OSRS Hellhounds Safe Spot Guide: Best Locations and Strategies

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), Hellhounds are a popular Slayer task for mid-to-high-level players, known for their valuable drops like hard clue scrolls and the rare smouldering stone. However, their aggressive melee attacks can make them a challenge, especially for lower-level players or those looking to conserve resources. That’s where safe spotting comes in—a technique that lets you attack Hellhounds from a distance without taking damage. This blog post dives into the best OSRS Hellhounds safe spot locations, strategies, and tips to maximize your efficiency and safety. Whether you’re after Slayer XP, loot, or just trying to complete a task, this guide has you covered.

Safe spotting is a game-changer in OSRS, particularly for Hellhounds, which rely solely on melee attacks. By positioning yourself behind obstacles or in specific spots, you can use Ranged, Magic, or a halberd to deal damage while staying out of their reach. This method is ideal for:

• Low-level players: Avoid taking damage with limited combat stats.
• Resource conservation: Save food and prayer potions for longer trips.
• Efficiency: Combine with a dwarf multicannon for faster kills.

Let’s explore the top safe spot locations and how to make the most of them.

Top Safe Spot Locations for Hellhounds

Stronghold Slayer Cave

The Stronghold Slayer Cave, located in the Tree Gnome Stronghold, is arguably the best place to safe spot Hellhounds. It’s easily accessible via a Slayer ring or Gnome Glider and sits right next to Nieve/Steve, the Slayer master.

• Safe Spot: Stand in the corridors connecting the Hellhound rooms. Position yourself between two rooms to attack from both sides without being hit.
• Pros: Multiple Hellhounds (12+ spawns), cannon-friendly, close to a Slayer master.
• Cons: Can get crowded during peak hours.

Tip: Set up a cannon in the middle of a room and retreat to a corridor to safe spot while it fires. This combo maximizes XP and kills per hour.

Taverley Dungeon

Taverley Dungeon, one of the oldest Hellhound locations in OSRS, offers a nostalgic and effective safe spotting experience. Reach it via a Taverley teleport or Falador redirect.

• Safe Spot: Use the “+” shaped rocks in the western section to block Hellhounds. Stand behind them and attack with Ranged or Magic.
• Pros: 13 Hellhound spawns, reliable safe spots, cannon-compatible.
• Cons: Requires a dusty key (or 70 Agility shortcut) and an antipoison for spiders en route.

Tip: If Hellhounds become unaggressive, exit and re-enter the nearby resource dungeon (55 Dungeoneering required) to reset their aggression.

Catacombs of Kourend

The Catacombs of Kourend, accessible via Kourend Castle teleport or Xeric’s Talisman, is a multi-combat area with unique drops like ancient shards and dark totem pieces.

• Safe Spot: From the north exit, lure Hellhounds along the wall and stand at the furthest tile in the corridor leading to brutal dragons.
• Pros: Multi-combat for AFK potential, extra loot, decent spawn density.
• Cons: No cannon support, requires luring for safe spotting.

Tip: Bring a bonecrusher to restore Prayer points by burying bones, pairing well with Protect from Melee for an AFK setup.

Witchaven Dungeon

Located near Ardougne, Witchaven Dungeon is less popular but still viable for safe spotting. Teleport to Ardougne or use Fairy Ring code BLR to get close.

• Safe Spot: Near the entrance, stand by the gold rock or east column once Hellhounds become unaggressive.
• Pros: Quiet location, easy safe spots.
• Cons: Only two Hellhounds with slow respawn rates.

Tip: This spot is best for low-traffic Slayer tasks or if you prefer a solo experience.

Gear and Inventory Setup for Safe Spotting

Ranged Setup

Ranged is the most popular choice for safe spotting due to its accessibility and effectiveness. Here’s a recommended setup:

Slot	Item
Head	Archer helm or Coif
Body	Black d’hide body
Legs	Black d’hide chaps
Weapon	Magic shortbow or Rune crossbow
Ammo	Amethyst arrows or Broad bolts

Inventory: Ranging potion, 1-2 prayer potions, food (e.g., lobsters), teleport (e.g., Slayer ring), cannon (optional).

Magic Setup

Magic is less common but viable, especially with high-level spells like Fire Bolt or Iban’s Blast.

• Gear: Mystic robes, Staff of fire, God cape.
• Inventory: Runes for your spell, prayer potions, food, teleport.

Melee with Halberd

For melee enthusiasts, a halberd (e.g., Dragon halberd) lets you attack over obstacles.

• Gear: Proselyte armor, Dragon halberd, Slayer helm (on task).
• Inventory: Prayer potions, food, teleport.

Note: Halberds require precise positioning, so test your spot first.

Strategies to Maximize Efficiency

Using a Dwarf Multicannon

A cannon drastically boosts kill speed, especially in the Stronghold Slayer Cave or Taverley Dungeon. Place it centrally, then retreat to a safe spot to avoid aggro while it fires.

Prayer and AFK Methods

In multi-combat areas like the Catacombs, use Protect from Melee and auto-retaliate for an AFK approach. Pair with prayer-boosting gear (e.g., Proselyte) and a bonecrusher for sustainability.

Looting and Clue Scrolls

Hellhounds drop hard clue scrolls at a 1/64 rate (1/32 in the Wilderness with an imbued Ring of Wealth). Prioritize picking these up, as they’re the main profit source. Use an expeditious bracelet to speed up tasks (25% chance a kill counts as two).

Alternative Options: Cerberus and Wilderness

Fighting Cerberus

For high-level players (91 Slayer), Cerberus in her lair beneath Taverley Dungeon counts as a Hellhound task. She offers big profits (e.g., Primordial crystals) but requires strong gear and mechanics knowledge. Safe spotting isn’t an option here—bring your best crush weapon (e.g., Inquisitor’s mace).

Wilderness Slayer Cave

In the Wilderness Slayer Cave (level 17 Wilderness), five stronger Hellhounds spawn in a multi-combat area. Safe spot them by luring one to the stalagmite gap on the eastern wall, blocking others until aggression fades.

• Pros: Better drops (e.g., 50% higher smouldering stone chance), cannon-friendly.
• Cons: PKer risk—bring only what you’re willing to lose.

Final Tips for Safe Spotting Hellhounds

To wrap up, here are some key takeaways:

• Test your spot: Ensure Hellhounds can’t reach you before committing.
• Reset aggression: Step out and back in if they stop attacking.
• Combine methods: Use a cannon and safe spot for optimal XP and loot.
• Stay prepared: Bring teleports and antipoison where needed.

Safe spotting Hellhounds in OSRS transforms a potentially tough Slayer task into a manageable, even profitable endeavor. The Stronghold Slayer Cave stands out for its accessibility and cannon synergy, while Taverley and the Catacombs offer solid alternatives. Whether you’re a low-level player dodging damage or a veteran chasing clues, these spots and strategies will keep you ahead of the pack. Happy slaying!