1-99 Hunter Guide OSRS 2023

1-99 Hunter Guide OSRS 2023

Hunter is one of the most engaging and profitable skills in Old School RuneScape (OSRS). Whether you’re chasing the coveted Hunter Skillcape or looking to make millions of GP, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the fastest, most efficient, and profitable methods to train Hunter from level 1 to 99 in 2023. With new updates like Varlamore and Hunter Rumours, training Hunter has never been more exciting. Let’s dive into the best strategies, including active and passive methods, to help you master this skill!

Hunter offers a unique blend of fast XP, profitability, and utility. From catching chinchompas for ranged training to gathering herbs via Herbiboar, this skill is a goldmine for both main accounts and Ironmen. High-level Hunter unlocks access to rare creatures, valuable resources, and even pets like the Baby Chinchompa. Plus, with the right methods, you can make upwards of 90M GP while training to 99. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

Key Benefits of Training Hunter

  • Profitability: Black and red chinchompas can net millions of GP.
  • Quest Requirements: Level 70 Hunter is needed for the Quest Cape.
  • Passive Training: Birdhouse runs offer low-effort XP.
  • Ironman Utility: Herbiboar and birdhouses provide Herblore and Farming resources.

Fastest Pathway to 99 Hunter

OSRS 199 Hunter Guide NovaMMO

The fastest way to 99 Hunter in 2023 combines passive birdhouse runs with active trapping methods. This pathway takes around 75 hours with optimal play, leveraging new content like Tecu Salamanders and Hunter Rumours. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the best methods for each level range.

Levels 1-9: Varrock Museum Quiz

Start your Hunter journey by heading to the Varrock Museum (northeast of Varrock Square). Go downstairs and speak to Orlando Smith to begin the Natural History Quiz. Answer questions at each display case (RuneLite highlights correct answers) to earn 1,000 Hunter XP, boosting you instantly to level 9. This takes about 5 minutes and also grants 1,000 Slayer XP.

Levels 9-15: Polar Kebbits

At level 9, travel to the Trollweiss Hunter Area (use a Games Necklace to Rellekka and run north). Equip a noose wand and track Polar Kebbits for ~30K XP/hour. Bring weight-reducing gear like the Graceful Outfit and energy potions to maintain run energy. You’ll need about 30 minutes to reach level 15.

Levels 15-29: Ruby Butterflies

Head to the Piscatoris Hunter Area (fairy ring code AKQ) and catch Ruby Butterflies using a butterfly net and jar. Boost to level 15 with a Hunter Potion if needed. This method yields ~25K XP/hour and requires focus due to the right-click release mechanic. Continue until level 29, which takes roughly 2 hours.

Levels 29-47: Red Salamanders

Move to the Ourania Cave entrance (south of the Altar). Use small fishing nets and ropes to set traps for Red Salamanders, offering ~60K XP/hour at level 29, scaling to ~85K XP/hour by level 47. Equip the Graceful Outfit and use stamina potions. Expect 4-5 hours to reach level 47, setting up to 4 traps as you level.

Levels 47-80: Red Chinchompas

At level 47, unlock the Gwenith Hunter Area (requires Song of the Elves) or the Red Chinchompa Hunting Ground (requires Hard Western Provinces Diary). Use box traps to catch Red Chinchompas, yielding ~90K XP/hour at level 47, increasing to ~150K XP/hour at level 80. This method is profitable, netting ~40M GP from 47 to 99. Use tick manipulation (with a knife and teak logs) for max efficiency. Spend ~30 hours here.

Levels 80-99: Black Chinchompas or Tecu Salamanders

For the fastest XP, hunt Black Chinchompas in the Wilderness (levels 32-36, southeast of Lava Maze). With 6 box traps and an alt account to kill stray chinchompas, you can hit ~200K XP/hour at level 80, scaling to ~280K XP/hour at 99. Expect ~90M GP profit but beware of PKers—bank every 50-100 chins and use tank gear like Dinh’s Bulwark. Alternatively, catch Tecu Salamanders in Varlamore (requires Children of the Sun quest) for ~150K XP/hour at 99 with 5 traps. This safer method takes ~25 hours to 99.

Passive Training with Birdhouse Runs

Birdhouse runs are the backbone of passive Hunter training, offering up to 60K XP/hour when combined with active methods. After completing Bone Voyage, craft birdhouses (e.g., oak at 15, yew at 60) and place them on Fossil Island every 50 minutes. Each run takes 90 seconds and yields nests for Herblore and seeds for Farming.

How to Do Birdhouse Runs

  1. Craft 4 birdhouses (requires Crafting levels: 15 for oak, 60 for yew).
  2. Fill each with 10 hop seeds (e.g., barley seeds).
  3. Teleport to Fossil Island (use Digsite Pendant).
  4. Place and check birdhouses at 4 spots.
  5. Repeat every 50 minutes.

XP Rates for Birdhouse Runs

Birdhouse Type Hunter Level XP per Run (4 Houses)
Oak 15 1,120
Willow 25 1,360
Yew 60 2,040
Magic 75 2,800

Alternative Training Methods

If you prefer variety or want to avoid the Wilderness, these alternative methods offer decent XP and unique benefits. They’re ideal for Ironmen or players seeking less click-intensive options.

Herbiboar (Level 80+)

Track Herbiboars on Fossil Island (requires Bone Voyage) for ~150K XP/hour at level 80, scaling to ~175K XP/hour at 99. This method is less intense and provides herbs for Herblore, making it perfect for Ironmen. Use stamina potions and tag Herbiboars with RuneLite for efficiency. Expect ~20M GP in herbs to 99.

Hunter Rumours (Level 46+)

Introduced with Varlamore, Hunter Rumours involve completing tasks for rare creatures. At level 72, Expert Hunter Rumours with a proper blocklist (check OSRS Guide for setup) yield up to 240K XP/hour at 91+. This method is click-intensive but safe and rewarding, taking ~20 hours from 72 to 99.

Drift Net Fishing (Level 44+)

Drift Net Fishing on Fossil Island (requires 47 Fishing) offers ~100K Hunter XP/hour and Fishing XP. It’s click-intensive and costly (~35M for nets to 99), but great for multi-skill training. Use flippers, a fishbowl helmet, and a trident for max efficiency.

Tips and Gear for Efficient Hunter Training

Maximize your XP and profits with these essential tips and gear recommendations. Proper preparation can shave hours off your grind and protect your loot in the Wilderness.

Recommended Gear

  • Graceful Outfit: Reduces weight and boosts run energy recovery by 30%.
  • Ring of Endurance: Extends stamina potion effects (requires Hallowed Sepulchre).
  • Hunter Potion: Boosts Hunter level by +3 to access methods early.
  • Dinh’s Bulwark: High defense for Wilderness PKer protection.

Pro Tips for Success

  • Use RuneLite Plugins: The Hunter plugin tracks trap status, and Time Tracking reminds you of birdhouse runs.
  • Bank Often in Wilderness: Deposit chinchompas every 50-100 to minimize PKer losses.
  • Combine with Other Skills: Do birdhouse runs during Farming or Herblore sessions.
  • Optimize Traps: Reset traps early with tick manipulation for faster catches.

Conclusion

Reaching 99 Hunter in OSRS in 2023 is a rewarding journey that blends fast XP, massive profits, and unique gameplay. By following the fastest pathway—starting with the Varrock Museum Quiz, progressing through Red Chinchompas, and finishing with Black Chinchompas or Tecu Salamanders—you can hit 99 in ~75 hours while earning up to 90M GP. Supplement with birdhouse runs for passive XP and explore alternatives like Herbiboar or Hunter Rumours for variety. Equip the Graceful Outfit, use RuneLite, and stay vigilant in the Wilderness to maximize efficiency. Happy hunting, and may your traps always be full!