OSRS Deadman: Annihilation Guide (2026)

Deadman: Annihilation is a limited-time Deadman Mode variant running from January 30 to February 20, 2026, with a final PvP event shortly after. This version shifts progression away from extreme bank risk and toward point-based unlocks, making planning and efficiency more important than raw aggression.

At-a-glance overview

• Season length: ~3 weeks

• Bank keys: Removed

• Progression: Deadman Points and Skull Points

• Sigils: Many become permanent unlocks

• New items: Dogsword, Thunder Khopesh

• Optional Prayers: Ruinous Powers

• Main rewards: Wilderness cosmetics and ornament kits

What makes Deadman: Annihilation different

No bank keys

Unlike earlier Deadman seasons, Annihilation removes bank keys entirely. Dying no longer puts your bank at risk, shifting danger back to your inventory, positioning, and movement choices.

This change reduces snowballing and makes rebuilding more manageable, especially for solo players.

Deadman’s Chests

While killing NPCs outside instanced areas, a Deadman’s Chest may spawn. Opening it takes time and cannot be interrupted, making it a natural PvP hotspot.

Chests can contain valuable loot and exclusive seasonal weapons, but opening one without area control often results in death.

Points-based progression

Almost every activity earns Deadman Points. These points also generate Skull Points, which are spent in the Deadman’s Skull shop on:

• Permanent utility unlocks

• Sigils

• Quest completion lamps

• Access to Ruinous Powers

Your build is now shaped by smart spending, not just RNG.

Sigil system rework

Many non-PvP sigils are now permanent unlocks that can be toggled on or off. PvP-focused sigils still occupy limited slots, preserving meaningful combat choices.

This allows efficient skilling and PvM without sacrificing combat power.

Ruinous Powers

The Ruinous Powers prayer book returns as an optional unlock. It favors aggressive playstyles and rewards early Prayer investment.

Step-by-step progression strategy

Step 1: Establish a safe training loop

• Choose 2–3 nearby training spots

• Avoid long, predictable travel routes

• Bank often and carry minimal risk

Step 2: Prioritize low-risk point gains

Early progress should focus on activities that remain efficient even if interrupted:

• Short skilling sessions

• Easy diary completions

• Controlled single-way PvM

Step 3: Spend Skull Points early

• Unlock permanent utility first

• Secure permanent sigils

• Use quest lamps to bypass time-heavy chains

Step 4: Use a two-setup mindset

Carry a cheap progression setup and a minimal PvP response setup. This prevents over-risking while allowing escapes or counterplay.

Step 5: Chest hunting safely

• Only open chests when you control the area

• Expect scouts and ambushes

• Avoid repeating the same chest locations

Step 6: Treat breaches as scheduled conflicts

Breaches attract large groups. Arrive early, leave early, and bring only what you can afford to lose.

Step 7: Final week preparation

• Lock in your preferred combat style

• Spend unused points

• Avoid unnecessary late-season risks

Common mistakes to avoid

• Over-risking early gear

• Following popular routes blindly

• Ignoring point efficiency

• Opening chests without vision control

• Soloing breaches without an exit plan

Rewards overview

• Wilderness-themed Player-Owned House style

• Wilderness lever Home Teleport animation

• Ornament kits for Toxic Staff of the Dead

• Ornament kits for Bow of Faerdhinen and Crystal Armour

Efficiency note

If time is limited, many players choose to reduce downtime by preparing supplies or optimizing rebuilds. ArgenGaming acts as a trusted helper (not a marketplace) for players who prefer spending more time progressing and less time restocking.

FAQ

Is Deadman: Annihilation safe for non-PvP players?

Yes. While PvP is central, rewards and points can be earned through skilling and PvM.

Do I lose my bank on death?

No. Bank keys are removed in this variant.

Are sigils permanent?

Many non-PvP sigils are permanent unlocks, while PvP sigils use limited slots.

Are the rewards cosmetic only?

Yes. All Deadman rewards are cosmetic and usable in the main game.