The 10 Hardest Quests in Old School Runescape

The 10 Hardest Quests in old school runescape

Questing is a cornerstone of the MMORPG genre, and Old School RuneScape (OSRS) stands out with its robust quest system. With over 150 quests set across the vast realm of Gielinor, OSRS challenges players with a wide range of adventures, each varying in complexity and difficulty.

OSRS quests are not just about fetching items or slaying average foes; they often involve intricate puzzles that test your intellect, formidable monsters that challenge your combat skills, and complex sequences that require mastery of game mechanics. These elements make the quests not only challenging but also incredibly rewarding and engaging.

In this guide, we’ll dive into the ten most challenging quests in Old School RuneScape. These quests are renowned for their difficulty, offering both rigorous challenges and immense satisfaction upon completion. Whether it’s decoding perplexing riddles, overcoming powerful adversaries, or mastering tricky maneuvers, these quests provide a true test of a player’s prowess in OSRS. Let’s explore these epic quests and uncover what makes them the ultimate trials for even the most seasoned adventurers.

#10: One Small Favour

“One Small Favour” is notorious in Old School RuneScape for being anything but the straightforward task it purports to be. Often described as a series of escalating errands, this quest misleadingly begins as a simple favor, only to spiral into a lengthy adventure spanning much of Gielinor.

As you undertake this quest, prepare for a demanding journey that will have you crisscrossing the map, fulfilling requests for a variety of characters. Each task leads to another, creating a complex chain of dependencies that can easily confuse and frustrate even the most patient players. You’ll find yourself trying to remember a plethora of details about what specific items are needed and where, as the quest intricately weaves through the extensive world of OSRS.

‘One Small Favour’ epitomizes the concept of a “wild goose chase,” challenging your memory, patience, and resolve. It’s a true test of endurance, and completing it often leaves players with a mixed sense of relief and accomplishment, swearing off any future unsolicited favors.

#9: Underground Pass

‘Underground Pass’ is one of Old School RuneScape’s most narratively compelling quests, plunging your character into the dark depths of moral ambiguity and psychological challenges. As you navigate through an eerie underground passage, you’ll encounter whispers and be coerced into making grim decisions, including the unsettling task of sacrificing innocents.

From a practical standpoint, ‘Underground Pass’ is notoriously difficult, laden with pitfalls and demanding puzzles that test even the most seasoned adventurers. The quest is infamous for its reliance on a high Agility level—often a sore point among players due to the typically slow experience gains associated with training this skill. Inadequate Agility makes navigating the myriad of traps exceedingly frustrating, doubling the time it might normally take due to frequent retreats to resupply after missteps.

As you venture deeper into the dungeon, you’re met with complex puzzles that often require a methodical approach and plenty of trial and error. The perilous jumps and relentless traps ensure that your supplies are quickly depleted, heightening the risk of a fatal fall. ‘Underground Pass’ not only challenges your physical prowess within the game but also pushes your strategic thinking and emotional resilience to the limits. This quest is a true trial by fire—or, more aptly, by shadow—that rewards persistence and cunning with a profound sense of achievement upon its completion.

#8: Ratcatchers

The ‘Ratcatchers’ quest in Old School RuneScape might sound whimsical—with tasks involving guiding your pet kitten to hunt down rats—but it often unfolds into a much more frustrating endeavor than anticipated. The quest is designed to test your patience and dexterity, challenging even the most dedicated players with its demanding and sometimes capricious mechanics.

As engaging as it may seem to have your kitten chase after rats, the process is notoriously laborious and filled with repeated failures that can stretch the quest into what feels like an eternity. The monotonous nature of these tasks can dampen your enthusiasm for the game, as each failed attempt chips away at your resolve.

Further compounding the difficulty are the stealth sections within the Garden Maze. These parts of the quest employ stealth mechanics that many players find inconsistent and often unfair. You might find yourself meticulously timing your movements to evade guards, only to be caught despite what seemed like perfect execution. This leads to a frustrating experience where success feels more dependent on the game’s mechanics than on player skill or strategy.

‘Ratcatchers’ is emblematic of a quest where the challenge may feel less like a test of your abilities and more a trial of your patience with the game’s design. While it offers a unique blend of gameplay elements, this quest can be a true test of perseverance for those brave enough to undertake it.

#7: Sins Of The Father

Part of the enthralling Morytania quest line, ‘Sins of the Father’ deepens Old School RuneScape’s rich horror narrative with a thrilling adventure through Darkmeyer, filled with vampyric foes and complex combat challenges. This quest not only demands proficiency in combat but also strategic acumen in switching between protection prayers and attack styles to conquer formidable vampire bosses.

Beyond the battles, ‘Sins of the Father’ presents players with intricate and demanding tasks. One of the most challenging aspects is the stealth mission, requiring you to navigate through Darkmeyer undetected. The mission demands precision and patience; you must remain inconspicuous while staying close enough to your target to avoid failing the encounter.

Additionally, the quest incorporates a segment of the Temple Trekking minigame, where the stakes are heightened by the responsibility of safeguarding a companion across dangerous terrains. A lapse in vigilance here can result in the death of your companion, necessitating a restart of the segment from scratch. This part of the quest tests your attentiveness and ability to protect while progressing through perilous conditions.

‘Sins of the Father’ stands out for its blend of high-stakes combat and stealth, challenging even the most seasoned players to master its varied mechanics. Successfully completing this quest rewards not only with a sense of achievement but also significantly enriches the player’s experience within the game’s dark and mysterious world.

#6: Mourning’s End Part 2

‘Mourning’s End Part 2’ is infamous within the Old School RuneScape community for its complexity and challenge, primarily due to its notorious light puzzle. This quest not only tests players’ mental acuity but also their patience and persistence.

The central challenge of ‘Mourning’s End Part 2’ involves navigating a massive light puzzle that spans several rooms, each requiring precise manipulation of light beams to progress. The puzzle’s complexity is compounded by numerous agility obstacles that must be repeatedly navigated. These obstacles test your agility and speed, often sending players back to the bank for more supplies as the lurking shadows deplete HitPoints relentlessly.

The intense difficulty of the puzzle can be as frustrating as it is intellectually stimulating. For many, the process of solving the puzzle can become a trial of endurance, pushing the limits of both their problem-solving abilities and their tolerance for setbacks. However, the moment of completing the quest brings an immense sense of satisfaction and relief, unmatched by simpler tasks.

Despite its daunting reputation, ‘Mourning’s End Part 2’ is celebrated for the depth and engagement it offers. Completing this quest is considered a rite of passage for serious questers in OSRS, marking a significant achievement in both the storyline and personal mastery of game mechanics.

#5: Song Of The Elves

‘Song of the Elves’ combines the allure of intricate puzzles, challenging bosses, and an epic narrative reminiscent of a high-fantasy saga. This quest not only promises an engaging experience for MMORPG enthusiasts but also rewards players with access to the new city of Prifddinas, making it a highly coveted adventure in Old School RuneScape.

While ‘Song of the Elves’ might initially seem like the ultimate quest, it is renowned for its demanding challenges. Players face a daunting multi-hour light puzzle that echoes the complexities found in ‘Mourning’s End Part Two.’ This intricate puzzle requires not only intellectual prowess but also significant patience and precision.

Additionally, the quest revisits the treacherous paths of the Underground Pass, reviving old challenges that test both memory and skill. The final confrontation in the quest involves a formidable enemy capable of defeating players with a single move, demanding excellent reflexes, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of game mechanics.

Despite its rigorous demands, ‘Song of the Elves’ remains a deeply rewarding quest. Completing it not only signifies mastery over some of OSRS’s toughest challenges but also grants access to Prifddinas, a symbol of prestige and achievement within the game. For those willing to navigate its trials, ‘Song of the Elves’ offers an unparalleled sense of accomplishment and a rich, immersive gaming experience.

#4: Monkey Madness 2

‘Monkey Madness 2’ stands out as a landmark quest in the saga of Old School RuneScape, marking the first major quest addition since the game’s revival. This expansive quest takes you on a grand tour across Gielinor, engaging with various NPCs to unravel a complex narrative. The quest’s challenging boss fights demand a diverse arsenal of supplies and strategic acumen, testing the combat skills of even the most seasoned players.

One of the most formidable challenges in ‘Monkey Madness 2’ is the notorious platform section. This part of the quest combines elements of a maze and stealth gameplay, requiring players to memorize the layout and NPC patrol patterns meticulously. Success in this section hinges not just on careful planning and precision but also a fair bit of luck. Missteps, misclicks, or poor timing can lead to frustrating resets, often accompanied by a few choice words under one’s breath.

The platform puzzle in ‘Monkey Madness 2’ is as infamous as it is challenging, presenting a steep learning curve that can test the patience of even veteran players. However, overcoming this obstacle is immensely rewarding, offering not only progression in the quest but also a genuine sense of achievement. ‘Monkey Madness 2’ is a true test of a player’s abilities in strategy, endurance, and adaptability, making it a quintessential experience in Old School RuneScape.

#3: Dragon Slayer 2

‘Dragon Slayer 2’ elevates the challenges of its legendary predecessor, transforming what was once a badge of honor among novices into a high-stakes saga for seasoned adventurers. Remember the thrill of overcoming Elvarg in the original ‘Dragon Slayer’? This quest amplifies that thrill, pushing you to confront nearly every dragon known to Gielinor, each more formidable than the last.

Unlike the original quest, where clever tactics could sometimes compensate for lack of strength, ‘Dragon Slayer 2’ demands excellence in every aspect of gameplay. There’s no room for shortcuts or “cheesing” your way through; every encounter is a test of your prowess in combat strategy and survival skills.

As you progress, the challenges escalate dramatically, culminating in battles against dragons that are leagues beyond the threats of old. The familiar comfort of the Anti-Dragon Shield is replaced by the need to navigate venom attacks, dodge devastating tidal waves, and avoid lethal fireballs. The intensity of these encounters requires rapid consumption of Super Restores, as each potion sip could mean the difference between victory and defeat.

‘Dragon Slayer 2’ is not just a quest—it’s a gauntlet that dares players to step up and prove their mettle. Completing this quest is a monumental achievement, celebrated not just for the high-level content it unlocks but for the sheer grit and determination it requires. This quest is a definitive test of skill, strategy, and endurance in Old School RuneScape, marking a true dragon slayer among the ranks of players.

#2: A Night At The Theatre

‘A Night At The Theatre’ is not just a quest in Old School RuneScape; it’s an introduction to the Theatre of Blood, one of the game’s most challenging raid environments. This quest serves as an initiation into the world of high-stakes raiding, where teamwork and individual skill are put to the ultimate test.

Despite being labeled as an entry-level experience, don’t be misled—this quest is anything but simple. Participants are required to master the unique mechanics of each boss encounter within the Theatre of Blood. This involves a strategic use of supplies and learning to adapt quickly to each boss’s deadly attacks and abilities. Managing resources effectively is crucial, as running out can spell doom for the team’s progress.

While ‘A Night At The Theatre’ can be undertaken with a group, adding a collaborative and somewhat reassuring aspect to the raid, the option to solo this challenge is available for those seeking an even greater test of their abilities. Soloing this raid is a formidable endeavor, demanding not only impeccable combat skills but also rigorous preparation and the mental fortitude to handle intense pressure.

This quest is a brilliant starting point for players interested in exploring the more complex and rewarding aspects of group content in Old School RuneScape. Successfully completing ‘A Night At The Theatre’ provides not only a sense of immense achievement but also paves the way for future raids and group activities within the game. Whether with allies or alone, this quest is a profound trial of a player’s tactical acumen and combat dexterity.

#1: Desert Treasure 2

‘Desert Treasure 2’ stands as the pinnacle of questing challenges in Old School RuneScape, heralded by Jagex as the toughest quest in the game. This sequel not only continues the epic narrative of its predecessor but also dramatically ramps up the complexity and intensity of the challenges it presents.

Spanning over three hours for even the most skilled players, ‘Desert Treasure 2’ immerses you in a series of battles against some of the most formidable enemies in the game. Each opponent introduces unique battle mechanics that must be mastered in order to progress. The quest demands a deep understanding of these mechanics and a strategic approach to combat that goes far beyond the basic click-and-attack methods of earlier OSRS gameplay.

In this quest, nostalgia gives way to innovation, showcasing the evolution of combat mechanics in OSRS. Players are required to engage in dynamic combat scenarios where movement is crucial—dodging attacks becomes as important as delivering them. You’ll need to swiftly switch between protection prayers, utilize stuns effectively, and strategically use the environment, such as hiding behind pillars, to survive.

The intensity of ‘Desert Treasure 2’ calls for unwavering focus and precise execution. Every action and decision must be calculated, as the margin for error is minimal. Completing this quest is not just an achievement—it’s a testament to a player’s skill, strategy, and perseverance, marking a significant milestone in their Old School RuneScape adventure.

Conclusion

The 10 hardest quests in Old School RuneScape offer a diverse array of challenges that test even the most seasoned players. From the intricate puzzles of “Mourning’s End Part 2” to the intense combat scenarios in “Desert Treasure 2,” each quest presents unique obstacles that require strategic thinking, precise execution, and immense dedication. These quests are not merely hurdles to be overcome; they are adventures that enrich your OSRS experience, providing deep satisfaction and a strong sense of accomplishment upon completion. Whether you are battling through hordes of enemies, solving mind-bending puzzles, or navigating treacherous paths, these quests represent the pinnacle of OSRS gameplay, challenging every aspect of your gaming skills and offering rewarding experiences that are unmatched in the realm of Gielinor.