proselyte armour, can use Monk's robes which provide the same prayer bonus as Initiate armour while not requiring any quests. Bandos armour, with it's +6 strength bonus, is only worth it if you are willing to bring several additional prayer potions. Players who do not wish to use a Ring of Wealth might want to use a Ferocious ring in Kuradal's Dungeon, as it inflicts +40 more damage for every hit above 0 that you deal. Also, a Berserker ring is an option.

The best choice of primary weaponry would be the Chaotic Rapier or the Abyssal whip as they provide good attack and strength bonuses. The rapier utilizes stab attacks which can devastate steel dragons. Players who can make Super antifire potions may think about using a Godsword like the Saradomin godsword as a primary weapon as it's special attack restores health as well as prayer points. A Zamorakian Spear uses stab attacks and has a slight prayer bonus, making it another good weapon to kill these dragons. A good choice of secondary weaponry would be the Dragon dagger (p++) or Dragon mace. If you're more interested in fast kills rather than maximum experience points, the dragon dagger is the better option.

In your inventory you should have your secondary choice of weaponry, 4 or 5 Anti-fire (or Super anti-fire) potions, 3 or 4 Super attack (or Extreme attack) potions, 3 or 4 Super strength (or Extreme strength) potions and around 10 prayer potions. Players who have completed the Rum Deal quest should take a Holy wrench as it restores an additional 1-2 prayer points per prayer potion sip you drink. Using a Rune crossbow on long ranged then switching to a melee weapon is highly recommended to keep the away from the Irons in the Brimhaven Dungeon.

If you're using the Melee method, consider bringing a Beast of Burden familiar. It often happens that your inventory is too full to hold all the loot. This is a time when bringing a few Beast of Burden pouches becomes very useful. If you are bringing more than one pouch, make sure you also bring a Summoning potion or a Super Restore potion to restore your summoning points if you should run out. Alternatively, there is a small obelisk at the entrance of the metal dragon area.

Ranged
Using the Ranged method to kill Steel Dragons is the most cost efficient method of killing Steel dragons. You're not paying a lot of money for prayer potions like with the Melee method. In fact the only money you spend goes into buying Anti-fire potions and bolts.

When Ranging Steel dragons you should always be around 2-4 squares away from the dragon in order to avoid it using it's melee attack on you. Using this method, you need to be under the protection of the Anti-fire potion at all times as the dragon will only be using it's fire breath attack on you. Make sure the effect of the potion doesn't run out. When you see the warning message, drink a sip of the potion.

Use the best Ranged armour available to you. You need as much ranged attack bonus as possible. Dragonhide armour or better is recommended. If you are on a Slayer task and you are killing them in Kuradal's Dungeon, wearing a Ferocious ring will make you inflict +40 more damage for every hit you deal above 0. You could also wear an Archer ring or a Ring of Wealth. The Dragonfire Shield has a small ranged attack penalty, and therefore is less attractive than the much cheaper anti-dragon shield.

It would be useful to have a Slayer level of 55 or above. After 55 Slayer you are able to use Broad-tipped bolts which are good, low cost bolts. If you don't have a Slayer level of 55 or above, you could alternatively use Mithril bolts, Emerald bolts (e) or better. Diamond (e) bolts sometimes ignore most of your target's ranged defence, and are a faster but more expensive way to range steel dragons.

You should have around 12 Anti-fire potions in your inventory. Ranging potions are also highly recommended, as they can speed up kills considerably.

Since you wont need much inventory space for the Ranged method, lack of inventory space is unlikely to occur. Therefore taking Beast of Burden familiars is optional. Use it to bring more supplies, make sure you have enough pouches and Summoning or Super restore potions to keep renewing the familiar.

Magic
If you are planning on using the Magic method to kill Steel dragons, you should know that it could be very expensive. This is primarily done for Magic or Slayer Experience. The method is very similar to the Ranging method. Stand 2-4 squares away from the dragon and drink a sip of Anti-fire potion when needed.

You should use the best Magic armour available to you. Mystic robes give a good magic bonus while being relatively cheap, which makes them a good choice for killing Steel dragons. Ahrim's robes provide much higher magic attack bonusus but are more expensive. Battle Robes paired with a Staff of Light will save 50% of the runes you use, as well as providing better bonusus than mystic robes.

If you are killing steel dragons in Kuradal's Dungeon, wearing a Ferocious ring will make you inflict +40 more damage for every hit you deal above 0. Using a Seers' ring or a Ring of Wealth will increase your accuracy or drops, respectively. If you are going to be using the Fire bolt spell, it would be useful to wear Chaos gauntlets, as they increase your max hit with bolt spells by 3.

Depending on the spell you will be using you should choose the right Staff to fit your needs. A Staff of Light will increase magic damage by 15% and save all runes used to cast a spell 1/8th of the time (increased to 50% with Battle Robes).

Using the Chaos gauntlets and casting the Fire bolt spell would probably be the most cost effective way. However, the more powerful spell you use, the more damage you will do, but also the more money it costs.

You should take around 16 Anti-fire potions with you. If you wish to inflict more damage, more often, you may want to think about bringing some Magic (or Extreme magic) potions.

Since, like with the Ranging method, you will have free inventory space, taking a Beast of Burden familiar is not necessary (unless you wish to bring back extra drops such as dragon bones to help pay for the trip when you leave).

100% drops

 * Dragon bones
 * 5 Steel bars

Weapons

 * Rune hatchet (common)
 * Rune mace (common)
 * Rune 2h sword (rare)
 * Rune battleaxe (rare)
 * Rune spear (very rare)
 * Dragon spear (extremely rare)

Armour

 * Adamant kiteshield (uncommon)
 * Adamant sq shield (uncommon)
 * Rune full helm (rare)
 * Rune kiteshield (rare)
 * Rune sq shield (rare)
 * Dragon med helm (very rare)
 * Dragon platelegs (very rare)
 * Dragon plateskirt (very rare)

Ammo and Runes

 * 20 Blood runes (very common)
 * 45 Law runes
 * 42 Rune arrows
 * 9-12 Rune darts (p) (common)
 * 7 Rune javelins (very common)
 * 5 Soul runes
 * 150 Steel arrows (rare)
 * 2-12 Rune bolts (common)
 * 7 Rune knives (common)
 * 20 Adamant javelins (rare)
 * 45 Death Runes (rare)
 * 67 Nature rune (rare)

Other items

 * Draconic visage (extremely rare) (approximately 1/4900; based on 7 drops, 34,528 kills)
 * Level 3 Clue Scroll
 * Curry (1-2)
 * Dragonstone (very rare)
 * Uncut gem
 * Half of a key (rare)
 * Runite limbs (very common)
 * Runite bar (common)
 * 100 Silver ore (noted) (rare)
 * Shield left half (extremely rare)
 * Super attack potion (3) (common)
 * Super defence potion (2)
 * Nature Talisman (extremely rare)
 * Coins
 * Steel dragon tail-bone (after Fur 'n' Seek)
 * Ferocious ring (only in Kuradal's Dungeon)
 * Court Summons
 * Starved ancient effigy

Trivia

 * As with all dungeon monsters, Steel dragons that are purchased and placed in dungeons do not drop items when they die. However, the dragon's dragonfire can still be used to charge the Dragonfire shield, making the dragon a highly desired guardian.
 * The steel dragon's max with its dragonfire when used against an unprotected player is 490. The dragon seems to hit higher more often when using its ranged dragonfire attack.
 * Steel dragons can break a cannon so it is highly recommended to not bring one.
 * Leech Ranged does not work against Steel dragons, implying that they do not possess a Ranged level. This may be because they do not use any Ranged attacks, as dragon fire is not considered ranged. The same can be said for Bronze and Iron dragons. Mithril Dragons use Range, therefore, leech Ranged does affect them.
 * Steel dragons when bought as a guardian for a player owned house have a collar around thier kneck.