Are Master Clues Worth It in OSRS? A Detailed Breakdown
Master Clue Scrolls in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) are the pinnacle of treasure hunting, offering some of the most challenging puzzles and the potential for incredible rewards. But with their complexity and time investment, a question lingers for many players: Are Master Clues worth it in OSRS? In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the mechanics, rewards, time commitment, and overall value of Master Clue Scrolls to help you decide if they’re worth your time in 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned clue hunter or a curious newbie, this guide has you covered.
Master Clue Scrolls represent the highest tier of clue scrolls in OSRS, introduced in 2016 as part of an update to the Treasure Trails system. They’re designed for players who enjoy a challenge, combining intricate puzzles, combat, and exploration across Gielinor.
How to Obtain Master Clue Scrolls
Unlike lower-tier clues, Master Clues aren’t dropped by every goblin or guard. You’ll need to work a bit harder to get your hands on one. Here’s how:
- Completing Lower-Tier Clues: Finishing Easy, Medium, Hard, or Elite Clue Scrolls gives you a chance to receive a Master Clue as a bonus reward.
- Skilling Activities: High-level skilling methods, like catching anglerfish or mining amethyst, can rarely yield a Master Clue.
- Combat Drops: Defeating high-level bosses like Cerberus or the Theatre of Blood can drop them, though the rates are low.
Requirements for Master Clues
Master Clues aren’t for the faint of heart—or the under-leveled. You’ll need a mix of high stats and quest completions to tackle them efficiently. Key requirements include:
- Combat Level: 100+ recommended for some steps involving tough enemies.
- Quest Points: Access to areas like Prifddinas or Zeah often requires quests like Song of the Elves or Dragon Slayer II.
- Skill Levels: 70+ in skills like Agility, Thieving, and Magic can make steps smoother.
The Rewards: What Can You Get from Master Clues?
The allure of Master Clues lies in their loot table. While the potential for riches is real, the RNG (random number generator) gods don’t always smile upon you. Let’s break down the rewards.
Unique Master Clue Rewards
Master Clues offer exclusive items you can’t get from lower tiers, making them a collector’s dream. Some highlights include:
- Bloodhound Pet: A rare pet with a 1/1,000 drop rate per clue, perfect for flexing your clue-hunting prowess.
- 3rd Age Pickaxe/Druidic Pieces: Ultra-rare cosmetic items that fetch tens of millions of gold on the Grand Exchange.
- Master Scroll Book: A convenient way to store your clues, adding a practical twist to your rewards.
Average Loot Value
While the big-ticket items get the spotlight, most Master Clue completions yield more modest rewards. Based on community data from 2025, the average loot per Master Clue hovers around 200k-300k GP, with occasional spikes into the millions for lucky rolls. Compare this to Elite Clues (100k-200k GP) or Hard Clues (50k-100k GP), and the potential upside is clear—though not guaranteed.
| Clue Tier | Average Loot (GP) | Rare Item Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Hard | 50k-100k | 3rd Age Cloak (~10M) |
| Elite | 100k-200k | 3rd Age Bow (~15M) |
| Master | 200k-300k | 3rd Age Pickaxe (~50M) |
Time Investment: How Long Do Master Clues Take?
Time is money in OSRS, and Master Clues demand a hefty chunk of it. Their multi-step nature and unpredictable requirements mean you’re in for a ride—sometimes a long one.
Steps and Complexity
A typical Master Clue involves 6-8 steps, blending classic riddle-solving with unique mechanics like Sherlock challenges (skill-based tasks) or emote clues with specific gear. Some steps might send you to obscure locations like the Kebos Lowlands, while others require you to defeat a high-level monster like a Rune Dragon. For an experienced player with teleports and gear ready, a single clue can take 30-60 minutes. Newer players might spend 1-2 hours per scroll.
Efficiency Tips
To cut down on time, preparation is key. Here’s how to streamline your Master Clue runs:
- Teleport Options: Stock up on jewelry like the Ring of Wealth or Games Necklace.
- Gear Presets: Keep a clue-hunting loadout with combat gear, emote items, and skill tools.
- Alt1 Toolkit: Use this third-party tool (allowed by Jagex) to auto-solve riddles and anagrams.
Profit vs. Fun: Are Master Clues Worth It Financially?
For many OSRS players, the worth of Master Clues boils down to gold per hour (GP/H). But there’s more to it than just profit—enjoyment plays a big role too.
GP/H Analysis
Let’s crunch some numbers. If an average Master Clue yields 250k GP and takes 45 minutes, that’s roughly 333k GP/H. Compare this to popular money-makers like Vorkath (2M-3M GP/H) or Zulrah (1.5M-2M GP/H), and Master Clues fall short. Even Elite Clues, which take 15-20 minutes and average 150k GP, clock in at 450k-600k GP/H. Purely from a profit standpoint, Master Clues aren’t the most efficient unless you hit a rare drop.
The Fun Factor
Beyond gold, Master Clues offer a unique experience. They’re a break from the grind of Slayer or bossing, sending you on a treasure hunt that tests your game knowledge and problem-solving skills. For players who love variety or the thrill of chasing rares like the Bloodhound, the enjoyment can outweigh the modest GP/H.
Who Should Do Master Clues in OSRS?
Not every player will find Master Clues worth their time. Your playstyle, goals, and account progress determine if they’re a good fit.
Best Suited Players
Master Clues shine for these types of OSRS adventurers:
- Completionists: If you’re chasing the Clue Hunter title or the Bloodhound pet, Master Clues are a must.
- High-Level Players: With 90+ stats and key quests done, you’ll breeze through steps others struggle with.
- Casual Explorers: If you enjoy puzzles over repetitive grinds, Master Clues offer a refreshing change.
Who Should Skip Them?
On the flip side, Master Clues might not suit:
- GP-Focused Grinders: If your sole aim is maxing wealth, bossing or skilling outpaces clues.
- Low-Level Accounts: Without the stats or teleports, you’ll hit roadblocks fast.
- Time-Strapped Players: If you’ve got 30 minutes to play, a Master Clue’s length can feel punishing.
Final Verdict: Are Master Clues Worth It in OSRS?
So, are Master Clue Scrolls worth it in OSRS? It depends. Financially, they’re outclassed by faster money-makers unless you strike it rich with a 3rd Age item. Time-wise, they’re a commitment that demands preparation and patience. But for the right player—someone with the stats, the gear, and a love for the hunt—Master Clues deliver a rewarding mix of challenge and excitement. In 2025, with OSRS’s economy and player base thriving, they remain a niche but enticing option. If you’re on the fence, try a few. The worst case? You spend an hour and walk away with 200k. The best case? You’re flaunting a Bloodhound at the Grand Exchange.
What’s your take? Have you scored big with Master Clues, or do you stick to Elites? Drop your thoughts below, and happy hunting!