Barraging Dust Devils OSRS A Comprehensive Guide
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), barraging Dust Devils is one of the most efficient ways to train Slayer and Magic while potentially earning decent rewards. Dust Devils, requiring level 65 Slayer to kill, are popular for their multi-combat environments, allowing players to use Ancient Magicks like Ice Barrage to maximize experience rates. This guide dives into everything you need to know about barraging Dust Devils, from locations and gear to strategies and tips for optimizing your setup.
Barraging Dust Devils offers unparalleled experience rates for both Slayer and Magic, making it a go-to task for players looking to level up quickly. The multi-combat areas where Dust Devils reside enable players to group and freeze multiple monsters at once, streamlining kills. Additionally, their valuable drops, like the Dragon Chainbody and air battlestaff, can offset the high rune costs of barraging, making it a rewarding endeavor.
Experience Rates and Efficiency
With Ice Barrage in the Catacombs of Kourend, players can achieve up to 70,000 Slayer XP per hour and 160,000 Magic XP per hour on-task. These rates depend on how well you stack the Dust Devils and manage your resources, but they outshine most other Slayer tasks for efficiency.
Profit Potential
While barraging is costly due to rune consumption, Dust Devils drop items like fire runes, air battlestaffs, and occasionally rare items that can help break even or turn a small profit. Expect around 300,000-500,000 GP per hour in drops, though this varies based on luck and market prices.
Best Locations for Barraging Dust Devils
Dust Devils are found in three key locations in OSRS, but not all are ideal for barraging. Choosing the right spot is crucial for maximizing kills and experience.
Catacombs of Kourend
The Catacombs of Kourend is the best location for barraging Dust Devils. It’s a multi-combat area, allowing you to group monsters effectively. The level 110 Dust Devils here have 130 Hitpoints and a higher max hit, but their low Magic defense makes them perfect for Ice Barrage. Plus, the bonecrusher necklace can restore Prayer points by crushing dropped bones, extending trips.
Smoke Dungeon
The Smoke Dungeon is better for melee or AFK setups due to its single-combat zones, but it’s less efficient for barraging. You’ll need a facemask or Slayer helmet to avoid damage, and the level 93 Dust Devils are weaker but spread out, reducing barrage efficiency.
Wilderness Slayer Cave
The Wilderness Slayer Cave offers a multi-combat area with an extra drop table, boosting potential profits. However, the risk of PKers makes it less appealing unless you’re prepared with escape tactics and minimal risk gear. Use Blighted Ice Sacks here for cheaper barraging.
Optimal Gear and Inventory Setup
Your gear and inventory setup can make or break your barraging efficiency. Prioritize Magic damage and Prayer bonuses to sustain long trips while dealing maximum damage.
Recommended Gear
Here’s a breakdown of the best gear for barraging Dust Devils:
| Slot | Item | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Head | Slayer Helmet (i) | Ancestral Hat |
| Cape | Imbued God Cape | Ardougne Cloak |
| Neck | Occult Necklace | Bonecrusher Necklace |
| Body | Ancestral Robe Top | Virtus Robe Top |
| Legs | Ancestral Robe Bottom | Virtus Robe Bottom |
| Weapon | Kodai Wand | Master Wand |
| Shield | Arcane Spirit Shield | Mage’s Book |
| Gloves | Tormented Bracelet | Barrows Gloves |
| Boots | Eternal Boots | Infinity Boots |
| Ring | Seers Ring (i) | Ring of Suffering |
Note: In the Wilderness, consider cheaper gear to minimize risk, like Ahrim’s robes and a Staff of the Dead.
Inventory Setup
Your inventory should balance runes, Prayer restoration, and utility items. A typical setup includes:
- Rune Pouch: Blood, Death, and Water runes for Ice Barrage
- Goading Potion: To aggro Dust Devils automatically
- Prayer Potions (8-10): To maintain Protect from Melee
- Holy Wrench: Boosts Prayer restoration
- Teleport (e.g., Xeric’s Talisman): For quick banking
- Food (2-4): Sharks or better for emergencies
- Iron Darts: For tagging Dust Devils if no Goading Potion
- Remaining slots for loot
Barraging Strategy and Techniques
Mastering the barraging technique is key to high XP rates. The goal is to stack Dust Devils tightly to hit as many as possible with each Ice Barrage cast.
Step-by-Step Barraging Method
- Preparation: Activate Protect from Melee and drink a dose of Goading Potion to draw aggression. If you don’t have a potion, use iron darts or Dinh’s Bulwark to tag Dust Devils.
- Stacking: Run through the Dust Devils to group them, then move back and forth to stack them in one spot. They’ll follow you, forming a tight cluster.
- Casting: Cast Ice Barrage to freeze and damage the group. Auto-retaliate will keep hitting as they unfreeze, but recast as needed to maintain the freeze.
- Loot Management: Pick up valuable drops like battlestaffs and runes between casts, but don’t interrupt your rhythm too much.
- Prayer Maintenance: Sip Prayer potions as needed, using the bonecrusher necklace to restore points from bones in the Catacombs.
Tips for Efficiency
- Positioning: Stay near the center of the Dust Devil spawn to minimize running distance.
- Rune Conservation: Avoid over-casting; one barrage every few seconds is usually enough to keep the group frozen.
- Wilderness Caution: Always have a teleport ready and scout for PKers before committing to a trip.
Requirements and Prerequisites
Before you start barraging Dust Devils, ensure you meet the necessary requirements to make the process smooth and effective.
Skill Requirements
- Slayer Level 65: To receive Dust Devils as a task.
- Magic Level 94: For Ice Barrage (Level 70 for Ice Burst as a budget option).
- Defence Level 70+: Recommended for better gear options.
Quest and Item Requirements
- Desert Treasure I: Started to unlock Ancient Magicks and access the Smoke Dungeon well.
- Facemask or Slayer Helmet: Mandatory in the Smoke Dungeon to avoid damage.
- Access to Kourend: For Catacombs; requires basic progress in the Kourend storyline.
Optional but Helpful
- Bonecrusher: For automatic bone crushing in the Catacombs.
- Xeric’s Talisman: For fast teleports to Kourend.
- High Prayer Level (70+): To sustain Protect from Melee longer.
Barraging Dust Devils in OSRS is a fantastic way to train Slayer and Magic while enjoying the thrill of multi-combat chaos. By choosing the Catacombs of Kourend, optimizing your gear, and mastering the stacking technique, you can achieve some of the best XP rates in the game. Whether you’re chasing levels or loot, this method offers a rewarding challenge. Grab your runes, stack those Dust Devils, and start barraging your way to glory!