OSRS Agility Pet Chance Guide Giant Squirrel Drop Rates and Strategies
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the Giant Squirrel is a coveted skilling pet that players can obtain while training Agility. This adorable companion is a status symbol, showcasing dedication to one of the game’s most click-intensive skills. However, its rarity makes it a challenging goal. In this guide, we’ll explore the Giant Squirrel’s drop rates, the best methods to increase your chances, and strategies to optimize your Agility training for this elusive pet. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting your Agility grind, this blog post will help you understand how to hunt for the Giant Squirrel efficiently.
The Giant Squirrel is a non-combat pet obtained exclusively through Agility activities, such as completing laps on Agility courses or earning tickets at the Brimhaven Agility Arena. It has no practical gameplay benefits but is highly sought after for its aesthetic appeal and prestige. The pet’s drop rate depends on your Agility level, the specific course or activity, and the base chance of the activity, making it a luck-based reward that requires persistence.
How Pet Drops Work in OSRS
Skilling pets in OSRS, including the Giant Squirrel, follow a specific formula for drop rates. The chance to obtain a pet is calculated using the formula: 1 / (Base Chance – (Level * 25)), where the base chance varies by activity, and the level is your current Agility level. Higher Agility levels reduce the denominator, improving your odds. Additionally, players with 200 million experience in Agility are 15 times more likely to receive the pet, though this is rare for most players. Temporary skill boosts do not affect drop rates, only your base level matters.
Agility Courses and Their Pet Drop Rates
Not all Agility courses offer the same chance of obtaining the Giant Squirrel. The pet can drop after completing a lap on any Agility course or when redeeming tickets at the Brimhaven Agility Arena. Below, we’ll break down the most popular courses and their respective pet drop rates, focusing on efficiency and accessibility.
Penguin Agility Course The Best for Pet Hunters
The Penguin Agility Course, located on the Iceberg, is widely regarded as the fastest method to obtain the Giant Squirrel due to its low base chance. Requiring level 30 Agility and completion of the Cold War quest, this course offers a base chance of approximately 1 in 9,779 at level 99, making it the most favorable for pet hunting. However, it provides lower experience rates (around 20,000–25,000 XP per hour) compared to rooftop courses, so it’s primarily recommended for players prioritizing the pet over XP.
Rooftop Agility Courses A Balanced Approach
Rooftop courses, such as those in Ardougne, Prifddinas, and Canifis, are popular for their decent pet drop rates and higher experience gains. These courses also yield Marks of Grace, which can be used to purchase the Graceful outfit, a must-have for Agility training. At level 99, the pet drop rate for rooftop courses ranges from 1 in 22,671 (Prifddinas) to 1 in 34,400 (Ardougne). These courses are ideal for players who want a balance between pet hunting and efficient XP gains.
Hallowed Sepulchre High Risk, High Reward
The Hallowed Sepulchre, introduced in the Sins of the Father quest, is a challenging Agility activity in Darkmeyer. It requires 52 Agility (with higher floors unlocking at 62, 72, 82, and 92) and offers escalating pet drop rates. At level 99, the chances range from 1 in 35,000 on Floor 1 to 1 in 2,000 on Floor 5. While the Sepulchre provides excellent XP (up to 80,000 per hour) and Hallowed Marks for rewards like the Dark Acorn (which transforms the Giant Squirrel into a Dark Squirrel), its complexity makes it less accessible for casual players.
Brimhaven Agility Arena Ticket-Based Pet Chance
The Brimhaven Agility Arena offers a unique pet drop mechanic where the Giant Squirrel can be obtained by redeeming agility tickets at the ticket dispenser. At level 99, the base chance is around 1 in 16,000 per ticket redeemed. This method is less efficient due to the time required to earn tickets, but it’s a viable option for players who enjoy the minigame or want to mix up their training.
Drop Rate Comparison Table
To help you choose the best method, here’s a table comparing the pet drop rates and XP rates for key Agility activities at level 99:
| Course/Activity | Base Pet Chance (Level 99) | XP Per Hour | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penguin Agility Course | 1 in 9,779 | 20,000–25,000 | 30 Agility, Cold War quest |
| Prifddinas Rooftop | 1 in 22,671 | 60,000–65,000 | 75 Agility, Song of the Elves quest |
| Ardougne Rooftop | 1 in 34,400 | 55,000–60,000 | 90 Agility |
| Hallowed Sepulchre (Floor 5) | 1 in 2,000 | 70,000–80,000 | 92 Agility, Sins of the Father quest |
| Brimhaven Agility Arena | 1 in 16,000 (per ticket) | 20,000–30,000 | 40 Agility recommended |
Note: Drop rates are approximate and sourced from community data and the OSRS Wiki. Actual chances may vary slightly due to game updates or individual factors.
Strategies to Maximize Your Giant Squirrel Chances
Obtaining the Giant Squirrel requires a combination of luck, persistence, and efficient training. Here are some strategies to improve your odds while keeping the grind manageable:
Optimize Your Agility Level
Since the pet drop rate improves with each Agility level, aim to train to at least level 90 or 99 before focusing heavily on pet hunting. The reduction in base chance (25 per level) significantly boosts your odds. For example, at level 99, the Penguin Agility Course’s drop rate is 1 in 9,779, compared to 1 in 10,779 at level 50.
Choose the Right Course for Your Goals
If your sole focus is the Giant Squirrel, the Penguin Agility Course is the clear winner due to its superior drop rate. However, if you’re also aiming for XP or Marks of Grace, rooftop courses like Prifddinas or Ardougne are better choices. For advanced players, the Hallowed Sepulchre offers a thrilling challenge with decent pet odds on higher floors.
Use Weight-Reducing Gear
Agility training drains run energy quickly, so wear weight-reducing gear like the full Graceful outfit, which increases run energy restoration by 30%. Keeping your weight at 0 or below (using items like Boots of Lightness) minimizes energy consumption, allowing you to complete more laps per hour.
Stock Up on Stamina Potions
Stamina potions restore run energy and reduce the rate of energy depletion, enabling you to train longer without breaks. This is especially crucial for courses like the Penguin Agility Course, where continuous laps are key to maximizing pet rolls.
Take Advantage of Quests and Lamps
Complete Agility-related quests like The Tourist Trap or The Path of Glouphrie to gain early XP, reducing the grind to higher levels. Use experience lamps or books from quests to boost your Agility level, as higher levels directly improve pet chances.
Tips for Writing an Engaging OSRS Blog Post
If you’re creating content about the Giant Squirrel for your own OSRS blog, here are some tips to make your post engaging and SEO-friendly:
- Target Specific Keywords: Use keywords like “OSRS Giant Squirrel drop rate,” “Agility pet guide,” or “best Agility course for pet” to attract search traffic.
- Include Visuals: Add screenshots of the Giant Squirrel, Agility courses, or the Dark Squirrel variant to break up text and engage readers.
- Use Data and Tables: Players love numbers, so include drop rate tables or XP comparisons to provide value and credibility.
- Engage the Community: Encourage readers to share their pet drop stories in the comments or on social media to boost interaction.
- Update Regularly: Game updates can change drop rates or introduce new courses, so keep your content current to maintain relevance.
Final Thoughts on Hunting the Giant Squirrel
The Giant Squirrel is one of the rarer skilling pets in OSRS, with an average 45% chance of obtaining it by level 99 when training on rooftop courses. The Penguin Agility Course offers the best drop rate, taking around 132 hours at level 99 to be “on rate” for the pet, though luck plays a significant role. By choosing the right course, optimizing your gear, and staying persistent, you can increase your chances of adding this charming companion to your collection. Whether you’re grinding for XP, Marks of Grace, or the Dark Acorn, the journey to the Giant Squirrel is a rewarding challenge that showcases your dedication to Agility in Gielinor.
Have you gotten the Giant Squirrel yet? Share your pet hunting tips or drop stories in the comments below, and happy training!