### **Staff of Sliske: Summary & Analysis** The Staff of Sliske is a tier-92 two-handed magic weapon and one of the most sought-after items for high-level PvMers in RuneScape 3. It was released on **March 29, 2016**, obtained as a drop from Telos, the Warden (specifically when Telos is killed at 100% enrage or higher). The staff is iconic for its high stats and its passive ability that synergizes well with **Greater Concentrated Blast** and other dual-wield magic abilities. #### **Rarity and Status** Due to its source and its nature as a rare boss drop, the Staff of Sliske has historically been rare and expensive. Its notable status as the best-in-slot two-handed magic weapon upon release gave it sustained demand. However, the introduction of alternative weapons like the evolving **Fsoa (Fractured Staff of Armadyl)** temporarily overshadows its demand, though players still covet it for its unique aesthetics and PvM utility. --- ### **Historical Price Trends** Examining its price data reveals several trends influenced by in-game events, GP injections, and mechanical updates. Below are some key observations: 1. **Early Trends (2021)** Prices peaked with highs of ~916M in May 2021 due to new cash injections from the **2021 dupes** and the increase of PvMing activity (Telos remained meta-relevant). The sharp spike also correlates with players chasing high-tier equipment and bolstered liquid wealth. 2. **Declining Period (2022)** Steady decline starts mid-2022 after the **Croesus boss release** (targeting non-combat PvM efficiency), the **Duel Arena removal**, and the ripple effect of the **Fresh Start Worlds** economy shakeup. These updates did not benefit high-end PvM prices due to reduced demand and wealth migration. 3. **Abrupt Spikes (2023)** A sharp crash occurs in **January 2023**, thanks to the **Scrimshaw dupe and mass hacks**, which caused severe GP inflation and reduced stability. After this, the price showed marginal recovery before the **Necromancy combat level expansion** in August, fostering budding interest in magic gear. 4. **Significant 2024 Decline** The continuous price crash in 2024 post-**Max Cash update (May)** and **Sanctum of Rebirth (July 2024)** correlates with two key factors: (1) massive GP flooding and (2) overshadowing by newer rewards from high-level content. Lastly, the **GIM bank dupe (Nov 2024)** further underscored its inability to recover, halving its price to 121M. --- ### **Price Prediction** #### **Short-Term Outlook (3–6 Months: November 2024 - May 2025)** Given the historical trends and economic volatility, the Staff of Sliske is likely to hover between **100M–150M GP**. The expected lack of demand is due to: - **Market saturation** caused by cash-ins from desperate sellers amid exploits. - Competition from Necromancy-aligned weapons. - Wary long-term investors avoiding risky high-tier gear, preferring bonds or storable wealth. Possible price increases could occur if Jagex announces **magic-focused Slayer updates or a Telos drop buff**. Such scenarios may push prices towards **200M–250M**. #### **Long-Term Outlook** If Jagex reintroduces Telos or legacy bosses as part of a harder PvM encounter or new enrage mechanics, interest in the Staff of Sliske could resurge. Expect a modest mid-long-term peak of **250M–300M** within 18–24 months if aligned updates occur. --- ### **Flipping Margins** #### **Current Flipping Margins** Recent price volatility provides flipping opportunities with margins of **5M–15M GP** depending on demand. Specifically: - **Buy Zone:** 110M–120M GP - **Sell Zone:** 127M–135M GP Margins are tighter because the artifact's low modern value depresses interest from elite PvMers. Efficient flipping is more accessible to smaller-scale merchants who thrive on active market watching. --- ### **Alternative Investment Options** If seeking items with identical meta appeal but better ROI potential, consider: - **Fractured Staff of Armadyl:** Long-term demand due to its continued use in high-end PvM. Prices will slowly recover once the market gap stabilizes. - **Greater Concentrated Blast Codex:** Strong synergy with both dual-wield magic setups and Staff of Sliske itself. - **Old cosmetic rares (e.g., Santa Hats):** Timed to coincide with speculative Christmas/Winter seasonal spikes. --- ### **Seasonal Market Dynamics** #### Best Seasons for Investment: - **January–March:** Post-holiday inflation dies down; opportunities to scout high-tier PvM sales. - **September–October:** Ahead of Halloween/cosmetic events. Guilded/rare items gain popularity. #### Worst Seasons: - **June-August:** Summer comprises dupe-heavy, exploit-heavy cycles. Avoid investing in negatives from PvM-dominated updates that reduce older content output. - **Post-November Crowding:** Black Friday promotions and bounty hunter-level PvM skews markets heavily downward mid-November. --- ### **Conclusion** The Staff of Sliske is unlikely to see immense growth in the short-term market, remaining speculative due to its displaced PvM standing. However, opportunistic flips during rapid undercuts and speculation around updates can yield profit. Diversification into Fractured Armadyl weaponry or seasonal cosmetics (alongside St. Patrick’s or Christmas-holiday shifts) may be a more stable approach depending on your merchanting portfolio. Use cautiously timed buys around its **100M lows** to snag strong positions for potential Telos resurgence.