### Virtus Wand Overview The **Virtus Wand** is a high-tier Magic weapon introduced into RuneScape 3 as part of the Nex: Angel of Death release on **January 9, 2017**. It requires **level 80 Magic** to wield, making it a staple for mid-to-high-tier PvM content. Alongside the Virtus Book, it provides a potent Magic setup with moderate accessibility compared to tier 90+ equipment. Its **special perks and set bonuses** (in conjunction with the Virtus set armor) make it particularly valuable for sustained Magic-based encounters. - **Rarity:** While rare, it's not exceedingly difficult to obtain because it is dropped by Nex: Angel of Death. Its drop rates are comparable to other pieces of Virtus equipment, with moderate competition from other lower-cost Magic weapons in the meta. - **Demand Curve:** It is valued primarily as an intermediary weapon, appreciated by PvMers who have progressed beyond tier 70 power weapons (e.g., Staff of Light) but can't yet afford tier 90 items. --- ### Price Analysis and Historical Trends Using the provided price data, we can trace the Virtus Wand's market trajectory: 1. **Early Stability (2023):** It hovered at **12.5M–12.8M** for much of early 2023, primarily due to consistent usage as a stepping-stone weapon before the Necromancy release. 2. **Volatility (mid-2023):** The **max combat level increase to 152 on 08/07/2023** caused confusion about gear priorities. Players stockpiling Magic weapons in preparation for Necromancy switched focus, causing a small dip in its price. 3. **Major Dips (2024):** The market crash began after **03/04/2024's combat update** and worsened due to huge amounts of in-game GP entering circulation from the **05/15/2024 Max Cash exploit**, leading to inflation. The Virtus Wand fell to **8.2M–8.5M** by May 2024. 4. **Recovery (mid-late 2024):** The **Sanctum of Rebirth (07/22/2024)** introduced new bosses and high-interest mid-level content, boosting demand for accessible Magic weapons. This resulted in a price climb to **11.3M** by August. It has since stabilized around **10.5M** in late September. --- ### Price Prediction (Q4 2024 Onwards) Considering historical data and market factors: 1. **October–November 2024:** The **GIM bank bug dupe (11/01/2024)** could drive prices slightly down as raw GP and items flood the market. I project the Virtus Wand dropping to **9.8M–10.2M** during this period. 2. **December 2024 (Holiday Events):** Holiday cosmetics tend to create spikes in Treasure Hunter participation and GP farming; this seasonal cash influx may stabilize the wand’s price around **10.2M–10.8M**. 3. **Early 2025 (Stability Phase):** Following the holiday GP surge, expect casual demand from mid-tier PvMers to taper off. Barring unforeseen updates, the wand should hover around **10.0M–10.4M** in Q1 2025. **Long-Term Outlook:** Power creep could decrease demand for Virtus-tier equipment as new bosses or rewards drop in the near future. Players holding the wand as an investment should monitor for competing updates post-2025. --- ### Flipping Insights Based on recent margins, flipping the Virtus Wand can be lucrative for mid-risk investors: - **Typical Buy-Sell Margins:** ~400K–800K GP, depending on market fluctuations. For example, buying during low-activity periods (~10.2M) and selling into PvM-heavy weekends (~11.0M) yields consistent profits. - **Peak Seasons for Flipping:** - Immediately after PvM updates or boss releases, as demand for Magic weapons spikes. - During Treasure Hunter promos that distribute GP, increasing liquid spending power. --- ### Related Investment Opportunities To hedge against price volatility in a similar tier: 1. **Virtus Book:** Pairs with the wand as an ideal tier 80 Magic off-hand weapon. Historically mirrors the wand’s price trends and offers similar flipping margins. 2. **Noxious Staff:** A higher-tier alternative that works in similar markets but benefits from greater demand due to its tier 90 status. 3. **Seismic Wand and Orb:** Tier 90 dual-wield Magic weapons that appeal to wealthier PvMers. These are safer but less liquid investments. 4. **Ganodermic Armor & Subjugation Sets:** For players seeking synergistic Magic gear at lower price points. --- ### Seasonal Insights for Market Behavior - **Positive Price Drivers:** - Winter holidays: Players have more time to engage in PvM, increasing demand for mid-tier weapons. - New boss content: Spikes interest in tier 80–90 weapons as players prepare for optimal setups. - **Negative Price Pressures:** - Treasure Hunter GP injections: Increased liquidity from GP-farming events causes inflation, reducing relative value. - Endgame reworks or new skills: Updates like **Necromancy** or a Tier 95 Magic weapon could marginalize Virtus equipment. In conclusion, the Virtus Wand remains a solid mid-tier investment with manageable market volatility. Short-term flips and hedging with complementary items yield excellent returns, provided investors monitor seasonal events and future game updates.