Best Spot To Kill Hellhounds in Old School Runescape

Hellhounds are a popular Slayer task in Old School RuneScape thanks to their high hitpoints, fast respawn rate, and chance to drop hard clue scrolls. While they don’t offer traditional loot, their consistent XP and low defense make them a great option for melee training. If you’re looking to farm clues or knock out a Slayer task efficiently, finding the best spot to kill Hellhounds can make a big difference. In this guide, we’ll break down the top locations to fight Hellhounds in OSRS, including safe spots, multi-combat zones, and the best gear to bring.

How To Slay Hellhounds In OSRS

If you’re looking to slay Hellhounds efficiently, especially while on a Slayer task, the Stronghold Slayer Cave is hands-down the best spot. This Slayer-only area is packed with Hellhounds and conveniently located near a bank, making it easy to resupply mid-task. If you have a Dwarf Multicannon, this spot becomes even better—you can tear through your task quickly with minimal effort. Plus, Nieve, one of the most commonly used Slayer masters, is located just outside the cave, so grabbing your next task is quick and seamless. If you’re not using a cannon or prefer a more laid-back grind, the Catacombs of Kourend offer a solid alternative. While a bit more dangerous due to the multicombat zone, the Hellhounds here can also drop Ancient Shards and Dark Totem pieces, which are valuable for higher-level content like Arclight and the Skotizo boss. Just be sure to bring prayer gear and keep “Protect from Melee” active, as things can get chaotic fast in the Catacombs.

Wilderness Hellhounds

For those willing to take on the risk of PvP, Wilderness Hellhounds offer a high-risk, high-reward option when assigned by Krystilia, the Wilderness Slayer Master. These aggressive beasts can be found near the Wilderness Resource Area and inside the Wilderness Slayer Cave—but the cave is by far the better choice thanks to its superior drop table. If you’re hunting clue scrolls, don’t forget to wear a Ring of Wealth (i), which boosts the hard clue scroll drop rate to 1 in 32, making this a great option for clue hunters with the gear and confidence to survive the Wilderness. Just stay alert—other players can attack you at any time, so bring only what you’re willing to risk.

Cerberus: The Other Big Red Dog

For high-level players looking for a serious challenge, Cerberus is the ultimate Hellhound boss in OSRS. Found deep within the lair beneath Taverley Dungeon, Cerberus requires level 91 Slayer to fight—though you can boost with wild pies if you’re just shy of the requirement. This end-game boss is a top-tier target for those on a Hellhound task, offering valuable rewards that make the risk well worth it. Her most notable drops include three powerful crystals used to upgrade Infinity, Ranger, and Dragon boots into their best-in-slot versions. On top of that, Cerberus can also drop smouldering stones at a much higher rate than regular Hellhounds, the cosmetic Jar of Souls for your player-owned house, and for the lucky few—the adorable Hellpuppy pet. If you’re geared up and ready, Cerberus is where the real loot is.

Hellhounds: Common Battle Strategies

When it comes to taking down Hellhounds in OSRS, most players stick to one of two main strategies. The most effective method is using Protect from Melee while wearing prayer-boosting gear like Proselyte or Monk’s Robes, completely negating damage and allowing for long trips without food. This is especially useful in areas like the Catacombs or Wilderness where multi-combat zones can get hectic. Alternatively, some players choose to tank the damage and heal with food, but this approach is only really viable in safer spots like the Stronghold Slayer Cave where banking is quick and easy. For lower-level players or those with limited resources, safespotting with Ranged or Magic is a great option. By positioning yourself behind objects or terrain, you can safely chip away at the Hellhounds without taking any hits—just be sure to find a good spot, as not every location has usable safespots.

Conclusion

Whether you’re grinding for hard clue scrolls, training combat, or hunting rare drops like smouldering stones, Hellhounds offer great XP and consistent rewards across multiple locations in Old School RuneScape. From the efficiency of the Stronghold Slayer Cave to the high-value drops in the Catacombs of Kourend and the Wilderness Slayer Cave, there’s a spot for every playstyle and level. And for high-level players, Cerberus takes things to the next level with some of the best loot tied to Hellhounds. No matter where you choose to fight them, bringing the right gear and strategy will make your grind smoother and more rewarding.