How Does Trident of The Swamp Work OSRS? The Trident of the Swamp in OSRS is a magic weapon that requires 78 Magic to wield, casting built-in spells with its own charges.
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the Trident of the Swamp stands as one of the most powerful and unique magic weapons available to players.
Its built-in spellcasting abilities and venomous effects distinguish it from most other magical gear, making it a favorite among players tackling challenging bosses and high-level PvM (Player vs. Monster) encounters.
This guide dives into the mechanics, advantages, and best uses of the Trident of the Swamp, detailing why it’s such a sought-after weapon and how you can maximize its potential in your gameplay.
What Is the Trident of the Swamp?
Origin and Requirements
The Trident of the Swamp is essentially an upgraded version of the Trident of the Seas, requiring players to have a minimum of 78 Magic to wield.
It was introduced as part of the Toxic Blowpipe expansion, which brought various new weapons and upgrades to the game. [How Does Trident of The Swamp Work OSRS?]
The Trident’s upgraded form offers enhanced damage, venom effects, and versatility, making it ideal for mid to high-level players looking to improve their magic-based combat.
To wield the Trident, players must have also completed the “Horror from the Deep” mini-quest, which unlocks the use of magical weapons that require high levels of skill to control.
Acquisition
The Trident of the Swamp can be created by attaching a Magic Fang, dropped by the boss Zulrah, to a standard Trident of the Seas.
This upgrade makes it more effective for combat, allowing it to inflict venom and giving it a higher max hit. [How Does Trident of The Swamp Work OSRS?]
Players may alternatively purchase a fully charged Trident of the Swamp from other players through the Grand Exchange, though the prices fluctuate based on demand for Zulrah-related items.
How the Trident of the Swamp Works
Built-in Spell Mechanism
One of the most notable features of the Trident of the Swamp is its built-in spell. [How Does Trident of The Swamp Work OSRS?]
Unlike traditional magic weapons, where players must manually cast spells or carry runes in their inventory, the Trident of the Swamp operates with an automatic, rune-based spell system.
Once charged, it allows players to cast its unique spell repeatedly without having to carry additional rune items.
This feature significantly enhances gameplay efficiency, allowing players to maintain focus on combat without constantly managing runes or worrying about running out of supplies.
The Trident is especially helpful for long slayer tasks, bossing, or other combat activities where maintaining a steady DPS (damage per second) is essential. [How Does Trident of The Swamp Work OSRS?]
Charge System
To use the Trident of the Swamp’s built-in spell, players need to charge it using a specific set of resources. Each charge requires:
- 1 Death Rune
- 1 Chaos Rune
- 5 Fire Runes
- 1 Zulrah’s Scale
With these items, players can charge the Trident up to a maximum of 2,500 charges. [How Does Trident of The Swamp Work OSRS?]
Each attack consumes one charge, meaning a fully charged Trident can cast its spell up to 2,500 times before requiring a recharge.
This robust charge system enables players to engage in prolonged battles without needing frequent recharges, making it perfect for extended PvM sessions.
Max Hit and Damage Calculation
The Trident of the Swamp has a max hit of 31, which is relatively high for magic-based weapons in OSRS.
This makes it a powerful weapon for DPS, especially in encounters where consistent damage output is crucial.
The max hit can vary slightly based on the player’s Magic level, but even at lower levels, it remains highly effective. [How Does Trident of The Swamp Work OSRS?]
Venom Effect
25% Chance to Inflict Venom
A unique aspect of the Trident of the Swamp is its ability to inflict venom on enemies. With each successful hit, there is a 25% chance that the target will be poisoned with venom, a more powerful variant of poison.
Venom begins at 6 damage and increases over time if the target remains untreated, offering a significant advantage in combat by gradually wearing down the target’s health over time. [How Does Trident of The Swamp Work OSRS?]
Comparing to Other Venomous Weapons
While other weapons, such as the Toxic Blowpipe and Serpentine Helmet, also inflict venom, the Trident of the Swamp is unique in its ability to do so through magical attacks.
This combination of venom and magic damage makes the Trident particularly versatile, as it can bypass certain defenses that might protect against physical venomous attacks. [How Does Trident of The Swamp Work OSRS?]
In situations where you face off against bosses or high-level enemies vulnerable to venom, the Trident of the Swamp is an ideal choice, providing passive damage in addition to its regular spell.
Advantages of Using Trident of the Swamp
High DPS in PvM
One of the biggest advantages of the Trident of the Swamp is its impressive DPS. [How Does Trident of The Swamp Work OSRS?]
With a max hit of 31, it can hold its own against some of OSRS’s most challenging bosses, especially in scenarios where players need reliable and high-impact magic attacks.
Its consistency and ease of use make it a favorite among players who want both power and convenience.
Built-In Spell Convenience
The built-in spell system of the Trident removes the need for players to carry additional runes, freeing up inventory space for other essentials like food, potions, and additional gear.
This convenience can save players time and resources, especially in rune-intensive areas like the Kraken Cove or Zulrah’s Shrine, where trips can last much longer when using the Trident. [How Does Trident of The Swamp Work OSRS?]
Venom for Passive Damage
The venom effect adds another layer of strategy to gameplay. Even when players aren’t actively attacking, the venom continues to drain the target’s health, providing passive damage.
This damage-over-time feature can significantly shorten combat duration, particularly against high-health targets like bosses, making it ideal for players looking to optimize their PvM experience.
Best Uses for Trident of the Swamp
Bossing
The Trident of the Swamp is an invaluable weapon for bosses like Zulrah and Kraken.
Against these bosses, the venom effect is particularly effective, as it complements the high DPS and allows players to wear down the boss even when repositioning or avoiding attacks.
The Trident’s high hit rate also ensures that it’s effective throughout the boss fight. [How Does Trident of The Swamp Work OSRS?]
Slayer Tasks
Magic-based Slayer tasks such as Dagannoths and Spiritual Creatures become significantly easier with the Trident of the Swamp.
Its high DPS and venom provide a significant advantage, allowing players to dispatch enemies faster and with fewer resources. [How Does Trident of The Swamp Work OSRS?]
In particular, the weapon is favored by players looking to maximize Slayer efficiency without needing to repeatedly recharge or carry additional runes.
PvP Scenarios
Though its PvP applications are limited, the Trident of the Swamp can still be a strategic choice in certain PvP scenarios.
Its venom effect, high magic damage, and consistent attack rate can surprise opponents who may not expect it. [How Does Trident of The Swamp Work OSRS?]
When combined with other venomous equipment, the Trident can create a potent “poison stack” effect, catching unprepared players off guard.
Charging and Maintenance Costs
Charging the Trident does incur a recurring cost due to the need for runes and Zulrah’s scales. Each charge costs approximately 380–400 coins, depending on the current market price for these resources.
This cost is moderate compared to the high expenses associated with casting top-tier spells manually, making it affordable for most players aiming to save money.
Over time, players should weigh the long-term expenses associated with charging the Trident against its utility. [How Does Trident of The Swamp Work OSRS?]
However, given the weapon’s power and convenience, many players find the cost well worth the benefits in terms of time saved, inventory space conserved, and efficiency during prolonged combat sessions.
Final Verdict: How Does Trident of The Swamp Work OSRS?
The Trident of the Swamp is a versatile, powerful weapon that belongs in the arsenal of any serious OSRS player who frequently engages in PvM combat.
Its built-in spell system, high DPS, and venom effects make it an all-around valuable tool, suitable for everything from boss fights to Slayer tasks. [How Does Trident of The Swamp Work OSRS?]
With its ability to deal consistent damage and inflict venom, the Trident is an efficient and effective weapon for players looking to enhance their combat capabilities.
See Also: Can You Skip Fighter Torso OSRS?
FAQs
How do you charge the Trident of the Swamp?
To charge the Trident, you need Death Runes, Chaos Runes, Fire Runes, and Zulrah’s Scales. Each charge consumes these resources, allowing for up to 2,500 charges in total.
Can the Trident of the Swamp be uncharged?
Yes, the Trident can be uncharged, and players can reclaim unused runes and Zulrah’s Scales, which is helpful when re-evaluating or reallocating resources.
Is the Trident of the Swamp better than the Trident of the Seas?
Yes, the Trident of the Swamp has additional venom and a higher max hit, making it more effective in most combat situations, particularly in PvM. [How Does Trident of The Swamp Work OSRS?]
What monsters are weak to the Trident of the Swamp?
Monsters such as Zulrah, Kraken, and Dagannoths are particularly vulnerable to the Trident’s high magic damage and venom effect, making it a powerful choice for these encounters.
How much does it cost to fully charge the Trident of the Swamp?
The cost to fully charge the Trident (2,500 charges) is typically around 950,000 to 1,000,000 coins, depending on current market prices. This makes it an affordable and sustainable option for prolonged use in PvM.

Hi, I’m Adalynn Patrick, a blogger from Jeannette, Pennsylvania. I enjoy writing about topics that interest me and strive to create unique, engaging posts. I work part-time as a Customer Service Attendant after recently graduating.