OSRS Lamp of the Gatherer Guide
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the Lamp of the Gatherer is a small but valuable reward for new players embarking on their skilling journey. This item, obtained through the Gatherer Path in Adventure Paths, offers a modest experience boost to help kickstart your progress in core gathering skills. Whether you’re a fresh account holder or returning after a break, understanding how to get and use this lamp can give you an early edge. This guide dives into everything you need to know about the Lamp of the Gatherer, from acquiring it to maximizing its benefits, all while exploring its role in the broader OSRS experience.
The Lamp of the Gatherer is a reward item in OSRS, specifically tied to the Adventure Paths system designed for new or returning players. It grants 150 experience points to one of three gathering skills: Fishing, Mining, or Woodcutting. While it may not seem like much compared to other experience lamps, its accessibility early in the game makes it a useful tool for beginners looking to level up foundational skills.
Why It Matters for New Players
For those just stepping into Gielinor, every bit of experience counts. The Lamp of the Gatherer provides a quick boost without requiring combat or complex quests, making it ideal for players focusing on skilling. It’s also a non-tradable, non-bankable item, so you’ll need to decide how to use it right after earning it.
Comparison to Other Lamps
Unlike other lamps in OSRS, such as the Genie Lamp or Antique Lamp, the Lamp of the Gatherer is limited to specific skills and offers a fixed 150 XP. For context:
- Genie Lamp: Grants XP equal to your skill level multiplied by 10 (e.g., 200 XP at level 20).
- Antique Lamp: Often rewards higher XP (e.g., 500–50,000) but requires quest completion or higher skill levels.
- X Marks the Spot Lamp: Gives 300 XP to any skill, slightly outpacing the Lamp of the Gatherer.
The Lamp of the Gatherer’s modest reward is balanced by its ease of access, requiring only level 5 in a few skills to obtain.
How to Obtain the Lamp of the Gatherer
Earning the Lamp of the Gatherer is straightforward, as it’s part of the Gatherer Path, one of the introductory Adventure Paths offered by Adventurer Jon in Lumbridge. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process.
Starting the Gatherer Path
After completing Tutorial Island, head to Lumbridge and speak with Adventurer Jon, located near the Lumbridge Castle courtyard. He introduces you to Adventure Paths, which are task-based guides for new players. To be eligible, you must select the “new player” or “returning player” option during Tutorial Island’s dialogue with the Gielinor Guide. Note that Ironman accounts are ineligible for Adventure Paths.
Completing the Required Tasks
The Gatherer Path focuses on three skills: Fishing, Mining, and Woodcutting. You’ll need to complete the following tasks:
- Fishing: Reach level 5 by catching shrimp at the Lumbridge fishing spot using a small fishing net.
- Mining: Achieve level 5 by mining copper or tin rocks, such as those in the Lumbridge Swamp or Varrock mines.
- Woodcutting: Get to level 5 by chopping regular trees, easily found around Lumbridge.
Each task is simple and can be completed in under an hour, even for complete beginners. Adventurer Jon provides basic tools (e.g., a small fishing net, bronze pickaxe, and bronze axe) to help you get started.
Claiming the Lamp
Once all tasks are complete, return to Adventurer Jon to claim your rewards, which include the Lamp of the Gatherer and upgraded tools (a fishing rod, iron axe, and iron pickaxe). Rubbing the lamp lets you choose which of the three skills receives the 150 XP.
| Reward | Description |
|---|---|
| Lamp of the Gatherer | Grants 150 XP in Fishing, Mining, or Woodcutting |
| Fishing Rod | Replaces small fishing net for catching more fish types |
| Iron Axe | Faster woodcutting than bronze axe |
| Iron Pickaxe | Improved mining speed over bronze pickaxe |
Best Ways to Use the Lamp of the Gatherer
Deciding where to allocate your 150 XP might seem trivial, but early levels can shape your gameplay. Here’s a look at each skill option and strategic considerations.
Fishing: Early Food and Profit
Applying the lamp to Fishing can help you catch better fish, like trout or salmon, which serve as reliable food sources for combat training. At level 5, you’re stuck with shrimp, so the XP boost could push you closer to level 7 or 8, unlocking new fishing spots.
Mining: Resource Gathering
Mining is a slower skill early on, and the lamp’s XP can shave off time spent on copper and tin. Getting to level 15 (for iron ore) is a common goal, as it opens up better money-making opportunities. If you plan to smith or sell ores, Mining is a solid choice.
Woodcutting: Quick Levels, Limited Gains
Woodcutting levels up faster than Fishing or Mining due to abundant trees and quick chopping times. However, logs have limited use early in the game unless you’re training Firemaking or selling them. The lamp’s impact here is less significant but can still speed up your progress to oak trees (level 15).
Strategic Choice
Recommended pick: Choose Fishing if you want early combat support through food, or Mining if you’re aiming for long-term skilling profits. Woodcutting is the least impactful unless you’re rushing Firemaking or Fletching.
Tips to Maximize Your Gatherer Path Experience
The Lamp of the Gatherer is just one part of the Gatherer Path’s rewards. To make the most of this early-game system, consider these tips.
Combine Tasks with Other Goals
While training to level 5, gather extra resources to stockpile for later. For example:
- Shrimp: Cook them for Cooking XP or save them for combat healing.
- Ores: Smelt copper and tin into bronze bars for Smithing XP.
- Logs: Use them for Firemaking or save for Fletching (members).
Use the Globe Icon for Navigation
If you’re unsure where to go, open the Adventure Paths interface and click the globe icon next to each task. It highlights the exact location, saving you from wandering aimlessly.
Plan for the Combat Path Next
After finishing the Gatherer Path, you’ll unlock the Combat Path (or Warrior, Ranger, or Wizard Paths for some players). The food from Fishing can help with combat tasks, so consider this synergy when choosing your lamp’s skill.
Common Questions About the Lamp of the Gatherer
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to clear up any confusion.
Can You Get More Than One Lamp?
No, the Lamp of the Gatherer is a one-time reward per account from the Gatherer Path. You can’t repeat the path or earn additional lamps unless you create a new account.
Is It Worth Saving the Lamp?
Since the lamp grants a fixed 150 XP regardless of your level, there’s no benefit to holding onto it. Use it immediately to progress faster in your chosen skill. Plus, it’s unbankable, so it’ll clog your inventory if you don’t rub it.
Does It Work for Members-Only Skills?
No, the lamp is restricted to Fishing, Mining, or Woodcutting, which are all free-to-play skills. Members can’t use it for skills like Hunter or Farming.
How Long Does It Take to Earn?
Completing the Gatherer Path typically takes 30–60 minutes, depending on your familiarity with OSRS mechanics. Fishing is often the slowest due to random catch rates, while Woodcutting is the fastest.
The Lamp of the Gatherer may be a small reward, but its role in easing new players into OSRS’s skilling system is undeniable. By completing the Gatherer Path, you not only gain this lamp but also learn the basics of resource gathering, setting the stage for bigger adventures in Gielinor. Whether you choose Fishing, Mining, or Woodcutting, use the lamp to align with your early-game goals, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey through Lumbridge’s fields, mines, and rivers. Ready to rub that lamp? Let us know in the comments which skill you picked and why!