The Depths of Despair - OSRS Money Making Guide

In the haunting realms of Gielinor, players are beckoned to embark on “The Depths of Despair,” a quest that delves into the shadowy depths of the mysterious and cursed city of Varrock. This quest invites adventurers to confront their fears and unravel the tragic tale of a lost soul, where every choice made can lead to salvation or further despair. As you navigate through eerie landscapes and face formidable foes, the weight of the past will bear down upon you, testing your mettle and resolve like never before. Prepare yourself for a journey filled with chilling encounters, intricate puzzles, and the chance to uncover hidden truths. The Depths of Despair will challenge your skills and wit as you seek to bring light to the dark corners of Varrock, all while uncovering the secrets that lie beneath the surface. Will you rise to the occasion and emerge triumphant, or will you fall victim to the despair that lurks in the shadows? Only the bravest adventurers will find the answers they seek.

Quest Requirements

Before embarking on the Depths of Despair quest in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), players must meet certain requirements to ensure a smooth and successful experience. Below are the detailed prerequisites you need to fulfill:

Skill Requirements

Agility: Level 30 Agility is required to navigate certain obstacles throughout the quest.
Mining: Level 20 Mining is needed to mine the necessary ores during the quest.
Smithing: Level 20 Smithing is required to craft items that will aid you in your journey.
Magic: Level 25 Magic is necessary to cast certain spells that will assist in your progression.

Quest Requirements

Prior Quests: You must have completed the following quests:
- Waterfall Quest – This quest is critical as it provides essential storyline context and unlocks certain areas.
- The Dig Site – Completing this quest is important for access to archaeological features relevant to the Depths of Despair.

Items Required

To begin the Depths of Despair quest, ensure you have the following items in your inventory:

Pickaxe: Any type of pickaxe will suffice for mining operations during the quest.
Rune Essence: You will need at least 5 Rune Essence to complete specific tasks.
Food: It’s advisable to carry food items for healing, as you may encounter hostile creatures.
Lantern: A light source, such as a lantern or a torch, is required to navigate dark areas.

Location Requirements

Players should also be aware of certain location requirements:

Access to the Ruins: You must have access to the Ruins located in the northern part of the Wilderness.
Teleportation: Having a teleportation method, such as a teleportation tablet or spell, can significantly aid in navigating to quest locations quickly.

Make sure to prepare adequately before starting the Depths of Despair quest, as it can be challenging and may involve combat and exploration in treacherous areas!

Starting the Quest

To embark on the Depths of Despair quest in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), you must meet certain prerequisites and gather necessary items before you can begin your journey into the haunting depths of the quest.

Prerequisites

Quests: You must have completed the Waterfall Quest and Animal Magnetism to start this quest.
Skills: A minimum of level 10 in Agility and Thieving is required to navigate some of the challenges you will face.
Combat: Level 35 or higher in any combat skill is recommended, as you may encounter hostile creatures during the quest.

Items Required

Before you begin, it is wise to gather the following items:

1 Pickaxe (any type will do, but a steel pickaxe or better is recommended for efficiency).
1 Spade for digging through obstacles.
Some Food for healing, especially if you are low on combat levels.
A few Potions, such as Super Restore or Prayer Potions, can be helpful for tougher encounters.

Locating the Quest Start Point

The quest begins at the Gnome Stronghold. To get there:

Travel to Tree Gnome Village by using the Gnome Glider from locations such as Karamja or Al Kharid.
Once you arrive, head to the Gnome Stronghold area, located just north of the village.

Meeting the Quest Giver

Upon entering the Gnome Stronghold, make your way to the Gnome Royal Guard, who can be found near the Grand Tree. Speak to King Narnode Shareen to receive the quest details. He will inform you about the dire situation affecting the gnome community and will task you with investigating the mysterious occurrences.

Once you have spoken with King Narnode and received your quest, you are officially ready to delve into the Depths of Despair! Prepare yourself for a thrilling adventure filled with challenges, puzzles, and the chance to uncover the secrets buried beneath the surface!

Exploring the Cursed City

The Cursed City, home to the infamous city of Senntisten, serves as the primary location for the Depths of Despair quest in Old School RuneScape (OSRS). Players will find themselves navigating the dark and eerie streets, replete with dangerous foes and hidden secrets. This guide will help you traverse the cursed landscape and unveil the mysteries that lie within.

Entering the Cursed City

To begin your adventure in the Cursed City, players must first complete the quest “A Kingdom Divided” and have access to the city. Once you have completed the prerequisites, you can enter the city through the portal located in the Temple of Senntisten.

Upon entering, you will be greeted by an unsettling atmosphere. The streets are shrouded in a dim light, and the sound of distant whispers fills the air. The city is populated by various NPCs, some of whom are friendly, while others are hostile and cursed. Be prepared to engage in combat as you explore the area.

Key Locations

The Temple of Senntisten: This is the central hub of the Cursed City. Here, you can find important NPCs who will provide lore and quests. It’s also a good spot to rest and plan your next move.
The Cursed Market: Once a bustling marketplace, it now lies in ruins. You can find various items and resources scattered throughout, but be wary of lurking enemies.
The Graveyard: A solemn area filled with the remnants of fallen adventurers. It’s rumored that some powerful items can be found here, but expect to face challenging foes.
The Blood Altar: A pivotal location for players interested in the dark arts. This altar allows you to harness the power of blood runes, but it is heavily guarded by cursed creatures.

Dangers Lurking in the Shadows

As you explore the Cursed City, you will encounter various enemies, including:

Cursed Beasts: These ferocious creatures have been twisted by dark magic. They are agile and hit hard, so be prepared for fierce combat.
The Forsaken: Once residents of Senntisten, they are now cursed souls that attack anyone who ventures too close. Use ranged attacks or magic to keep your distance.
Dark Mages: These spellcasters will unleash powerful magic against you. Bring items to counter their spells and consider using prayer to mitigate damage.

Secrets and Lore

The Cursed City is steeped in lore, with numerous hidden secrets waiting to be uncovered:

Ancient Tomes: Scattered throughout the city, these tomes contain valuable lore about the fall of Senntisten and its inhabitants. Collecting them can provide insights into the quest and the history of the area.
Hidden Chambers: Look for concealed entrances that lead to hidden chambers. Within these chambers, players may find rare loot, powerful enemies, or even clues to solve puzzles.
Ghostly NPCs: Interacting with certain ghostly figures can lead to additional quest lines or provide helpful information about the city and its curse.

Conclusion

Exploring the Cursed City is an integral part of the Depths of Despair quest, filled with challenges, lore, and rewards. Prepare yourself for perilous encounters and unravel the mysteries that lie within this hauntingly beautiful yet treacherous location. Whether you’re seeking adventure, treasure, or the truth behind the curse, the Cursed City offers a thrilling experience for all adventurers in OSRS.

Encountering Dark Forces

As you journey deeper into the depths of despair, you will find yourself facing some of the most formidable dark forces in Old School RuneScape. This quest is not just a test of skill but also a trial of your resolve as you confront the very essence of malevolence.

Upon entering the desolate region, you will be greeted by an eerie silence, broken only by the whispers of the damned. Shadows seem to dance at the edges of your vision, hinting at the unseen horrors that await. The atmosphere is thick with despair, and it is essential to stay vigilant.

Throughout the quest, you will encounter a range of sinister enemies, each representing different aspects of darkness:

Shadow Beasts: These grotesque creatures lurk in the dark corners of the abyss. They possess swift movements and powerful melee attacks, making them a significant threat. Be prepared to dodge their strikes while countering with your own.
Dark Mages: Masters of the arcane, these foes utilize a blend of powerful spells that can sap your strength and hinder your progress. Their ability to teleport and summon minions adds an extra layer of difficulty. Bring plenty of anti-magic potions to mitigate their effects.
Corrupted Guardians: Once noble protectors, these guardians have fallen to the darkness, now serving as loyal minions to their dark masters. They wield heavy armor and devastating weapons, requiring strategic planning and teamwork to defeat.
Necromancers: The architects of despair, these dark sorcerers can raise the dead to fight for them. They often hide behind their minions, casting debilitating spells that can overwhelm unsuspecting adventurers. Taking out the necromancer first should be your priority.

Each encounter is designed to test your combat prowess and strategic thinking. Utilizing your skills effectively and managing your resources is crucial, as the dark forces will not go down without a fight. Make sure to bring along a variety of potions, food, and gear that will enhance your defensive capabilities.

As you delve deeper into the quest, you will uncover the true nature of these dark forces and their connection to the despair that plagues this land. The climax of your journey will lead you to face the ultimate embodiment of darkness, a formidable foe that will challenge everything you’ve learned throughout the quest.

Prepare yourself, for it is not just your physical abilities that will be tested but also your mental fortitude. The depths of despair will strive to break you, but with determination and courage, you can emerge victorious against the dark forces that lurk within.

Solving Puzzles and Riddles

As adventurers delve into the Depths of Despair quest in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), they will encounter a series of intricate puzzles and riddles that test their wit and problem-solving skills. These challenges are not only essential for progressing through the quest but also reward players with vital experience and insights into the lore of the game.

Throughout the quest, players will face several key puzzles, each designed to challenge different aspects of their intellect. Here’s a closer look at some of the most critical puzzles and riddles you will encounter:

The Altar Puzzle

Upon reaching the old temple, adventurers will be confronted with the Altar Puzzle. This puzzle requires players to align various symbols on the altar correctly. Each symbol corresponds to a specific element (fire, water, earth, air). To solve this:

Observe the hints scattered around the temple, which often reference elemental themes.
Interact with the altar to rotate the symbols until they match the correct elemental order.
Once aligned correctly, a beam of light will illuminate the altar, allowing access to the next area.

The Riddle of the Guardian

As players progress, they will encounter a formidable guardian who poses a riddle that must be answered correctly to pass. The riddle often varies, but typical examples include:

“I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with the wind. What am I?”

To solve this riddle, players should think metaphorically. The answer is typically an echo. Responding correctly will grant players safe passage, while an incorrect answer may result in a penalty or the need to find another way around.

The Maze of Shadows

One of the most challenging sections of the Depths of Despair is the Maze of Shadows. This maze is filled with deceptive pathways and hidden traps. Players must navigate through the maze by:

Taking note of any visual cues or markings on the walls.
Utilizing the map provided at the start of the quest, which outlines key areas but does not give exact paths.
Listening for ambient sounds that may indicate the presence of hidden passages or traps.

Reaching the center of the maze reveals a hidden treasure, which is essential for completing the quest.

Final Puzzle: The Gates of Despair

The last challenge before completing the quest is the Gates of Despair. Players must decipher a series of ancient runes that tell a story. To solve this puzzle:

Collect clues from the surrounding area, which may be found in books or from NPCs.
Identify the correct sequence of runes that corresponds to the story told.
Once the sequence is inputted correctly at the gate, it will open, allowing players to proceed to the quest’s finale.

By successfully navigating these puzzles and riddles, players not only advance in the Depths of Despair quest but also enhance their understanding of the game’s intricate lore. Stay sharp, think creatively, and may your journey through the depths be both challenging and rewarding!

Confronting the Final Challenge

As you delve deeper into the Depths of Despair quest, you will inevitably reach the climactic moment where you must confront the final challenge. This stage tests not only your combat skills but also your strategic thinking and resource management. Prepare yourself, as the foes you will face are unlike any you have encountered thus far.

The final challenge is set within the depths of the haunted castle, where shadows lurk and the air is thick with an ominous presence. Upon entering the final chamber, you will be greeted by Lord Darius, the corrupted spirit who has been manipulating events throughout your journey. His powers have been amplified by the despair that envelops the castle, making him a formidable opponent.

Battle Preparation:

Ensure you have replenished your health and prayer points. Bring along high-healing food and potions to boost your stats.
Equip the best gear available to you. Consider using Barrows gear or Dragon equipment for maximum damage output and defense.
Bring along runes or a magic weapon if you plan to incorporate magic into your attack strategy.
Familiarize yourself with the mechanics of the battle. Lord Darius will use a combination of melee and special attacks, including summoning minions to assist him.

Combat Strategy:

As the battle commences, Lord Darius will unleash a flurry of attacks that can quickly deplete your health. Here are some strategies to keep in mind:

Stay Mobile: Lord Darius’s attacks can be devastating if you remain stationary. Keep moving to evade his strikes and maintain a safe distance whenever possible.
Focus on Minions: If Lord Darius summons minions, prioritize them first. They can overwhelm you if left unchecked, allowing Lord Darius to unleash more powerful attacks.
Use Special Attacks Wisely: If you have weapons with special abilities, wait for the right moment to unleash them. Timing can turn the tide of battle in your favor.
Monitor Your Resources: Keep an eye on your health, prayer points, and food supply. Don’t hesitate to consume food or potions as needed to maintain your edge in the fight.

Victory and Rewards:

Upon successfully defeating Lord Darius, you will witness a dramatic cutscene where the castle begins to crumble, signaling the end of his reign of terror. As the dust settles, you’ll be rewarded with the Amulet of Despair, a powerful item that offers unique bonuses to your combat abilities.

Additionally, completing the quest will grant you significant experience points in various skills, unlocking new areas and quests that were previously inaccessible. You will also receive the Depths of Despair Title, a mark of your courage and determination.

Prepare yourself for this final confrontation, as it will be a test of all the skills and knowledge you have accumulated throughout the quest. Will you emerge victorious, or will you succumb to the depths of despair?

Quest Rewards

Upon successfully completing the Depths of Despair quest in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), players will receive a variety of valuable rewards that will aid them in their adventures. The rewards include:

Experience Points: Players will receive a total of 10,000 Prayer experience. This can significantly boost a player’s Prayer level, allowing for quicker access to higher-level prayers.
Quest Points: Completing the quest grants 2 Quest Points, contributing to the total needed for future quests and unlocking certain game content.
Access to the Abyss: Players will gain access to the Abyss, which is a unique area that allows for faster teleports to various locations, enhancing travel efficiency in Gielinor.
Abyssal Lantern: The quest rewards players with an Abyssal Lantern, a special item that can be used to illuminate dark areas, making it easier to explore dungeons and other shadowy locations.
Access to the Abyssal Summoning: Players will unlock the ability to summon Abyssal creatures, which can provide additional combat and skilling benefits.
Unique Item Unlocks: Completing the quest also unlocks various unique items related to the Abyss, which can be crafted or obtained through further gameplay.

Overall, the rewards from the Depths of Despair quest significantly enhance a player’s gameplay experience, providing both immediate benefits and long-term advantages in their journey through Gielinor.

Tips and Strategies

Completing the Depths of Despair quest in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) can be challenging, but with the right strategies and preparation, you can navigate through its trials with greater ease. Here are some valuable tips to help you succeed:

1. Prepare Your Inventory

Food: Bring high-healing food such as sharks or brews, as you’ll be facing various monsters that can deal significant damage.
Potions: Consider bringing Super Restore potions to replenish your prayer points, and Prayer potions to maintain your prayer bonuses during combat.
Teleportation Items: Carry a Teleportation device or an Amulet of glory for quick escapes if needed, especially when dealing with tough enemies.

2. Gear Up Wisely

Armor: Equip the best armor you can wear for your combat style. For melee, consider using Barrows gear or Bandos. For ranged, use Armour of the Void or Karil’s crossbow.
Weapons: Choose a weapon that suits your combat style and is effective against the quest’s enemies. A whip or scimitar for melee, while magic spells can be useful against certain foes.

3. Understand the Monsters

Research Monsters: Familiarize yourself with the strengths and weaknesses of the creatures you will encounter, particularly the Giant rats and Flesh crawlers.
Combat Tactics: Use effective combat tactics, such as prayers against specific types of damage, to reduce the risk of dying during fights.

4. Quests and Requirements

Pre-requisites: Ensure you’ve completed the required quests such as The Restless Ghost and Priest in Peril to access the areas and storyline.
Skills: Level up your skills beforehand, especially Prayer, Combat, and Agility, to make the quest easier.

5. Map Awareness

Familiarize Yourself: Study the quest map to understand the layout of the locations you’ll be visiting, such as the Sewers and Canifis.
Mark Key Locations: Highlight important spots on your map, like bank locations, quest start points, and teleportation spots.

6. Team Up

Co-op Play: Consider teaming up with friends or clan members. This can make combat easier and allow for shared resources and strategies.
Share Roles: Assign specific roles during monster encounters, such as tanking or dealing heavy damage, to maximize efficiency.

7. Utilize Guides and Resources

Online Guides: Use community guides and videos for step-by-step instructions on completing the quest efficiently.
Forums and Wikis: Refer to OSRS forums or wikis for tips from experienced players who have completed the quest.

By following these tips and strategies, you’ll significantly enhance your chances of successfully completing the Depths of Despair quest. Good luck, and may your adventures in Gielinor be fruitful!

Related Quests

The Depths of Despair quest in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is intertwined with several other quests that enhance the lore and experience of the game. Completing these related quests can provide valuable context, rewards, and skills that will aid players in their journey through Gielinor. Below is a list of quests that are closely associated with The Depths of Despair:

Waterfall Quest
- This quest is essential for players looking to explore the caves and waterways leading to the depths where the quest takes place. It introduces players to the Kaldahar area, which is pivotal for the storyline.
The Lost Tribe
- Completing this quest provides players with background knowledge on the tribes of Keldagrim and their connection to the events in The Depths of Despair. It also allows players to access certain locations that may be useful during the quest.
Between a Rock…
- This quest not only offers a connection to the dwarven lore but also introduces players to the various factions within the game. Understanding these factions can provide insights into the motivations of characters encountered in The Depths of Despair.
The Dig Site
- Players engaged in The Dig Site will find that the archaeological elements tie into the themes explored in The Depths of Despair. Familiarity with this quest can enhance the questing experience and provide useful items.
Another Slice of H.A.M.
- This quest provides additional context regarding the H.A.M. (Humans Against Monsters) organization, which plays a significant role in the events of The Depths of Despair. Players who complete this quest will have a better understanding of the group’s motivations and history.
Shades of Mort’ton
- Exploring the themes of despair and shadowy figures, this quest offers valuable insight into the darker aspects of Gielinor, which complements the narrative of The Depths of Despair. Players may also encounter similar enemies and challenges in both quests.

These quests not only enhance the storyline of The Depths of Despair but also provide players with essential skills and knowledge that can aid them in their adventures. It is highly recommended that players consider completing these related quests to gain a richer experience in OSRS.

10. Conclusion

The Depths of Despair quest is a remarkable journey that immerses players in the rich lore of Old School RuneScape. From the haunting landscapes of the Morytania region to the intricate storylines that intertwine with the characters you meet, this quest stands out as a memorable experience for both new and veteran players alike.

As you navigate through the challenges presented by the quest, you not only hone your skills in combat and problem-solving but also gather valuable insights into the history and struggles of the inhabitants of Morytania. The quest’s unique blend of eerie atmosphere, engaging narrative, and rewarding gameplay ensures that players remain enthralled from start to finish.

Completing The Depths of Despair quest not only grants you access to new areas and items, but it also unlocks additional quests and features that expand your adventures in Gielinor. With the rewards of experience points, the ability to wield powerful items, and the satisfaction of unraveling the mysteries of the region, this quest is a must-do for anyone looking to deepen their connection to the game.

In conclusion, The Depths of Despair quest encapsulates the essence of what makes Old School RuneScape a beloved game—its ability to weave together rich storytelling, challenging gameplay, and an immersive world. So gear up, gather your courage, and delve into the depths of despair; you won’t regret the adventure that awaits!