Quest XP Rewards OSRS Your Guide to Experience Gains
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is packed with quests that do more than tell a story—they’re a fantastic way to boost your skills with experience (XP) rewards. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned adventurer, understanding which quests offer the best XP can help you level up efficiently. This guide dives into the world of quest XP rewards in OSRS, breaking down the top quests, their rewards, and strategies to maximize your gains, all while keeping your journey engaging and fun.
Quests in OSRS aren’t just about lore or unlocking new areas—they’re a shortcut to skill progression. Unlike grinding through repetitive tasks, completing a quest can grant thousands of XP in one go, often without high skill requirements. This makes them ideal for players looking to skip early-level slogs or boost specific skills like Prayer or Slayer. Plus, quests often come with additional perks like items or access to new training methods, making them a win-win.
Early Game vs. Late Game Benefits
For new players, quests like Waterfall Quest or The Knight’s Sword provide massive XP boosts that can jumpstart your account. For veterans, quests like Monkey Madness II offer substantial rewards for high-level skills. Knowing which quests to tackle at different stages can save you hours of grinding.
Quest XP vs. Traditional Training
Training skills traditionally can be time-consuming—think chopping trees for hours to level Woodcutting. Quests, on the other hand, reward XP in chunks, often requiring minimal effort compared to the payout. For example, completing Fight Arena grants Attack and Strength XP, letting you focus on other goals instead of swinging a sword endlessly.
Top Quests for XP Rewards in OSRS
Not all quests are equal when it comes to XP rewards. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the best quests for various skills, focusing on those with high XP payouts and relatively low requirements. These are perfect for players aiming to optimize their leveling path.
Waterfall Quest
XP Reward: 13,750 Strength XP, 13,750 Attack XP
Waterfall Quest is a fan favorite for early-game players. With no skill requirements, it’s accessible right out of the gate. The quest involves navigating a dangerous dungeon, but the reward—13,750 XP in both Strength and Attack—is a game-changer, equivalent to hours of combat training.
The Knight’s Sword
XP Reward: 12,725 Smithing XP
This quest is a must for anyone looking to skip the tedious early Smithing grind. Requiring only 10 Mining, The Knight’s Sword boosts your Smithing level significantly, often taking you straight to level 29. It’s a short quest with a big payoff, perfect for ironmen or budget players.
Dragon Slayer I
XP Reward: 18,650 Strength XP, 18,650 Defence XP
Dragon Slayer I is a classic quest that marks a rite of passage in OSRS. While it requires some combat prep and 32 Quest Points, the XP rewards are massive, giving a huge boost to your melee stats. Plus, you get to wear the iconic Rune Platebody afterward.
Monkey Madness II
XP Reward: 25,000 Slayer XP, 20,000 Hunter XP, 15,000 Agility XP, 15,000 Thieving XP
For high-level players, Monkey Madness II is a beast of a quest with equally impressive rewards. Requiring 69 Slayer, 70 Crafting, and other stats, it’s a challenge, but the XP payout across multiple skills makes it worth the effort. It’s a cornerstone for Slayer training.
Skill-Specific XP Rewards Breakdown
Quests reward XP across nearly every skill in OSRS, from combat to skilling. Here’s a closer look at some key skills and the quests that give the best XP boosts. Use this to plan your questing based on your training goals.
Combat Skills
Combat skills like Attack, Strength, and Defence benefit heavily from quests. Here are some top picks:
- Fight Arena: 12,175 Attack XP, 2,175 Strength XP
- Vampyre Slayer: 4,825 Attack XP
- Holy Grail: 11,000 Prayer XP, 15,300 Defence XP
Skilling
Non-combat skills like Mining, Fishing, and Cooking also get love from quests. Notable ones include:
- Gertrude’s Cat: 1,525 Cooking XP
- Fishing Contest: 2,437 Fishing XP
- Client of Kourend: 500 XP in any skill (player’s choice)
Prayer and Magic
Prayer and Magic are notoriously expensive to train, so quest XP is a lifesaver:
Strategic Questing for Maximum XP
To get the most out of quest XP rewards, you need a plan. Completing quests in the right order and combining them with other goals can make your OSRS journey smoother and more efficient.
Optimal Quest Order
Following an optimal quest guide can minimize skill training while maximizing XP. For example, starting with Waterfall Quest and The Knight’s Sword gives early combat and Smithing boosts, setting you up for tougher quests like Dragon Slayer I. Check the OSRS Wiki Optimal Quest Guide for a detailed path.
Combining Quests with Training
Some quests unlock training methods that pair well with their XP rewards. For instance, after Fishing Contest, you gain access to Otto’s Barbarian Fishing, which is great for Fishing and Strength XP. Plan your quests to align with your skilling goals for double the benefit.
Lamp and Book Rewards
Some quests reward XP lamps or books, letting you choose which skill to boost. Quests like Song of the Elves (20,000 XP in any skill) or Recipe for Disaster (variable lamps) are great for expensive skills like Prayer or Herblore. Save these for skills that are costly to train manually.
Quest XP Rewards Table
To make planning easier, here’s a table summarizing some of the best quests for XP rewards, including their requirements and payouts. Use this to prioritize your questing.
| Quest | Skill | XP Reward | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterfall Quest | Strength, Attack | 13,750 each | None |
| The Knight’s Sword | Smithing | 12,725 | 10 Mining |
| Dragon Slayer I | Strength, Defence | 18,650 each | 32 Quest Points |
| Monkey Madness II | Slayer, Hunter, Agility, Thieving | 25,000; 20,000; 15,000; 15,000 | 69 Slayer, 70 Crafting |
| Holy Grail | Prayer, Defence | 11,000; 15,300 | 20 Attack |
Tips for Questing Success
Questing in OSRS can be daunting, especially for newcomers. Here are some practical tips to make the most of your quest XP rewards and enjoy the process.
Prepare for Combat
Many XP-rewarding quests involve combat, like Dragon Slayer I or Monkey Madness II. Stock up on food, potions, and gear suited to your level. For low-level players, bringing a teleport item can save you from tough situations.
Use Quest Guides
Don’t waste time getting lost—use reliable quest guides from sources like the OSRS Wiki or RuneHQ. These provide step-by-step instructions, helping you complete quests faster and claim those XP rewards sooner.
Stack Quest Requirements
Some quests share skill requirements, like Lunar Diplomacy and Dream Mentor, which both need Magic levels. Train for multiple quests at once to save time and make your XP rewards feel even more rewarding.
Enjoy the Story
While XP is the goal, OSRS quests are packed with humor and lore. Take a moment to enjoy the dialogue and world-building—it makes the grind feel less like work and more like an adventure.
Quest XP rewards in OSRS are a powerful tool for leveling up fast and unlocking new content. By focusing on high-reward quests like Waterfall Quest, Dragon Slayer I, and Monkey Madness II, and planning your quest order strategically, you can save hours of training while exploring Gielinor’s rich stories. Use the table above to prioritize, follow our tips to quest efficiently, and watch your skills soar. Happy questing!