How to Cancel a Slayer Task in OSRS: A Complete Guide

Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers players a thrilling Slayer skill experience, where you’re assigned tasks to defeat specific monsters by Slayer Masters. However, not every task is a perfect fit—maybe it’s too tough, unprofitable, or just not your vibe. Knowing how to cancel a Slayer task in OSRS can save you time and frustration, letting you focus on tasks that suit your playstyle. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about canceling Slayer tasks, including methods, costs, and tips to optimize your Slayer journey. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned player, this post is packed with actionable advice to keep your Slayer grind smooth and enjoyable.
Sometimes, a Slayer task just doesn’t click. Understanding why you might want to ditch it can help you make smarter decisions in-game. Here’s a breakdown of the common reasons players opt to cancel their tasks.
Task Difficulty
Some Slayer tasks, like taking on Cerberus or Abyssal Demons, can be brutal if you’re not geared up or leveled enough. If you’re dying more than you’re slaying, it might be time to cancel and pick something more manageable.
Low Profitability
Not all tasks are gold mines. For example, killing cows or goblins might be easy, but the loot won’t fund your next big gear upgrade. Players often cancel low-profit tasks to chase more lucrative ones like Kurasks or Gargoyles.
Personal Preference
Maybe you just hate fighting spiders, or you’re tired of trekking to the same dungeon. OSRS is about fun, so canceling a task that feels like a chore can keep your gameplay fresh and engaging.
How to Cancel a Slayer Task in OSRS
Canceling a Slayer task isn’t complicated, but it does come with some requirements and costs. Here’s how you can do it step-by-step, along with the options available to you.
Visit Turael in Burthorpe
The simplest way to cancel a Slayer task is by visiting Turael, the low-level Slayer Master in Burthorpe. He’ll replace your current task with an easier one, effectively canceling the old assignment. Here’s how it works:
- Location: Find Turael near the Warriors’ Guild in Burthorpe.
- Cost: Free, but it resets your task streak to zero.
- Catch: You’ll get a low-level task (e.g., rats or bats), which might not align with your goals.
This method is great for beginners or if you don’t mind losing your streak for a quick reset.
Use Slayer Reward Points
For players with some Slayer experience under their belt, using Slayer Reward Points is the go-to method. Here’s the process:
- Talk to any Slayer Master (except Turael).
- Select the “Cancel Task” option, which costs 30 Slayer Reward Points.
- Your current task is removed, and you can request a new one immediately.
This method preserves your task streak, making it ideal for those chasing higher rewards or Slayer XP efficiency.
Requirements and Limitations
Canceling with points requires you to have unlocked the ability via the Slayer Rewards shop (costs 100 points initially to unlock task cancellation). Also, you can’t cancel certain boss tasks this way—those need special handling, which we’ll cover later.
Costs and Consequences of Canceling a Task
Canceling a Slayer task isn’t always free, and it can impact your progress. Let’s break down what you’re signing up for when you hit that cancel button.
Slayer Reward Points Cost
Using 30 points per cancellation adds up, especially if you’re picky about tasks. You earn points by completing tasks (e.g., 5 points per task from higher-tier masters like Duradel), so frequent canceling can drain your reserves fast.
Losing Your Task Streak
Going to Turael wipes your task streak, which resets the bonus points you earn every 10th, 50th, or 100th task. For example, a 50th task with Duradel nets you 75 points—losing that streak can sting if you’re point-hunting.
Time Investment
Canceling means starting fresh, which could delay your Slayer level-up if the new task takes longer. Weigh the time cost against sticking it out with a tough assignment.
Alternatives to Canceling a Slayer Task
Not keen on canceling? You’ve got options to tweak your Slayer experience without hitting the reset button. Here are some alternatives to consider.
Block Unwanted Tasks
Instead of canceling every time, block tasks you hate. This costs 100 Slayer Reward Points per block and requires unlocking the feature (another 100 points). You can block up to 6 tasks with higher-tier masters like Morvran. Popular blocks include:
- Black Demons – Slow kills, meh loot.
- Greater Demons – Similar grind, low reward.
- Spiritual Mages – Annoying to reach, decent but not amazing drops.
Skip Tasks Strategically
Skipping is like canceling but cheaper—only 30 points without unlocking anything extra. It’s a one-off way to ditch a task without resetting your streak via Turael. Use this when you’re low on points but need a quick escape.
Adjust Your Gear and Strategy
Sometimes, a task feels bad because you’re underprepared. Upgrade your gear, use a cannon, or switch to a better location (e.g., Catacombs of Kourend for multi-combat). This can turn a slog into a breeze without canceling.
Tips for Managing Slayer Tasks Efficiently
Canceling is just one tool in your Slayer toolkit. Here’s how to optimize your task management for max XP, profit, and fun.
Build an Efficient Block List
Prioritize blocking tasks that are slow or unprofitable, even if they’re not hard. A good block list saves you points and time in the long run. Check out this sample block list for high-level players:
Task | Reason to Block |
---|---|
Black Demons | Slow XP, low-value drops |
Hellhounds | No drops unless boss variant |
Suqah | Remote location, mediocre loot |
Earn More Slayer Points
Complete tasks consistently to stockpile points. Every 10th task gives a bonus (e.g., 15 points with Duradel), and the 50th jumps to 75. Stick with a high-tier master and avoid Turael unless desperate.
Know Your Slayer Masters
Different masters offer different task pools. For example:
- Turael: Easy tasks, great for canceling but low XP.
- Duradel: High-level tasks, better loot and XP.
- Morvran: Elite tasks, best for endgame players.
Pick a master that matches your combat level and goals to minimize the need to cancel.
Handle Boss Tasks Wisely
Boss tasks (e.g., Zulrah, Cerberus) can’t be canceled with points in the usual way. You’ll need to either complete them, use Turael to reset, or unlock the “Like a Boss” perk (400 points) to skip them. Plan ahead if you’re not boss-ready.
Canceling a Slayer task in OSRS is a powerful way to tailor your gameplay, but it’s not without trade-offs. Whether you’re burning points to skip a grind or resetting with Turael, the key is balancing efficiency with your goals—be it XP, profit, or just having a good time. Use this guide to master task management, and you’ll be slaying smarter in no time. What’s your least favorite Slayer task? Let us know in the comments!