Mastering the Contract of Blooded Blows - OSRS Yama Guide

In Old School RuneScape, the Contract of Blooded Blows introduces a unique, high-risk, high-reward version of the Yama fight. This guide will walk you through how to maximize damage, manage flares, avoid DPS checks, and cycle through glyph phases effectively-focusing especially on the Shadow of Tumeken strategy at low HP. Whether you're a seasoned PvMer or looking to dive into late-game content after you buy OSRS Accounts, mastering this contract can offer some of the most satisfying kills in the game.

Overview of the Contract

During the Contract of Blooded Blows:

· Yama's health increases to 3,000 HP.

· Both Yama and the player gain Wretch Strength, a mechanic that increases your minimum hit the lower your HP.

· At 20 HP, a player in max mage gear using the Shadow of Tumeken can hit a guaranteed minimum of 52, making it one of the most consistent DPS setups in the game.

 

Pre-Fight Preparation

Before you unpause:

1.Lower your HP to around 20 using a locator orb or rock cake.

O While optional, this drastically boosts your minimum hits.

O Starting at 99 HP works, but 20 HP almost guarantees you'll skip flares and pass DPS checks with ease.

2.Gear Setup:

O Max Mage gear is required for optimal results.

O Equip Tumeken's Shadow, Elidinis' Ward (f) or regular variant.

O Bring a Surging Potion to restore special attack if you miss an early spec.

O Use Occult Sceptre for two quick special attacks at the start of the kill.

Phase One Strategy

· Start with two Occult Sceptre specs for burst damage.

· Use a glyph with wave mechanics properly.

O If wave dodging trips you up, refer to a glyphic attenuation reference to understand every variation.

· Eat one Angler Fish when spawning into the Judge arena to survive chip damage (eat two if you want buffer vs. fireballs).

· Enter Phase Two with 20-25 HP to maintain high minimum hits.

 

Skipping Flares and Understanding DPS Checks

Skipping Flares

To skip flares:

1.Ignore the flares-continue attacking the boss.

2.When the Shadow Special begins:

3.Step on the Shadow Glyph, then the Fire Glyph, without stopping.

O You can attack while moving to the Fire Glyph to avoid losing ticks.

4.All glyphs will explode simultaneously, but you'll be fully protected.

DPS Checks - When and Why They Happen

· Flares spawn in Phase 1 & 2, depending on glyph layout:

    O 3 Blue, 2 Red Glyphs:

  Flares cannot spawn 1st, 2nd, or 4th.

  50% chance on 3rd, 100% if they didn't spawn 3rd.

   O 3 Red, 2 Blue Glyphs:

  50% chance on 2nd, 100% on 4th if skipped earlier.

· A DPS check occurs only in 3 Blue layouts if flares are skipped and not enough damage is dealt.

O By the 7th glyph, if it's not recharged and you haven't killed Yama, you'll take unavoidable damage.

O Avoid this by staying at 20 HP to boost DPS and skip phases quicker.

 

Fire Glyph Layout Cycle

In a 3 Fire Glyph layout, flares are easier to manage and DPS checks are almost impossible:

1. First glyph → Fire Special

2.Flares spawn second → Wait

3.Use second and third glyphs → Avoid flare damage

4.One Fire and one Shadow glyph remain → Continue rotation safely

 

Full Cycle Walkthrough: Fires, Waves, and Flares

The cycle breaks into 5 steps:

1.Dodge three fires, attack the boss (just like standard Yama).

2.Move to fires tile, prep for flare kill:

O Drop to <14 HP.

O Equip Tumeken's Shadow and Ward early.

O Just auto-attack flares-no specs needed.

3.Kill flares:

O Flares spawn two at a time in 4 positions.

O Always prioritize the back flare.

O If two fronts spawn, hit one. If two backs spawn, pick one (left preferred).

4.Move to next tile, kill second flare.

5.Go to the purple tile, skip a wave, then clean up remaining flare.

 

Bonus Wave Mechanics & Recovery Tips

· Wave dodging requires simple L-shaped movement. Practice will help.

· If your HP drops above 20 (e.g., 30 HP), your min hit drops, and flare kills may not be guaranteed.

    O Don't panic:

  Option 1: Hit again to finish it.

  Option 2: Eat one Angler Fish; flare hits are usually under 20, so you'll survive.

· The cycle resets after flares and waves are dealt with. Just repeat and continue burning through Yama.

 

Key Tools & Consumables

· Locator Orb / Rock Cake -HP management

· Angler Fish -Preemptive healing

· Surging Potion -Restore special attack

· Max Mage Setup -Sustains high DPS

· Tumeken's Shadow -Primary weapon for min-hit build

 

Conclusion

The Contract of Blooded Blows is a test of precision, planning, and confidence. With your HP low and your hits high, you're racing through glyph phases, dodging waves, and ignoring mechanics like flares with tactical finesse. Whether you're grinding solo or considering OSRS Boosting to help push past tough mechanics, mastering the layout knowledge and cycle timing will let you breeze through one of OSRS's most rewarding solo PvM challenges. Good luck, adventurer-and may your minimum hits never roll low.