Solo Nex Guide Mastering Nex Without Sweets Or Tick Eats

#Mastering Solo Nex: A Comprehensive Guide Without Sweets or Tick-Eating

Introduction to Solo Nex

Embarking on the solo Nex challenge in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a feat that many players aspire to achieve. Nex, the ancient general of Zaros, resides within the Ancient Prison of the God Wars Dungeon, presenting a formidable test of skill, gear, and strategy. This guide offers a comprehensive approach to soloing Nex without relying on sweets or tick-eating methods, focusing on efficient strategies and gear setups to conquer this challenging boss. Whether you're a seasoned PvMer or a daring adventurer looking to test your limits, this guide provides the knowledge and tactics needed to triumph over Nex.

The Nex encounter is divided into five distinct phases, each with unique mechanics and combat styles. Understanding these phases and how to navigate them is crucial for success. The phases are as follows: Smoke Phase, Shadow Phase, Blood Phase, Ice Phase, and the final Wrath Phase. Each phase requires a specific approach, from prayer switching and positioning to damage output and resource management. This guide breaks down each phase, offering detailed strategies and tips to help you anticipate and counter Nex's attacks.

Beyond the mechanics, gear selection and inventory setup play a pivotal role in your solo Nex attempts. Choosing the right equipment can significantly impact your damage output, survivability, and overall efficiency. This guide provides a detailed overview of recommended gear setups, including weapon choices, armor, and essential support items. Furthermore, we'll explore the optimal inventory configuration, highlighting the necessary supplies such as potions, food, and runes, ensuring you're fully prepared for the long and demanding fight. By mastering the mechanics, optimizing your gear, and implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you'll be well-equipped to conquer Nex solo and reap the rewards that await within the Ancient Prison.

Gear Setup for Solo Nex

Selecting the right gear is paramount for a successful solo Nex encounter. Your gear setup should strike a balance between maximizing damage output and ensuring sufficient survivability. Here's a detailed breakdown of recommended gear setups for tackling Nex:

Weapon Choices

• Twisted Bow (Tbow): The Twisted Bow is the undisputed king when it comes to dealing damage to Nex, particularly during the Blood and Ice phases. Its unique scaling mechanic, which increases accuracy and damage based on the target's magic level, makes it exceptionally effective against Nex. If you have the resources, the Twisted Bow is the top choice for this encounter.
• Zaryte Crossbow: The Zaryte Crossbow is a fantastic alternative if the Twisted Bow is out of reach. It provides consistent damage and accuracy throughout the fight, making it a reliable option for all phases. Pair it with Ruby Bolts (e) for high burst damage during the early phases and Diamond Bolts (e) for sustained damage in later phases.
• Armadyl Crossbow: For players on a tighter budget, the Armadyl Crossbow is a viable option. While it doesn't offer the same damage output as the Zaryte Crossbow or Twisted Bow, it still provides decent accuracy and damage. Use Ruby Bolts (e) and Diamond Bolts (e) strategically to maximize its effectiveness.

Armor

• Armadyl Armor: Armadyl Armor is the go-to choice for ranged accuracy and damage. The full set provides a significant boost to your ranged stats, which is crucial for hitting Nex consistently. The individual pieces, including the Armadyl Helmet, Armadyl Chestplate, and Armadyl Chainskirt, offer a solid balance of protection and offensive capabilities.
• Masori Armor: For those who can afford it, Masori Armor is a superior alternative to Armadyl. It offers even better ranged accuracy and damage, further enhancing your DPS against Nex. The Masori Mask, Masori Body, and Masori Chaps are all excellent choices for this encounter.
• Karil's Armor: If you're on a budget, Karil's Armor can serve as a decent placeholder. While it doesn't provide the same level of ranged accuracy as Armadyl or Masori, it offers reasonable protection and is a more affordable option.

Other Equipment

• Amulet of Blood Fury: The Amulet of Blood Fury is highly recommended for its healing effect. The occasional healing it provides can significantly reduce your reliance on food, allowing you to focus more on dealing damage. It’s especially useful during the Blood phase.
• Barrows Gloves: Barrows Gloves are a staple for almost any PvM activity due to their well-rounded stats. They offer a good balance of offensive and defensive bonuses, making them a solid choice for this encounter.
• Pegasian Boots: Pegasian Boots provide a significant boost to your ranged accuracy, making them a worthwhile investment. The accuracy bonus can help you hit Nex more consistently, leading to higher overall damage output.
• Ring of Suffering (i): The Ring of Suffering (i) is an excellent choice for its defensive stats. The damage reduction it provides can help you withstand Nex's attacks, increasing your survivability.
• Ava's Assembler: Ava's Assembler is essential for its ranged strength bonus and the ability to collect ammunition. This not only saves you money but also ensures you don't run out of bolts during the fight.

Inventory Setup

Your inventory should be carefully planned to ensure you have the necessary supplies for a prolonged fight. Here's a recommended inventory setup:

• Potions:
  • Super Restores: Crucial for restoring prayer points, allowing you to maintain protection prayers throughout the fight.
  • Divine Ranging Potions: To boost your ranged accuracy and damage.
  • Anguish Potion: An alternative to Divine Ranging Potions, offering a slightly different stat boost.
  • Saradomin Brews: For healing, but use sparingly due to stat reductions.
  • Super Combat Potions: For boosting combat stats if you plan on using melee switches.
• Food:
  • High-healing food (e.g., Anglerfish, Sharks): To recover health when necessary.
  • Dark Crabs: For high healing with a smaller inventory footprint.
• Runes:
  • Runes for Blood Barrage: To heal off the Blood Reavers during the Blood phase.
  • Runes for Thralls: To summon thralls for extra damage output.
• Other:
  • Bastion Potion or Battlemage Potion: Provides a boost to both Defence and Magic levels, enhancing survivability and the effectiveness of Blood Barrage.
  • Prayer Scrolls: To restore prayer points quickly if needed.
  • Range boosting prayers:
  • Eagle Eye: Boosts ranged level by 15% while draining prayer points.
  • Rigour: Provides the highest boost to ranged attack and defense while draining prayer points faster.

This gear and inventory setup provides a solid foundation for soloing Nex. Remember to adapt your setup based on your budget, experience, and the specific challenges you face during the encounter. Proper gear selection is key to maximizing your chances of success in the Ancient Prison.

Understanding Nex's Mechanics

To successfully solo Nex, a thorough understanding of her mechanics is essential. Nex has five distinct phases, each with unique attacks and strategies required to overcome them. Mastering these phases will significantly improve your chances of defeating her.

Smoke Phase

The Smoke Phase is the initial stage of the encounter. During this phase, Nex will primarily use ranged attacks and summon five Smoke Demons. Here’s what you need to know:

• Attacks: Nex’s ranged attacks are accurate and can deal significant damage. Protection from Ranged prayer is crucial during this phase.
• Smoke Demons: These demons will attack with melee. It’s important to deal with them quickly to avoid being overwhelmed. Focus on killing them one by one while maintaining your prayer and health.
• Special Attack - “There is no escape!”: Nex will trap you in ice and inflict damage. To mitigate this, keep moving and anticipate the attack. If trapped, quickly break free by clicking rapidly.
• Strategy: Start by activating Protection from Ranged prayer. Focus on damaging Nex while swiftly dispatching the Smoke Demons. Use your strongest ranged attacks and maintain a safe distance. Be ready to move when Nex uses her special attack.

Shadow Phase

The Shadow Phase introduces new mechanics and challenges. Nex will switch to using magic attacks and summon Shadow Orbs. Here’s a breakdown of this phase:

• Attacks: Nex’s magic attacks are potent, so switch to Protection from Magic prayer. Her attacks can hit through prayer, so maintaining high health is important.
• Shadow Orbs: Nex will summon Shadow Orbs that travel towards you. If an orb reaches you, it will explode, dealing heavy damage. You can destroy these orbs with ranged attacks.
• Special Attack - “Embrace darkness!”: Nex will teleport to the center of the room and summon multiple Shadow Orbs. This is a critical moment to eliminate the orbs before they reach you.
• Strategy: Prioritize prayer switching to Protection from Magic. Focus on destroying the Shadow Orbs as quickly as possible to avoid taking massive damage. During the special attack, move strategically to intercept the orbs and prevent them from reaching you. Consider utilizing defensive prayers and potions to enhance survivability during this phase. Efficient orb management is key to transitioning smoothly to the next phase.

Blood Phase

The Blood Phase is arguably the most challenging phase due to its healing mechanic. Nex will use Blood Barrage and summon Blood Reavers that heal her. Understanding this phase is crucial for a successful solo attempt:

• Attacks: Nex primarily uses Blood Barrage, which can heal her for a portion of the damage dealt to you. Protection from Magic is essential during this phase.
• Blood Reavers: These minions will heal Nex when they attack her. They must be killed quickly to prevent her from regaining health.
• Special Attack - “A siphon will solve this!”: Nex will attempt to siphon health from you, significantly healing herself. This attack must be interrupted by dealing enough damage to her.
• Strategy: Maintain Protection from Magic and focus on killing the Blood Reavers immediately. Use Blood Barrage to heal off the reavers and reduce your reliance on food. When Nex uses her siphon attack, unleash your most powerful attacks to interrupt her healing. Utilizing the Twisted Bow or Zaryte Crossbow with appropriate bolts can make a significant difference in this phase. Managing your health and prayer points effectively while maximizing damage output is vital.

Ice Phase

The Ice Phase introduces a new set of challenges with its freezing attacks. Nex will use Ice Barrage and summon Ice Minions. Here’s how to navigate this phase:

• Attacks: Nex uses Ice Barrage, which can freeze you in place. Protection from Magic prayer is crucial. Being frozen leaves you vulnerable to additional damage, so swift action is essential.
• Ice Minions: These minions will attack with melee and can deal significant damage. They need to be dealt with quickly to prevent them from overwhelming you.
• Special Attack - “Die now, in a frozen prison!”: Nex will trap you in ice and inflict heavy damage. This attack is similar to the Smoke Phase’s special attack but deals more damage. Break free quickly by clicking rapidly.
• Strategy: Activate Protection from Magic prayer and focus on damaging Nex while eliminating the Ice Minions. Be prepared to break free from the ice prison quickly to minimize damage. Maintaining mobility and swiftly responding to the freezing attacks are key. Utilize your most powerful ranged attacks to dispatch Nex and her minions efficiently. Conserving resources and managing health effectively will help you transition smoothly to the final phase.

Wrath Phase

The Wrath Phase is the final and most intense phase of the fight. Nex combines all her previous attacks, making it a true test of your skills and preparation. Here’s what to expect:

• Attacks: Nex will use a combination of ranged, magic, and melee attacks. She will also use her special attacks from previous phases, making this phase highly unpredictable.
• Strategy: This phase requires quick prayer switching and precise execution. Anticipate Nex’s attacks and switch prayers accordingly. Focus on dealing as much damage as possible while maintaining your health and prayer points. Utilize any remaining special attacks or potions to maximize your damage output. This phase is a test of endurance and adaptability, so stay focused and execute your strategy effectively to secure the kill.

Mastering Nex's mechanics across all phases is essential for consistent solo kills. By understanding each phase's unique challenges and implementing the appropriate strategies, you'll be well-prepared to conquer the Ancient Prison and claim your rewards.

Strategies and Tips for Solo Nex

Soloing Nex requires not only the right gear and a solid understanding of her mechanics but also strategic gameplay and smart decision-making. Here are some key strategies and tips to enhance your solo Nex attempts:

Prayer Switching

Prayer switching is arguably the most crucial skill for soloing Nex. As she transitions between phases and utilizes different attack styles, you must switch your protection prayers accordingly. Consistent and accurate prayer switching will significantly reduce the damage you take, allowing you to conserve food and stay in the fight longer.

• Anticipate Attacks: Learn Nex’s attack patterns and anticipate when she will switch attack styles. This will allow you to switch prayers proactively rather than reactively, minimizing damage taken.
• Keybinds: Set up convenient keybinds for your prayers. This will enable you to switch prayers quickly and efficiently, especially during intense moments like the Wrath Phase.
• Practice: Practice your prayer switching regularly. Start with slower-paced encounters and gradually increase the speed and complexity of your switches. This will help you develop muscle memory and improve your reaction time.

Positioning and Movement

Positioning and movement are vital for avoiding damage and maximizing your damage output. Proper positioning can help you dodge special attacks, manage minions, and maintain a safe distance from Nex.

• Avoid Melee Range: Stay out of Nex’s melee range whenever possible. Her melee attacks are powerful and can quickly deplete your health. Maintain a safe distance to give yourself time to react to her other attacks.
• Move Strategically: During special attacks, such as when Nex summons Shadow Orbs, move strategically to intercept the orbs before they reach you. This requires planning and quick reflexes.
• Utilize the Environment: Use the environment to your advantage. The pillars in the Ancient Prison can provide temporary cover from Nex’s attacks. However, be mindful of your positioning and avoid getting trapped.

Minion Management

Each phase of the Nex encounter involves dealing with minions, which can pose a significant threat if not managed effectively. Prioritizing minion control is crucial for maintaining your health and controlling the flow of the fight.

• Prioritize Targets: Focus on killing minions as soon as they spawn. Blood Reavers in the Blood Phase and Ice Minions in the Ice Phase are particularly dangerous and should be dealt with immediately.
• Area-of-Effect Attacks: Utilize area-of-effect attacks, such as Blood Barrage, to damage multiple minions simultaneously. This can help you clear out minions quickly and efficiently.
• Stay Mobile: Avoid getting surrounded by minions. Move around the room to maintain a safe distance and prevent them from overwhelming you.

Resource Management

Resource management is critical for sustaining your solo Nex attempts. Efficiently managing your health, prayer points, and supplies will allow you to stay in the fight longer and increase your chances of success.

• Prayer Points: Conserve prayer points by switching to the appropriate protection prayers and using prayer-boosting potions when necessary. The less you need to drink prayer potions, the more inventory space you have for other supplies.
• Health: Monitor your health closely and heal when necessary. Use high-healing food and the Amulet of Blood Fury to maintain your health levels. Avoid taking unnecessary damage by practicing prayer switching and positioning.
• Supplies: Bring an adequate supply of potions, food, and runes. Adjust your inventory based on your personal needs and preferences. Be prepared for a long fight and ensure you have enough resources to last through all phases.

Utilizing Special Attacks and Abilities

Special attacks and abilities can significantly enhance your damage output and survivability during the Nex encounter. Knowing when and how to use them effectively can make a substantial difference.

• Dragon Claws: Dragon Claws can be used for their special attack, which deals significant burst damage. This can be particularly effective during the Blood Phase to interrupt Nex's siphon attack.
• Thralls: Summoning thralls can provide additional damage output throughout the fight. Use thralls strategically to maximize their impact.
• Special Bolt Effects: Utilize the special effects of bolts, such as Ruby Bolts (e) and Diamond Bolts (e), to your advantage. Ruby Bolts (e) are effective for high burst damage during the early phases, while Diamond Bolts (e) provide consistent damage in later phases.

Practice and Patience

Finally, practice and patience are essential for soloing Nex. It may take several attempts to master the fight, so don’t get discouraged by initial failures. Learn from your mistakes, adjust your strategy, and keep practicing.

• Learn from Mistakes: Analyze your attempts and identify areas for improvement. Pay attention to your prayer switching, positioning, and resource management.
• Adjust Strategy: Don’t be afraid to adjust your strategy based on your experiences. Experiment with different gear setups, inventory configurations, and tactics.
• Stay Patient: Soloing Nex is a challenging feat, so be patient and persistent. With practice and dedication, you can master the fight and conquer the Ancient Prison.

By implementing these strategies and tips, you'll be well-equipped to tackle the solo Nex challenge. Consistent prayer switching, strategic positioning, efficient minion management, and resource conservation are key to your success. With practice and patience, you can achieve consistent solo Nex kills and reap the rewards of this formidable encounter.

Conclusion

Soloing Nex is a significant achievement in Old School RuneScape, requiring a combination of skill, strategy, and preparation. By following this comprehensive guide, you'll be well-equipped to conquer the Ancient Prison without relying on sweets or tick-eating methods.

Throughout this guide, we've covered the essential aspects of soloing Nex, from gear selection and inventory setup to understanding Nex's mechanics and implementing effective strategies. We've delved into the nuances of each phase, providing detailed insights into prayer switching, positioning, minion management, and resource conservation. The importance of practice and patience cannot be overstated, as mastering this encounter requires dedication and a willingness to learn from your mistakes.

The gear setups we discussed provide a solid foundation for your solo Nex attempts, whether you're using the Twisted Bow or the more budget-friendly Armadyl Crossbow. Optimizing your inventory with the right potions, food, and runes ensures you have the necessary resources to sustain yourself through the long and challenging fight. Understanding Nex's attack patterns and adapting your strategies accordingly is crucial for success.

Mastering the mechanics of each phase—Smoke, Shadow, Blood, Ice, and Wrath—is essential for consistent kills. Knowing when to switch prayers, prioritize targets, and utilize special attacks can significantly improve your performance. The strategies and tips outlined in this guide, such as efficient prayer switching, strategic positioning, and effective minion management, will help you navigate the encounter with confidence.

Ultimately, soloing Nex is a rewarding experience that demonstrates your skill and mastery of Old School RuneScape's PvM content. With the knowledge and strategies provided in this guide, you can overcome the challenges of the Ancient Prison and claim your well-deserved rewards. Remember to stay persistent, adapt to the encounter's demands, and enjoy the journey to becoming a proficient solo Nexer. Good luck, and may your loot be bountiful!