How to Get the Mining Pet in OSRS: A Complete Guide to Unlocking the Rock Golem

How to Get the Mining Pet in OSRS: A Complete Guide to Unlocking the Rock Golem


Are you an Old School RuneScape (OSRS) player looking to snag the elusive Mining pet, the Rock Golem? This adorable skilling pet is a badge of honor for dedicated miners, and with the right strategies, you can increase your chances of adding it to your collection. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to get the Mining pet in OSRS, including the best methods, requirements, and tips to optimize your grind. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, this blog post will help you unlock the Rock Golem efficiently while boosting your Mining skill.

The Mining pet in OSRS is called the Rock Golem, a charming little companion that follows you around as you explore Gielinor. It’s one of the skilling pets introduced to the game, obtainable exclusively through training the Mining skill. The Rock Golem isn’t just a cosmetic flex—it’s a symbol of your dedication to the grind, and its appearance can even be customized with various ores you mine.

Why Aim for the Rock Golem?

Here’s why players chase after this pet:

  • Bragging Rights: Skilling pets are rare, and owning one shows off your commitment.
  • Customization: Change its color using ores like copper, iron, or gold for a personal touch.
  • Fun Factor: It adds a bit of personality to your adventures in OSRS.

How the Drop Mechanic Works

The Rock Golem is a random drop while training Mining, with its chance dependent on your Mining level and the specific method you’re using. The base chance varies by activity, but it improves as your level increases. The formula is roughly 1 / (Base Chance – (Mining Level * 25)), meaning higher levels give you better odds per action. Don’t worry—we’ll break down the best methods to maximize this later!

Requirements to Start Hunting the Mining Pet

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Before you swing your pickaxe in pursuit of the Rock Golem, you’ll need to meet some basic requirements and gather the right gear. While you can technically get the pet at level 1, your chances improve dramatically with higher levels and access to specific locations.

Minimum Skill Requirements

You don’t need a high Mining level to start, but certain methods require specific levels or quests:

  • Level 1 Mining: Technically possible, but extremely rare (1/741,575 chance per ore).
  • Level 52 Mining: For gem rocks in Shilo Village (fastest method).
  • Level 70 Mining: For Volcanic Mine or Zalcano.

Quest and Item Prerequisites

Some of the best methods require quest completion or specific items:

Best Methods to Get the Mining Pet in OSRS

Now, let’s dive into the top methods for hunting the Rock Golem. These vary in speed, effort, and profitability, so you can choose one that fits your playstyle—whether you want the fastest route or a more relaxed, AFK approach.

Method 1: Mining Gem Rocks in Shilo Village

Overview: This is widely considered the fastest way to get the Rock Golem due to its low base chance and high actions per hour.

  • Level Requirement: 52 Mining (recommended).
  • Location: Underground Shilo Village mine (requires Karamja Hard Diary).
  • Base Chance: 1/211,886 per gem mined.
  • XP Per Hour: 50k–60k (up to 100k with tick manipulation).
  • Actions Per Hour: Around 900 gems.

How to Do It:

  1. Complete the Karamja Hard Diary to access the underground mine.
  2. Equip a charged Amulet of Glory for quick banking via the nearby deposit box.
  3. Mine gem rocks, dropping low-value gems or banking them with a gem bag.
  4. Use tick manipulation (e.g., 1.5-tick mining) to boost rates if you’re comfortable with it.

Why It Works: The high mining speed and low base chance make this the most efficient method for pet hunters. Expect to average 235 hours for the pet without tick manipulation.

Method 2: Volcanic Mine on Fossil Island

Overview: A solid alternative for players who want decent XP while hunting the pet with less intensity.

  • Level Requirement: 50 Mining (70+ recommended).
  • Location: Fossil Island (requires Bone Voyage).
  • Base Chance: 1/741,600 per action.
  • XP Per Hour: 65k–90k.
  • Actions Per Hour: Varies by team size (3–5 players optimal).

How to Do It:

  1. Complete Bone Voyage and pay 30 numulites per entry (or 3,000 for permanent access).
  2. Join a team on World 323 or via clan chats like “VM CC.”
  3. Mine volcanic rocks and assist in stabilizing vents.

Why It Works: It’s less click-intensive than gem rocks and offers great XP, though the pet chance is slower. It’s a good middle ground for XP and pet hunting.

Method 3: Motherlode Mine (AFK Option)

Overview: Perfect for players who want a laid-back approach while still chasing the Rock Golem.

  • Level Requirement: 30 Mining.
  • Location: Falador (Mining Guild).
  • Base Chance: 1/741,600 per pay-dirt cleaned.
  • XP Per Hour: 30k–55k (higher at upper level with 57 Mining).
  • Actions Per Hour: Around 400–500.

How to Do It:

  1. Enter the Motherlode Mine at level 30 Mining.
  2. Mine pay-dirt, deposit it in the hopper, and collect ores.
  3. Unlock the upper level at 57 Mining (100 golden nuggets) for more AFK time.

Why It Works: While slower for the pet (around 1/11 chance after unlocking all rewards), it’s profitable and low-effort, making it ideal for casual players.

Tips to Boost Your Chances of Getting the Rock Golem

Maximizing your efficiency can shave hours off your grind. Here are some pro tips to improve your odds and make the process smoother.

Optimize Your Gear

Use these items to speed up mining and increase actions per hour:

  • Best Pickaxe: Dragon (61 Mining) or Crystal (71 Mining) for faster mining cycles.
  • Prospector Outfit: 2.5% XP boost (180 nuggets from Motherlode Mine).
  • Celestial Ring: 10% chance for extra ore (charge with stardust).
  • Varrock Armour: 10% chance to mine double ores (Achievement Diary reward).

Increase Mining Level

The higher your Mining level, the better your pet chance per action. Aim for at least 70–80 Mining before focusing heavily on the pet hunt to make each swing count more.

Use Tick Manipulation (Optional)

For gem rocks, advanced players can use 1.5-tick or 2-tick mining to drastically increase actions per hour. This requires precise timing and practice but can cut your pet grind time significantly.

Comparing Mining Pet Methods: Which Is Right for You?

Not sure which method to pick? Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Method Level Req XP/Hour Pet Chance Effort Profit
Gem Rocks 52 50k–100k 1/211,886 High High
Volcanic Mine 50 (70+ rec) 65k–90k 1/741,600 Medium Low
Motherlode Mine 30 30k–55k 1/741,600 Low Medium

Fastest Route: Gem Rocks

If your goal is purely the Rock Golem, gem rocks with tick manipulation is the way to go. It’s intense but offers the best odds.

Balanced Approach: Volcanic Mine

Want good XP and a decent pet shot? Volcanic Mine balances both without burning you out.

AFK Preference: Motherlode Mine

For a chill grind with some profit, stick to Motherlode Mine and enjoy the ride.

Final Thoughts on Getting the Mining Pet in OSRS

Unlocking the Rock Golem in OSRS is a rewarding challenge that combines luck, persistence, and smart planning. Whether you choose the high-intensity gem rock method, the team-based Volcanic Mine, or the relaxed Motherlode Mine, you’re on your way to earning one of the coolest skilling pets in the game. Boost your Mining level, gear up, and keep swinging that pickaxe—your Rock Golem is waiting!

Have you already snagged the Mining pet? Share your story in the comments below, or let us know which method you’re trying out. Happy mining, and may RNG be on your side!