Depths of Despair OSRS Quest Guide for Beginners
The Depths of Despair is a short, engaging quest in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) that serves as a sequel to the Client of Kourend quest. Perfect for novice adventurers, this quest offers a mix of exploration, combat, and lore within the Great Kourend region. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the requirements, step-by-step walkthrough, rewards, and tips to complete the Depths of Despair efficiently while optimizing your gameplay.
Before diving into the Depths of Despair, ensure you meet the prerequisites and prepare adequately to avoid setbacks.
Skill Requirements
- 18 Agility: Needed for navigating obstacles in the quest.
- 20% Hosidius Favour: Required to start the quest, achievable through activities like ploughing fields or making sulphurous fertiliser.
Quest Prerequisites
You must complete the Client of Kourend quest to unlock Depths of Despair. This introductory quest familiarizes you with Great Kourend’s houses and sets the stage for the storyline.
Recommended Items
- Food: Bring 5-10 pieces (e.g., lobsters or sharks) for low-level players to handle combat.
- Teleport to Kourend: Saves time traveling to Great Kourend.
- Antipoison: Useful for dealing with potential poison from spiders.
- Light source: A bullseye lantern or candle to navigate dark areas safely.
- Combat gear: Basic armor and weapons for fighting a level 36 enemy.
Step-by-Step Quest Walkthrough
Follow these steps to complete the Depths of Despair smoothly. The quest is straightforward, typically taking 20-40 minutes depending on your preparation.
Starting the Quest
Head to the Hosidius House in Great Kourend and speak to Lord Kandur Hosidius at his home northwest of the Vinery. He’ll express concern about his missing son, Artur, and ask for your help to investigate. Accept the quest to begin.
Investigating Artur’s Whereabouts
Travel to the Woodcutting Guild in Hosidius and talk to Chef Olivia in the kitchen. She reveals Artur was researching the Dark Altar and might be in the Arceuus Library. Next, go to the library and speak to Bibliographer Galana. She directs you to a book titled The Envoy to Varlamore on the middle floor’s southeastern shelf. Read the book to learn Artur headed to the Mount Quidamortem.
Exploring the Crabclaw Caves
Prepare your combat gear and head to the Crabclaw Caves, southwest of the Woodcutting Guild. Enter the caves (requires 18 Agility to squeeze through). Inside, navigate past aggressive Sand Crabs and avoid poisonous spiders. Use your light source to avoid darkness damage. Follow the path to find Artur Hosidius near the end of the cave system.
Confronting the Sand Snake
After speaking to Artur, he’ll ask you to clear a blockage caused by a Sand Snake (level 36). Engage the snake in combat:
- Melee: Use stab or slash weapons for effective damage.
- Safespot: Range or mage users can hide behind rocks to avoid melee attacks.
- Poison: Watch for poison hits; drink antipoison if needed.
Defeating the snake clears the path, allowing Artur to escape. Speak to him again to confirm his safety.
Returning to Lord Hosidius
Exit the caves and return to Lord Kandur Hosidius. Inform him of Artur’s safety to complete the quest. Congratulations!
Rewards and Benefits
Completing the Depths of Despair offers modest but valuable rewards, especially for early-game players.
Quest Points and Experience
- 1 Quest Point: Contributes to unlocking higher-tier quests.
- 1,500 Agility XP: A decent boost for low-level Agility training.
Additional Rewards
- 10% Hosidius Favour: Helps unlock Hosidius perks like the Farming Guild or Tithe Farm.
- Access to Crabclaw Caves: A new training spot for Sand Crabs, ideal for combat XP.
| Reward | Description |
|---|---|
| Quest Point | 1 point towards Quest Cape |
| Agility XP | 1,500 XP to boost Agility level |
| Hosidius Favour | 10% additional favour |
| Crabclaw Caves | Training spot for combat |
Tips for Efficient Completion
Maximize your time and resources with these practical tips for the Depths of Despair quest.
Preparation Tips
- Bank Before Combat: Store unnecessary items to free up inventory space for food and gear.
- Use Teleports: A Kourend teleport or Xeric’s Talisman speeds up travel.
- Check Agility: Ensure you’re at least level 18 to avoid failing cave obstacles.
Combat Strategies
The Sand Snake is manageable even for low-level players:
- Low Combat Levels: Bring high-healing food like sharks and use Protect from Melee if available.
- Ranged/Magic: Safespot the snake to minimize damage taken.
- Inventory Management: Keep 3-4 free slots for potential loot or quest items.
Favour Grinding
If you lack 20% Hosidius favour, try these methods:
- Ploughing Fields: Fast, no-cost method near the Vinery.
- Sulphurous Fertiliser: Combine saltpetre and compost for quicker favour gains.
Why You Should Complete Depths of Despair
This quest is a fantastic choice for players looking to dive deeper into Great Kourend’s storyline without committing to a lengthy adventure.
Lore and Storyline
The Depths of Despair expands on the Hosidius family’s struggles and introduces the mysterious Mount Quidamortem, hinting at future content like Varlamore. It’s a bite-sized piece of lore that enriches your understanding of Kourend’s politics.
Long-Term Benefits
- Hosidius Perks: The 10% favour reward brings you closer to unlocking farming patches or the Cooking range.
- Combat Training: Crabclaw Caves become a go-to spot for AFK combat training, rivaling Rock Crabs.
- Quest Progression: The quest point and experience pave the way for other Kourend quests like Tale of the Righteous.
Who Should Do This Quest
Ideal for:
- New Players: Short duration and low skill requirements make it accessible.
- Completionists: A quick quest point for the Quest Cape grind.
- Farmers and Trainers: Unlocks favour and training spots for long-term goals.
Whether you’re a lore enthusiast or a practical player, the Depths of Despair offers something for everyone. Jump in, save Artur, and reap the rewards today!