### Cryptbloom Gloves Analysis
#### **Summary**
The Cryptbloom Gloves are a tank-magic glove item obtained as a rare drop from the Croesus front of the *Elder God Wars Dungeon*. Released on **September 27, 2021**, alongside the introduction of the Croesus skilling boss, the gloves boast formidable magic and tank boosts, which synergize with the rest of the Cryptbloom armor set, widely regarded as essential gear for high-end PvM survival, especially against magic-heavy enemies. The gloves also enhance *Harmonised Fugue* with the full set, granting further health regeneration and consistent durability.
#### **Overall Rarity**
While not exceedingly rare compared to high-tier PvM boss drops (such as Raksha's Greater Ricochet or Arch-Glacor's Dark Ice Shards), the gloves' rarity stems from Croesus being a skilling boss, which limits accessibility to non-combat-focused reward hunters. This results in a supply that depends on niche players or groups, keeping scarcity steady except during major community grind events.
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### Price Analysis and Historical Trends
The item has shown extreme price volatility since its release, influenced by broader in-game economic conditions:
1. **2021–2022**:
After the initial hype, the gloves started at **100M** in October 2021 but quickly dropped as players flooded the market during the Croesus grind, compounded by gold inflation from earlier dupe rollbacks (September 2021). The price stabilized between **40M–50M** until mid-2022 as demand for Cryptbloom armor persisted.
2. **Late 2022**:
- The **Wilderness PvP removal (October 2022)**, Fresh Start Worlds update, and diminishing Croesus participation caused a dip, bottoming near **22M** in late 2022.
- These events decreased demand for tank gear as PvM-focused players adapted to new changes (e.g., reduced danger in the Wilderness).
3. **2023**:
- Prices restored gradually (**23–28M range**) as Cryptbloom remained viable with Necromancy’s release (**August 2023**) enhancing PvM depth.
- Post-Necromancy combat rebalances maintained the gloves' utility, seeing spikes after combat patches or when new challenges were introduced.
4. **2024**:
The instability of RuneScape's GP economy due to repeated dupes (**April 2024 Treasure Hunter billion GP injection**) and new cash cap exploits has widened price swings. Current pricing trends suggest minor growth (**28M**) as utility persists in high-tier PvM.
##### **Causes of Volatility**:
- **Updates:** Global combat changes (March 2024) drive demand spikes. Conversely, heavy PvM meta changes (e.g., Necromancy) often favor DPS over tank roles, briefly reducing importance.
- **Dupes and GP Injection Events:** Sudden influxes of GP from duping events or exploits artificially inflate prices. However, rampant deflation tends to follow corrective measures, reducing real purchasing power.
- **Playerbase Behavior:** Skilling-focused events or diminished Croesus player participation reduce gloves' supply. Conversely, group grinds or Treasure Hunter promos correlate with temporary oversupply.
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### **Price Prediction (2024–2025)**
Projection: **24M–32M range** over the next six months.
Drivers:
- The **August 2024 Mining & Smithing Rework**, combined with consistent meta updates, will keep PvM tank gear relevant, retaining demand.
- If upcoming **Treasure Hunter GP injections** (e.g., potential holiday events) inflate the market again, the gloves may artificially breach **30M**, but likely retrace afterward.
Risks include diminishing PvM tank reliance if new metas trend toward higher DPS strategies or if alternative gear (e.g., the Sanctum of Rebirth loot) surpasses Cryptbloom utility.
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### Flipping Margins
The **average flipping margin** is **750K–2M per trade** on medium-volume days. Cryptbloom Gloves exhibit moderate liquidity, making them suitable for intermediate flippers.
- Optimal flipping seasons: Patch days introducing PvM combat changes raise demand and volatility, allowing for wider margins.
- Adverse flipping periods: Quiet seasons and post-Golden Party Hat hoard/sink events, when slower markets limit price movement.
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### Similar Items to Invest In
**1. Cryptbloom Helm/Legs:** Direct synergy with the gloves. Both exhibit similar volatility patterns influenced by Croesus loot dependence.
**2. Ganodermic Gloves:** A lower-cost alternative for tank-magic setups, also benefiting from combat-related changes.
**3. Fractured Staff of Armadyl components:** Long-term demand from high-end PvM content ensures steady profit margins comparable to Cryptbloom gear.
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### Seasonal Investment Insights
**Positive Outcomes:**
- **Winter Holiday Events (Dec–Feb):** Combat-related holiday content sees increased GP circulation, boosting high-tier PvM gear like Cryptbloom.
- **Patch Periods (Spring & Post-Summer):** PvM rebalances (e.g., March combat update history) spark renewed interest in Cryptbloom's defenses.
**Negative Outcomes:**
- **Early Fall (Sept–Nov):** Summers ending and major PvM metas stabilizing often reduce demand for tank gear, especially following broader backlash events, as seen during Hero Pass critiques in September 2023.
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Cryptbloom Gloves remain a strong PvM utility item with potential medium-term profitability as RuneScape’s mechanics evolve. Flippers and investors should time entry points carefully around major patches and economic turbulence.
Ely Intelligence Analysis