### **Demon Slayer Codex Analysis** #### **Summary** - **Item Description:** The Demon Slayer Codex is a high-tier consumable item in RuneScape 3 that allows players to unlock the "Demon Slayer" perk passively. This perk provides a damage bonus against demons and is highly sought-after by PvM enthusiasts, especially for bosses like K'ril Tsutsaroth and Nex: Angel of Death. - **Release Date:** The codex was added in **February 2018** as part of an expansion to gear specialization and perk-maximization strategies. - **Rarity:** It is considered a **semi-rare** item, typically derived from high-end PvM scenarios (e.g., Abyssal Lord drops, Telos drop tables). Its price trends are tightly influenced by PvM meta shifts and Treasure Hunter promotional events intending to indirectly dilute its value. #### **Historical Price Trends & Spikes** The price history of the Demon Slayer Codex paints a volatile picture of supply-and-demand dynamics, often driven by game updates and anomalies. Notable observations: 1. **Initial Release & Early Meta:** - Upon release, the codex saw heavy usage, as it improved DPS for demon-heavy bosses and Slayer tasks. Prices stabilized early in its lifecycle but fell once more PvM diversity reduced the need to focus on demons specifically. 2. **Major Spikes:** - **November 2023:** Prices soared to **217M gold** after the game saw increased PvM traffic following the **Red Portal abuse bug** and re-engaged players running high-GP/hour combat activities for demon bosses. - **March/April 2024:** Leading into RuneScape’s **combat update**, there was speculation that demand for PvM-centric perks like Demon Slayer would increase. This drove temporary spikes to **94M-100M gold.** 3. **Major Dips:** - **May 2022 (Fresh Start Worlds):** Prices declined heavily during Fresh Start Worlds as the content incentivized farming consumables, including niche perks, to flood the live economy. - **Ongoing 2023:** PvM events like the **Necromancy rework** increased player interest in non-demon bosses, shifting combat metas away from where the codex shines. - **April 2024:** The **Easter pet dupe** introduced widespread inflation, indirectly decreasing the codex’s purchasing power. #### **Projected Price Trends (Mid 2024 – Late 2024)** Given historical trends, these factors will likely influence its price trajectory: - **Short-Term Volatility (Q2 – Q3 2024):** - The imminent **Mining and Smithing Rework** (August 2024) likely won't affect demon-related combat items directly, suggesting stable or slightly declining prices. - The **Sanctum of Rebirth update (July 2024)** might temporarily boost PvM-centric demand; high-income combat activities could nudge prices upwards. - Suggested **Q3 Price Range:** **70M–90M gold**. - **Mid-Term Stability (Q4 2024):** - The **GIM dupe era (November 2024)** is likely to flood the market with resources and GP. High-value consumables like the codex, which aren't the primary farm target for dupers, may spike briefly as players hedge against inflation. - Suggested **Q4 Price Range:** **90M–120M gold**. #### **Flipping Margins** The codex is a valuable item for merchanting on the Grand Exchange, offering **moderate flipping potential** due to price fluctuations within tight intervals. Typical flipping volumes are relatively low, but profit margins can be lucrative: - **Average Margin:** **3M–7M gold per transaction**, depending on overall liquidity. - **Optimal Timeframe for Flipping:** Post-Treasure Hunter promotions when codices are more available, but prices haven't fully corrected. #### **Comparable Items to Purchase** If you're diversifying your merchanting portfolio or investing in items with similar value trajectories, consider: 1. **Undead Slayer Codex:** Optimal for players targeting undead-heavy bosses like Barrows: Rise of the Six or Verzik. It has historically tracked closely with the Demon Slayer Codex. 2. **Planted Feet Perk (Ancient Gizmos):** While unrelated to demon combat, this perk is frequently used for PvM efficiency and often mirrors price cycles related to Treasure Hunter. 3. **Enhancing Spirit Fragments:** These are indirectly tied to combat-oriented players purchasing codices and other PvM-enhancing items, and their use in essence conversion provides a stable baseline investment. #### **Seasonal Price Impacts** The following trends are noteworthy when evaluating Demon Slayer Codex prices: - **Positive Price Periods:** 1. **Late Summer/Early Fall:** PvM-related PvE updates tend to attract new activity, and powercreep updates often reinvigorate higher-end supply chains. 2. **Pre-Holiday Events:** Increased PvM activity during XP weekends pushes demand slightly higher. - **Negative Price Periods:** 1. **Post-Holiday Inflation:** Post-Christmas or post-event economy bursts from plundered GP reserves often flood consumable markets, driving prices down temporarily. 2. **During Player Controversies:** Backlashes like the **Hero Pass disaster** reduce overall market participation, negatively affecting codices. #### **Final Insights** The Demon Slayer Codex, while slightly niche, holds long-term intrinsic value for PvM high-efficiency farming and bossing. Historically, speculative purchases just before PvM-heavy updates have reaped profits. To maximize returns, traders should monitor Treasure Hunter updates or PvM-related skill expansions and use these as leverage points to exploit low-risk flipping cycles.