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This article is a hard mode strategy guide for Commander Zilyana.
Information on mechanics, setups, and tactics is on this page. For the normal mode strategy guide, see here.

Commander Zilyana has two phases in Hard Mode.

Attacks[]

  • Melee attack: A single-target slash of her sword; max hit: 1,900
  • Mage attack: A multi-target lightning that envelopes every player in the room; max hit: 1,900

Zilyana has a fast attack speed, making her attacks both quick and accurate. During her second phase, she may summon lightning for every attack. The lightning bounces from tile to tile and deals rapid and heavy damage.

Strategy[]

The first phase is similar to the standard fight. Unlike normal mode, Zilyana's health is reduced to 50,000, although because she has two phases, she effectively has 100,000 life points. Once she reaches 0 health, she will become unattackable for 10 seconds. Players should attack her bodyguards with basic abilities to build adrenaline at this time. Slain bodyguards immediately respawn when the second phase starts.

In the second phase, Zilyana can create lightning with each attack, which deal 200-1700 typeless damage per tick if the player stands on them, which can kill players very quickly. Zilyana spawns one for each player in the room. If players continue to run from Zilyana, she will not perform this attack, as she can only use it after attacking a player.

Once Zilyana reaches 0 health for a second time, she will regenerate 50 life points and collapse on the floor while an adrenaline bar quickly fills overhead. Players must use any damaging ultimate ability (Metamorphosis and Berserk do not count, since they only boost the player's damage) before the bar over her head fills. If it fills, she will yell "This isn't over!", restore 25,000 life points, and resume attacking the player. Using Incendiary Shot is discouraged, since Zilyana's adrenaline bar can likely fill before its delayed hit registers.

Onslaught is the ideal ultimate ability for all three styles because it only drains 25% adrenaline after dealing one hit and finishing Zilyana off. Due to its cooldown, it can be used for every other kill.

Sunshine and Death's Swiftness can kill Zilyana through their AoE damage as long as Planted Feet is not used, but she must be the player's current target at the time of the abilities' activation. Zilyana cannot be killed by the AoE if the ability was activated when the player was attacking a bodyguard.

Once Zilyana is dead, kill off the minions and stall adrenaline for the next kill.

Ranged[]

The player should attack Zilyana while running around the room, reducing the amount of times she hits the player and for rangers/magers it will allow Fragmentation Shot and Combust to hit for two times the damage as long as she moves around. Ranged users should use Deflect/Protect from Melee, while Magic and Melee users should use Deflect/Protect from Magic. Both styles can use Soul Split to restore lost health.

Recommended action bar setup for rangers:

  • Corruption Shot
  • Needle Strike
  • Fragmentation Shot
  • Piercing Shot
  • Binding Shot
  • Ricochet
  • Rapid Fire
  • Snap Shot
  • Bombardment
  • Deadshot
  • Anticipation
  • Freedom
  • If using a 2h crossbow, Needle Strike should be swapped for Dazing Shot.

Rapid Fire is best used at the start of the kill as moving around terminates it due to being a channelled ability. It is not recommended to use this on the second phase as Zilyana is more likely to hit harder and summon lightning tiles. Snipe is also a channelled ability, but can be used while moving (and have its accuracy increased by 25%) if Nightmare gauntlets are worn.

Onslaught and then Deadshot should be saved for the finishing blow.

Magic[]

Recommended action bar setup for mages:

  • Corruption Blast
  • Concentrated Blast
  • Combust
  • Wrack
  • Impact
  • Chain
  • Wild Magic
  • Asphyxiate
  • Metamorphosis
  • Tsunami
  • Anticipation
  • Freedom
  • If using a staff, Concentrated Blast should be swapped for Sonic Wave.

Cast Vulnerability on Zilyana as soon as she spawns; it persists through her phase change.

Metamorphosis is useful as it boosts the player's magic damage by 62.5% for 15 seconds even while moving.

Asphyxiate is best used at the start of the kill as moving around terminates it due to being a channelled ability. It is not recommended to use this on the second phase as Zilyana is more likely to hit harder and summon lightning tiles.

Onslaught and then Tsunami should be saved for the finishing blow.

Melee[]

The player should attack Zilyana using the hit and run tactic to minimise damage taken. This is vital during the second phase as for every hit she does has a chance to summon lightning in the room. Debilitate is useful as it reduces Zilyana's damage inflicted by 50% for 10 seconds - meleers take more damage than any other style so this is recommended.

It is not advised to use Berserk as Zilyana can hit up to 2800 in a single hit while in Berserk mode, possibly leading to a short and deadly trip for the player.

Recommended action bar setup for 2h melee:

  • Cleave
  • Sever
  • Smash
  • Dismember
  • Slice
  • Quake
  • Hurricane
  • Assault
  • Slaughter
  • Pulverise
  • Debilitate
  • Anticipation
  • Freedom

Onslaught and then Pulverise should be saved for the finishing blow; the latter restores 50% of the player's adrenaline upon killing a target.

Recommended action bar setup for dual wielding melee:

  • Decimate
  • Sever
  • Havoc
  • Dismember
  • Slice
  • Assault
  • Destroy (ability)
  • Flurry
  • Overpower
  • Debilitate
  • Anticipation
  • Freedom

Onslaught and then Overpower should be saved for the finishing blow.

Equipment[]

Recommended equipment for Magic
Slot Item (most effective → least effective)
Head Tectonic mask Tectonic mask Superior Zuriel's hood Superior Zuriel's hood Refined Anima Core helm of Seren Refined Anima Core helm of Seren Anima Core helm of Seren Anima Core helm of Seren Virtus mask Virtus mask
Neck Reaper necklace Reaper necklace Amulet of souls Amulet of souls Dragon Rider amulet Dragon Rider amulet Arcane stream necklace Arcane stream necklace Saradomin's hiss Saradomin's hiss
Back Completionist cape Completionist cape TokHaar-Kal-Mej TokHaar-Kal-Mej Saradomin cape God cape Max cape Max cape Defence cape Cape of accomplishment (Defence cape is recommended for the perk)
Body Tectonic robe top Tectonic robe top Superior Zuriel's robe top Superior Zuriel's robe top Refined Anima Core body of Seren Refined Anima Core body of Seren Virtus robe top Virtus robe top Anima Core body of Seren Anima Core body of Seren
Legs Tectonic robe bottom Tectonic robe bottom Superior Zuriel's robe bottom Superior Zuriel's robe bottom Refined Anima Core legs of Seren Refined Anima Core legs of Seren Virtus robe legs Virtus robe legs Anima Core legs of Seren Anima Core legs of Seren
Main hand Wand of the praesul Wand of the praesul Seismic wand Seismic wand Wand of the Cywir elders Wand of the Cywir elders Seasinger kiba Seasinger kiba Attuned crystal wand Attuned crystal wand
Two-handed weapon Staff of Sliske Staff of Sliske Noxious staff Noxious staff Superior Zuriel's staff Superior Zuriel's staff Obliteration Obliteration Staff of darkness Staff of darkness / Camel staff Camel staff
Off-hand weapon Imperium core Imperium core Seismic singularity Seismic singularity Seasinger makigai Seasinger makigai Attuned crystal orb Attuned crystal orb Virtus book Virtus book
Off-hand weapon Merciless kiteshield Merciless kiteshield Attuned crystal ward Attuned crystal ward Farseer kiteshield Farseer kiteshield Arcane spirit shield Arcane spirit shield Ward of subjugation Ward of subjugation
Ammo/Spell Sealed large rune pouch Sealed large rune pouch Tirannwn quiver 4 Tirannwn quiver 4 N/A N/A N/A
Gloves Celestial handwraps Celestial handwraps Deathtouch bracelet Deathtouch bracelet Virtus gloves Virtus gloves Spellcaster gloves Spellcaster gloves Gloves of subjugation Gloves of subjugation
Feet Hailfire boots Hailfire boots Virtus boots Virtus boots Boots of subjugation Boots of subjugation Silverhawk boots Silverhawk boots Ragefire boots Ragefire boots
Ring Asylum surgeon's ring Asylum surgeon's ring Ring of death Ring of death Seers' ring (i) Seers' ring (i) Sixth-Age circuit Sixth-Age circuit / Onyx ring (i) Onyx ring (i) Seers' ring Seers' ring
Aura Maniacal aura Maniacal aura Runic accuracy aura Runic accuracy aura Dark magic aura Dark magic aura Inspiration aura Inspiration aura Invigorate aura Invigorate aura
Pocket Superior scrimshaw of the elements Superior scrimshaw of the elements Illuminated Book of Law Illuminated god book Superior scrimshaw of magic Superior scrimshaw of magic Scrimshaw of the elements Scrimshaw of the elements N/A

Recommended equipment for Ranged
Slot Item (most effective → least effective)
Head Sirenic mask Sirenic mask Superior Morrigan's coif Superior Morrigan's coif Refined Anima Core helm of Zamorak Refined Anima Core helm of Zamorak Anima Core helm of Zamorak Anima Core helm of Zamorak Pernix cowl Pernix cowl
Neck Reaper necklace Reaper necklace Amulet of souls Amulet of souls Farsight sniper necklace Farsight sniper necklace Saradomin's murmur Saradomin's murmur Amulet of ranging Amulet of ranging
Back Completionist cape Completionist cape TokHaar-Kal-Xil TokHaar-Kal-Xil Max cape Max cape Ava's alerter Ava's alerter Defence cape Cape of Accomplishment (Ranged or Defence capes are recommended for their perks)
Body Sirenic hauberk Sirenic hauberk Superior Morrigan's leather body Superior Morrigan's leather body Refined Anima Core body of Zamorak Refined Anima Core body of Zamorak Pernix body Pernix body Anima Core body of Zamorak Anima Core body of Zamorak
Legs Sirenic chaps Sirenic chaps Superior Morrigan's leather chaps Superior Morrigan's leather chaps Refined Anima Core legs of Zamorak Refined Anima Core legs of Zamorak Pernix chaps Pernix chaps Anima Core legs of Zamorak Anima Core legs of Zamorak
Main hand Ascension crossbow Ascension crossbow Shadow glaive Shadow glaive Death Lotus dart Death Lotus dart Attuned crystal chakram Attuned crystal chakram Chaotic crossbow Chaotic crossbow
Two-handed weapon Seren godbow Seren godbow Noxious longbow Noxious longbow Decimation Decimation Wyvern crossbow Wyvern crossbow Attuned crystal bow Attuned crystal bow
Off-hand weapon Off-hand Ascension crossbow Off-hand Ascension crossbow Off-hand shadow glaive Off-hand shadow glaive Off-hand Death Lotus dart Off-hand Death Lotus dart Off-hand attuned crystal chakram Off-hand attuned crystal chakram Off-hand chaotic crossbow Off-hand chaotic crossbow
Off-hand weapon Vengeful kiteshield Vengeful kiteshield Attuned crystal deflector Attuned crystal deflector Eagle-eye kiteshield Eagle-eye kiteshield Elysian spirit shield Elysian spirit shield Armadyl buckler Armadyl buckler
Ammo/Spell Ascension bolts Ascension bolts / Araxyte arrow Araxyte arrow Wyvern spines Wyvern spines Royal bolts Royal bolts N/A N/A
Gloves Nightmare gauntlets Nightmare gauntlets Swift gloves (white) Swift gloves Ascension grips Ascension grips Pernix gloves Pernix gloves Armadyl gloves Armadyl gloves
Feet Flarefrost boots Flarefrost boots Pernix boots Pernix boots Armadyl boots Armadyl boots Silverhawk boots Silverhawk boots Glaiven boots Glaiven boots
Ring Asylum surgeon's ring Asylum surgeon's ring Ring of death Ring of death Archers' ring (i) Archers' ring (i) Sixth-Age circuit Sixth-Age circuit / Onyx ring (i) Onyx ring (i) Archers' ring Archers' ring
Aura Reckless aura Reckless aura Sharpshooter aura Sharpshooter aura Dark magic aura Dark magic aura Inspiration aura Inspiration aura Invigorate aura Invigorate aura
Pocket Superior scrimshaw of cruelty Superior scrimshaw of cruelty Illuminated Book of Law Illuminated god book Superior scrimshaw of ranging Superior scrimshaw of ranging Scrimshaw of cruelty Scrimshaw of cruelty Sign of life Sign of life / Sign of death Sign of death

Recommended equipment for Melee
Slot Item (most effective → least effective)
Head Malevolent helm Malevolent helm Superior Statius's full helm Superior Statius's full helm Refined Anima Core helm of Zaros Refined Anima Core helm of Zaros Anima Core helm of Zaros Anima Core helm of Zaros Torva full helm Torva full helm
Neck Amulet of souls Amulet of souls Reaper necklace Reaper necklace Brawler's knockout necklace Brawler's knockout necklace Dragon Rider amulet Dragon Rider amulet Amulet of fury Amulet of fury
Back Completionist cape Completionist cape TokHaar-Kal-Ket TokHaar-Kal-Ket Max cape Max cape Strength cape Cape of accomplishment (Strength or Defence cape are recommended for their perks) N/A
Body Malevolent cuirass Malevolent cuirass Superior Vesta's Chainbody Superior Vesta's Chainbody Refined Anima Core Body of Zaros Refined Anima Core Body of Zaros Torva platebody Torva platebody Anima Core Body of Zaros Anima Core Body of Zaros
Legs Malevolent greaves Malevolent greaves Superior Vesta's plateskirt Superior Vesta's plateskirt Refined Anima Core Legs of Zaros Refined Anima Core Legs of Zaros Torva platelegs Torva platelegs Anima Core Legs of Zaros Anima Core Legs of Zaros
Main hand Drygore longsword Drygore weaponry Blade of Nymora Blade of Nymora Tetsu katana Tetsu katana Chaotic longsword Chaotic weaponry N/A
Two-handed weapon Noxious scythe Noxious scythe Zaros godsword Zaros godsword Dragon Rider lance Dragon Rider lance Chaotic maul Chaotic maul / Chaotic spear Chaotic spear N/A
Off-hand weapon Off-hand drygore longsword Drygore weaponry Blade of Avaryss Blade of Avaryss Tetsu wakizashi Tetsu wakizashi Off-hand chaotic longsword Chaotic weaponry N/A
Off-hand weapon Malevolent kiteshield Malevolent kiteshield Divine spirit shield Divine spirit shield Chaotic kiteshield Chaotic kiteshield N/A N/A
Ammo/Spell Tirannwn quiver 4 Tirannwn quiver 4 Tirannwn quiver 3 Tirannwn quiver 3 Tirannwn quiver 2 Tirannwn quiver 2 Tirannwn quiver 1 Tirannwn quiver 1 N/A
Gloves Razorback gauntlets Razorback gauntlets Torva gloves Torva gloves Bandos gloves Bandos gloves Warpriest of Zamorak gauntlets Warpriest of Zamorak gauntlets / Warpriest of Saradomin gauntlets Warpriest of Saradomin gauntlets N/A
Feet Emberkeen boots Emberkeen boots Torva boots Torva boots Bandos boots Bandos boots Warpriest of Zamorak boots Warpriest of Zamorak boots / Warpriest of Saradomin boots Warpriest of Saradomin boots N/A
Ring Asylum surgeon's ring Asylum surgeon's ring Ring of death Ring of death Sixth-Age circuit Sixth-Age circuit N/A N/A
Aura Supreme brawler aura Supreme brawler aura Berserker aura Berserker aura Supreme invigorate aura Supreme invigorate aura / Penance aura Penance aura Vampyrism aura Vampyrism aura Invigorate aura Invigorate aura
Pocket Superior scrimshaw of vampyrism Superior scrimshaw of vampyrism Superior scrimshaw of attack Superior scrimshaw of attack Illuminated Book of Law Illuminated god book Sign of life Sign of life / Sign of death Sign of death Sign of item protection Sign of item protection

Inventory[]

Supreme overload potion (6)Supreme overload potion (6)Super prayer renewal potion (6)Super prayer renewal potion (6)
Super restore (4)Pack yak pouchEnhanced Excalibur200Winter storage scroll
Super restore (4)Rocktail soupRocktail soupRocktail soup
Super restore (4)Rocktail soupRocktail soupRocktail soup
Super restore (4)Rocktail soupRocktail soupRocktail soup
Super restore (4)Rocktail soupRocktail soupRocktail soup
1000Air rune1000Fire runeRocktail soupTeleport to house

The following is only a recommendation.

  • Food: Rocktail soup > Rocktail > Shark
  • Prayer restore: Prayer potions and prayer renewal
  • Combat potions: Overloads > Extreme potions > Super potions
  • Adrenaline potion
  • Runes for your best spell, if using Magic
  • Familiar: Bring a beast of burden, and summon a healer once it is empty.
    • Beast of burden: Pack yak > Spirit pack pig (tier 3) > War tortoise > Spirit terrorbird
    • Healer: Unicorn stallion and scrolls > Bunyip > Fire/Ice/Moss titan and scrolls
  • Emergency teleport, also used to leave the chamber
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