### **Elite Tectonic Mask Analysis** #### **Summary** The Elite Tectonic Mask is part of the Elite Tectonic armour set, crafted using materials obtained via the high-level PvM content Solak (Corrupted Ancient Scales) and Raids. As the premier mage-style power armour, this item is in high demand among endgame PvMers. It serves as an essential item for maximizing damage dealing while utilizing high-tier magic abilities, especially as part of an Omni-Power/Combustion-heavy meta. - **Release Date:** The mask was introduced on **June 5, 2018**, alongside Elite Tectonic armour. - **Rarity:** Relatively rare, as it depends on Corrupted Scales, which are gatekept by challenging (and group-focused) content. Supply is further limited by the high cost and effort required to craft the item. --- ### **Price Trends and Historical Insights** Based on the provided data, the **Elite Tectonic Mask** has displayed large price fluctuations over the past two years. #### **Detailed Observations:** - **Early 2023 to Mid-2023:** Prices began very high, peaking at **139.8M GP** in February 2023. The skyrocketing price came off the back of major in-game inflation events such as the **Scrimshaw dupe (Jan 29, 2023)** and **player hacks (Feb 1, 2023)**, which introduced trillions into the economy, increasing demand for high-value items. Prices tapered down by July 2023, likely due to the **Necromancy skill update (Aug 7, 2023)**, temporarily destabilizing the PvM meta and diverting attention from mage-based content. - **Late 2023 Collapse:** By **October 2023**, the mask plummeted to **49.5M GP**, following the backlash from **Hero Pass (Sep 5, 2023)** and **Carlyle Group divestiture (Sep 7, 2023)**, which weakened player confidence, alongside mass liquidation of wealth for speculative investments in the upcoming **Black Partyhat (Dec 1, 2023)**. - **2024 Rebound & Spikes:** From **February 2024 onward**, prices surged again (e.g., **88.3M GP** in February), supported by the **combat update (March 2024)** that re-solidified Elite Tectonic's relevance in endgame mage PvM. The peak increase to **100M GP (July 2024)** coincides with the **Sanctum of Rebirth release (July 22, 2024)**, which introduced new difficult PvM challenges leading to stronger demand for high-tier equipment. --- #### **Notable Influences on Price:** 1. **Inflation Events:** Updates introducing GP influx (e.g., the **1B GP Treasure Hunter patch in April 2024**) directly increased high-tier item prices. 2. **Combat Adjustments:** Anything that affects the mage meta will spike Elite Tectonic gear, as seen with the **Necromancy skill patch** (early dip followed by recovery). 3. **Liquidation Waves:** New discontinued items, such as the **Black Partyhat**, caused temporary dips as players diverted GP to speculative investments. 4. **Duplication Exploits:** Exploits like the **May 2024 Max Cash dupe** may have diluted purchasing power but increased trade volume. --- ### **Price Prediction (Late 2024 – Early 2025)** #### **Short-Term Forecast:** Given upcoming events **(Mining and Smithing rework, Nov 2024)** and the likely continuation of new PvM content, the Elite Tectonic Mask will likely remain **stable with slight growth** to **100M–110M GP**. The GIM bank bug (Nov 2024) might cause temporary volatility, but its impact will depend on the scale of duplicated items. #### **Longer View:** If Jagex avoids adding further GP flooding mechanics, prices could climb to the **120M range** in **Q1 2025**, assuming elite PvM remains central to the meta and inflation recedes. However, competition from newer, easier-to-obtain mage power gear could cap long-term growth. --- ### **Flipping Margins** The Elite Tectonic Mask has historically offered **flipping margins ranging from 3M–7M GP** depending on market volatility. Margins are typically wider following content updates, where PvMers scramble to upgrade their setups, creating a buy/sell gap. Ideal flipping windows include **1–2 weeks before new PvM updates (such as boss releases)** when demand spikes but undercutting creates short-term opportunities. #### Flipping Advice: - **Buy Zone:** When dips occur due to market uncertainty or GP liquidations (e.g., preceded by economy exploits or new game features). - **Sell Zone:** During peak PvM content launches or post-inflation spikes, where players have abundant capital. --- ### **Similar Investments** If focusing on Elite Tectonic Mask, consider diversifying into other endgame mage-related gear: - **Elite Tectonic Robe Top/Bottoms:** Similar market drivers, harder to flip due to smaller margins. - **Staff of Armadyl:** Instrumental in mage DPS metas, with natural synergy alongside Elite Tectonic. - **Greater Concentrated Blast Codex:** Stabilized demand and consistent flipping margins (3–4M). - **Masterwork Spear of Annihilation:** A PvM staple that correlates with general endgame item trends. --- ### **Seasonality and Timing** 1. **Positive Price Movements:** - **Winter/Holiday Periods:** Wealth from holiday promos (e.g., Treasure Hunter events) and GP inflations. - **Major PvM Updates:** New bosses or meta shifts that increase demand for high-tier gear. 2. **Negative Price Movements:** - **Pre-Discontinued Item Releases:** Wealth exits as players hoard GP for speculative rare investments. - **Post-Duplication Patches:** Fear-driven liquidations and market oversaturation cause temporary crashes. --- ### **Final Takeaways** Elite Tectonic Mask remains a strong investment due to its intrinsic value in PvM. Its performance is tightly tied to broader gameplay mechanics, leaderboards, and economic health. By understanding RuneScape's update cycles and player behaviors, savvy merchants can time the market for considerable profit—pairing it with other mage or PvM gear for diversified investment portfolios.