### **Masterwork Spear of Annihilation Overview** The **Masterwork Spear of Annihilation (MSA)** is one of RuneScape 3's premier two-handed melee weapons, with niche utility due to its unique passive effect: "Bloods Energy." This ability increases bleed damage by 30%, allowing for devastating synergy with bleed-based abilities such as **Corruption Shot**, **Dismember**, and **Slaughter** in high-end PvM scenarios. Released as part of the **Desperate Measures** update in **July 2020**, it remains highly coveted by late-game players specializing in bleed-centric combat rotations. Crafted from **Elder Rune Bars**, **Masterwork Components**, and a **Spear Tip (Annihilation)** from the **Shattered Worlds shop**, the spear requires mastery in **Smithing** (99). Its rarity stems from the sheer amount of resources and effort needed to craft, compounded by the high demand among PvMers. Supply is constrained further as many players avoid the grind of Shattered Worlds. --- ### **Summary of Historical Pricing Trends** Analyzing the historical price data, the MSA has experienced significant variance. Standout trends and inflection points from the dataset include: - **Stable High Prices (2021-2022):** Priced consistently between **370M-500M**, driven by demand in PvM metas and capped supply. Events like Croesus (Sept 2021) pushed demand higher due to bleed mechanics playing fairly well in PvM encounters. - **Volatility in Early 2023:** A sharp decline occurred during the **700B+/hour Scrimshaw dupe (Jan 2023)**, which injected massive wealth into the game. This was further compounded by the **necromancy update (Aug 2023)**, shifting focus toward the new combat style and away from melee setups. - **Dramatic Spike (Mid-2024):** Following the **Mining & Smithing rework (Aug 12, 2024)**, demand blipped upward. Many speculators anticipated change to masterwork crafting requirements, increasing trade volume. However, the **Max Cash exploit (May 15, 2024)** flooded the market with GP, inflating prices artificially before correcting sharply by late 2024. Recent sales data reflects this trajectory, with the weapon peaking at **400M (Aug 2024)** before retreating to **208M (Oct 2024)**. Its current price mirrors market depression stemming from GP excess and diminished PvM relevance due to diversification of viable combat styles. --- ### **Price Prediction: Nov 2024-Feb 2025** Given historical trends, several influencing factors, and seasonal market behaviors, the MSA’s price outlook fluctuates between moderate recovery and further decline: 1. **Short-Term Decline to Stabilization:** - The wealth inflation caused by events like the **GIM bank bug (Nov 2024)** is diluting the value of niche PvM gear, suggesting the potential for a dip to **150-180M** in Q4 2024. - Over time, demand for the MSA will rekindle as mid-tier PvM players cycle back to melee-focused metas, leading to price stabilization around **190-220M** in early 2025. 2. **Market Catalysts:** - If Jagex introduces a **raid or boss heavily favoring bleed damage mechanics**, expect a sharp rebound, potentially pushing MSA up to **260-300M**. Future events encouraging melee synergy (e.g., combat system updates or Treasure Hunter promotions involving melee-locked PvM grinds) could further strengthen its demand. - The inherent rarity of supply (Shattered Worlds shop gating) provides baseline resistance to severe crashes unless major systemic changes occur (e.g., easier crafting, skill-level shortcuts). 3. **Risk Factors:** - If Jagex continues balance changes favoring **Necromancy** and **Ranged**, melee PvM builds may lag, eroding long-term demand. - Further wealth exploits or gold inflation would downwardly impact luxury items like the MSA, as their relative value shrinks in a bloated economy. --- ### **Typical Flipping Margins** The Masterwork Spear of Annihilation offers above-average flipping margins due to a moderately illiquid market and its niche status: - **Buy Price Range:** ~200-220M during low demand phases. - **Sell Price Range:** ~250-280M in moderate PvM-related market spikes. - **Target Margin:** 30-50M per unit under current market conditions. Flipping may improve during event-driven volatility (e.g., PvM content releases or Shattered Worlds minigame spotlight bonuses). Players with adequate cashflow and market monitoring tools can profit substantially by timing trades during **price correction valleys**. --- ### **Complementary Investment Opportunities** For players seeking to diversify high-end melee inventory or capitalize on correlated market movements, consider these items: 1. **Off-Hand Khopesh of Tumeken:** - A powerful melee weapon that complements many spear builds. - Suffers occasional price crashes, but spikes during PvM-focused content releases. 2. **Masterwork Platebody & Platelegs:** - Part of the same supply chain as the MSA, often fluctuates alongside the spear due to material dependencies. - Lower crafting costs and higher demand during **Smithing promo events.** 3. **T92 Ranged Weapons (Eldritch Crossbow):** - Alternative niche weapon that fluctuates heavily with PvM interest. Use it to hedge investments against melee drops. --- ### **Seasonality and Price Performance** Market cycles in RuneScape's economy heavily depend on Jagex content updates and player engagement patterns: - **Positive Seasonal Trends:** - Winter events (November-January): High engagement during holidays often drives demand for combat gear. - Post-PvM content releases: When metas shift to favor melee combat, the MSA will see sharp upward price adjustments. - **Negative Seasonal Trends:** - Summer months: Reduced in-game player activity diminishes overall demand. - Necromancy-focused updates: Any major balance changes or content favoring ranged or necromancy combat will depress MSA's value. --- **Conclusion:** The Masterwork Spear of Annihilation remains a high-risk, high-reward investment for traders with sufficient capital. Its price trajectory hinges on the return to melee's prominence in RuneScape meta content, balanced against systemic economic events (e.g., gold injections). Those adept at timing trades during seasonal lows and content-driven highs are best positioned to profit.