Kalphite Only Cave OSRS A Comprehensive Guide
The Kalphite Only Cave in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a unique dungeon tailored for players tackling kalphite Slayer tasks. Located east of the Shantay Pass in the Kharidian Desert, this multi-combat area is a hotspot for efficient Slayer training, especially with the use of a dwarf multicannon. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Kalphite Cave, from accessing it to optimizing your kills, ensuring you make the most of your Slayer assignments.
The Kalphite Cave is a Slayer-exclusive dungeon where kalphites—workers, soldiers, and guardians—can only be killed while on a Slayer task. Attempting to attack without a task triggers an interruption from Buggie, the cave’s overseer, who enforces the task-only rule. The cave’s central chamber houses kalphite larvae, which are non-attackable except by cats, and the absence of the Kalphite Queen sets it apart from the nearby Kalphite Lair. This makes it a focused spot for Slayer tasks without the complexity of boss encounters. Key features include no desert heat damage, multi-combat zones, and cannon compatibility, making it ideal for fast task completion.
Why Choose the Kalphite Cave?
- Slayer Efficiency: Open chambers with numerous kalphites allow for rapid kills, especially with a cannon.
- Multi-Combat: Enables area-of-effect attacks and cannon use for maximum XP rates.
- Accessible Location: Multiple teleport options make it easy to reach.
- Poison Immunity: Soldiers and guardians can poison, but antipoison or immunity gear mitigates this.
Accessing the Kalphite Cave
Getting to the Kalphite Cave is straightforward, with several teleportation methods to minimize travel time. The cave lies east of the Shantay Pass, and players don’t need to worry about desert heat inside, though waterskins and desert robes are useful for the journey through the Kharidian Desert.
Teleportation Methods
Here are the most efficient ways to reach the Kalphite Cave:
| Method | Requirements | Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Desert Amulet 4 | Elite Desert Diary | Teleports directly to the cave entrance. |
| Achievement Diary Cape | Any Diary Completion | Teleport to Shantay Pass, run east to the cave. |
| Amulet of Glory | None | Teleport to Al Kharid, run south through Shantay Pass, then east. |
| Fairy Ring (BIQ) | Fairy Tale II (partial) | Teleport to Kalphite Lair, run northeast to the cave. |
| Pollnivneach Teleport | Magic Level 20 or Scroll | Teleport to Pollnivneach, take the magic carpet to Shantay Pass, run east. |
Tips for Travel
- Waterskins: Carry 2-3 waterskins for desert travel unless using a direct teleport.
- Shantay Pass: Purchase a Shantay Pass (5 coins) if running through the pass.
- Inventory Space: Reserve space for Slayer gear and cannon supplies.
Kalphite Types and Combat Strategies
The Kalphite Cave hosts three main types of kalphites: workers, soldiers, and guardians. Each has distinct combat levels, stats, and drops, influencing your strategy based on your combat level and goals.
Kalphite Workers (Level 28)
Best for: Low to mid-level players or those prioritizing speed. Workers are the weakest kalphites, with 40 hitpoints and no poison, making them ideal for quick task completion. Using a dwarf multicannon in the cave’s open chambers can yield some of the fastest Slayer XP rates in OSRS, rivaling Lighthouse dagannoths.
- Gear: Melee setups with high strength bonuses (e.g., Dragon Scimitar, Fighter Torso).
- Strategy: Place a cannon in a central chamber to hit multiple workers. Use Protect from Melee if swarmed.
- XP: 40 Slayer XP per kill.
Kalphite Soldiers (Level 85)
Best for: Mid-level players seeking a balance of XP and drops. Soldiers have 90 hitpoints, deal up to 8 damage, and can poison starting at 4 damage. They’re a solid choice for slightly better experience and loot compared to workers.
- Gear: Keris Partisan (post-Beneath Cursed Sands) for a 33% damage boost and crush accuracy. Alternatively, use a Dragon Scimitar or Abyssal Whip.
- Strategy: Cannon in a soldier-heavy chamber, use antipoison or Serpentine Helm for poison immunity, and Protect from Melee.
- XP: 90 Slayer XP per kill.
Kalphite Guardians (Level 141)
Best for: High-level players with strong gear. Guardians have 170 hitpoints, hit harder, and poison starting at 6 damage. Their high defensive stats make them less efficient for most players, but they’re viable for those with maxed combat stats.
- Gear: High-accuracy weapons like the Keris Partisan of Breaching (80 Attack required) or Osmumten’s Fang.
- Strategy: Position the cannon to hit multiple guardians, use poison immunity, and avoid if task speed is the priority.
- XP: 170 Slayer XP per kill.
Optimal Gear and Inventory Setup
Your gear and inventory depend on your combat level, whether you’re using a cannon, and your budget. Below is a recommended setup for mid to high-level players aiming for efficiency.
Melee Gear Setup
| Slot | Item | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Head | Serpentine Helm | Slayer Helm (on task) |
| Cape | Fire Cape | Skill Cape |
| Neck | Amulet of Torture | Amulet of Strength |
| Body | Bandos Chestplate | Fighter Torso |
| Legs | Bandos Tassets | Obsidian Platelegs |
| Weapon | Keris Partisan | Abyssal Whip |
| Shield | Dragon Defender | Rune Defender |
| Gloves | Ferocious Gloves | Barrows Gloves |
| Boots | Primordial Boots | Dragon Boots |
| Ring | Berserker Ring (i) | Ring of Wealth |
Inventory Setup
- Dwarf Multicannon: Cannon base, stand, barrels, and mold.
- Cannonballs: 200-300 for a full task.
- Antipoison: 2-3 doses or use Serpentine Helm for immunity.
- Prayer Potions: 2-4 for Protect from Melee.
- Food: 8-12 sharks or monkfish for emergencies.
- Teleport: Amulet of Glory or house teleport for banking.
- Loot Sack: Optional for collecting herbs, seeds, or gems.
Tips for Maximizing Efficiency
To get the most out of your Kalphite Cave Slayer tasks, follow these tips to boost XP rates, conserve resources, and improve profitability.
Cannon Placement
Place your cannon in a chamber with high kalphite density, ideally targeting workers or soldiers. The cave’s open layout allows the cannon to hit multiple targets, so experiment with positioning to maximize hits. Avoid guardians unless you have high-end gear, as their defensive stats slow down kills.
Managing Poison
Soldiers and guardians can poison, dealing 4-6 damage over time. Use a Serpentine Helm for immunity or sip antipoison as needed. Alternatively, equip a Poisoned Dragon Dagger (p++) for a quick poison hit to offset damage taken.
Loot and Drops
Kalphites drop herbs, seeds, and gems, with soldiers and guardians offering better loot. Use a Ring of Wealth to increase the chance of rare drops. If on a Konar quo Maten task, soldiers have a higher Brimstone Key drop rate, averaging 953.73 GP per kill compared to 224.2 GP normally. Prioritize collecting high-value items like Ranarr weeds or Chaos Talismans.
Task Extensions
Consider extending kalphite tasks via Slayer Masters for more kills per assignment, especially if you enjoy the cave’s efficiency. Use Slayer Reward Points to unlock the “Malevolent Masquerade” ability for a 16.67% damage boost against kalphites with the Slayer Helm.
With its high XP rates, accessible location, and cannon-friendly layout, the Kalphite Only Cave is a top choice for Slayer tasks in OSRS. Whether you’re a low-level player cannoning workers or a high-level veteran tackling guardians, this guide equips you to dominate your kalphite assignments. Gear up, set up your cannon, and start slaying!