Upcoming Changes to Bounty Hunter

The beloved PvP minigame is back, and Jagex is bringing even more changes based on the community’s feedback.

Bounty Hunter is the target-based PvP minigame that returned to Old School RuneScape earlier this year after being removed from the game since it created a hub for rule-breaking and unwanted behavior. After a relatively short time of the Bounty Hunter minigame’s relaunch, Jagex is already preparing loads of changes.

The Rules

To participate in the minigame, you will need a minimum of 48 hours of playtime and a minimum combat level of 32. The targets you will be close to your combat level, and you can even extend this from a 5 combat level difference to up to 15 combat levels difference. On top of this, your combat level matters because upon entering the minigame, you will need to deposit a fee, and the fee’s value varies according to your combat level. If you die without being skull, you will lose the fee, but if you die while skulled, you will only lose 10 thousand OSRS GP from that fee.

Upcoming Changes

Significant Timer Adjustment

One of the significant upcoming changes includes a considerable increase in the time added back to players’ 2-minute timer when re-entering the Crater. Previously, players received an additional 6 seconds; now, this has been extended to 15 seconds, giving you more time to strategize and plan your next moves.

Amended Matchmaking Penalty Rules

In the previous system, skipping an unskulled target contributed to matchmaking penalties, often seen as an unwarranted punishment. The new update provides relief in this area, as this action will no longer contribute to matchmaking penalties. This change is anticipated to make the matchmaking process smoother and more player-friendly.

Improved User Interface

The Bounty Hunter system’s user interface (UI) has also received an update. It will now indicate if a player has a matchmaking penalty. To check the current penalty timer, you must interact with the Corrupted Warrior, making the penalty system more transparent.

New NPC Placement

Perdu, the lost property dwarf, has a new location and can now be found in the lobby area. Additionally, the wander range and placement of Corrupted Warriors have been adjusted to prevent them from engaging players in conversation while they’re trying to bank, making banking activities more efficient.

Enhanced Player Immunity

To provide players with an added level of security, the new updates grant players 6 seconds of immunity from rogue players upon entering the Crater. This immunity does not extend to their target, who can still attack them. It’s important to note that this immunity will be lost if the player attacks another player, adding a strategic element to the Crater engagements.

Bounty Hunter Store Updates

In the Bounty Hunter Store, the Esoteric Emblem is now correctly filtered, which will streamline the shopping process for players seeking this item or curious about the OSRS gold price.

Blighted Supplies and World Changes

Besides convenience, Blighted supplies can now be used in the lobby area. In addition, there has been a shift in the Bounty Hunter world setup, with World 541 (US West) replaced with World 573 (US East). This alteration is expected to impact the player base distribution and server dynamics.

Adjusting Statius’s Warhammer Requirement

Removing the level 75 Attack requirement for Statius’s Warhammer broadens its accessibility across the player base. This alteration can reshape combat dynamics as more players may bring this powerful weapon into play. However, potential balance issues may arise due to this, altering player strategies and the overall metagame in the minigame and the Wilderness.

These changes reflect Jagex’s ongoing dedication to refining the OSRS gaming experience, considering player feedback and game balance. As these updates are explored and adapted by the player community, it will be interesting to see their impact on Wilderness gameplay.

Final Thoughts

These OSRS Bounty Hunter changes represent a significant shift in player interactions within the minigame. The adjustments, including timers, matchmaking penalties, and immunity periods, are all designed to streamline the gaming experience and offer greater convenience and strategic depth. As the OSRS community continues to explore these changes, it will be intriguing to see how they shape the future of Bounty Hunter gameplay. Another worth mentioning aspect is that Jagex is also looking into ways to bring more earning potential to the minigame for its long-term health.