Crack the Clue OSRS: Your Ultimate Guide to Solving the Mystery
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is packed with exciting challenges, and few are as intriguing as the Crack the Clue series. This treasure-hunting event has captivated players since its debut in 2016, blending cryptic puzzles, in-game exploration, and rewarding loot. Whether you’re a seasoned clue hunter or a newcomer eager to dive into this unique OSRS adventure, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Crack the Clue, from its origins to solving its toughest riddles. Let’s unlock the secrets together!
Crack the Clue is a special clue-seeker event in OSRS, designed to test players’ problem-solving skills and knowledge of the game world. Unlike standard Treasure Trails, Crack the Clue offers a more complex, multi-step puzzle experience with exclusive rewards. Launched as a limited-time event, it has since become a permanent fixture, allowing players to tackle its mysteries at their own pace.
The Origins of Crack the Clue
The first Crack the Clue event kicked off on June 17, 2016, with weekly map clues posted on the OSRS forums. Created by Mod Mat K, this event challenged the community to collaborate and crack four initial clues, leading to a fifth final puzzle. The reward? The coveted Clue Hunter outfit and the Helm of Raedwald, with the first solver, Pikachu Yip, earning a special mention in the helm’s examine text.
Evolution Through the Years
Following the success of the original, Crack the Clue II arrived in 2019, introducing the Ornate Armour set. Then, in 2022, Crack the Clue III—crafted by legendary player Woox—upped the ante with even trickier clues and the Robes of Ruin as the prize. Each iteration builds on the last, keeping the event fresh and engaging for the OSRS community.
Why Crack the Clue Stands Out
What makes Crack the Clue so special? It’s not just about digging at a random spot—it’s a brain-teasing journey that combines map reading, item hunting, and creative thinking. Here’s why players love it:
- Community Collaboration: The puzzles are so intricate that players often team up via Discord or Reddit to share theories and solutions.
- Unique Rewards: Outfits like the Clue Hunter gear and Robes of Ruin are exclusive to these events, making them a badge of honor.
- No Membership Required: Unlike many OSRS activities, Crack the Clue is accessible to free-to-play (F2P) players, broadening its appeal.
- Endless Replayability: Even after solving it, helping others or revisiting the logic keeps the event alive.
How to Start Crack the Clue in OSRS
Ready to jump in? Crack the Clue doesn’t require high stats or completed quests—just a spade, some patience, and a keen eye. Here’s how to begin:
Finding the Clues
The starting clues for each Crack the Clue event are static and available in-game. For Crack the Clue I, check the OSRS forums or wiki for the original four map clues. For II and III, clues are tied to specific locations or NPCs, like Betty in Port Sarim for Crack the Clue III. The OSRS Wiki is your best friend for tracking these down.
Gathering Essential Items
Each clue often requires specific items to progress. For example, Crack the Clue I’s final step needs a nature rune, superantipoison (1 dose), and leather boots. Always double-check the requirements for your chosen event to avoid backtracking.
Joining the Community
Don’t go it alone! The Crack the Clue Discord server is a goldmine of real-time updates, hints, and camaraderie. Search “Crack the Clue Discord” on Google or X to find the latest invite link and connect with fellow hunters.
Step-by-Step Guide to Solving Crack the Clue
Let’s break down the process using Crack the Clue I as an example, then touch on key differences in II and III. Grab your spade, and let’s dig in!
Crack the Clue I: The Clue Hunter Outfit
The original event consists of five clues, each unlocking a piece of the Clue Hunter outfit. Here’s a quick rundown:
| Clue | Location | Reward |
|---|---|---|
| Clue 1 | Dig 2 squares south, 1 west of an oak tree southwest of the Fishing Guild | Clue Hunter Gloves & Boots |
| Clue 2 | Dig north of East Shayzien station near Mogrim | Clue Hunter Garb |
| Clue 3 | Dig near the Pothole Dungeon entrance north of Tai Bwo Wannai | Clue Hunter Trousers |
| Clue 4 | Dig between two willow trees southeast of Yanille | Clue Hunter Cloak |
| Clue 5 | Dig east of the Clock Tower between four iron rocks with specific items | Helm of Raedwald |
The final clue combines elements from the first four, requiring players to overlay maps and decode a hidden message (“TEN N FIVE W”) to pinpoint the dig spot. It’s a masterpiece of puzzle design!
Crack the Clue II: Ornate Armour
This sequel simplifies things slightly, with four straightforward dig spots and a final riddle solved via emotes and NPCs. You’ll need items like a pie dish, raw herring, and a spade. Key locations include southeast of Rimmington and east of the Black Knights’ Fortress. The reward is the stylish Ornate Armour set, perfect for F2P fashionistas.
Crack the Clue III: Robes of Ruin
Woox’s creation is the toughest yet, featuring four initial clues that spiral into a multi-layered puzzle. Players align maps with in-game objects (statues, furnaces, etc.), rotate them at precise angles (e.g., 242° CCW for Clue 1), and converge on a spot near the Water Altar in Lumbridge Swamp. The final step involves perspective-based object matching and specific items like a cabbage and ruby ring. The prize? The Robes of Ruin and the Infinite Money Bag.
Tips and Tricks for Crack the Clue Success
Crack the Clue can be daunting, but these strategies will boost your chances of cracking it:
Master the Map Mechanics
Many clues involve rotating or overlaying maps. Use tools like Photoshop or even paper sketches to align Xs and dots with in-game landmarks. For Crack the Clue III, matching 20 dots from a hint to the original clues was a game-changer.
Leverage the Wiki and Forums
The OSRS Wiki offers detailed walkthroughs, while Reddit threads (e.g., r/2007scape) provide community insights. Search “Crack the Clue OSRS Reddit” for the latest discussions and breakthroughs.
Stock Up on Teleports
Clues span Gielinor, so bring Falador and Varrock teleports (F2P) or a charged Glory (P2P) to save time. Efficiency is key when you’re hopping between dig spots!
Patience is Your Ally
These puzzles aren’t solved in an hour. Crack the Clue III took months of community effort, with hints released weekly. Take breaks, theorize, and enjoy the process—it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Crack the Clue OSRS is more than just a treasure hunt; it’s a testament to the game’s depth and the community’s ingenuity. From the Clue Hunter outfit to the Robes of Ruin, the rewards are worth the effort, and the journey is a rewarding challenge for any adventurer. So, grab your spade, join the Discord, and start cracking—Gielinor’s secrets await!