OSRS Shield of Arrav Solo Guide
The Shield of Arrav quest in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a classic adventure that immerses players in the lore of Varrock, tasking them with recovering a stolen shield. Traditionally, this quest requires a partner to join opposing gangs—Phoenix Gang or Black Arm Gang—to retrieve both halves of the shield. However, with recent game updates and clever strategies, it’s now possible to complete Shield of Arrav solo. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough for solo players, including tips for Ironman accounts and low-level characters, ensuring you can conquer this quest without needing a friend.
Shield of Arrav is a novice-level quest centered around recovering the legendary shield stolen by Varrock’s criminal gangs. While it’s designed for teamwork, solo methods leverage game mechanics to bypass the need for a partner. The quest is accessible to all players, with minimal requirements, making it ideal for beginners and veterans alike.
Quest Requirements
- No skill requirements: Suitable for all account types.
- Items needed: 20 coins (for Phoenix Gang), optional weapon and food for low-level combat.
- Recommended: Access to Varrock teleport for efficiency.
Why Go Solo?
Completing Shield of Arrav solo is appealing for Ironman accounts, players without friends online, or those who prefer independence. Recent updates have simplified gang mechanics, allowing players to switch allegiance or use in-game systems to mimic partner interactions, making solo completion viable.
Starting the Quest
To begin, head to Varrock Palace’s library and speak with Reldo, who will guide you toward the quest’s narrative. This section covers the initial steps to set you on the path to recovering the shield.
Speaking with Reldo
Locate Reldo in the north-west corner of Varrock Palace’s library. Ask him for a quest, and he’ll suggest searching for a book titled “The Shield of Arrav.” Find the book in the bookcase with a distinct blue spine on the east side of the central shelves. Read or skim it to learn about the Phoenix and Black Arm gangs, then return to Reldo. He’ll direct you to Baraek for Phoenix Gang information.
Gathering Gang Information
Visit Baraek at the fur stall in Varrock Square. Pay him 10 coins to learn the Phoenix Gang’s hideout location south of Aubury’s Rune Shop. For the Black Arm Gang, talk to Charlie the Tramp near Varrock’s southern entrance. Ask about the alleyway, and he’ll reveal the gang’s headquarters for free or a small bribe of 10 coins if pressed further.
Choosing a Gang
A key decision in Shield of Arrav is selecting which gang to join, as it determines your tasks and combat requirements. Solo players can now switch gangs mid-quest, but starting with the right choice simplifies the process.
Phoenix Gang Path
Combat Level: Level 2 (Jonny the Beard).
Head to the Phoenix Gang hideout, marked by a dungeon icon south of Aubury’s shop. Speak to Straven and express interest in joining. He’ll task you with killing Jonny the Beard at the Blue Moon Inn, just north of Varrock’s southern gate. Defeat Jonny (level 2), pick up the intelligence report he drops, and return it to Straven. You’ll receive a weapon store key and access to the hideout’s chest in the south-west corner, containing one half of the Shield of Arrav.
Black Arm Gang Path
Combat Level: Level 23 (Weaponsmaster).
Enter the Black Arm Gang hideout via the alley west of Charlie the Tramp. Speak to Katrine, admit you know about her gang, and ask to join. She’ll task you with stealing two Phoenix crossbows from the Phoenix Gang’s weapon store. You’ll need a weapon store key (obtainable later or via drop-trick methods for solo play). Head to the building east of the Phoenix hideout, climb the ladder, and kill the Weaponsmaster (level 23) or use Telekinetic Grab to retrieve the crossbows. Deliver them to Katrine, then search the upstairs cupboard for the other shield half.
Solo Strategy
Soloing Shield of Arrav relies on exploiting game mechanics to obtain both shield halves without a partner. Updates in 2023 and 2024 allow players to change gang allegiance by speaking to Straven or Katrine, eliminating the need for a second account or clan chat like “OSRS SOA.”
Step-by-Step Solo Method
- Join the Phoenix Gang: Follow the Phoenix Gang path to obtain the first shield half from the chest. Low-level players benefit from the easier fight against Jonny the Beard.
- Switch to Black Arm Gang: After securing the Phoenix half, speak to Katrine at the Black Arm Gang hideout. Indicate you want to switch allegiance. She’ll allow you to join without restarting the quest.
- Obtain the Weapon Store Key: If you didn’t keep the key from the Phoenix Gang, talk to Straven again, use the drop-trick (drop the key while requesting a new one), or have another player trade it to you. Ironmen must use the key directly on the door.
- Retrieve Crossbows: Enter the weapon store, defeat the Weaponsmaster or grab the crossbows, and deliver them to Katrine. Search the cupboard for the second shield half.
- Combine Halves: With both halves, use one on the other to create the restored shield. No partner trading is needed.
Tips for Ironman Accounts
- Key Usage: Use the weapon store key on the door rather than trading.
- Combat Prep: Bring food for the Weaponsmaster fight if your combat level is low.
- Drop-Trick: Drop the key before completing Phoenix Gang tasks to retain it for Black Arm tasks.
Completing the Quest
With both shield halves in hand, you’re ready to finish the quest and claim your rewards. This section covers the final steps and what to expect post-completion.
Delivering the Shield
Take the restored shield to Curator Haig Halen at the Varrock Museum, located east of the palace. He’ll accept the shield and provide two halves of a certificate. Combine these by using one on the other to create a complete certificate. Present this to King Roald in Varrock Palace for your reward.
Quest Rewards
| Reward | Details |
|---|---|
| Quest Points | 1 |
| Coins | 600 |
| Kudos | 5 (speak to Historian Minas in the museum) |
Note: The shield cannot be reclaimed after the quest, and gang allegiance affects future quests like Heroes’ Quest.
Post-Quest Considerations
Choosing a gang locks you into that faction for related content, such as Heroes’ Quest. Phoenix Gang is safer for low-level accounts, while Black Arm Gang suits those avoiding combat experience (by delegating kills). Solo players can revisit Straven or Katrine to confirm allegiance if needed for future quests.
By following this guide, you can complete Shield of Arrav solo in under an hour, enjoying the flexibility of modern OSRS mechanics. Whether you’re an Ironman, a low-level player, or simply prefer solo adventures, this method ensures you can tackle Varrock’s criminal underworld with confidence.