Best Hill Giants Cannon Spots in OSRS for Fast XP and Loot
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), using a Dwarf Multicannon to train Ranged on Hill Giants is a fantastic way to boost experience rates while gathering valuable loot like Giant Keys and Big Bones. Hill Giants are low-defense, high-hitpoint monsters, making them ideal for cannon training, especially for pures or players looking to optimize their grind. This guide dives into the best spots, setups, strategies, and tips to maximize your cannoning experience on Hill Giants, helping you level up efficiently and profitably.
Cannoning Hill Giants offers a unique blend of fast Ranged XP, low risk, and decent rewards. After completing the Dwarf Cannon quest, players can purchase a cannon for around 750k GP (or less on the Grand Exchange) and start blasting through monsters. Hill Giants are particularly appealing because of their accessibility, consistent drops, and suitability for both free-to-play (F2P) and pay-to-play (P2P) players.
Key Benefits of Cannoning Hill Giants
- High XP Rates: Cannons deal consistent damage, boosting Ranged XP significantly compared to manual training.
- Low Defense Targets: Hill Giants have low defense, so cannonballs hit frequently, maximizing efficiency.
- Valuable Drops: Big Bones, Giant Keys (for Obor), and rare Champion Scrolls add profit potential.
- Safespot Opportunities: Many locations allow safe cannon placement, reducing damage taken.
Top Hill Giant Cannon Spots
Choosing the right location is critical for efficient cannoning. Below are the best spots to set up your cannon, each with unique advantages depending on your account type and goals.
Shayzien Graveyard (Zeah)
The Shayzien Graveyard on Zeah is a hidden gem for cannoning Hill Giants, especially for pures or low-HP accounts. With 6-7 Hill Giants in a multi-combat area, this spot offers excellent XP rates and safe areas to avoid damage.
- Pros: Less crowded, safespot-friendly, close to a bank via Shayzien teleport.
- Cons: Requires access to Zeah (no major quest requirements).
- How to Get There: Use a Xeric’s Talisman to teleport to Shayzien or take the Lovakengj Minecart Network.
Edgeville Dungeon
The Edgeville Dungeon is the go-to spot for F2P players and those seeking a crowded, bone-filled grind. Accessed with a Brass Key, it’s packed with Hill Giants, making it perfect for cannoning.
- Pros: High spawn density, easy bank access in Edgeville, great for F2P.
- Cons: Often crowded in F2P worlds, no safespots in some areas.
- How to Get There: Enter the shed northeast of Barbarian Village with a Brass Key.
Giants’ Den (Catacombs of Kourend)
For P2P players, the Giants’ Den in the Catacombs of Kourend is a top-tier choice. It’s connected to the Catacombs, offering Ancient Shards and Dark Totem pieces alongside standard Hill Giant drops.
- Pros: Single-combat but cannon-friendly, extra loot from Catacombs table, prayer restoration from burying bones.
- Cons: Requires Kourend access, slightly longer travel time.
- How to Get There: Use a Kourend Castle teleport and head southwest to the Den entrance.
Optimal Cannon Setup and Gear
Maximizing your cannon’s efficiency requires the right gear, inventory, and placement strategy. Here’s how to set up for success when cannoning Hill Giants.
Recommended Gear
Your gear should prioritize Ranged accuracy to boost cannon hits, with some defensive options for safety.
| Slot | Item | Alternative (Budget) |
|---|---|---|
| Head | Archer Helm | Coif |
| Body | Black D’hide Body | Studded Body |
| Legs | Black D’hide Chaps | Studded Chaps |
| Weapon | Magic Shortbow (i) | Willow Shortbow |
| Ammo | Rune Arrows | Adamant Arrows |
Inventory Setup
Your inventory should balance cannon supplies, food, and teleports for efficiency.
- Cannonballs: Bring 500-1000 per trip (expect 800-1000 per hour).
- Food: 5-10 Monkfish or Sharks for emergencies.
- Teleports: Edgeville Amulet of Glory or Xeric’s Talisman for quick banking.
- Optional: Bone Sack (P2P) to collect Big Bones automatically.
Cannon Placement Tips
Proper cannon placement ensures maximum hits and safety.
- Center the Cannon: Place it in the middle of spawn areas to hit multiple Giants.
- Use Safespots: In Shayzien or Edgeville, position yourself behind obstacles while the cannon fires.
- Monitor Decay: Cannons decay after 25 minutes if not reloaded—keep an eye on it!
Loot and Profit Potential
While cannoning is expensive (cannonballs cost ~200 GP each), Hill Giants offer consistent drops that can offset costs. Here’s what to expect and how to maximize profits.
Notable Drops
Hill Giants drop items that add up over time, especially in bulk.
| Item | Drop Rate | Value (GP) |
|---|---|---|
| Big Bones | Always | 262 |
| Giant Key | 1/128 (non-Wildy) | Obor fight |
| Limpwurt Root | Common | ~800 |
| Champion Scroll | 1/5000 | Rare |
Profit Strategies
To make your trips worthwhile, consider these tips:
- Collect Big Bones: Bury for Prayer XP (Catacombs restores Prayer) or sell for steady income.
- Farm Giant Keys: Fight Obor for a shot at high-value loot like the Hill Giant Club.
- High Alchemy: Alch random armor/weapon drops to recoup cannonball costs.
- Slayer Task: Cannon Hill Giants during a task for bonus Slayer XP.
Tips for Efficient Cannon Training
To get the most out of your Hill Giant cannon sessions, follow these advanced strategies and avoid common pitfalls.
XP Optimization
Boost your Ranged XP with these tricks:
- Combine with Melee: Attack Giants with a melee weapon while the cannon fires to train multiple skills.
- Use Potions: Ranging Potions increase cannon accuracy, speeding up kills.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Hop worlds to find quieter spots, especially in Edgeville.
Managing Costs
Cannons are pricey, but you can minimize losses:
- Buy in Bulk: Purchase cannonballs in large quantities to save GP.
- Track Usage: Expect 800-1000 cannonballs per hour and plan trips accordingly.
- Loot Everything: Even low-value drops like herbs add up over time.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Steer clear of these errors to save time and resources:
- Don’t AFK Too Long: Cannons despawn if unattended, requiring a trip to Nulodion for a free replacement.
- Check Combat Style: Cannon accuracy depends on your equipped attack style—use Ranged for best results.
- Avoid Wilderness: Hill Giants in level 17-18 Wilderness are risky due to PKers and not worth cannoning.
Cannoning Hill Giants in OSRS is a rewarding way to train Ranged while earning loot like Big Bones and Giant Keys. Whether you’re a pure in Shayzien, a F2P grinder in Edgeville, or a P2P farmer in the Giants’ Den, these spots offer excellent XP and profit potential. Set up your cannon wisely, optimize your gear, and watch your levels soar. Happy cannoning, and may your Giant Key drops be plentiful!