OSRS Hunter Guide: Level 1-99 Fast & Efficient Training

Welcome to the ultimate Old School RuneScape (OSRS) Hunter guide! Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting your adventure in Gielinor, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the fastest and most efficient methods to achieve level 99 Hunter. We’ll cover everything from early levels to end-game training, ensuring you have the knowledge to master this valuable skill.

(Prefer to watch a video guide? Check it out below, or continue reading for the in-depth written guide.)

Methods Overview

This OSRS Hunter guide presents a variety of training methods, each with its own advantages. Here’s a quick look at the pathways we’ll explore to level up your Hunter skill efficiently:

The fastest pathway focuses on maximizing your XP per hour, aiming for a swift 75-hour journey to level 99 Hunter. This involves actively hunting various creatures like birds, salamanders, kebbits, and chinchompas, utilizing traps and techniques for optimal efficiency.

For players seeking variety or specific goals, we’ll delve into alternative training methods. These may not be the absolute fastest XP, but they offer unique benefits, such as profitability or reduced intensity.

Explore options like Tecu Salamanders, Red Chinchompas, Herbiboar, Aerial Fishing, and Drift Net Fishing, each providing distinct gameplay and rewards.

If you prefer a more relaxed approach, we’ll cover AFK (Away From Keyboard) methods. Pyre Foxes, introduced with Varlamore, offer a new AFK Hunter experience starting at level 51. Maniacal Monkeys remain a top AFK choice, requiring completion of Monkey Madness 2.

Birdhouse Runs provide efficient Hunter XP in short bursts, ideal for incorporating into your regular gameplay loop. These are especially effective when completed swiftly and consistently.

The recently added Hunter Rumours in Varlamore offer another engaging way to train. These task-based assignments provide variety and unique rewards, making Hunter training less monotonous.

Finally, we’ll address Ironman Hunter training, highlighting strategies tailored for the unique challenges and opportunities of the Ironman game mode.

Hunter in OSRS has evolved to be less click-intensive thanks to tools like RuneLite and the introduction of methods like Herbiboar and Maniacal Monkeys. For those aiming for level 99 Hunter as quickly as possible, the fastest pathway is highly recommended.

Fastest Pathway to 99 Hunter

Let’s dive into the fastest route to level 99 Hunter in OSRS. This pathway outlines the most efficient training methods level-by-level, ensuring you’re always utilizing the best XP opportunities.

Here’s a list of essential items you’ll need for this rapid Hunter leveling strategy. Preparation is key to maximizing your training efficiency.

Varrock Museum Quiz (Level 1-9 Hunter)

Start your Hunter journey with a quick and easy XP boost at the Varrock Museum. Head to the museum located northeast in Varrock and go downstairs to the natural history section. Speak to Orlando Smith to begin the natural history quiz.

Answer the quiz questions correctly at each display case on this floor. RuneLite users will find it even easier as the plugin highlights the correct answers. Go around the floor, answering each question.

Once you’ve answered all the questions, return to Orlando Smith. He’ll reward you with 1,000 Hunter and Slayer experience, instantly boosting you to level 9 Hunter.

Copper Longtails (Level 9-12 Hunter)

For levels 9-12, we’ll be hunting Copper Longtails. Gather these essential items: a butterfly net, at least 3 Hunter potions, 2 bird snares, a minimum of 2 butterfly jars, 4 stamina potions, and a teleport to Piscatoris. A Piscatoris teleport scroll from the Grand Exchange is the quickest option.

Alternative transportation methods to Piscatoris are shown on the map, in case you prefer different routes.

Head to the western fence of the Falconry in Piscatoris. Set up a bird snare in the darker patch indicated on the map. Wait for a bird to be lured, check the trap, reset it, and repeat.

Continue this process until you reach level 12 Hunter, which should take approximately 5-10 minutes.

Copper Longtails & Ruby Harvest Butterflies (Boosted) (Level 12-20 Hunter)

At level 12 Hunter, you can significantly boost your XP rates by catching Ruby Harvest butterflies alongside Copper Longtails. Use a Hunter potion to boost your level and nearly triple your experience gain. The area shown on the map is ideal, with bird spawns near butterfly locations.

Utilize RuneLite’s NPC Indicators plugin to tag butterflies for easier targeting. Hold Shift, right-click a butterfly, and select “Tag all”.

Set up a bird snare, drink a Hunter potion and a stamina potion. Click the closest butterfly to catch it. With Shift Drop enabled in RuneLite, hold Shift and click the butterfly jar to quickly release the butterfly. Continue catching butterflies and resetting your bird snare as soon as it’s ready.

This method is the fastest way to train Hunter from level 12 to 20, taking less than 30 minutes.

Moss Lizards (Level 20-27/39 Hunter)

At level 20 Hunter, Moss Lizards become the fastest XP source. These are located within the Moons of Peril, requiring completion of the Perilous Moons quest. If you don’t meet the quest requirements yet, continue with Crimson Swift birds and Ruby Harvest butterflies until level 27.

The Perilous Moons quest itself rewards 5,000 Hunter XP, boosting you from level 20 to 26. You’ll only need to train on Moss Lizards from level 26 to 27 to reach the next milestone.

Moss Lizards remain competitive with other methods up to level 39. This guide includes both pathways, allowing you to choose based on your quest completion. For Moss Lizards, you need just a rope and stamina potions. Ironmen can find a run energy regeneration spot nearby.

Teleport to Perilous Moons using a Calcified Moth or the Quetzal transport to Cam Torum if you’ve built the landing site.

In Cam Torum, go north to enter Moons of Peril. Take the northwestern path to the earthbound cavern and follow it to the Moss Lizard hunting area.

Set traps by clicking on the rocks, then rustle the nearby bush to lure Moss Lizards into them.

For efficient trap resetting, follow the 1, 3, then 2, 4 pattern.

Moss Lizards offer the fastest XP from level 20 onwards, assuming you can handle the Perilous Moons quest combat requirements. Otherwise, stick to birds and butterflies until level 27.

Eagles’ Peak Quest (Level 27-29 Hunter)

At level 27 Hunter, complete the Eagles’ Peak quest for 2,500 Hunter XP. This quest is relatively short and unlocks box trap hunting, essential for future methods. The XP reward will take you from level 27 to 29 Hunter, unlocking the next training method.

For a detailed walkthrough, refer to Slayermusiq’s Eagles Peak quest guide.

Swamp Lizards (Level 29-39 Hunter)

Upon reaching level 29 Hunter, move on to Swamp Lizards in Morytania. You’ll need to have completed the Priest in Peril quest to access this area. This quest is a common requirement for many accounts, and well worth doing for this Hunter method.

To hunt Swamp Lizards, you’ll need at least 3 ropes and small fishing nets. Bring some food if you’re a lower level character.

Teleport to Canafis and run southeast for quick access to Swamp Lizards. Alternatively, the ALQ fairy ring is nearby, and you can run southwest.

At level 29 Hunter, you can use 2 traps simultaneously. The area marked on the map is ideal for setting up two traps.

Set up both traps, wait for a lizard to trigger a trap. If successful, click the trap to collect XP and the lizard. If you fail, pick up your rope and net, and reset the trap.

At level 37 Hunter, boost with Hunter potions to use 3 traps at once, maximizing your XP gain until level 39.

Embertailed Jerboa (Level 39-43 Hunter)

Once you reach level 39, Embertailed Jerboas in Varlamore become your next target. Access Varlamore by completing the Children of the Sun quest, a short and easy quest with low requirements.

You’ll need box traps for Jerboas, unlocked by the Eagle’s Peak quest. Buy box traps from the Grand Exchange or the Hunter shop in Yanille.

Bring at least 5 box traps and head east of the Hunter Guild in Varlamore. Use the AJP fairy ring or a Varlamore teleport and run south. Bring extra traps in case of AFKing.

At level 39, you can set 2 traps. At level 40, you can use 3, further increasing your XP rate.

Without tick manipulation, turn off Menu Entry Swapper to ensure “Check” is the left-click option on box traps. For more AFK training, swap “Check” with “Reset,” but it will be slower.

Tick manipulation can speed up box trap placement, but its benefit is less significant at lower Hunter levels. More on 3-ticking Hunter is discussed in the Black Chinchompas section.

Falconry Spotted Kebbits (Level 43-57 Hunter)

At level 43, Falconry becomes accessible. You’ll need at least 500 coins to hire a falcon. Teleport to Piscatoris with a scroll and run southeast, or use the AKQ fairy ring and run east to reach the Falconry.

Talk to Mattias at the Falconry entrance and ask to use his bird. Release your falcon to catch Kebbits, then retrieve the bird to claim your Hunter experience.

Active play at Falconry can yield decent XP rates for this level. Start with Spotted Kebbits at level 43. Stand in the optimal area for the fastest XP. RuneLite’s tagging feature helps identify the correct Kebbits.

Falconry Dark Kebbits (Level 57-60 Hunter)

At level 57, continue Falconry training, switching to Dark Kebbits for even faster experience gains.

The process is the same as Spotted Kebbits. This location, with two Dark Kebbit spawns, is the optimal spot for training.

Red Salamanders (Level 60-67 Hunter)

At level 60 Hunter, transition to Red Salamanders. While unlocked at level 59, waiting until 60 to utilize 4 traps is more efficient than Falconry at level 59.

You’ll need small fishing nets and ropes for Salamanders. Graceful clothing is recommended due to the running involved. Red Salamanders are near the Ourania Altar. Teleport to Castle Wars and run north, use an Ourania teleport spell, or use the nearby spirit tree for quick access.

This area is the best spot to set all 4 traps at level 60 Hunter. Enable Shift Drop to release salamanders easily. Use the same trap setting and checking process as with Swamp Lizards.

You can also hunt Red Salamanders with 4 traps at level 57 by using a Hunter potion boost.

Black Salamanders (Level 67-73 Hunter)

At level 67, Black Salamanders offer the fastest XP. Located in the Wilderness, exercise caution and avoid bringing valuables. Hardcore Ironmen should consider alternative methods or birdhouse runs due to the Wilderness risk.

Teleport using a Burning amulet or Ring of Dueling to Ferox Enclave. Carrallanger Teleport or Wilderness Obelisks are other nearby options. While not a popular PK area, be vigilant to avoid potential player killers.

The trapping process is identical to other salamanders. Set traps, wait, check, and reset.

Black Salamanders can yield up to 125k Hunter XP per hour, making them a very fast training method.

Black Chinchompas (Level 73-99 Hunter)

At level 73 Hunter, you unlock Black Chinchompas, the fastest Hunter training method in OSRS.

Eagle’s Peak quest is required as they are caught using box traps.

Located in the Wilderness, PKers are common here. Teleport using a Revenant Cave teleport scroll (cheap on GE). Ironmen can use a Burning amulet, Lava Maze teleport, or Ring of Dueling to Ferox Enclave.

Black Chinchompas offer the highest normal Hunter XP rates and can be boosted even further with tick manipulation and killing stray chinchompas, reaching over 250k XP per hour. Set traps in the hunter areas between trees, with the area shown being a preferred spot.

Hunt without 3-ticking by using “Check” or “Reset” on box traps. For fastest XP, learn 3-tick trap placement. Configure Menu Entry Swapper to set left-click on box traps to “Reset”. Use 3-tick actions like herb and tar (herb tar recommended).

To 3-tick, reset a trap, and as it disappears, initiate a 3-tick action. This speeds up trap placement. Click the next trap and repeat. This works for both caught and dismantled traps.

A bow and arrows are useful for killing stray chinchompas. An alt account can further boost efficiency by killing strays while you focus on trapping.

Kill stray chinchompas that don’t target traps to ensure faster respawns and more trapping opportunities.

The fastest pathway to 99 Hunter, taking approximately 75 hours, is summarized above. Now, let’s explore alternative methods with their own unique advantages.

Alternative Hunter Training Methods

Tecu Salamanders (Level 79-99 Hunter)

Introduced with Varlamore, Tecu Salamanders offer a great alternative Hunter method. They provide around 150k Hunter XP per hour at level 99. Unlocked at level 79, they offer competitive XP rates.

Children of the Sun quest is required to access Varlamore and hunt Tecu Salamanders.

Small fishing nets and ropes are needed to catch them, similar to other salamander types.

Fastest access is via Quetzal transportation to Cam Torum (requires landing site). Alternative Quetzal routes or running west from Varlamore city are also options.

Use these trap locations for optimal hunting. You’ll primarily catch immature salamanders, but rarely Tecu Salamanders, which are valuable and tradeable.

Tecu Salamanders are currently a decent money-making method, selling for over 200k each.

Red Chinchompas (Level 80-99 Hunter)

At level 80 Hunter, with 5 trap placement available, Red Chinchompas become a viable and efficient training method to level 99.

XP rates depend on tick manipulation. You can get up to 195k XP/hour with tick manipulation or 140k XP/hour without.

Red Chinchompas are best hunted in Feldip Hills, either in the open world or the private Hunting grounds (Hard Western Provinces Diary required). The entrance to the private area is south in Feldip Hills.

Teleport to Feldip Hills with a scroll, use the AKS fairy ring, or the spirit tree in Feldip Hills for quick access.

Red Chinchompas are especially valuable for Ironmen but are also a fast Hunter training method for regular accounts.

Herbiboar (Level 80-99 Hunter)

Herbiboar is a less click-intensive alternative, done on Fossil Island, requiring the Bone Voyage quest and level 80 Hunter.

Herbiboar XP rates are higher than Red Chinchompas but lower than Black Chinchompas, reaching up to 170k Hunter XP/hour at level 99.

You don’t need items for Herbiboar, but magic secateurs increase herb yield, and a herb sack is highly recommended. RuneLite’s Herbiboar plugin highlights starter objects and trails.

Find a starter object and click it to begin a trail. Follow the trail, searching objects until a Herbiboar spawns. Click the Herbiboar to harvest herbs.

Herbiboar is a less intensive, yet fast Hunter method, strongly recommended for your 99 Hunter journey.

Aerial Fishing (Level 35-99 Hunter & Fishing)

For training both Hunter and Fishing, Aerial Fishing on Molch Island (Zeah) is a good choice. No quests are required, only 35 Hunter and 43 Fishing. XP rates reach 80k Hunter and 60k Fishing XP/hour at higher levels. Starting rates are still decent at 28k Hunter XP/hour.

Start by talking to Alry the Angler on Molch Island to get a cormorant.

Gather bait (king worms) on Molch Island and use a knife on caught fish for more bait.

Go to the island’s edges and click fishing spots to send your bird to catch fish, repeating for continuous Hunter and Fishing XP.

Aerial Fishing isn’t the fastest Hunter training but is worthwhile for combined Fishing training, unique rewards, or variety.

Drift Net Fishing (Level 44-99 Hunter & Fishing)

Drift Net Fishing is a very efficient combined Hunter and Fishing method, providing up to 115k Hunter and 87k Fishing XP/hour at level 99. It’s the most efficient dual-skill training method for Hunter and Fishing.

Requires level 44 Hunter and 47 Fishing, Bone Voyage quest, fishbowl helmet, diving apparatus (Freeing Pirate Pete subquest of Recipe for Disaster), flippers (recommended), and a trident. Bring numulite to bank catches.

You need drift nets (buy from GE or craft with jute fibres). Use ~100 nets/hour. Store nets with Anette in the area for easy access. Bring noted drift nets to Anette initially.

From Fossil Island diving spot, go north to the Drift Net fishing area. Set up two drift nets. Chase fish into the nets by clicking on them. Click full nets to bank fish with numulite.

Drift Net Fishing is highly efficient for maxing Hunter and Fishing simultaneously, but not the fastest for solely leveling Hunter.

AFK Hunter Methods

Two viable AFK Hunter training methods are Maniacal Monkeys and Pyre Foxes.

Pyre Foxes (Level 51-99 Hunter)

Pyre Foxes, unlocked at level 51, are in Varlamore (Children of the Sun quest required).

AFK intervals at Pyre Foxes last 20-40 seconds.

XP rates reach only 40k XP/hour at level 99. Recommended only if Monkey Madness 2 is not completed, as Maniacal Monkeys are faster AFK.

Pyre Foxes are caught with deadfall traps (logs and knife needed). Bring an axe for infinite log supply from nearby trees.

Pyre Foxes are near the Hunter Guild. Quetzal whistle (Hunter Rumours) is the fastest teleport; otherwise, use Quetzal transport or AJP fairy ring and run west.

Click to set up one trap at a time. Wait to catch a fox, click to get XP, and click again to reset.

Maniacal Monkeys (Level 60-99 Hunter)

Maniacal Monkeys, unlocked at level 60, are the best AFK Hunter method, requiring Monkey Madness 2 completion.

Maniacal Monkeys offer 50k XP/hour at unlock, scaling to over 100k XP/hour at higher levels.

You need bananas to catch Maniacal Monkeys. Buy baskets of bananas (main accounts) or use Bones to Bananas spell/tablets (ironmen) with bones scattered nearby.

A Kruk monkey greegree (Monkey Madness 2) is also required. Obtain a replacement from the quest NPC if lost.

Teleport to a gnome glider using Royal Seed Pod and go to the Grand Tree top.

Glide to Ape Atoll, run to the hidden trapdoor in the trees.

Climb down, run north to monkey bars, equip greegree to cross.

Run further north and enter the crevice in the wall.

You’re now in the Maniacal Monkey Hunter area. World hop if crowded for maximum XP.

Run to loading bays, mount a gorilla (required for hunting here).

Click a boulder to set a trap with a banana. Go AFK for 30-60 seconds, then check and reset the trap.

If using Bones to Bananas, cast the spell outside the arena as spellbook is hidden with a greegree equipped.

Birdhouse Runs for Hunter XP

Birdhouse Runs are time-based Hunter training. Every 50 minutes, set up birdhouses to collect nests and Hunter XP.

Ideal for routine-based players, birdhouse runs offer competitive hourly XP rates if done quickly.

To do birdhouse runs, you need 4 birdhouses (buy from GE or craft with clockwork and logs) and seeds (hops, flower, or allotment seeds, 10 per birdhouse).

Teleport to Fossil Island with a Digsite pendant. Use the Mushroom Teleport System to Verdant Valley. Click the birdhouse Hunter spot and use seeds to set it up. Repeat at the second Verdant Valley spot.

Use the Mushtree teleport to Mushroom Meadow.

Go north to the birdhouse spot in Mushroom Meadow and set up the birdhouse.

Run south towards the swamp to the final birdhouse location and set it up.

Teleport out and resume your previous activities. Repeat birdhouse runs every 50 minutes.

Hunter Rumours in Varlamore

Hunter Rumours, introduced with Varlamore, are contract-like tasks assigning monsters to hunt. Access the Hunter Guild (46 Hunter, “At First Light” quest intro).

Four rumour tiers (level 46-91) offer varying XP and reward values.

Rewards include the Guild Hunter outfit (increased catch chance, boosting XP rates).

Quetzal whistles (teleports to Hunter Guild) are also rumour rewards.

The Quetzal pet is a rare reward from rumours.

Hunter Rumours offer competitive XP rates when done efficiently, providing varied training and breaking monotony.

To complete a rumour: Go downstairs in the Hunter Guild and speak to a Guild Hunter.

Bank upstairs for needed teleports and gear.

Hunt the assigned monster (e.g., Tecu Salamanders) until you get the unique item (salamander claw).

Return to the Guild Hunter Wolf (Master) to complete and get a Hunters loot sack reward.

Block unwanted rumours by getting tasks from lower-level guild masters for optimal XP rates.

Ironman Hunter Training Strategies

Ironman Hunter training is similar to main accounts. Follow the fastest pathway, with key adjustments. Prioritize Red or Black Chinchompas for valuable supplies for bossing and general training on an Ironman.

Herbiboar is excellent for Ironmen, providing herbs and decent Hunter XP.

Hardcore Ironmen should avoid Wilderness methods like Black Salamanders and Black Chinchompas.

Red Chinchompas or Tecu Salamanders are safer alternatives for Hardcore Ironmen seeking fast XP.

This concludes the updated level 1-99 OSRS Hunter guide. Use the content guide at the top to navigate to any section for detailed information on each Hunter training method.