### Summary of the Enchantment of Affliction The **Enchantment of Affliction** is a powerful enchantment slot item introduced with the Combat Update in *RuneScape 3* on **January 23, 2023**. It is used primarily in combat scenarios, bolstering damage output in long-duration boss fights by debuffing healing effects on enemies. Offering a niche but significant effect, it excels in PvM (Player vs Monster) content where sustain mechanics are key. The item is tradeable on the Grand Exchange, positioning it as a luxury purchase for high-level PvMers. By its utility and limited sources of acquisition, the enchantment is categorized as **rare**. Its rarity is further influenced by economic instability, such as GP influxes or exploits, which have amplified price volatility over the past few years. --- ### Price Trend and Analysis #### Historical Price Ranges and Events - **November 2022–August 2023**: Initial trades in late 2022 started at around **230M-250M**, a stable mid-tier level for a PvM-focused item. The market was near equilibrium, supported by demand from competitive players and the upcoming Necromancy skill (August 2023). - **July–August 2023**: The price surged to **259.9M** following the **Necromancy release**, as the skill introduced new content that made the enchantment more desirable in high-tier scenarios. However, the **September 2023 Hero Pass backlash** caused player dissatisfaction, indirectly tanking prices to **111M** after widespread market sell-offs. - **2023–Early 2024 Recovery**: Post-backlash, demand rebounded as PvMers adapted to Necromancy metas and the **March 2024 Combat Update** renewed relevance. The price peaked again in **January 2024**, reaching **235.8M**, before starting to dip following concerns over the **April 2024 Treasure Hunter dupe** and exploit-related GP bloat. - **April 2024 Decline**: The **Easter Egg pet dupes (April 2024)** and subsequent **Max Cash bugs (May 2024)** added trillions to the economy, devaluing GP. Prices fell sharply back to **150M** by **April 2024**, tethered to lingering economic instability. #### Price Prediction for 2024 Recent GP exploits and gold inflation are likely keeping prices artificially depressed for now. However: 1. **Short-Term (1-2 months)**: Prices will likely hover between **140–165M**, as players cautiously re-enter the market post-Treasure Hunter and Max Cash exploit corrections. 2. **Mid-Term (3-6 months)**: With the **Sanctum of Rebirth (July 2024)** providing endgame PvM content, demand for high-value PvM tools will grow, leading to a rally toward **180-200M**. 3. **Long-Term (1 year)**: Assuming no significant GP exploits, prices could stabilize near **220-240M** as the broader economy readjusts and PvM content continues to sustain item relevance. Factors that could cause price instability: - **Positive pressure**: Future high-level bosses could reinvigorate demand for healing debuff mechanics, sending prices beyond 250M again. - **Negative pressure**: Another significant gold influx or duplicated item scenarios. --- ### Flipping Margins The **Enchantment of Affliction** typically offers a **flipping margin of 2-5%**, but during volatile price stretches (e.g., post-dupes or major PvM releases), margins can spike to **8-10%**. Recent history shows: - Low-volume trades allow spreads of **4M-8M per item** during economic slowdowns. - During high-activity PvM weekends (e.g., new boss rotations), margins tighten, but opportunities for frequent small-scale flipping emerge. Ideal flipping range: **±5M fluctuations** around the stabilized daily average. --- ### Correlated Items to Invest In Players interested in flipping or investing in tandem with the Enchantment of Affliction should consider: 1. **Grimoire Pages**: Essential for endgame PvMers using the Grimoire; their demand correlates directly with bossing activity and changes in meta strategies. 2. **Ring of Death**: Often complementary in bossing setups where the Enchantment is used. ROoD prices tend to rise in sync with other high-tier PvM equipment. 3. **Fractured Staff of Armadyl (FSoA)**: A staple in meta Mage combat builds, FSoA trade activity typically aligns with gear upgrades like enchantments. 4. **Cinderbane Gauntlets**: Another niche PvM investment delivering poison-based boosts; healing negation (via Affliction) complements poison-heavy strategies. --- ### Seasonal Price Patterns #### Positive Seasonal Trends: - **Summer (July-August)**: PvM-focused updates (e.g., skill and dungeon releases) increase player engagement and demand for performance-enhancing gear. - **Late Winter/Early Spring (February–April)**: Combat-centric updates (e.g., Necromancy, combat updates) often elevate prices. #### Negative Seasonal Trends: - **September–October**: Fresh Start Worlds (if reintroduced) and general market fatigue lead to sell-offs as players liquidate assets before transitions or updates. - **Early Year (January)**: Exploits or GP inflation trends following holiday events often cause instability, creating sharp price dips. --- ### Key Insights for Strategy The *Enchantment of Affliction* suits long-term investors seeking reliable PvM-focused assets that mirror economic trends. While the item recently suffered a dip due to external exploits, it’s poised for recovery. Seasonal trends and high-level content releases should favor gradual appreciation, making it a strong hold through mid-2024. Paired investments in complementary PvM gear or consumables can amplify profits during content-driven market rallies. Staying attuned to Jagex announcements (e.g., boss mechanics or PvM balancing) is essential for timing trades effectively.