OSRS Moss Giant Slayer Task Guide: Tips, Locations, and Strategies

OSRS Moss Giant Slayer Task Guide: Tips, Locations, and Strategies


Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers a variety of Slayer tasks that challenge players to take on unique monsters, and the Moss Giant Slayer task is a popular mid-level assignment. Moss Giants are large, nature-themed creatures known for their decent drops and relatively straightforward combat mechanics. Whether you’re a beginner looking to grind Slayer experience or a seasoned player optimizing your task efficiency, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about tackling Moss Giants in OSRS. From the best locations to effective strategies, we’ve got you covered.

Moss Giants are hulking, humanoid monsters tied to natural environments in Gielinor. They’re a common Slayer task assigned by masters like Vannaka and Krystilia, offering a balanced mix of combat experience and loot potential. With their low defense and moderate hitpoints, they’re an accessible target for players around combat level 40 and above. Plus, they drop the coveted Mossy Key, which unlocks a boss fight with Bryophyta—a worthwhile challenge for extra rewards.

Moss Giant Stats and Variants

Moss Giants come in a few variants, each with slightly different stats:

  • Level 42 (Standard): 60 Hitpoints, Max Hit of 6, found in multiple locations.
  • Level 48 (Catacombs/Giant’s Den): 85 Hitpoints, slightly tougher, with unique drop tables.
  • Level 42 (Varlamore): Introduced in 2024, same stats as the standard version but in a new region.

All variants share a weakness to fire-based attacks and have zero defensive bonuses, making them vulnerable to any combat style.

Why Moss Giants Are a Great Slayer Task

Moss Giants are a favorite for several reasons:

  • Easy to Kill: Low defense means quick kills with minimal gear requirements.
  • Decent Drops: Seeds, herbs, and the Mossy Key make them profitable.
  • Slayer XP: 60-85 XP per kill, depending on the variant, which adds up fast.

Best Locations for Moss Giant Slayer Tasks

The Best Places to Cannon in OSRS DiamondLobby

Location is key when tackling Moss Giants, as it affects both efficiency and safety. Here are the top spots to complete your task, each with its own perks and considerations.

Varrock Sewers

The Varrock Sewers, accessible just east of Varrock Palace, house a handful of Level 42 Moss Giants. This spot is free-to-play friendly and close to a bank, making it ideal for low-level players or those without membership.

  • Pros: Easy access, no membership required.
  • Cons: Limited spawns (4-5), can get crowded.

Catacombs of Kourend

For members, the Catacombs of Kourend offer Level 48 Moss Giants with higher HP and better drops. The multi-combat area allows for cannon use, speeding up your task significantly.

  • Pros: High spawn count, cannon-friendly, chance at Dark Totem pieces.
  • Cons: Requires Kourend favor and some travel time.

Wilderness (Level 36-40)

Northwest of the Lava Maze, the Wilderness hosts Level 42 Moss Giants with an improved Mossy Key drop rate (1/75 on task). This spot is riskier due to PKers but rewarding for those willing to take the chance.

  • Pros: Better key drop rate, fewer crowds.
  • Cons: High PK risk, bring minimal gear.

Moss Giant Island (West of Brimhaven)

Accessible via a rope swing (10 Agility required), this island off Brimhaven has several Level 42 Moss Giants. It’s a quieter spot, perfect for uninterrupted grinding.

  • Pros: Decent spawn count, low competition.
  • Cons: Requires 10 Agility and a boat trip to Karamja.

Gear and Inventory Setup for Moss Giants

Moss Giants are easy to kill, so your gear doesn’t need to be top-tier. However, optimizing your setup can make the task smoother and more profitable.

Recommended Gear

Here’s a basic setup for mid-level players:

Slot Item
Head Rune Full Helm
Chest Rune Chainbody
Legs Rune Platelegs
Weapon Rune Scimitar or Fire Bolt (Magic)
Shield Rune Kiteshield (if Melee)
Amulet Amulet of Strength or Glory

Magic Option: Fire Bolt with Chaos Gauntlets exploits their fire weakness, offering cheap, effective damage.

Inventory Essentials

Your inventory should balance combat needs and loot collection:

  • Food: 5-10 Lobsters or better for sustainment.
  • Teleport: Varrock Teleport or Amulet of Glory.
  • Cannon (Optional): Cannonballs and base for Catacombs/Wilderness.
  • Looting Bag: Essential in the Wilderness for extra loot space.

Strategies to Maximize Efficiency

To get the most out of your Moss Giant Slayer task, focus on speed, safety, and loot. Here’s how to optimize your approach.

Using a Cannon

In multi-combat areas like the Catacombs or Wilderness, a Dwarf Multicannon can shred through Moss Giants. Place it centrally among spawns to hit multiple targets at once, doubling or tripling your kill rate.

Safespotting

In single-combat areas like Varrock Sewers or Moss Giant Island, use safespots to avoid damage. For example, in Varrock Sewers, lure a Moss Giant behind a wall or sewer grate and attack with Ranged or Magic.

Wilderness Tips

If braving the Wilderness, stick to these rules:

  • Low Risk Gear: Wear cheap armor (e.g., Monk Robes) and a single valuable item.
  • Scout First: Hop worlds to check for PKers before setting up.
  • Escape Plan: Keep a teleport ready and stay near an exit (e.g., Lava Maze teleport).

Loot and Rewards from Moss Giants

Moss Giants offer a mix of consistent and rare drops that can make your Slayer task worthwhile. Here’s what to expect.

Common Drops

These items drop frequently and add up over time:

  • Seeds: Ranarr (1/128), Snapdragon (1/256)—great for Herblore training.
  • Herbs: Guam, Marrentill, and higher-tier herbs like Kwuarm.
  • Coins: 2-300 GP per drop, decent for low-level cash stacks.

Rare Drops and Mossy Key

The standout reward is the Mossy Key, which unlocks Bryophyta:

  • Drop Rate: 1/150 off-task, 1/75 on-task (1/100 in Wilderness off-task).
  • Bryophyta Loot: Rune items, Nature Runes, and a chance at Bryophyta’s Essence (sells for 5-6M GP).

Other rares include the Moss Giant Bone (for Rag and Bone Man II) and Ensouled Giant Heads for Prayer XP.

Profit Potential

A typical task of 100-150 Moss Giants can net 50k-200k GP from common drops, with a Mossy Key adding significant value if you’re lucky. In the Wilderness, expect higher key rates but factor in the risk of losing loot to PKers.

By choosing the right location, gearing up smartly, and using efficient strategies, the Moss Giant Slayer task becomes a rewarding grind in OSRS. Whether you’re chasing Slayer XP, profit, or a shot at Bryophyta, this task is a solid pick for players of all levels. Happy slaying!