Welcome to the definitive Old School RuneScape (OSRS) Hunter guide! Whether you’re a seasoned player aiming for 99 Hunter or a newcomer eager to explore this rewarding skill, this guide provides a comprehensive roadmap to achieve your goals. Hunter in OSRS allows you to track and capture a variety of creatures across RuneScape, offering not only experience but also valuable resources and even profit.
This guide will cover everything you need to know, from the absolute fastest methods to more relaxed, AFK approaches. We’ll break down each training method, detailing the required levels, necessary equipment, experience rates, and unique benefits. Prepare to embark on your journey to mastering the Hunter skill!
Methods Overview
This guide covers a variety of Hunter training methods, catering to different playstyles and preferences. Here’s a quick overview of what we’ll explore:
Fastest Pathway: The most efficient route to 99 Hunter, utilizing a range of methods for optimal experience gains.
Alternative Methods: Effective training options that offer different benefits, such as profit or reduced intensity.
AFK Methods: Relaxing and low-intensity training for those who prefer a more hands-off approach.
Birdhouse Runs: Efficient, time-based runs for consistent Hunter and Farming experience.
Hunter Rumours: Engaging contracts that offer varied training and unique rewards.
Ironman Hunter: Tailored strategies and considerations for Ironman accounts.
Over time, Hunter training has become increasingly accessible and less demanding, especially with tools like RuneLite and the introduction of methods like Herbiboar and Maniacal Monkeys. For those seeking the most rapid ascent to level 99, the fastest pathway is highly recommended.
Fastest Pathway: Level 1-99 Hunter in 75 Hours
For players prioritizing speed, the fastest pathway to 99 Hunter is estimated to take around 75 hours of focused gameplay. This route involves a progression through various hunting techniques, maximizing experience at each level bracket. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide:
Essential Items for the Fastest Hunter Training Path in OSRS. This includes various traps, teleportation methods, and Hunter potions.
Varrock Museum (Levels 1-9)
Varrock Museum, a starting location for Hunter training in Old School RuneScape.
Begin your Hunter journey at the Varrock Museum. Located northeast in Varrock, head downstairs and speak to Orlando Smith to initiate the natural history quiz. Answer the quiz questions correctly by interacting with the display cases on the lower floor. RuneLite users will find the correct answers highlighted for convenience. Completing all display cases and returning to Orlando Smith rewards you with 1,000 Hunter and Slayer experience, instantly boosting you to level 9 Hunter.
Player interacting with a display case at the Varrock Museum, answering quiz questions for Hunter experience in OSRS.
Copper Longtails (Levels 9-12)
Copper Longtails, an early game target for Hunter training in OSRS.
For levels 9 to 12, you’ll need a butterfly net, Hunter potions, bird snares, butterfly jars, stamina potions, and a teleport to Piscatoris (Piscatoris teleport scroll recommended). Travel to the Piscatoris area, near the western fence of the Falconry. Set up a bird snare in the darker patch of ground indicated on the map. Wait for a bird to be lured, check the trap, reset it, and repeat. This method will take approximately 5-10 minutes to reach level 12.
Map highlighting the Piscatoris Hunter area, ideal for catching Copper Longtails in Old School RuneScape.
Copper & Ruby Harvest Butterflies (Boosted) (Levels 12-20)
Copper and Ruby Harvest Butterflies, offering boosted Hunter experience when combined with bird hunting in OSRS.
At level 12 Hunter, utilize Hunter potions to boost your level and catch Ruby Harvest butterflies. Combining butterfly catching with bird snaring nearly triples your XP rate. The area shown on the map is optimal, with birds and butterfly spawns close together. Use RuneLite’s NPC Indicators plugin to tag butterflies for easier targeting. Tag all Ruby Harvest butterflies by Shift-Right Clicking and selecting “Tag all”. Set up a bird snare, sip a Hunter potion and stamina potion, and catch butterflies. Use Shift-click to release butterflies quickly. Keep an eye on your bird snare and reset it promptly. This boosted method is the fastest way to train Hunter from level 12 to 20, taking under 30 minutes.
Map showing the best location for simultaneously hunting birds and Ruby Harvest butterflies for fast Hunter levels in OSRS.
Moss Lizards (Levels 20-27/39)
Moss Lizards, a fast experience method for mid-level Hunter training in Old School RuneScape.
At level 20, Moss Lizards in the Moons of Peril offer the fastest XP. Access requires completing the Perilous Moons quest. If you lack the stats for this quest, continue with Crimson Swift birds and Ruby Harvest butterflies until level 27. The Perilous Moons quest rewards 5,000 Hunter XP, taking you from level 20 to 26. You’ll only need to train on Moss Lizards from level 26 to 27 to proceed. Moss Lizards remain competitive until level 39, offering an alternative pathway if you can meet the quest requirements. For Moss Lizards, you need ropes and stamina potions. Teleport to Cam Torum using a Calcified Moth or Quetzal transport (if landing site built). Run north to enter the Moons of Peril, take the northwestern path to the earthbound cavern, and follow the path to the Moss Lizards’ hunting area. Set traps by clicking on rocks, then rustle bushes to lure lizards. Follow the 1, 3, 2, 4 trap placement pattern for efficiency.
Map showing the location of Moons of Peril and the path to Moss Lizards hunting area in OSRS.
Eagles Peak Quest (Levels 27-29)
Eagles Peak Quest in OSRS, essential for unlocking box trap hunting methods.
At level 27 Hunter, complete the Eagles Peak quest for 2,500 Hunter XP. This short quest unlocks box trap hunting, crucial for future methods. The XP reward boosts you from level 27 to 29, unlocking the next training method.
Link to Slayermusiq’s Eagles Peak quest guide, a helpful resource for completing the quest in OSRS.
Swamp Lizards (Levels 29-39)
Swamp Lizards, an efficient method for training Hunter using box traps in Morytania, OSRS.
From level 29, hunt Swamp Lizards in Morytania. This requires completing the Priest in Peril quest. You’ll need ropes and small fishing nets. Teleport to Canafis and run southeast, or use the ALQ fairy ring and run southwest. At level 29, use 2 traps. The best location for 2 traps is shown on the map. Set up both traps, wait for a lizard, and interact with the trap to collect XP and the lizard. If you fail to catch it, pick up your rope and net and reset the trap. At level 37 Hunter, boost with Hunter potions to use 3 traps for faster XP gains.
Map highlighting the optimal location for setting up two traps for Swamp Lizards in Morytania, OSRS.
Embertailed Jerboa (Levels 39-43)
Embertailed Jerboa, a Hunter method unlocked in Varlamore, offering fast experience from level 39 in OSRS.
Upon reaching level 39, you can hunt Embertailed Jerboas in Varlamore. Access to Varlamore requires completing the Children of the Sun quest. You’ll need box traps (obtainable from the Grand Exchange or Yanille Hunter shop). Bring at least 5 box traps and head east of the Hunter Guild. Use the AJP fairy ring or Varlamore teleport and run south. At level 39, you can set 2 traps, increasing to 3 traps at level 40. For efficient trapping without tick manipulation, disable menu entry swapper to prioritize the “check” option. For a more AFK experience, swap “check” with “reset”. Tick manipulation can further speed up trap placement, but its benefit is less significant at lower Hunter levels.
Map showing the Embertailed Jerboa hunting area east of the Hunter Guild in Varlamore, OSRS.
Falconry Spotted Kebbits (Levels 43-57)
Falconry Spotted Kebbits, an active and engaging method for training Hunter from level 43 in OSRS.
At level 43, engage in Falconry. You’ll need at least 500 coins to hire a falcon. Teleport to Piscatoris (Piscatoris teleport scroll) and run southeast, or use the AKQ fairy ring and run east. Talk to Mattias at the Falconry entrance to rent a falcon. Release your falcon to catch Kebbits and retrieve it to claim Hunter experience. For Spotted Kebbits (level 43), stand in the designated area for optimal XP. Use RuneLite to tag the correct Kebbits for easier targeting.
Map showing the Falconry area, specifically the location for hunting Spotted Kebbits in Piscatoris, OSRS.
Falconry Dark Kebbits (Levels 57-60)
Falconry Dark Kebbits, the next progression for Falconry training, offering better XP rates from level 57 in OSRS.
Continue Falconry at level 57, switching to Dark Kebbits for faster experience. The process remains the same, but the optimal location shifts to accommodate Dark Kebbit spawns. Stand in the area shown on the map to target two kebbit spawns effectively.
Map showing the best spot within the Falconry for hunting Dark Kebbits, maximizing efficiency in OSRS.
Red Salamanders (Levels 60-67)
Red Salamanders, a fast-paced trap-based method for Hunter training from level 60 in OSRS.
At level 60, transition to Red Salamanders. Although unlocked at level 59, Falconry is faster until you can use 4 traps at level 60. You’ll need small fishing nets and ropes. Graceful clothing is recommended for running around. Red Salamanders are near the Ourania Altar. Teleport to Castle Wars and run north, use an Ourania teleport, or a nearby spirit tree. The best spot accommodates all 4 traps. Enable Shift Drop to release salamanders quickly. Follow the swamp lizard trapping process. You can boost to 4 traps at level 57 with Hunter potions.
Map showing the optimal location for setting up 4 traps to hunt Red Salamanders efficiently in OSRS.
Black Salamanders (Levels 67-73)
Black Salamanders, a high XP method located in the Wilderness, requiring caution for Hardcore Ironmen in OSRS.
From level 67, Black Salamanders become the fastest XP, located in the Wilderness. Exercise caution and bring no valuables. Hardcore Ironmen should consider alternatives. Teleport with a Burning amulet or ring of dueling to Ferox Enclave, or use a Carrallanger Teleport or Wilderness Obelisks. Set up traps, wait, and reset as with other salamanders. Expect up to 125k Hunter XP per hour.
Map showing the Wilderness location for Black Salamander hunting, highlighting the risk but high reward in OSRS.
Black Chinchompas (Levels 73-99)
Black Chinchompas, the absolute fastest Hunter training method in OSRS, located in the Wilderness and requiring caution.
At level 73, unlock Black Chinchompas, the fastest Hunter training method. Requires Eagle’s Peak quest. Located in the Wilderness, PKers are common. Teleport with a Revenant Cave teleport scroll, Burning amulet, Lava Maze teleport, or ring of dueling to Ferox Enclave. Black Chinchompas offer over 250k Hunter XP per hour with tick manipulation. Set traps between trees in the area shown. 3-tick trap placement significantly increases XP rates. Use herb and tar for 3-tick actions. Set box traps to “reset” left-click option. 3-tick by starting the 3-tick action as soon as you collect chinchompas when resetting a trap. Kill stray chinchompas with a bow and arrows to maximize spawns near traps. An alt account can further enhance training by killing strays.
Map showing the preferred area for hunting Black Chinchompas in the Wilderness, optimizing trap placement and efficiency in OSRS.
Recap of the fastest pathway from level 1 to 99 Hunter in Old School RuneScape, summarizing key methods and levels.
Alternative Hunter Training Methods
While the Fastest Pathway focuses on maximizing XP rate, alternative methods offer different advantages, such as profit, reduced intensity, or combined skill training.
Alternative Hunter Training Methods Icon, highlighting diverse training options beyond the fastest pathway in OSRS.
Tecu Salamanders (Levels 79-99)
Tecu Salamanders, a profitable Hunter method introduced with Varlamore in OSRS, offering good XP rates and valuable drops.
Introduced with Varlamore, Tecu Salamanders are a great alternative from level 79, offering around 150k Hunter XP per hour at level 99. XP rates start at 95k/hour with 4 traps at level 79, jumping to 110k/hour with 5 traps at level 80. Requires Children of the Sun quest. Use small fishing nets and ropes. Teleport to Cam Torum using Quetzal transport or run west from the main city. Trap locations are shown on the map. You primarily catch immature salamanders, but rare Tecu Salamanders can be sold for profit (over 200k each).
Map showing the optimal trap locations for hunting Tecu Salamanders in Varlamore, maximizing catch efficiency in OSRS.
Red Chinchompas (Levels 80-99)
Red Chinchompas, a balanced Hunter training method from level 80, offering good XP and less risk than Black Chins in OSRS.
From level 80 with 5 traps, Red Chinchompas become efficient, offering up to 195k XP/hour with tick manipulation or 140k/hour without. Best hunted in Feldip Hills, either in the outer world or the private Hunting grounds (Hard Western Provinces Diary). Teleport to Feldip Hills (Feldip Hills teleport scroll), use AKS fairy ring, or a spirit tree. Useful for Ironmen and regular accounts seeking fast Hunter XP.
Map showing the Red Chinchompas hunting area in Feldip Hills, including the entrance to the private hunting ground in OSRS.
Herbiboar (Levels 80-99)
Herbiboar, a less click-intensive Hunter method on Fossil Island, offering good XP and herb drops from level 80 in OSRS.
Herbiboar is a less click-intensive alternative from level 80, done on Fossil Island (Bone Voyage quest required). Up to 170k Hunter XP/hour at level 99. Magic secateurs increase herb yield. Herb sack is highly recommended. RuneLite’s Herbiboar plugin helps track trails. Click starter objects to follow trails, leading to Herbiboar spawns. Harvest herbs from the Herbiboar’s back. A less intensive, yet fast Hunter training method.
Image example of a Herbiboar trail on Fossil Island, showing the interactive objects to follow for Hunter training in OSRS.
Aerial Fishing (Levels 35-99)
Aerial Fishing, a unique method for training both Hunter and Fishing simultaneously on Molch Island in OSRS.
Aerial fishing on Molch Island (Zeah) trains both Hunter and Fishing. Requires 35 Hunter and 43 Fishing. Up to 80k Hunter XP and 60k Fishing XP per hour at higher levels. Decent at lower levels too (28k Hunter XP/hour at unlock). Talk to Alry the Angler on Molch Island to start. Obtain bait (king worms on Molch Island, or use knife on caught fish). Fish at the island’s edges by clicking fishing spots and sending your bird to catch fish. Repeat for continuous XP in both skills. Good for rewards and varying your training.
Map showing Molch Island, the location for Aerial Fishing, allowing players to train Hunter and Fishing concurrently in OSRS.
Drift Net Fishing (Levels 44-99)
Drift Net Fishing, the most efficient method for training both Hunter and Fishing simultaneously in OSRS, underwater on Fossil Island.
Drift net fishing is highly efficient for combined Hunter and Fishing training. Up to 115k Hunter and 87k Fishing XP per hour at level 99, making it the most efficient dual-skill method. Requires 44 Hunter and 47 Fishing, Bone Voyage quest, fishbowl helmet, diving apparatus (Freeing Pirate Pete subquest of Recipe for Disaster), flippers, and trident. Bring numulite to bank catches. Drift nets are needed (buy from GE or craft with jute fibres). Use about 100 drift nets per hour. Store drift nets with Anette in the area. From the Fossil Island diving spot, go north to the drift net fishing area. Set up two drift nets and chase fish into them. Collect nets when full and bank fish with numulite. Ideal for efficient maxing, but not the fastest for pure Hunter training.
Map showing the underwater Drift Net Fishing area on Fossil Island, detailing the setup and training process in OSRS.
AFK Hunter Methods
For players seeking a more relaxed training experience, AFK Hunter methods provide low-intensity training options, perfect for multitasking or extended play sessions.
AFK Hunter Methods Icon, representing low-intensity training options for a more relaxed approach to leveling Hunter in OSRS.
Pyre Foxes (Levels 51-99)
Pyre Foxes, a recently introduced AFK Hunter method in Varlamore, offering relaxed training from level 51 in OSRS.
Pyre Foxes, unlocked at level 51 in Varlamore (Children of the Sun quest), offer AFK intervals of 20-40 seconds. XP rates reach around 40k/hour at level 99. Recommended if you can’t do Maniacal Monkeys, as they are slower. Use deadfall traps (logs and knife). Bring an axe for infinite logs nearby. Located near the Hunter Guild in Varlamore. Teleport using Quetzal whistle, transport, or AJP fairy ring. Set one trap, wait, collect fox, reset trap, and repeat. Simple and AFK, but slower XP than other methods.
Map showing the Pyre Foxes hunting location near the Hunter Guild in Varlamore, ideal for AFK training in OSRS.
Maniacal Monkeys (Levels 60-99)
Maniacal Monkeys, considered the best AFK Hunter method in OSRS, offering good XP rates and minimal effort from level 60.
Maniacal Monkeys are the best AFK Hunter method from level 60. Requires Monkey Madness 2 quest. 50k XP/hour at level 60, scaling to over 100k XP/hour at higher levels. Need bananas (buy baskets from GE or use bones to bananas spell/tablets). Kruk monkey greegree is essential (Monkey Madness 2 reward, reclaimable from quest NPC). Teleport to Ape Atoll using gnome glider (Royal Seed Pod teleport to Grand Tree). Run to the hidden trapdoor, equip greegree to cross monkey bars, and enter the crevice. Train alone for maximum XP. Mount a gorilla at the loading bays. Set up traps with bananas on boulders. AFK for 30-60 seconds, check trap, reset, and repeat. Use bones to bananas outside the arena as spellbook is hidden with greegree.
Map showing the Maniacal Monkeys hunting area on Ape Atoll, detailing the route and setup for AFK Hunter training in OSRS.
Birdhouse Runs: Efficient Time-Based Hunter XP
Birdhouse Runs, an efficient time-based Hunter training method in OSRS, providing consistent XP and bird nests.
Birdhouse runs are time-based, repeatable every 50 minutes. Efficient XP rates when done quickly. Need 4 birdhouses (GE or craft with clockwork and logs) and seeds (hops, flower, or allotment seeds, 10 per birdhouse). Teleport to Fossil Island (Digsite pendant). Use Mushroom Teleport System to Verdant Valley. Set up birdhouses at two spots in Verdant Valley. Teleport to Mushroom Meadow via Mushtree teleport system. Set up birdhouse north of Mushroom Meadow. Run south to Swamp for the final birdhouse. Teleport out and resume previous activity. Fast birdhouse runs maximize hourly XP rates.
Map showing the Birdhouse run locations on Fossil Island, detailing the efficient route for time-based Hunter training in OSRS.
Hunter Rumours: Engaging and Varied Training
Hunter Rumours, a Varlamore update providing varied Hunter tasks and rewards, offering a different approach to training in OSRS.
Hunter Rumours, introduced with Varlamore, are contracts assigning monsters to hunt. Requires Hunter Guild access (46 Hunter, “At First Light” quest). Four rumour tiers (level 46-91) with varying XP and rewards. Rewards include the Hunter Guild outfit (increased catch chance), Quetzal whistles (Hunter Guild teleports), and the rare Quetzal pet. Competitive XP rates if done efficiently. Offers varied training techniques and locations. Get rumours from Guild Hunters downstairs in the Hunter’s Guild. Bank upstairs for gear and teleports. Complete rumour tasks (e.g., Tecu Salamanders) until unique item drop (salamander claw). Return to Guild Hunter Wolf (Master) to complete and claim rewards (Hunters loot sack). Block unwanted rumours by getting tasks from lower-level guild masters for optimal XP.
Example of completing a Hunter Rumour task, showing the process from getting a task to claiming rewards at the Hunter Guild in OSRS.
Ironman Hunter Training Considerations
Ironman Hunter Training Considerations Icon, highlighting specific strategies and methods for self-sufficient Hunter training in OSRS.
Ironman Hunter training is largely similar to main accounts. The fastest pathway is generally applicable. Prioritize chinchompas (red or black) for valuable resources. Herbiboar is excellent for herbs and decent XP. Hardcore Ironmen should avoid Wilderness methods (Black Salamanders, Black Chinchompas). Red Chinchompas or Tecu Salamanders are safer alternatives for Hardcores.
Overview of recommended Hunter training methods for Ironman accounts, considering self-sufficiency and safety in OSRS.
This updated level 1-99 Hunter guide provides a comprehensive toolkit for mastering the skill in Old School RuneScape. Whether you choose the fastest pathway, alternative methods, AFK training, or time-based runs, consistent effort will lead you to 99 Hunter. Use the content guide at the top of the page to navigate to specific sections and find the best method for your playstyle. Happy hunting!
Showcase of the Level 99 Hunter Skillcape in Old School RuneScape, the ultimate goal for dedicated Hunter trainers.
