Dwarf multicannon

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Dwarf multicannon.png
Dwarf multicannon
Release20 September 2021 (Update)
MembersYes
Quest itemNo
Properties
TradeableYes
EquipableNo
StackableNo
DisassemblyYes
NoteableYes
DestroyYour item will be destroyed permanently and it may not be reclaimable.
Actions [?]
BackpackSet up, Destroy
Values
Value750,000 coins
AlchemyNot alchemisable
On deathReclaimable
Value: 800,706
Reclaim: 800
Weight20 kg
Examine
A powerful ranging device that fires metal balls.
Grand Exchange
Exchange800,706 coins (info)
Buy limit10
Loading...
Advanced data
Item ID52169
LinksMRID • recipe

Dwarf multicannon detail.png
Dwarf multicannon
Release27 May 2003 (Update)
MembersYes
QuestDwarf Cannon
LocationN/A
ActionsFire, Pick up, Examine
ExamineA powerful ranging device that fires metal balls.
Advanced data
Object ID6
LinksMROD6
doc • Talk page

The dwarf multicannon is a members-only Ranged weapon. Unlike other Ranged weapons, it is not equipped by a player; rather, it is assembled on the ground. To use a dwarf multicannon, the Dwarf Cannon quest must be completed.

Once the cannon is set up on the ground, it can be clicked to load cannonballs into it. The cannon then rotates and fires automatically at any attackable monsters nearby, causing damage to them.

Players may buy the full cannon as well as a mould to make cannonballs from the dwarf engineer Nulodion, south of Ice Mountain, for 750,000 coins. If a cannon decays or the mould is dropped, Nulodion will provide a free replacement as well. A player may own multiple cannons, but only one may be assembled per player at any one time.

Players can choose to gain Ranged xp, Defence xp, or both in Settings. Constitution experience is gained regardless; before the Evolution of Combat, the cannon gave only Ranged experience, making it possible to train Ranged while maintaining the player's Constitution level.

The cannon was formerly constructed from four parts - cannon barrels, cannon base, cannon furnace, and cannon stand - but it was merged into single item on 20 September 2021. Remaining parts can be converted into complete cannons by using them on Egil, and are otherwise unusable.

Usage[edit | edit source]

Cannons are commonly used by players training Slayer to speed up tasks, and are particularly potent in conjunction with Cinderbane gloves, as they quickly can apply mass poison. At about 1148 coins per cannonball, the use of a cannon is often considered to be quite expensive. However, the cost is often considered to be justified by the bonuses of using a cannon. A player doing a slayer task can melee almost the entire time, getting nearly as much melee experience as they would without using a cannon. The cannon will also attack several targets even in a single-way combat area as long as the player is not under attack, (e.g. in a safe spot). 

In crowded areas, such as the dagannoths under the Lighthouse, the cannon may produce a level of mayhem usually only achieved with Ancient Magicks spells. However, in highly populated areas, the player will need to remain almost constantly by the cannon in order to reload it because large numbers of cannonballs will be needed, also, they will probably get negative feedback from other people fighting.

Before the return of the wilderness many people brought cannons to areas of the Wilderness such as green dragons to speed up the kills and make large sums of money. Even though these are single combat areas if the Dragon is not attacking the player the cannon will attack any dragon that is not currently attacking any other player. Because it is a single combat zone it is advisable while using the cannon not to let the dragon attack you, so ranging can really benefit the player. This has generally had negative feedback with most players who kill green dragons for the bones and hides for money. Many players have complained about this on the forums saying that cannons break single combat zone rules.

Assembly[edit | edit source]

A player setting up a cannon

To set up the cannon, the player must place the cannon on a vacant square surrounded by eight more vacant squares. Finally, the player must use up to 30 cannonballs on the cannon by selecting "Fire."

There are many locations where the cannon cannot be taken into or cannot be set up, including (but not limited to) the following list. If a player attempts to set down a cannon base in any of these areas, a message will appear in the player's chatbox saying that it cannot be done.

In other locations, the cannon may be set up but may be destroyed by an NPC almost instantly, or is almost useless due to limitations:

  • Certain quest bosses; for example, the Giant Roc will destroy a cannon if the player sets it up within its attack range.
  • Clan Wars; cannons cannot be used to harm other players, although cannons may harm their Summoning familiars.
  • The Kalphite Queen, any of the monsters in the God Wars Dungeon, and the King Black Dragon will destroy a cannon if a player attempts to use it.

Mechanics[edit | edit source]

These are the mechanical aspects of the Cannon. This section includes the rotation, targets, and decay of the cannon's parts.

Revolutions[edit | edit source]

A loaded multicannon

After the cannon has been set up, loaded, and fired, the barrel will rotate and fire at targets within its line-of-sight and range. The cannon barrel rotates in discrete intervals; there are 8 directions the barrel may face, and the barrel makes a 45 degree turn every 0.6 seconds (one game tick), completing a full revolution in 4.8 seconds. The cannon fires one cannonball while facing each direction, so it fires up to 8 cannonballs per revolution.

Targets[edit | edit source]

For each direction the cannon faces during its rotation, there is a specific set of squares relative to the cannon's location that a cannonball may be shot into at that time. This target region can be visualised by a triangle emanating from the cannon barrel. Squares may be cut off from the target region by an obstacle.

Target regions for different directions overlap slightly. This may result in shooting multiple cannonballs at one monster in one cannon revolution, even one that is standing still. Up to two cannonballs may be shot at a monster that takes up a single square per rotation. If it is not in the proper location however, only one, or even zero cannonballs may be shot per rotation.

Additionally, even more cannonballs may be shot at monsters that take up multiple squares. Monsters taking up multiple squares can be shot at using any of the squares that they are covering. For example, up to 4 cannonballs can be shot per rotation at a dragon because they are so big (3 squares by 3 squares) and if done correctly strykewyrms (also 3 squares by 3 squares) can be hit on all 8 rotations. Also, the chances of killing a monster is much faster if the cannon is placed near the spawn point; for example, if a player sets up a cannon near a Frost Dragon spawn, the dragon will be hit 3 times in a row.

A cannon will never initiate combat against a revenant that the player themselves can not attack.

A cannon will never target another player or familiar.

Accuracy[edit | edit source]

The cannon's accuracy can be observed using Monster Examine. Like with all accuracy calculations, cannon hits are affected by the enemy's armour rating and defence level; aside from that, the accuracy is determined in roughly equal part between the player's Ranged level, and the level relevant to the player's equipped main-hand weapon (Attack, Ranged or Magic). Visible stat boosts such as potions can be used to raise the accuracy, but invisible boosts, such as prayers, cannot. The player's weapon tier and affinity do not have any effect on the cannon's accuracy.

Damage[edit | edit source]

The cannon's damage is affected by the player's Ranged level, with a max hit of 1152 at level 99.[1] The cannon's damage is doubled if the player has used a dwarf multicannon upgrade kit.

Range[edit | edit source]

Targets on orange tiles can be shot by the cannon, targets on white tiles cannot be shot by the cannon[2].

The cannons range is approximately 40x40 tiles. However, the cannon will not be able to hit every tile inside this area. See the image to the right for a depiction.

Priority[edit | edit source]

A heat map showing cannon tile target priorities

While the cannon will attempt to attack anything within its line of sight within certain tiles as described above, it prioritises certain spots. See the image to the right for a heat map depicting the cannons tile target priorities.

Decay[edit | edit source]

Cannons disappear after a certain period of time being continuously set up. 20 minutes after the cannon has been set up, a message appears that the cannon has jammed. It can be reactivated by repairing it. Picking it up is not required. It will disappear in 20 minutes if not repaired.

It is not based on the number of cannonballs shot, but based on the timer as stated above.

Loss[edit | edit source]

Cannons that do decay are not lost forever, but rather may be re-obtained for free from Nulodion (it does not matter if it was purchased at the Grand Exchange or from Nulodion himself). If bought at the GE, Nulodion will try to sell the player a new one if using the direct dialogue option. Instead, players should use the right-click "Replace-cannon" option. The fastest way to get to Nulodion is to cast Lassar Teleport (an Ancient Magicks teleport). Alternatively, players may teleport to the monastery using a charged Combat Bracelet and run to Nulodion, or they can choose to run from Edgeville or Falador. Another method would be to use the Wicked hood to teleport to the body altar situated below the monastery and run from there. Finally, a player can use a Skull sceptre to teleport to Barbarian Village and run north-west to Nulodion.

If the player logs out while their cannon is set up, it can be reclaimed free of charge by right-clicking Nulodion and selecting the "Replace-cannon" option.

A cannon will also disappear right away if the player switches worlds while it is set up. It can be retrieved from Nulodion in the same way as when it decays.

If a player dies while a cannon is set up, the cannon stays set up at the location. After it decays, it may be re-obtained for free from Nulodion. It is a common belief that cannons are lost upon death, but in this case the cannon may easily be re-obtained for free. This DOES NOT work in the Wilderness; any sort of death in the Wilderness while a cannon is set up, whether to monster or player, will result in the player not being able to obtain a free replacement.

If a player dies while a cannon or cannonballs are in the inventory, these items are lost, unless the player is able to re-obtain them from the gravestone or reclaim them at Death's Office. The player can avoid losing their cannon if death is imminent by setting it up.

If the cannon itself is destroyed in combat, the player can re-obtain a new dwarf multicannon from Nulodion, free of charge. Certain monsters, such as the King Black Dragon and Kalphite Queen, can destroy the cannon.

Nulodion will not hand out a replacement cannon if the cannon is banked, set up, sold, or dropped. Replaced cannons come loaded with cannonballs equal to the amount loaded in the cannon when the cannon was lost.

Tagging monsters[edit | edit source]

A monster targeted only by the cannon is not "tagged" as the cannon owner's kill, unless they attack the monster themselves. This allows other players killing that monster to compete with the cannon's range and output. However, the monsters targeted by the cannon will attack the cannon owner, even if someone else tags them. This can be used to the advantage of players willing to work together, with a higher level player tanking the damage to allow a lower level player to get the kills.

Variants[edit | edit source]

The Artisans' Workshop Reward Shop sells the Golden Cannon and Royale Cannon upgrades for 50% and 100% respect, which each increase the maximum capacity of the cannon by 30 cannonballs and respectively unlock the Gold dwarf multicannon and Royale dwarf multicannon variants. An additional 100% respect may be spent to purchase the Restocking Cannon upgrade, which automatically reloads the cannon with cannonballs as long as the player is within 15 squares of the cannon when it runs out. These three upgrades must be purchased in order.

The dwarf multicannon upgrade kit, obtainable as a drop from Nodon Slayer monsters, increases cannons' damage output by 100% and unlocks the dwarven siege engine appearance.

Players may convert cannons between any of the four cosmetic variants by interacting with Egil in the Artisans' Workshop. Only the normal version is tradeable.

The Oldak coil and kinetic cyclone are Magic and Melee versions of the cannon that can be created through the Invention skill. They use different firing mechanics but also consume cannonballs. The Oldak coil and Kinetic cyclone can be upgraded for higher damage output with the Oldak coil upgrade kit and the Kinetic cyclone upgrade kit respectively.

  • Standard

  • Gold

  • Royale

  • Siege engine

  • Oldak coil

  • Kinetic cyclone

Store locations[edit | edit source]

This is an auto-generated list (update now). For a full list, see here. For help, see the FAQ.
SellerLocationCostCurrencyBase stockMembers?
Nulodion's Multicannon ShopIce Mountain workshop750,000Coins 10000.png Coins10P2P icon.png

Disassembly[edit | edit source]

Gallery[edit | edit source]

Concept art[edit | edit source]

  • Artisan cannon concept.jpg
  • Artisan cannon concept.gif

History[edit | edit source]

Repairing cannons[edit | edit source]

Hitpoints historical.png
 Artisans' Workshop was significantly altered after an update.
This article is retained to provide information on past elements of RuneScape.

On 8 March 2011, an update allowed decayed cannons (not player owned) to be repaired by taking them to Isak in the cannon repair shop, located in the Artisans' Workshop. Repairing a cannon required 62+ Smithing, a hammer, cog mould, pipe mould, test cannonball mould, and some Grade II steel ingots. For each fully repaired and tested cannon, 3,846 Smithing XP was earned. The process for repairing cannons was:

  1. Fix cannon base:

Pick up the base from the desk near Isak and empty it - there should be 10 broken cogs inside. Use all of these cogs on an anvil to attempt to repair them. If any break, you will need to make replacements by using your ingots in the furnace while holding the cog mould. Once you have 10 cogs, put them back into the base and set the base in the centre of the room.

  1. Fix cannon stand:

Take the stand from the desk near Isak and empty it - inside are three pipes, all of which will be broken. To fix them, use them in the furnace with the pipe mould in your inventory, then put them back into the stand and set the stand on the cannon base.

  1. Fix cannon barrel:

Grab the barrel off the parts desk and use it with an anvil to fix it. You'll likely need to use it with an anvil a few times to fully bash it back into shape. Once done, set the barrel on the cannon stand.

  1. Fix cannon furnace:

Take the furnace from the last desk and empty it. Inside is a fuse box and a flint, both of which will need fixing on an anvil. Once fixed, fill the fuse box with gunpowder from the barrels between the furnaces and smelter, then place both components back into the furnace, in turn placing that on the cannon barrel.

  1. Test fire:

Now the cannon is rebuilt it will need test firing to calibrate it. Use a couple of your steel ingots in a furnace while holding the test cannon ball mould to create 8 test cannonballs. Then, simply load the cannon to initiate the firing sequence. The cannon will occasionally get stuck when firing at the targets; Click it to fix it with a hammer and get it started again.

As the Artisans' Workshop was updated due to the release of the Mining and Smithing Rework, the basement (and the cannon repair shop) have since been removed.

Graphical updates[edit | edit source]

Update history[edit | edit source]

This information has been compiled as part of the update history project. Some updates may not be included—see here for how to help out!
  • hotfix 20 February 2023 (Update):
    • Players are no longer able to place the cannons inside the Fort Forinthry.
  • patch 17 January 2022 (Update):
    • Following feedback, dwarf multicannons can no longer be placed within Het's Oasis.
  • patch 20 September 2021 (Update):
    • Dwarf, Golden, and Royale Multicannons have been converted from four pieces into singular items.
      • Any Multicannons you own will be automatically converted on next log-in.
        • If you don't have enough space in your Bank or Backpack, converted Multicannons can be reclaimed from Egil at the Artisans' Workshop.
        • If you have any Multicannon Parts left over from the Grand Exchange, you can convert them by talking to Egil at the Artisans' Workshop.
      • All Multicannon Parts are no longer obtainable and can no longer be used.
      • All Multicannons now have a tooltip stating their maximum damage.
      • Multicannons can now be used on Egil to initate the Multicannon exchange process.
  • patch 26 July 2021 (Update):
    • As you smash through the fearsome Nodon armies, you could be lucky enough to find special upgrade kits based on the Nodon's Siege Cannon technology. Each of these three kits can be used on your Dwarf Multicannon, Kinetic Cyclone or Oldak Coil to amp up their damage. The Dwarf multicannon also comes with an impressive new look!
  • hotfix 25 May 2021 (Update):
    • Update of 24 May 2021 introduced a bug, where it was no longer possible to set-up and place Dwarven and Invention multicannons in several allowed instanced areas. This has been hotfixed.
  • patch 30 November 2020 (Update):
    • It has been made clearer that you do not need to downgrade your Dwarf multicannon to acquire either the Royale dwarf multicannon or the Restocking Cannon upgrade.
      • To clarify: you need a Gold dwarf multicannon to upgrade to a Royale version, and you need the Royale Dwarf Multicannon to get the Restocking Cannon upgrade.
  • patch 1 September 2020 (Update):
    • Fixed an issue with cannons triggering on-kill effects despite being far away.
  • patch 2 March 2020 (Update):
    • A bug that prevented you from picking up your own dwarven cannon and forcing you to reclaim it has now been fixed.
  • patch 24 February 2020 (Update):
    • A bug that was causing players to lose ownership of their cannon if another player logs out with an active cannon has been fixed.
  • patch 4 June 2018 (Update):
    • Updated some dwarf multicannon ownership checks to prevent the owner from being told "This isn't your cannon!".
  • patch 8 May 2018 (Update):
    • The Fire verb on cannons has been changed from a Crafting cursor to Attack, Ranged or Magic cursor, depending on the type of cannon.
    • Fixed an issue where dwarf cannons could continue to decay when repaired.
  • patch 16 April 2018 (Update):
    • Dwarf multicannons are now built in a single step like Invention cannons, instead of 4 steps. (They still have four components.)
    • Added a slow timer that checks for your cannon and informs you if it's "self-destructed" (eg abandoned in a de-registered instance).
    • Added a confirmation when placing a cannon if you are eligible to reclaim from Nulodion.
    • Dwarf and invention cannons now have approximately equal weight.
  • ninja 19 February 2018 (Update):
    • Cannons decaying in instances which are no longer available won't disconnect players anymore.
  • patch 29 January 2018 (Update):
    • Dwarven and Invention multi-cannons can now be reloaded and repaired (resetting their despawn time) by left-clicking them.
  • ninja 22 January 2018 (Update):
    • Dwarven multicannons now jam where they previously decayed. Players can repair the cannon in this state to reactivate it without needing to rebuild it. It will be destroyed as before if not repaired within 20 minutes.
    • Feedback messages for the dwarven multicannon now appear as information boxes.
  • hidden 4 December 2017 (Update):
    • A cannon decay status effect has been added, indicating the time remaining until the cannon stops firing.
  • patch 4 December 2017 (Update):
    • Cannons are now blocked from being placed in the following areas:
      • Clan Island Area
      • Clan Citadel Area
      • Clan Keep Area
      • Clan Meeting Area
      • Azure, Viridian, Crimson, Cobalt and Crystal skillchompa locations
    • A buff icon has been added to track the ammo stored in a cannon. This does not appear if the Restocking Cannon perk from Artisans' Workshop is active.
  • patch 5 October 2015 (Update):
    • The max hit of cannonballs has been increased from 768 to 1152.
  • ninja 24 February 2014 (Update):
    • Cannons can no longer be setup in the Dungeoneering lobby area.
  • patch 4 February 2014 (Update):
    • Additional checks have been added to various slayer masks to ensure that cannons cannot be taken into the Chaos Tunnels.
  • patch 21 January 2014 (Update):
    • The dwarf multicannon next to Dondakan has been updated to use the new model.
  • patch 9 July 2013 (Update):
    • The dwarven multicannon once again automatically fires when loaded with cannonballs.
  • patch 11 December 2012 (Update):
    • Players can now place their cannon in the middle of the Kalphite Guardian dungeon without being told there isn't enough space to setup there.
    • The Dwarf Multicannon no longer targets Clan Avatars in areas it shouldn't.
  • update 20 November 2012 (Update):
    • The cannon no longer gives Ranged experience. However, after a hidden update, the cannon now provides Ranged experience again.
  • patch 17 October 2011 (Update):
    • When you try to set up a multicannon, the game now checks whether it’s possible to set up the cannon on your current location before walking you around.
  • update 8 March 2011 (Update):
    • Changed its appearance and allowed the player to repair a decayed cannon by taking it to Isak in the cannon repair shop of the Artisans' Workshop. The update also allowed players to upgrade a dwarf multicannon to a Gold dwarf multicannon and a Royale dwarf multicannon. The upgrades increased the amount of ammunition the cannon can hold up to 90 for the Royale dwarf multicannon.
  • update 17 November 2009 (Update):
    • Cannons will no longer waste cannonballs on NPCs in the process of dying. You can now also top up the ammo when it's already firing and there’s an auto-setup feature.
  • patch 9 November 2009 (Update):
    • Corrected the model for the cannon’s Grand Exchange set when dropped on the floor.
  • patch 6 May 2009 (Update):
    • "Your cannon has decayed" is now in red text to better warn you.
  • patch 3 March 2009 (Update):
    • The inventory space check when purchasing a cannon is more rigorous.
  • patch 25 February 2009 (Update):
    • Fletching while your cannon is firing does not work – you should now receive a message about this when you try.

Trivia[edit | edit source]

  • The cannon will not shoot at dwarves (except for in Chaos Dwarf Battlefield). It could also fire at Colonel Grimsson and Hreidmar, although this is no longer true.
  • The only ammunition for cannons that players can use is cannonballs made from steel. However, Dondakan from the quest Between a Rock... fires Adamantite, Runite, and gold cannonballs from his cannon. In addition to that, in Quick Chat, it is possible to say, "I am smithing: [bronze/iron/steel/silver/gold/mithril/blurite/adamant/rune] cannonballs."
  • The cannon received a graphical rework on 8 March 2011, along with the release of the Artisans' Workshop.
  • Should a cannonball hit a wall, the cannon will say '''ABORT!''.
  • If the cannon is fired in a single combat area the chat will say "I'm currently under attack." along with an occasional "Someone else is fighting that." depending on the combat status of the player-character.
  • During the May 2012 Wild Weekend Rise of the Zombie Monkeys! event, members were using the cannon to get Zombie monkeys which prevented other players from getting the monkeys. The event was moved to Free-to-play worlds to prevent the use of cannons.
  • The multicannons belonging to The Red Axe that deal around 4400 damage to players during Birthright of the Dwarves are the only instance of cannons being used against players. They are significantly more powerful than the cannons players can use.
  • The dwarf multicannon had 8 barrels in RuneScape Classic.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ^ Patch Notes (5 October 2015). (Archived from the original on 4 June 2021.)
  2. ^ Cannon range by tiles, Mod Kieren's Twitter (03/10/17). (Archived from the original on 17 January 2021.)
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RS3 Cannons
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