OSRS Slayer Guide
Build a high-confidence Slayer training plan
Updated July 2026
Slayer progression depends on your priority: fast XP, profitable assignments, or balanced account growth. This guide is organized as a planning system so you can choose a lane and execute with confidence.
What Is Your Best Slayer Method Right Now?
Pick your lane first: speed, profit, or balanced progression. Then commit until your next major unlock.
Choose Your Planning Track
- Fast XP, Can Spend GPCannon + Burst RoutesAggressive task routing with cannon and burst tasks for high XP rates.High
- Balanced ProgressionHighest Master You Can UseEfficient points, steady XP, and good long-term unlock pacing.Medium
- Profit PriorityDuradel + Profit BlocksFocus on profitable assignments and a strong block/skip list.Low
- Early-Game SetupQuest XP + Point FoundationSkip weak early hours and establish a strong unlock path quickly.Low
Method Comparison Arena
Compare assignment styles and pick one that fits your current GP, gear, and attention budget.
- FastestHigh task XP/hrCost: HighIntensity: HighUse when: You optimize for XP and can fund cannon/burst costsAvoid when: You need low-cost training
- Most ProfitableMediumCost: LowIntensity: MediumUse when: You want consistent GP while trainingAvoid when: You are pure speedrunning Slayer levels
- Best General RouteMedium to HighCost: MediumIntensity: MediumUse when: You want long-term account progression and unlock qualityAvoid when: You only care about immediate GP
- Gear-Driven EfficiencyVariesCost: Medium to HighIntensity: LowUse when: You can invest in Slayer helm, cannon, and setup upgradesAvoid when: You are temporarily under-geared
High-Confidence Training Routes
Milestones That Matter
- 13: Quest-assisted start with museum + porcine setup.
- 58: Black mask power spike for task DPS.
- 75: Reliable profit loops begin to stabilize.
- 85+: Higher masters and stronger task quality.
- 95: Hydra-tier endgame moneymaking unlock.
Execution Checklist
- Use the highest master your account can realistically sustain.
- Prioritize helm and core unlocks before luxury unlocks.
- Block low-value tasks that hurt your chosen lane.
- Re-evaluate route every 10-15 levels, not every task.
⚔️ How Slayer Works
Basic Concept
- Talk to a Slayer Master to receive a task
- Kill the assigned monsters to gain Slayer XP + combat XP
- Complete task to earn Slayer Points
- Return for next task and repeat!
Slayer Points System
| Master | Points |
|---|---|
| Turael/Spria | 0 |
| Mazchna | 2 |
| Vannaka | 4 |
| Chaeldar | 10 |
| Nieve/Steve | 12 (15 with Elite diary) |
| Duradel | 15 |
| Konar | 18 (20 with Elite diary) |
| Krystilia (Wilderness) | 25 |
- • 10th task: 5x points
- • 50th task: 15x points
- • 100th task: 25x points
- • 250th task: 35x points
- • 1000th task: 50x points
Why Train Slayer?
- ✓ Combine combat training with profit
- ✓ Unlock unique monsters & bosses (Hydra, Cerberus, etc.)
- ✓ Access profitable endgame content
- ✓ Best combat XP rates with Slayer helmet
- ✓ Slayer helmet (i) = 16.6% damage bonus on task!
📜 Quests That Give Slayer XP
💡 Recommended Start: Complete Varrock Museum Quiz + A Porcine of Interest = instant level 13 Slayer!| Quest | XP Reward | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Varrock Museum Quiz | 1,000 | None! |
| A Porcine of Interest | 1,000 | None! |
| Recipe for Disaster (Dwarf) | 1,000 | Fishing Contest, RFD started |
| Wanted! | 5,000 | 32 QP, Recruitment Drive, Lost Tribe |
| Royal Trouble | 5,000 | 40 Slayer |
| The Fremennik Exiles | 15,000 | 60 Slayer |
| Monkey Madness II | 25,000 | 69 Slayer (huge requirements) |
👥 Slayer Masters
Color Legend:Duradel (Best Master)
Location: Shilo Village (south of Karamja)
Requirements: 100 Combat, 50 Slayer
Points: 15 per task
Use for: 100+ combat (BEST tasks & XP rates)
Nieve/Steve
Location: Gnome Stronghold (tree icon)
Requirements: 85 Combat
Points: 12 per task (15 with Elite diary)
Use for: 85-99 combat (if you don't have 100 combat yet)
Chaeldar
Location: Zanaris (Lost City quest required)
Requirements: 70 Combat
Points: 10 per task
Use for: 70-84 combat
Konar (Situational)
Location: Mount Karuulm (Zeah)
Requirements: 75 Combat
Points: 18 per task (20 with Elite diary)
Use for: Farming points (high points) or Brimstone Keys (extra loot)
Downside: Location-specific tasks (less efficient)
Turael/Spria (Turael Boosting Only)
Location: Burthorpe
Requirements: None
Points: 0 per task
Use for: Turael boosting strategy (tasks 1-9, use Duradel for 10th)
Gives very fast tasks (cows, chickens) for point farming
Vannaka & Mazchna (DON'T USE)
Bad tasks & low points. Skip these masters entirely!
Krystilia (Wilderness Only)
Location: Edgeville
Points: 25 per task
Use for: Separate wilderness streak for points (risky, get PK'd often)
All Slayer Masters
| Master | Location | Req | Pts | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turael | Burthorpe | Any level | 0 | Point boosting (resets streak) |
| Krystilia | Edgeville (Wilderness) | Any level | 25 | Fast points (PK risk) |
| Mazchna | Canifis | 20+ CB | 2 | Skip — low points & tasks |
| Vannaka | Edgeville Dungeon | 40+ CB | 4 | Skip — bad task pool |
| Chaeldar | Zanaris | 70+ CB | 10 | 70-84 stepping stone |
| Konar | Mount Karuulm | 75+ CB | 18 | Brimstone keys (point farming) |
| Nieve / Steve | Gnome Stronghold | 85+ CB | 15 | 85-99 efficient training |
| Duradel | Shilo Village | 100+ CB / 50 Slayer | 15 | Best XP & profit |
🎯 Slayer Training Strategies
Fastest XP: Cannon Tasks
Use Dwarf Cannon (after Dwarf Cannon quest) to speed up kills = faster Slayer XP!
Cost: ~400k GP/hr (cannonballs)Only for players with money to spend!
Best Cannon Tasks:- • Dagannoths (Lighthouse)
- • Kalphites (Kalphite Lair)
- • Suqahs (Lunar Isle)
- • Fire Giants (Stronghold Slayer Cave)
Bursting/Barraging Tasks (70+ Magic)
Ancient Magicks spells hit multiple enemies = INSANE XP rates!
Requirements:- • Desert Treasure quest (Ancient Magicks)
- • 70+ Magic (Ice Burst)
- • 65+ Slayer (for Dust Devils)
- • Dust Devils (65 Slayer) - Catacombs of Kourend
- • Nechryaels (80 Slayer) - Catacombs of Kourend
- • Smoke Devils (93 Slayer) - Smoke Devil Dungeon
Turael Boost (Farm Slayer Points)
Strategy to quickly farm Slayer points:
- Do tasks 1-9 with Turael (very fast tasks: cows, chickens)
- Do task 10 with Duradel (get 5x multiplier = 75 points!)
- Repeat for tasks 11-19 with Turael, task 20 with Duradel
- At 50th task, get 15x multiplier (225 points!)
AFK Slayer Training
Use high prayer bonus gear + Protect from Melee = stay AFK longer!
Recommended Gear:- • Proselyte Armour (full set)
- • Holy Symbol / Stole
- • Rada's Blessing 4 (best prayer bonus)
- • Bone Crusher (Morytania Hard Diary) - restores prayer!
⚔️ Slayer Gear Recommendations
Priority: Maximize DPS (damage per second) = faster kills = more XP!Essential Slayer Items
- Slayer Helmet (400 points) 🏆
Most important unlock! 16.6% damage & accuracy boost on task.
Imbue at Nightmare Zone = works with Magic & Ranged too!
- Slayer Ring (300 points)
Teleports to slayer caves (requires 75 Crafting to make)
- Black Mask
16.6% damage boost (melee only). Upgrade to Slayer Helmet!
Gear Setups by Account Stage
| Tier | Levels | Cost | Key Gear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Level | 1-50 | <100K | Adamant / Rune armour. Black Mask at 58 Combat for 16.6% damage boost on task. Dragon Scimitar for melee. |
| Mid Level | 50-80 | 1-5M | Dragon armour, Abyssal Whip, Slayer Helm (i), Dragon Defender, Barrows Gloves, Fighter Torso. |
| High Level | 80-99 | 50M+ | Bandos Chestplate & Tassets, Amulet of Torture, Primordial Boots, Neitiznot Faceguard. For ranged tasks: Armadyl armour, Toxic Blowpipe, Twisted Bow. |
Melee Gear (Most Common)
- • Head: Slayer Helmet (i)
- • Body: Fighter Torso / Bandos Chestplate
- • Legs: Dragon Platelegs / Bandos Tassets
- • Weapon: Abyssal Whip / Ghrazi Rapier
- • Shield: Dragon Defender
- • Cape: Fire Cape / Infernal Cape
- • Amulet: Amulet of Torture
- • Boots: Dragon Boots / Primordial Boots
- • Gloves: Barrows Gloves
- • Ring: Berserker Ring (i)
Prayer/AFK Gear
- • Head: Slayer Helmet (i)
- • Body: Proselyte Hauberk
- • Legs: Proselyte Cuisse
- • Cape: Fire Cape
- • Amulet: Holy Symbol / Stole
- • Boots: Devout Boots
- • Gloves: Barrows Gloves
- • Ring: Explorers Ring 4
Use with Protect from Melee for maximum AFK time!
💰 Profitable Slayer Tasks
Best Slayer Masters for Profit:- Duradel - Best tasks overall (use for 100+ combat)
- Konar - Brimstone Keys add extra loot (location-locked tasks)
- Nieve - Solid tasks (85-99 combat)
| Monster | Slayer Req | GP/hr | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Dragons | 1 | 365k | Dragon bones + blue hides |
| Kurasks | 70 | 400-600k | Consistent drops |
| Skeletal Wyverns | 72 | 780k | Elemental shield required |
| Gargoyles | 75 | 300-600k | Rock hammer to finish |
| Brutal Black Dragons | 77 | 1M | Very profitable |
| Venators (Vampyrium) | 74 | Varies | Higher Blood shard rate vs Vampyres. Tarnished gear drops. New 2026 |
| Greater Nechryaels | 80 | 600k | Burst for XP + profit |
| Abyssal Sire (Boss) | 85 | 1.3M | Boss variant |
| Kraken (Boss) | 87 | 1M | Very AFK boss |
| Thermy (Boss) | 93 | 1M | Smoke Devil boss |
| Alchemical Hydra | 95 | 3M+ | Best GP/hr Slayer boss! |
Tasks to Block (Low Profit)
Use your block list for these tasks:
- • Suqahs (no valuable drops)
- • Waterfiends (bad drops)
- • Greater/Lesser Demons (waste of time)
- • Hellhounds (unless doing Cerberus)
🏆 Best Slayer Tasks
| Monster | Req | XP/hr | GP/hr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alchemical Hydra | 95 | 45k-55k | 3M-5M |
| Cerberus | 91 | 40k-50k | 2M-4M |
| Smoke Devils | 93 | 50k-65k | 1M-2M |
| Abyssal Demons | 85 | 65k-80k | 800k-1.2M |
| Kurasks | 70 | 70k-85k | 500k-800k |
| Gargoyles | 75 | 55k-70k | 600k-900k |
| Venators (Vampyrium) | 74 | Moderate | Blood shards |
| Nechryael | 80 | 60k-75k | 400k-700k |
| Dust Devils | 65 | 70k-90k | 300k-500k |
| Bloodvelds | 50 | 50k-70k | 200k-400k |
| Dagannoth | 1 | 45k-60k | 150k-300k |
🚫 Recommended Block List
Blocking the right tasks is one of the biggest efficiency levers. Without a good block list, you burn points skipping bad assignments and wreck your streak.
Hellhounds
No valuable drops at all. Only unblock if you plan to farm Cerberus at 91 Slayer. Otherwise, this is the number-one block for every account.
Black Demons
High HP, low loot, and tedious to kill. Demonic Gorillas (MM2 required) are the only reason to keep these — if you are not farming zenytes, block them.
Greater Demons
Mediocre drops and slow kills. Only unblock if you are killing K'ril Tsutsaroth at GWD on task. For normal Slayer, always block.
Fire Giants
Low XP and zero profit. They are assigned frequently by mid-level masters and offer nothing of value — block early.
Spiritual Creatures
Requires 63 Slayer and GWD access. Low XP, split into three factions, and the loot is mediocre. An easy block.
Steel Dragons
High defence, slow kills, and need antifire protection. The visage drop is too rare to justify the time sink. Block unless you are an ironman needing rune items.
🔑 Essential Slayer Unlocks
Spend your Slayer points in this order for the fastest progression. Skipping ahead to luxury unlocks before core efficiency upgrades will slow you down.
Bigger and Badder (150 pts)
Superior monsters can appear on task, giving bonus Slayer XP and access to rare unique drops like the Imbued Heart. Unlock this first — always.
Slayer Helmet (400 pts)
Combines Black Mask + Spiny Helmet + Earmuffs + Nose Peg + Facemask into one item. The 16.6% damage/accuracy boost on task is the single biggest DPS upgrade you will get. Imbue it at Nightmare Zone to extend the boost to Magic and Ranged.
Slayer Rings (300 pts, 50 Slayer)
Teleports to key Slayer locations: Morytania Slayer Tower, Rellekka Slayer Cave, Stronghold Slayer Cave, and more. Requires 75 Crafting to make. Saves more time than any other unlock.
Broader Fletching (300 pts)
Lets you fletch broad bolts and arrows — the best affordable ammo for ranged Slayer. Unlock once you start using Ranged on task and need cost-effective ammunition.
Boss Task Unlocks
Each boss requires a one-time point spend to unlock the ability to get that boss as a Slayer task. Boss tasks are assigned by higher-level masters only.
| Boss | Req | Unlock Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Grotesque Guardians | 75 Slayer | 50 pts |
| Abyssal Sire | 85 Slayer | 50 pts |
| Kraken | 87 Slayer | 50 pts |
| Cerberus | 91 Slayer | 50 pts |
| Thermonuclear Smoke Devil | 93 Slayer | 50 pts |
| Alchemical Hydra | 95 Slayer | 50 pts |
📊 Slayer Calculator
Plan your Slayer training and track progress:
Track:
- ✓ XP needed for levels
- ✓ Slayer point progress
- ✓ Task completion tracking
- ✓ Best tasks for your level
Plan:
- ✓ Block list optimization
- ✓ Point spending priorities
- ✓ Time to reach goals
💡 Pro Slayer Tips
Use Slayer Helm (i)
The 16.6% damage and accuracy boost applies to all combat styles when imbued. Always prioritise this upgrade — it is the single biggest DPS increase available.
Unlock Bigger and Badder
Superior monsters can appear on task, offering bonus Slayer XP and rare unique drops including the Imbued Heart. Best 150 points you will ever spend.
Dwarf Multicannon on Multi Tasks
Use on multi-combat tasks like Dagannoths, Kalphites, and Suqahs. Costs ~400k GP/hr in cannonballs but massively speeds up kills and XP rates.
Barrage Tasks in Catacombs
Ancient Magicks on Dust Devils (65), Nechryael (80), and Smoke Devils (93) in Catacombs of Kourend yields insane XP and respectable profit.
Wilderness Slayer for Fast Points
Krystilia gives 25 points per task — the fastest point farming in the game. Bring minimal risk gear and accept the PK danger for rapid unlocks.
Skip Tasks Below 10k XP/hr
Any task that dips below ~10k Slayer XP per hour is not worth your time. Build a point surplus with Turael boosting and skip aggressively to maintain your pace.
Always Use Piety / Rigour / Augury
Keep offensive prayers active on every task. The DPS boost from Piety, Rigour, or Augury easily pays for prayer potion costs through faster completion.
Teleport, Never Walk
Slayer Ring (300 pts, 75 Crafting) teleports to key caves. House tabs, jewellery teleports, and spellbook teleports cut travel time dramatically — every tick saved adds up.
Frequently Asked Questions
01What combat level should I start Slayer?
Recommended 70+ combat for decent tasks. Before that, Slayer is very slow. Train combat first, then start Slayer!
02Which Slayer Master should I use?
Always use the HIGHEST level master you can: Chaeldar (70 cb) → Nieve (85 cb) → Duradel (100 cb). Duradel is best!
03What should I spend Slayer points on first?
Priority: 1) Slayer Helmet (400 pts), 2) Bigger and Badder (150 pts), 3) Slayer Ring (300 pts), 4) Extend profitable tasks
04Is cannoning Slayer worth it?
Yes if you have money! Cannon costs ~400k GP/hr but speeds up tasks significantly. Use on: Dagannoths, Kalphites, Suqahs.
05What is Turael boosting?
Point farming strategy: Do tasks 1-9 with Turael (fast tasks), task 10 with Duradel (5x points). Repeat for 50th/100th tasks!
06How do I make money with Slayer?
Use Duradel, unlock profitable tasks (Gargoyles, Wyverns, Kurasks), block bad tasks. 75+ Slayer = consistent 500k+ GP/hr!
07Do I need to imbue Slayer Helmet?
YES! Imbue at Nightmare Zone. Costs 1.25M NMZ points. Makes helmet work with Magic & Ranged (essential for bursting!).
08What's the best Slayer master for XP?
Duradel (100+ Combat, 50 Slayer) gives the best assignment pool for raw XP rates. Before 100 combat, use Nieve/Steve at 85+ combat. Avoid Konar for pure XP — location-specific tasks often put you in slow, single-way spots that kill your hourly rates.
09Which tasks should I block first?
Priority blocks in order: Hellhounds (no drops), Black Demons (high HP, low loot), Greater Demons (slow kills), Fire Giants (zero profit), Spiritual Creatures (split factions), and Steel/Iron Dragons (high defence). Build your block list around these six and you'll eliminate most dead tasks.
10What are Venator Slayer tasks?
New in June 2026 with The Blood Moon Rises. At 74 Slayer, Vampyre tasks can be completed against Venators in Vampyrium instead of standard Vampyres. Venators drop Blood shards at a higher rate but give lower Slayer XP. They also drop tarnished equipment (polishable at 60 Crafting for items). Off-task kills are possible using Stymphike Feathers (100 feathers = 3 kills).
📚 Related Guides
Sources & methodology
XP rates, requirements, and drop data in this guide are cross-checked against the OSRS Wiki and verified against in-game behaviour. Grand Exchange prices move daily, so treat GP/hr figures as estimates and confirm current prices with the OSRS Wiki price tracker before committing to a method.
Darren started playing the original RuneScape 2 back in the day and came back when Old School RuneScape launched. He's played on and off over the years and built OSRSToolkit to give players a single place to find reliable tools, calculators, and guides — all informed by real in-game experience.