### **Off-Hand Blightbound Crossbow Overview** The *Off-Hand Blightbound Crossbow* is a tier-92 off-hand ranged weapon. It is one of the most iconic high-tier items in RuneScape 3, primarily sought after by high-tier PvM players due to its synergy with the main-hand Blightbound Crossbow in dual-wield setups. This crossbow originated as a reward from *The Shadow Reef* dungeon (Elite Dungeon 3), requiring players to defeat the Black Stone Dragon or obtain it as a rare drop from the dungeon's chest. - **Release Date**: February 25, 2019 - **Rarity**: Extremely rare drop from *The Shadow Reef*, factored by both the dungeon's difficulty and the low base drop rate. This scarcity, coupled with high demand in PvM circles, makes it a pivotal item in the RuneScape economy. --- ### **Historical Pricing and Analysis** Analyzing the fluctuating price of the Off-Hand Blightbound Crossbow highlights both item-specific demand and broader economic factors that influence its market value. The data shows wild price swings, with a peak around 1.66B GP in mid-2021, and a steep decline to 150M GP by late 2024. - **Major Price Trends**: 1. **Mid-2021 Peak (1.66B)**: Driven by rampant inflation caused by 2021 dupe exploits (July/August). Gold flooding the market increased prices of high-value items. 2. **Steep Decline into 2022 (below 800M)**: After Jagex patched dupes and introduced measures like the removal of Duel Arena (January 2022), the excess cash began to drain, causing a general price correction. 3. **Second Inflation Period (Late 2022)**: Notable price stability (400–500M) resulted from events such as the *Fresh Start Worlds* update, which generated interest in item progression and PvM content. 4. **Post-2023 Price Crash**: Two critical events accelerated the decline: - **700B+/hour Scrimshaw Dupe (January 2023)**: Triggered massive item hoarding and GP devaluation. - **Necromancy Update (August 2023)**: Players gravitated toward Necromancy gear, reducing demand for high-tier ranged setups. 5. **2024 Price Collapse**: A combination of Treasure Hunter GP inflation (April 10) and Max Cash exploits (May 15) further devalorized old weapons, leading to the *Off-Hand Blightbound Crossbow* dropping to 150M by December. --- ### **Price Prediction (Mid-2024 to Late-2024)** Based on current trends, this item's price is likely poised for modest recovery but faces competition due to changing meta preferences (favoring Necromancy). Historical patterns suggest specialized PvM gear regains value after updates resolve gold inflation crises. Since the *Sanctum of Rebirth* (July 2024) added demand for high-tier gear in certain content, this could stabilize the crossbow’s price. - **Short-Term Forecast (2–6 months)**: Escapes the extreme low of 150M, rising to around **200M–250M** once Treasure Hunter GP inflation decreases its impact. - **Long-Term Prediction (12–18 months)**: Assuming no further dupes or gold influx events, prices could move back toward **300M–350M** as players reinvest in older PvM gear. --- ### **Typical Flipping Margins** The *Off-Hand Blightbound Crossbow* often trades with a margin of **3–7%** depending on daily market activity. During periods of instability, margins can spike to **10% or higher**, offering substantial profit opportunities. #### **Flipping Advice**: 1. **Monitor Market Stability**: Flip during GP inflation events (e.g., Treasure Hunter promotions) as prices rebound within hours or days. 2. **Active Hours**: Prices are most volatile during content updates and weekends with heavy player activity. 3. **Target Buy/Resell Range**: - Ideal Buy Price: **150M–180M** - Sell Price: **210M–230M** --- ### **Similar Items to Watch** For players looking to diversify investments or hedge against price stagnation in item categories, consider these alternatives: 1. **Main-Hand Blightbound Crossbow**: - Nearly identical market dynamics to its off-hand variant, making it an ideal pairing for flipping. 2. **Furious Sliver (T95 Off-Hand Weapon)**: - A higher-tier equivalent introduced in *Ritual of the Mahjarrat Returns* (2024); ideal as PvM utilities continue to evolve. 3. **Ascension Crossbows (t88)**: - Reliable mid-tier ranged weapons with moderate demand from mid-level PvMers. --- ### **Seasonal Trends** The following RuneScape seasonal cycles often influence high-tier item prices: 1. **Positive Price Drivers**: - **Late Summer (August)**: Increased gameplay during vacation months typically drives demand for PvM gear. - **Post-Content Releases**: New bossing content or dungeons often revitalize demand for endgame items. 2. **Negative Price Drivers**: - **Holiday Season (December–January)**: Inflation from Treasure Hunter rewards (e.g., GP, rare items) leads to market-wide deflation for luxury items. - **Post-Dupe Periods**: Historically, any significant GP exploit or dupe causes extreme price volatility and long-term devaluation. --- ### **Conclusion** The *Off-Hand Blightbound Crossbow* has experienced significant price erosion from gold inflation, market manipulation, and evolving combat metas. While challenging events (such as the Max Cash exploit) have suppressed its value, its importance as a dual-wield PvM staple ensures it will remain relevant. Based on historical behavior, short-term minor recovery (~200–250M) is likely, making it an excellent flipping target for risk-aware merchants. For diversification, track similar combat-related items and monitor seasonal RuneScape trends to maximize profits.