OSRS Cockatrice Slayer Guide

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), Slayer is one of the most rewarding and engaging skills, offering a combination of combat, exploration, and the potential for excellent rewards. One of the creatures you'll encounter while on your Slayer journey is the Cockatrice, a fascinating and dangerous creature often tasked to you by Slayer Masters. While the Cockatrice may not be as famous as other Slayer monsters, it offers some unique challenges and OSRS gold rewards that make it worth understanding.

This guide will take you through everything you need to know about Slaying Cockatrices: from requirements and tactics to tips and tricks that will help you maximize your efficiency while hunting these monstrous birds.

What Are Cockatrices?

Cockatrices are slayer monsters in OSRS that resemble a mix of a rooster and a serpent. Known for their petrifying gaze and dangerous attacks, Cockatrices are often requested by Slayer Masters as assignments. Despite their relatively low combat stats compared to other Slayer monsters, they can still be deadly if you aren't prepared.

Cockatrice Location and Slayer Masters

Cockatrices are assigned as Slayer tasks by the following Slayer Masters:

Turael (Level 1 Slayer)

Mazchna (Level 35 Slayer)

Vannaka (Level 50 Slayer)

Chaeldar (Level 70 Slayer)

The Cockatrice can be found in the Taverley Dungeon, located south of Taverley and north-east of the Edgeville. You can enter the dungeon by climbing down the stairs, and once inside, Cockatrices are scattered around the area.

Taverley Dungeon Map

Taverley Dungeon is home to multiple Slayer creatures, and it's important to familiarize yourself with the layout. The Cockatrices are located in the central part of the dungeon, so be sure to know where you're going. Once inside the dungeon, you will find a variety of obstacles such as poisonous spiders and hobgoblins, but Cockatrices themselves are quite easy to find, walking around in a somewhat compact area.

Note: The dungeon requires you to have access to the Taverley Dungeon, which means you should be sure to complete the Druidic Ritual quest beforehand to unlock the dungeon.

Requirements for Killing Cockatrices

Before you embark on a Cockatrice Slayer task, ensure that you meet the following requirements:

Slayer Level: To kill Cockatrices, you need a Slayer level of 25. This is a relatively low requirement, meaning you can encounter them early in your Slayer career.

Combat Level: Cockatrices are not overly difficult, so a moderate combat level (around 50-70 combat) should suffice. If you're a more advanced player, you'll find the task relatively easy.

Druidic Ritual Quest: As mentioned, completing the Druidic Ritual quest is mandatory to access the Taverley Dungeon, where Cockatrices reside.

Prayer Level: Having a Prayer level of at least 43 (for Protect from Melee) is recommended. This will help mitigate damage when fighting Cockatrices and prevent you from being overwhelmed by their attacks.

How to Kill Cockatrices

Combat Strategy

Killing Cockatrices is relatively simple, and players often find them to be a manageable Slayer task. Here's a general breakdown of how to approach the battle:

Protect from Melee: While Cockatrices may not deal massive damage, they have a dangerous attack mechanic: petrification. If you get hit by their gaze attack, you can be frozen in place for a few seconds, unable to move, eat, or fight back. This makes them quite tricky in groups or if you're not paying attention.

Recommendation: Activate Protect from Melee to reduce the risk of taking significant damage and to avoid the petrification effects.

Melee or Ranged Attacks: Since Cockatrices have relatively low Defence, they can be effectively slain using Melee or Ranged combat styles. Most players choose to Melee them, but if you prefer to fight from a distance, Ranged works as well. Both combat styles are viable options.

Weapons and Gear:

Melee Setup: A whip (like the Abyssal Whip) or scimitar is effective for hitting Cockatrices quickly and efficiently. If you're more focused on high DPS (damage per second), consider using dragon scimitars or saradomin swords.

Ranged Setup: A bow with broad arrowheads or dark bow will allow you to kill Cockatrices from a distance without risking too much damage. Alternatively, magic can be used, but melee or ranged are usually more effective.

Defensive Gear: Equip Protect from Melee and use armor with high defensive stats (like Karil's or Void Knight gear). This helps to minimize damage taken while fighting.

Cockatrice Gaze: When a Cockatrice hits you, it will attempt to petrify you. If you're petrified, you will be unable to move or act for a few seconds. Be vigilant and eat food (like Sharks or Monkfish) before this happens to heal yourself back to full health. Keep your Hitpoints above 50% to avoid potential danger.

Prayer: Protect from Melee is key to minimizing damage taken while fighting Cockatrices. It is highly recommended that you use Prayer pots or bring a Holy Wrench to preserve Prayer points and maximize your efficiency. Some players prefer Redemption (if low on health) or Piety for increased damage output.

Level Up Beforehand: If you're just starting, ensure your Slayer and combat stats are high enough. While you don't need elite gear to kill Cockatrices, having the right stats will make the task smoother.

Loot and Rewards

One of the great benefits of killing Cockatrices is their loot, which can provide useful items for training or selling for profit. When slaying Cockatrices, you can expect the following drops:

Cockatrice Head: A rare drop, which can be handed in to Vannaka for Slayer experience.

Herb Drops: Cockatrices drop various herbs, which can be useful for Herblore training or sold for a profit.

Coins: They occasionally drop coins and low-level runes, but it's not a significant source of income.

Rare Seeds: Like magic seeds, renar seeds, or toadflax seeds, Cockatrices may drop rare seeds.

Cockatrice Feathers: Feathers can be used for crafting and other purposes.

Slayer XP: For each kill, you will earn Slayer experience points, which contribute to your Slayer level.

Other Loot: You may also receive random drops like cheap RS gold, runes, and unidentified herbs.

Efficient Slayer Strategy for Cockatrices

While Cockatrices are relatively easy compared to other Slayer tasks, optimizing your time spent in the Taverley Dungeon can increase your efficiency. Here are some tips:

Slayer Helm: Always wear your Slayer Helm (or the Black Mask if you haven't unlocked it). It boosts your damage and accuracy when fighting Slayer monsters.

Efficient Gear: Use the best gear you can afford for speed. Dragon boots or Bandos gear will make quick work of Cockatrices.

Prayer Potions: Ensure you bring plenty of Prayer potions to maintain Protect from Melee or Piety for the task's duration.

Food: Stock up on Sharks, Karambwans, or Monkfish to ensure you have enough food if things go wrong.

Multitask: Consider using the task as an opportunity to train Agility and Attack by actively participating in other activities while completing Slayer tasks.

Task Efficiency: After completing one task, immediately return to a Slayer Master for the next task. This minimizes time spent running around and maximizes your Slayer XP.

Conclusion

The Cockatrice Slayer task in OSRS can be a fun and profitable experience, especially if you're looking to work your way through low-level Slayer tasks and gain experience. By following the strategies outlined in this guide and using the appropriate gear and combat methods, you'll be able to complete Cockatrice Slayer tasks efficiently, earning rewards and experience along the way.

With low Slayer and combat level requirements, Cockatrices are accessible to most players, and their manageable difficulty makes them a perfect choice for both beginners and intermediate-level players looking to gain Slayer experience. Whether you're in it for the loot, the XP, or simply enjoying the Slayer journey, Cockatrices will be a staple in your OSRS adventures. Happy hunting!