Pures

Pures is a term used in online role-playing games, most prominently in Runescape, to describe player characters built with a deliberate restriction on one or more defensive stats to maximize offensive potential. The most common formulation keeps defense levels extremely low while developing attack, strength, ranged, or magic, resulting in a high-damage but lower-durability profile. The concept emphasizes specialized optimization over broad stat growth, and is often used in the context of player-versus-player combat and late-game PvP strategies rather than standard PvE content.

Common archetypes include range pures, mage pures, and melee pures, each focusing on a primary offensive stat while keeping defense at or near the minimal threshold (often 1 in many communities). Players may also create hybrid pures that mix offense types while maintaining a restricted defense level to preserve the "pure" design. Pures are typically contrasted with mains, which pursue balanced stats across the board.

Training and playstyle involve developing non-defense stats through methods that avoid increasing defense, choosing gear and inventory setups to maximize damage output and hit accuracy while managing risk. Pures rely on tactical decision-making, precise timing, and safe encounters to survive long enough to execute their strategies.

The term has a long-standing presence in Runescape culture and is described in guides, wikis, forums, and videos. While some players view pures as legitimate skillful play, others criticize them for encouraging risk-seeking behavior or complicating progression in standard PvE content. The concept remains most closely associated with Runescape and has influenced similarly constrained builds in related MMORPG communities.