How to Reanimate Heads in OSRS A Complete Guide
Reanimating heads in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a unique and cost-effective way to train Prayer, Magic, and even Slayer skills. Using the Arceuus spellbook, players can bring ensouled heads back to life as reanimated monsters, defeat them, and earn valuable experience. This guide covers everything you need to know about reanimating heads, from requirements to strategies, making it perfect for beginners and veterans alike. Let’s dive into the necromantic arts of OSRS!
Ensouled heads are special items dropped by specific monsters in OSRS. When you cast a reanimation spell from the Arceuus spellbook on these heads, they spawn a reanimated monster that you can fight for Prayer experience. This method is slower than using bones at a gilded altar but significantly cheaper, making it ideal for players on a budget or those looking to mix up their training.
What Are Ensouled Heads?
Ensouled heads drop from monsters like goblins, dragons, and demons, with each head corresponding to a specific creature. For example, an ensouled dragon head spawns a reanimated dragon, while an ensouled goblin head summons a reanimated goblin. These monsters always have 35 Hitpoints (except for a few exceptions), and killing them grants Prayer experience based on the head’s tier.
Why Reanimate Heads?
Reanimating heads offers multiple benefits:
- Cost-Effective Prayer Training: Compared to dragon bones (3,200+ gp each), ensouled heads like giant heads (~800 gp) are far cheaper per Prayer XP.
- Multi-Skill XP: You gain Magic XP from casting the spell and Combat XP from killing the monster.
- Slayer Synergy: If the reanimated monster matches your Slayer task, you earn 35 Slayer XP per kill.
- Fun Gameplay: It’s more engaging than repeatedly offering bones at an altar.
Requirements for Reanimating Heads
Before you start reanimating heads, you’ll need to meet specific requirements to access the spells and locations. Here’s what you need to get started.
Arceuus Spellbook Access
To use reanimation spells, you must unlock the Arceuus spellbook. This requires:
- 60% Arceuus Favour: Gain favour by helping Arceuus NPCs (e.g., library book-finding tasks).
- Speak to Tyss: Find Tyss near the Dark Altar in Arceuus to switch to the Arceuus spellbook.
Note: Favour is no longer needed post-2024 updates in some cases, but switching spellbooks still requires visiting Tyss unless you’re fresh off Tutorial Island.
Magic Level Requirements
Reanimation spells are divided into tiers, each requiring a different Magic level:
| Spell Tier | Magic Level | Example Spell |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Reanimation | 16 | Reanimate Goblin |
| Adept Reanimation | 41 | Reanimate Ogre |
| Expert Reanimation | 72 | Reanimate Demon |
| Master Reanimation | 90 | Reanimate Dragon |
Other Requirements
Some reanimated monsters have additional requirements:
- Slayer Level: For monsters like abyssal demons, you need the Slayer level to claim Prayer XP (e.g., 85 for abyssal heads).
- Combat Gear: Basic melee or ranged gear to kill the reanimated monsters efficiently.
- Runes: Spells require Body, Nature, Soul, and sometimes Blood runes.
Where to Reanimate Heads
Location matters when reanimating heads, as the game restricts where you can cast these spells based on how you obtained the head.
Dark Altar in Arceuus
The Dark Altar in Arceuus is the primary location for reanimating heads, especially if you:
- Bought heads from the Grand Exchange.
- Banked or traded heads.
- Teleported away after getting a head as a drop.
How to Get There:
- Fairy Ring (CIS): Unlock by paying Trossa 80,000 gp.
- Games Necklace: Teleport to Wintertodt and run south.
- Arceuus Library Teleport: Run north then east.
Drop Location Reanimation
If you get an ensouled head as a drop, you can reanimate it within a 31×31 tile area of where the monster died, provided you:
- Don’t pick it up (cast the spell while it’s on the ground).
- Haven’t banked, traded, or price-checked it.
- Cast the spell within a reasonable time frame.
This is great for Slayer tasks, as you can reanimate heads on the spot without traveling to the Dark Altar.
Best Ensouled Heads for Prayer Training
Not all ensouled heads are equal. The Prayer XP per head depends on the monster’s tier, and costs vary based on Grand Exchange prices. Here’s a breakdown of the best heads to use.
Low-Level Heads (16–40 Magic)
These are great for early-game players:
- Goblin Head: 130 Prayer XP, ~200 gp, Magic level 16.
- Monkey Head: 182 Prayer XP, ~250 gp, Magic level 16.
- Giant Head: 650 Prayer XP, ~800 gp, Magic level 37.
Recommendation: Giant heads offer the best balance of XP and cost for low levels.
Mid-Level Heads (41–71 Magic)
For players with moderate Magic levels:
- Ogre Head: 716 Prayer XP, ~1,000 gp, Magic level 41.
- Kalphite Head: 884 Prayer XP, ~1,200 gp, Magic level 57.
- Bloodveld Head: 1,040 Prayer XP, ~1,500 gp, Magic level 65.
Recommendation: Kalphite heads are efficient if you can afford them.
High-Level Heads (72+ Magic)
For advanced players chasing max XP:
- Demon Head: 1,170 Prayer XP, ~2,000 gp, Magic level 72.
- Abyssal Head: 1,300 Prayer XP, ~2,500 gp, Magic level 85.
- Dragon Head: 1,560 Prayer XP, ~7,000 gp, Magic level 90.
Recommendation: Demon heads are cost-effective, while dragon heads are best for high budgets and max XP (310k XP/hr).
| Ensouled Head | Prayer XP | Approx. Cost (gp) | Magic Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giant Head | 650 | 800 | 37 |
| Kalphite Head | 884 | 1,200 | 57 |
| Demon Head | 1,170 | 2,000 | 72 |
| Dragon Head | 1,560 | 7,000 | 90 |
Tips and Strategies for Efficient Reanimation
Maximize your XP rates and save time with these expert tips for reanimating heads.
Optimize Your Inventory
To train efficiently at the Dark Altar:
- Rune Pouch: Store Body, Nature, Soul, and Blood runes to save inventory space.
- 26 Heads: Fill your inventory with ensouled heads, leaving room for a bank teleport (e.g., Games Necklace).
- Combat Gear: Wear basic melee gear (e.g., Rune armor) or use a dwarf multicannon for faster kills.
Use Zealot’s Robes
Wearing Zealot’s robes gives a 1.25% chance per piece (5% for full set) to save the ensouled head after reanimation, effectively stretching your supplies. This is especially useful for expensive heads like dragon or abyssal.
Leverage the Soul Bearer
Complete the Bear Your Soul miniquest to unlock the Soul Bearer. This item lets you send ensouled heads directly to your bank, saving inventory space during Slayer or combat tasks.
Combine with Slayer Tasks
If you’re on a Slayer task for a monster that drops ensouled heads (e.g., bloodvelds), reanimate them on the spot for Prayer, Magic, and Slayer XP. This passive training method is highly efficient.
Safespot Dragons
Reanimated dragons breathe fire, so use dragonfire protection (e.g., Anti-dragon shield) or safespot them from behind the Dark Altar’s pillars to avoid damage.
Reanimating heads in OSRS is a rewarding and affordable way to train Prayer while gaining Magic and Combat XP. Whether you’re a low-level player using goblin heads or a high-level one tackling dragon heads, this method offers flexibility and fun. Start by unlocking the Arceuus spellbook, grab some heads from the Grand Exchange, and head to the Dark Altar to begin your necromantic journey. Happy training!