Barbarian Fishing Swordfish OSRS Guide

Barbarian Fishing Swordfish OSRS Guide

Barbarian Fishing in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a unique and efficient method to level up your Fishing skill while also gaining experience in Strength and Agility. For players aiming to catch swordfish, this method offers a rewarding way to train multiple skills simultaneously, especially for members. This comprehensive guide dives into everything you need to know about Barbarian Fishing for swordfish in OSRS, from requirements and gear to tips for maximizing experience rates and profits.

Barbarian Fishing is a members-only activity introduced as part of the Barbarian Training miniquest. Unlike traditional fishing methods, it involves using a heavy rod or bare hands to catch fish, providing a multi-skill training experience. Swordfish, a high-value fish, can be caught using the bare-handed method, making it a popular choice for players looking to balance experience gains with potential profits.

What Makes Barbarian Fishing Unique?

Barbarian Fishing stands out because it trains Fishing, Strength, and Agility simultaneously. When fishing swordfish bare-handed, you gain small amounts of Strength experience alongside Fishing experience, which is ideal for players aiming to level combat skills passively. The method is also semi-AFK, allowing for a relaxed training experience compared to intensive tick manipulation techniques.

Why Focus on Swordfish?

Swordfish are a staple in OSRS for their decent market value and utility as food in PvM and PvP scenarios. Catching them via Barbarian Fishing is not only efficient for experience but also provides a steady supply of raw swordfish, which can be cooked or sold for profit.

Requirements for Barbarian Fishing Swordfish

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Before you can start catching swordfish with Barbarian Fishing, you’ll need to meet specific skill requirements and complete a portion of the Barbarian Training miniquest. Here’s a breakdown of what’s needed:

Skill Requirements

  • Fishing Level 70: Required to catch swordfish bare-handed.
  • Strength Level 50: Necessary for bare-handed fishing of swordfish.
  • Fishing Level 48 and Strength/Agility Level 15: To start Barbarian Fishing with a heavy rod, which is a prerequisite for learning bare-handed fishing.

Quest and Setup

To unlock Barbarian Fishing, visit Otto Godblessed near Baxtorian Falls and complete the fishing portion of the Barbarian Training miniquest. Speak to Otto and select the option to learn about fishing without a harpoon. You don’t need to complete the entire miniquest, but you must have lit a fire using a bow for the Firemaking section to access bare-handed fishing. No harpoon is required for this method, as you’ll use your hands to catch fish.

Getting Started with Barbarian Fishing

Once you’ve met the requirements, it’s time to head to a suitable fishing spot. Here’s how to set up and start catching swordfish using the Barbarian Fishing method.

Location and Travel

The best locations for catching swordfish bare-handed are areas with cage/harpoon fishing spots. Recommended spots include:

To reach these locations quickly:

  • Use a Skills Necklace to teleport to the Fishing Guild.
  • Teleport to Camelot and run east for Catherby.
  • Use a Games Necklace to teleport to Barbarian Outpost and run south for Otto’s Grotto to start the training.

Recommended Gear and Inventory

Bare-handed fishing requires minimal gear, but optimizing your setup can boost efficiency. Here’s a suggested inventory and gear list:

Item Purpose
Angler’s Outfit Provides a 2.5% Fishing XP boost when the full set is worn.
Rada’s Blessing Up to 8% chance to catch double fish, depending on Kourend & Kebos Diary tier.
Fish Barrel Stores an extra 28 raw fish, obtained from Tempoross.
Spirit Flakes 50% chance to double catch, also from Tempoross.
Admiral Pie Boosts Fishing level by 5 for early access to the Fishing Guild.

Note: If you’re dropping fish for maximum XP, you won’t need banking items. If banking, bring teleportation items like an Amulet of Glory for quick bank access.

Maximizing Experience and Profits

Barbarian Fishing for swordfish can be tailored for either experience gains or profit. Here’s how to optimize your approach based on your goals.

Experience Rates

At level 70 Fishing, bare-handed fishing for swordfish and tuna yields approximately 24,000 Fishing XP per hour, with small amounts of Strength XP (around 10 XP per swordfish). Rates improve with higher Fishing levels and gear bonuses. For faster XP, consider these tips:

  • Use the Fishing Guild: The +7 Fishing level boost increases catch rates.
  • Drop Fish: Use the “Shift” drop method to quickly clear inventory without interrupting fishing. Keybind fish to your action bar for even faster dropping.
  • Tick Manipulation: Advanced players can use 2-tick harpooning in Piscarilius for up to 140,000 XP per hour with a crystal harpoon, though this requires precise timing and setup with rats attacking you.

Profit Potential

Swordfish are worth more than tuna, so banking or selling them can generate decent income. At the Fishing Guild, you can expect around 100,000 GP per hour by banking swordfish and dropping tuna. To maximize profits:

  • Use a Fish Barrel: Extends trips by storing more fish.
  • Bank at Catherby or Fishing Guild: Close proximity reduces travel time.
  • Sell at Grand Exchange: Check current swordfish prices for optimal timing.

Tip: If you’re also training Cooking, cook swordfish before banking to gain Cooking XP and increase their value slightly.

Tips and Tricks for Efficient Barbarian Fishing

To make your Barbarian Fishing experience smoother and more rewarding, consider these practical tips:

Optimizing Your Setup

  • Prioritize the Angler’s Outfit: Obtain it via Fishing Trawler or Aerial Fishing for the XP boost.
  • Complete Kourend & Kebos Diaries: Unlock higher tiers of Rada’s Blessing for double catches.
  • Use Tempoross Rewards: Fish Barrel and Spirit Flakes significantly improve efficiency.

Managing Inventory

When powerfishing (dropping fish), keep your inventory minimal to avoid interruptions. If banking, use the Fish Barrel and teleportation items to streamline trips. For bare-handed fishing, no bait or tools are needed, so focus on XP-boosting gear.

Dealing with Tuna

When fishing for swordfish, you’ll also catch tuna, especially at lower levels. Drop tuna to focus on swordfish for better profits or XP. If banking, consider cooking tuna for Cooking XP, but note it’s less valuable than swordfish.

AFK vs. Active Training

Bare-handed fishing is semi-AFK, requiring clicks only when your inventory fills. For a fully AFK experience, fish at the Fishing Guild and bank fish, though this reduces XP rates. For maximum XP, use the shift-drop method or tick manipulation.

Long-Term Goals

Barbarian Fishing is a stepping stone to higher-level fish like sharks (level 76 Fishing, 50 Strength). Plan your training to transition to these for better profits. Additionally, aim for the Fishing Skillcape at level 99 for its teleportation perk and prestige.

Barbarian Fishing for swordfish in OSRS is a versatile and rewarding method for players looking to train Fishing while gaining Strength XP and potential profits. Whether you’re powerfishing for XP or banking swordfish for gold, this guide equips you with the knowledge to succeed. Head to the Fishing Guild, Catherby, or Corsair Cove, and start catching those swordfish today!