OSRS Goblin Slayer Task Guide for Beginners

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the goblin slayer task is one of the most accessible and beginner-friendly assignments you can receive. Goblins are low-level monsters scattered across Gielinor, making them a perfect target for players looking to train combat skills or complete slayer tasks efficiently. This guide covers everything you need to know about tackling a goblin slayer task, from locations and strategies to gear and rewards. Whether you’re a new player or brushing up on slayer basics, read on to master this task!
Goblins are a staple of OSRS slayer assignments, especially for players with low combat and slayer levels. Assigned by low-tier slayer masters like Turael or Spria, this task requires no slayer level, making it ideal for beginners. Here’s why it’s worth your time:
- Easy to Find: Goblins spawn in multiple locations, so you’re never far from your target.
- Low Combat Level: Most goblins range from level 2 to 13, posing minimal threat.
- Training Opportunity: Perfect for leveling melee, ranged, or magic skills without high risk.
- Decent Drops: While not lucrative, goblins drop items like herbs and low-level gear useful for early-game players.
Who Assigns Goblin Tasks?
Goblin tasks are primarily assigned by:
- Turael: Located in Burthorpe, he’s the go-to slayer master for beginners.
- Spria: Found in Draynor Village after completing A Porcine of Interest quest, she’s another low-level option.
Higher-tier slayer masters like Mazchna or Vannaka won’t assign goblins, so stick with Turael or Spria if you’re specifically hunting for this task.
Best Locations to Slay Goblins
Goblins are everywhere in Gielinor, but some spots are better than others for completing your slayer task quickly. Below are the top locations, each with unique advantages.
Lumbridge
The classic starting point for most OSRS players, Lumbridge is home to plenty of goblins. You’ll find them east of the River Lum, near the path to Draynor Village, and around the Lumbridge Castle area.
- Pros: Close to a bank, easy to access, and plenty of spawns.
- Cons: Can be crowded, especially on free-to-play worlds.
Goblin Village
North of Falador, the Goblin Village is a hotspot for level 5 goblins. It’s less crowded than Lumbridge and offers a compact area for quick kills.
- Pros: Dense spawns and fewer players compared to Lumbridge.
- Cons: Slightly farther from a bank, requiring a walk to Falador.
Stronghold of Security
Located beneath Barbarian Village, the first level of the Stronghold of Security (Vault of War) houses level 5, 6, and 7 goblins. This is a great spot for members and free-to-play players alike.
- Pros: Quiet area, multiple goblin levels for variety, and safe from high-level threats.
- Cons: Requires navigating to the dungeon entrance.
Other Notable Spots
If the main locations are busy, consider these alternatives:
- Draynor Village Crossroads: Level 2 goblins spawn here, ideal for quick tasks.
- East of Gunnarsgrunn: A less-trafficked area with level 2 goblins.
Recommended Gear and Inventory Setup
Goblins are weak, so you don’t need top-tier gear to take them down. However, optimizing your setup can speed up kills and make the task more enjoyable. Here’s a breakdown for different combat styles.
Melee Setup
Melee is the most straightforward way to slay goblins, especially for low-level players.
Slot | Item |
---|---|
Head | Iron/Mithril Helmet |
Chest | Iron/Mithril Platebody |
Legs | Iron/Mithril Platelegs |
Weapon | Mithril Scimitar or Rune Sword |
Shield | Wooden Shield or Iron Kiteshield |
Tip: If you’re training strength, prioritize gear with strength bonuses like an Amulet of Strength.
Ranged Setup
Ranged is a safe option for goblins, letting you attack from a distance.
- Weapon: Shortbow or Crossbow.
- Ammo: Bronze/Iron Arrows or Bolts.
- Armor: Leather Armor or Studded Leather for slight defense.
Magic Setup
Magic is great for training low-level spells while completing your task.
- Spell: Wind Strike or Fire Strike (goblins have varying weaknesses, e.g., level 2 goblins are weak to air spells).
- Equipment: Wizard Robes, Staff of Air, and an Amulet of Magic.
Inventory Tips
Your inventory should be minimal since goblins hit weakly. Suggested items include:
- Food: 2-3 pieces of low-level food (e.g., Trout or Cakes) for emergencies.
- Teleports: Lumbridge Teleport tablets or runes for quick banking.
- Looting Bag: For members, to store drops without frequent bank trips.
Strategies for Efficient Goblin Slaying
Completing a goblin slayer task is simple, but a few strategies can make it faster and more rewarding.
Maximize Kill Speed
Goblins have low hitpoints (5-16 depending on level), so focus on high-damage attacks:
- Melee: Use slash weapons like scimitars for faster attack speed.
- Ranged: Stand in multi-combat areas to hit multiple goblins at once.
- Magic: Cast area-of-effect spells like Wind Rush in dense spawn areas (requires 35 Magic).
Use Multi-Combat Areas
Locations like Lumbridge’s goblin fields or the Stronghold of Security allow you to aggro multiple goblins at once. This is especially effective for ranged or magic users who can hit several targets without moving.
Leverage Slayer Equipment
Even for goblins, slayer gear can boost your efficiency:
- Slayer Helmet/Black Mask: Provides a 16.67% boost to damage and accuracy if you own one (rare for low levels but worth mentioning).
- Enchanted Gem: Check your task progress without visiting the slayer master.
Special Targets: Goblin Sergeants
If assigned by Turael or Spria, your goblin task may include Sergeant Strongstack, Grimspike, or Steelwill from the God Wars Dungeon. These level 84 goblins are tougher but count toward your task.
- Location: Bandos’ Stronghold in God Wars Dungeon.
- Requirements: 70 Strength, Bandos protection (e.g., Bandos Armor), and a method to gain 40 kill count.
- Tip: Skip these unless you’re prepared for God Wars, as they’re not beginner-friendly.
Drops and Rewards
Goblin slayer tasks aren’t about getting rich, but the drops can be useful for early-game players. Here’s what to expect and how to make the most of them.
Common Drops
Goblins drop low-value items frequently, including:
Item | Notes |
---|---|
Bones | 100% drop, useful for Prayer training. |
Coins | 1-24 coins, small but adds up. |
Herbs | Low-level herbs like Guam or Marrentill (uncommon). |
Weapons/Armor | Bronze/Iron items, sellable or used for early upgrades. |
Rare Drops
Goblins have a slim chance of dropping valuable items:
- Champion’s Scroll: Extremely rare (1/5000), used for the Lesser Demon Champion fight.
- Red/Green Bead: Part of the Goblin Mail quest, niche but collectible.
Slayer Rewards
Completing a goblin task grants slayer experience based on goblin hitpoints:
- Level 2: 5 Slayer XP.
- Level 5: 12 Slayer XP.
- Level 13: 16 Slayer XP.
Additionally, you’ll earn combat XP per kill (4 XP per hitpoint in your chosen style), making this a solid training method.
Making the Most of Drops
To maximize value:
- Bank Herbs: Save for Herblore training or sell on the Grand Exchange.
- High Alch Junk: Items like bronze spears can be alched for profit if you have 55 Magic.
- Use a Looting Bag: Members can collect more drops before banking.
With this guide, you’re ready to tackle your goblin slayer task in OSRS with confidence. Choose a convenient location, gear up appropriately, and use smart strategies to breeze through the kills. While the rewards won’t make you a millionaire, the experience and combat gains are perfect for building your account early on. Happy slaying!