Old School RuneScape Basilisks Slayer Guide
What Are Basilisks?
Basilisks are medium-level Slayer monsters with strong defensive stats, making them ideal for players looking to train Slayer while also earning valuable drops. They are humanoid lizard-like creatures with the dangerous ability to inflict poison and high Magic resistance. One of their signature traits is that unprotected players can suffer continuous damage from their poisonous attacks, which makes the right preparation crucial.
Key characteristics of Basilisks:
Combat Level: 111
Slayer Level Requirement: 40
Hitpoints: 115
Attack Styles: Melee (mainly)
Weakness: Ranged and Stab attacks deal more damage compared to Crush
Basilisks are especially popular among mid-level players because they provide decent Slayer experience and moderate-value drops while remaining a manageable challenge with proper preparation.
Slayer Requirements
To effectively hunt Basilisks, you must meet the following requirements:
Slayer Level: 40 or higher
Recommended Combat Level: 70+ for safe hunting without excessive food consumption
Protection Gear: Anti-poison items are highly recommended
Players should also consider unlocking certain Slayer perks to improve efficiency:
Slayer Helmet: Boosts accuracy and damage against Slayer-assigned creatures, making kills faster.
Tasks from Slayer Masters: Only hunt Basilisks if assigned by a Slayer Master, as they provide bonus Slayer experience and drops.
Location of Basilisks
Basilisks are found in multiple locations in OSRS. The most commonly farmed areas include:
Fremennik Slayer Dungeon
Located in the north-east of Fremennik Province.
Requires completion of the Fremennik Slayer Dungeon access quest (Fremennik Trials recommended).
Features multiple Basilisk spawns in a safe dungeon environment.
Slayer Tower, Level 3
Located south of Canifis.
Requires Slayer assignment from any Slayer Master.
High-density spawn areas for rapid kills.
Other Wilderness/High-Level Areas
Basilisks can appear in multi-combat zones suitable for higher-level players.
Recommended only for those with strong combat stats and proper anti-poison protection.
Knowing the locations is vital for maximizing kills per hour and minimizing travel time, which directly impacts Slayer efficiency.
Combat Strategy
Basilisks are melee-oriented and have strong defense, so choosing the right combat style is essential. Here's how to handle them effectively:
1. Ranged Combat
Basilisks are weak to Ranged and Stab attacks, so using a bow or crossbow is highly effective.
Recommended weapons:
Magic Shortbow with Rune arrows
Blowpipe for high DPS and reduced damage taken
Crossbow with Broad Bolts if available
2. Melee Combat
Melee is viable but riskier due to poison damage.
Recommended weapons:
Abyssal Whip for fast attack speed
Dragon Scimitar for mid-level players
Dragon Longsword with special attack when facing multiple Basilisks
3. Magic Combat
Magic is generally less effective due to Basilisk's high Magic defense.
Consider Magic only for multi-target tasks or if your build is heavily Magic-oriented.
Recommended Gear
Choosing the right gear is essential for surviving Basilisk attacks and maximizing efficiency:
Ranged Players:
Karil's or Armadyl armor for defense and Ranged bonuses
Melee Players:
Verac's or Bandos armor for high defense and strength bonus
Magic Players:
Ahrim's robes for magic offense with moderate defense
Weapon Recommendations
Ranged: Blowpipe with high-tier darts for poison damage, or Magic Shortbow for mid-level players
Melee: Abyssal Whip or Dragon Scimitar
Magic: Trident of the Seas or Trident of the Swamp
Accessories
Ring of Recoil - useful for extra damage
Amulet of Glory - teleport options for escape
Anti-Poison Potions or Serpentine Helm - reduces poison damage
You can buy OSRS gold to get these gears and weapons.
Inventory Setup
Food: Shark or Manta Ray for healing
Potions: Super Strength, Super Attack, Ranging, or Magic potions depending on combat style
Teleport Runes/Tab - for emergency escapes
Slayer Task Tips
To maximize your efficiency during Basilisk Slayer tasks:
Use Slayer Helmet - increases accuracy and damage against Basilisks.
Apply Ranged or Stab Advantage - reduces kills per hour time significantly.
Set Up Safe Spots - Some dungeon designs allow players to kite Basilisks while attacking from a distance.
Inventory Management - Keep essential supplies, and avoid picking up low-value drops during combat for faster kills.
Poison Management - Always keep anti-poison items ready, as damage over time can drain resources.
Drops and Rewards
Basilisks offer moderate rewards suitable for mid-level players. Key drops include:
Runes: Blood, Death, and Soul Runes
Alchemy Ingredients: Herbs and seeds for Herblore
High-Value Drops: Rune items occasionally, and OSRS gold
Experience: Balanced Slayer and combat XP for Ranged, Melee, or Magic
Slayer Task Completion Bonus - if part of a Slayer assignment
Prioritizing drops depends on your goals: gold farming, Slayer XP, or gathering materials for other skills.
Efficient Killing Spots
Fremennik Slayer Dungeon:
Multiple safe spots and high-density Basilisk spawns
Ideal for mid-level Ranged builds
Slayer Tower, Level 3:
Compact areas with aggressive Basilisk behavior
Best for multi-target spells or high-speed melee attacks
Multi-Combat Zones in Wilderness:
Only recommended for high-level players
Riskier due to PvP and aggressive spawns
By selecting the correct location for your combat style, you can maximize kills per hour and reduce downtime.
Advanced Tips
Use Multi-target Abilities - If your build allows, group Basilisks together to hit multiple targets simultaneously.
Stack Potions and Prayer - Use Protect from Melee if engaging melee combat to minimize damage.
Rotate Locations - Switching between locations prevents spawn crowding and improves kill rate.
Loot Management - Use looting perks or be selective in picking items to reduce wasted inventory space.
Know Escape Routes - Always have teleport options ready in case Basilisks overwhelm you.
Conclusion
Basilisks are a challenging yet rewarding Slayer task in OSRS. They offer a balance of combat experience, Slayer XP, and valuable drops. Successfully managing Basilisks requires preparation: selecting the right gear, understanding their weaknesses, preparing for poison damage, and choosing optimal locations. By following this guide, you can maximize your efficiency and minimize downtime, turning a challenging Slayer assignment into a productive and profitable endeavor.
Whether you're mid-level looking to level your Slayer skill or an experienced player seeking efficient XP and drops, Basilisks offer a unique experience that rewards strategic planning and careful execution. With the right preparation, you'll find yourself dominating these reptilian foes and collecting rewards that will help you progress even further in Old School RuneScape.
