OSRS Hellhounds Catacombs Safe Spot Guide for Efficient Slayer

Old School RuneScape (OSRS) players tackling Hellhounds as a Slayer task know the value of efficiency, especially in the Catacombs of Kourend. This guide dives into how to safely and effectively slay Hellhounds using safe spots in the Catacombs, maximizing your experience and loot while minimizing risk. Whether you’re a mid-level player or a seasoned Slayer, this post will help you master Hellhound tasks with ease.

The Catacombs of Kourend is a prime location for Hellhound Slayer tasks due to its unique benefits. Unlike other locations like the Stronghold Slayer Cave, the Catacombs offer exclusive drops and a multi-combat environment that suits specific strategies.

Unique Drops in the Catacombs

Hellhounds in the Catacombs drop Ancient Shards and Dark Totem pieces, which are exclusive to this dungeon. Ancient Shards can be used to create or recharge the Arclight, a powerful demonbane weapon, while Dark Totem pieces allow access to Skotizo, a demi-boss with valuable loot.

Multi-Combat Advantage

The multi-combat nature of the Catacombs allows for AFK-friendly Slayer with the right setup, as multiple Hellhounds can engage you at once. This makes it ideal for using Protect from Melee and letting auto-retaliate handle the work.

Understanding Hellhounds in OSRS

Hellhounds are level 122 demonic monsters with 116 hitpoints, known for their aggressive melee attacks that hit up to 13. They’re weak to slash attacks and demonbane weapons, but their low defensive stats make them easy to kill with proper gear.

Key Hellhound Drops

Beyond the Catacombs-specific loot, Hellhounds are a go-to for Hard Clue Scrolls (1/64 drop rate) and the rare Smouldering Stone (1/32,768). These drops make them a favorite for players chasing treasure trails or the coveted infernal cape upgrade.

Combat Stats and Weaknesses

Hellhounds have no magic defense, making water spells effective, especially for low-defense accounts. Their melee-only attacks mean Protect from Melee nullifies damage, perfect for safe spotting or AFK training.

Safe Spotting Hellhounds in the Catacombs

Safe spotting in the Catacombs of Kourend is trickier than in places like Taverley Dungeon, but it’s entirely possible with the right positioning. Here’s how to do it effectively.

Finding the Safe Spot

The most reliable safe spot is near the north exit of the Hellhound room, towards the brutal black dragons. Follow these steps:

• Enter the Catacombs: Use Xeric’s Talisman (Xeric’s Heart) or the Kourend Castle Teleport (level 69 Magic required).
• Locate the Hellhound Room: Head to the eastern side of the Catacombs, where nine Hellhounds spawn.
• Lure the Hellhounds: Aggro the Hellhounds and drag them along the northern wall towards the corridor leading to brutal dragons.
• Position Yourself: Stand on the furthest tile in the corridor. This blocks Hellhounds from reaching you, allowing you to attack with Ranged or Magic.

Switching Safe Spots

Depending on Hellhound spawns, you may need to alternate between two spots in the same corridor. If one Hellhound gets stuck, move slightly to adjust their pathing, ensuring they remain blocked by the wall.

Pathing Tips for Success

Hellhounds can be finicky with pathing. To avoid them piling up incorrectly:

• Clear Aggression: Run south to the Giants’ Den and back to reset their agro if needed.
• Avoid Corners: Don’t hug walls too tightly, as Hellhounds may glitch and become unreachable.
• Use a Bonecrusher: This restores Prayer points when burying bones in the Catacombs, extending your trips.

Recommended Gear and Inventory Setup

Your gear and inventory depend on whether you’re safe spotting with Ranged/Magic or meleeing with Protect from Melee. Here’s a breakdown for both styles.

Ranged Safe Spot Setup

For safe spotting, prioritize Ranged accuracy and Prayer bonus:

Slot	Item	Alternative
Head	Armadyl Helmet	God Coif
Body	Armadyl Chestplate	Black D’hide Body
Legs	Armadyl Chainskirt	Black D’hide Chaps
Weapon	Toxic Blowpipe	Rune Crossbow
Cape	Ava’s Accumulator	Ranging Cape

Inventory: Bring 1-2 Prayer potions, a teleport (Xeric’s Talisman), bonecrusher, and ammo (e.g., Addy darts or bolts).

Magic Safe Spot Setup

Magic is viable due to Hellhounds’ weakness to water spells:

• Weapon: Trident of the Seas or Iban’s Staff.
• Armor: Ahrim’s or Mystic robes, with Proselyte for Prayer bonus.
• Spells: Water Blast or higher for cost-efficiency.

Inventory: Runes, Prayer potions, bonecrusher, and a teleport.

Melee AFK Setup

If not safe spotting, melee with Protect from Melee is the most AFK-friendly:

• Weapon: Arclight (if available) or Abyssal Whip.
• Armor: Proselyte for Prayer bonus, or Bandos for strength.
• Other: Bonecrusher, Holy Wrench for Prayer efficiency.

Inventory: 2-3 Prayer potions, teleport, and food for emergencies.

Tips for Maximizing Efficiency

To get the most out of your Hellhound Slayer task in the Catacombs, follow these tips to boost XP, loot, and trip duration.

Prayer Management

The Catacombs’ bone-burying effect restores Prayer points (1 for bones, 4 for dragon bones). Equip a Bonecrusher to automate this, reducing Prayer potion use. Combine with Proselyte armor and a Holy Wrench for extended trips.

Resetting Aggression

Hellhounds stop being aggressive after ~10 minutes. To reset, run south to the Giants’ Den and return. This keeps them piling on you for AFK melee or lures them back to your safe spot.

Loot Strategies

Prioritize picking up Hard Clue Scrolls and stackable items like Ancient Shards. Use an Imbued Ring of Wealth if hunting clues, though this is less relevant in the Catacombs compared to Wilderness tasks.

Experience Rates

With a safe spot and Ranged/Magic, expect 20-30k Slayer XP per hour. Melee with Protect from Melee can hit 40-50k XP per hour in multi-combat, especially with high-strength gear.

Final Thoughts

Slaying Hellhounds in the Catacombs of Kourend is a rewarding task when done right. Safe spotting requires some setup but offers a low-risk way to farm XP and loot, while melee AFK methods suit players who prefer simplicity. Use the strategies above to tailor your approach, whether you’re chasing Ancient Shards, Hard Clue Scrolls, or just efficient Slayer XP. Equip your bonecrusher, find your safe spot, and dive into the Catacombs for a smooth Hellhound task!