Best Place to Farm Unicorn Horns in OSRS

Best Place to Farm Unicorn Horns in OSRS

Unicorn horns are a valuable resource in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), primarily used in Herblore to create antipoison, super antipoison, and Sanfew serum potions. They’re also essential for summoning Unicows in the Creature Creation activity. For both Ironmen and regular players, finding the most efficient farming spots can save time and boost profits. This guide explores the best places to farm unicorn horns, comparing methods, requirements, and strategies to help you maximize your haul.

Unicorn horns are in high demand due to their role in Herblore, a skill that many players train extensively. Grinding unicorn horns into dust yields no Herblore experience, so many players buy the dust directly from the Grand Exchange, creating a profitable niche for farmers. Additionally, Ironmen rely on farming horns to sustain their potion-making needs, especially for super antipoisons used in high-level PvM content like Zulrah.

Key Uses of Unicorn Horns

  • Herblore: Ground into unicorn horn dust for antipoison (Marrentill potion + horn dust) and super antipoison (Irit potion + horn dust).
  • Creature Creation: Used with a cowhide to summon Unicows, which drop 2–4 horns.
  • Summoning: Tertiary ingredient for Unicorn stallion pouches.

Top Locations for Farming Unicorn Horns

Several locations in OSRS offer opportunities to farm unicorn horns, but efficiency depends on accessibility, competition, and drop rates. Below are the best spots, with detailed strategies for each.

Tower of Life (Unicows)

The Tower of Life is widely regarded as the fastest method for farming unicorn horns, especially for Ironmen. After completing the Tower of Life quest, players can access the Creature Creation activity in the tower’s basement, where they can summon Unicows that drop 2–4 horns per kill.

  • Requirements: Completion of Tower of Life quest, 1 unicorn horn, and 1 cowhide per Unicow summon.
  • Recommended Gear: Basic combat gear (e.g., Rune armor, Dragon scimitar) since Unicows are level 25 with 30 HP.
  • Strategy:
    • Bring 10–12 cowhides and 1–2 unicorn horns to start.
    • Use the northwest altar to summon Unicows, killing them for 2–4 horns (average 3 horns per kill).
    • With the Ardougne cloak (from Ardougne Diaries), some horns are noted, allowing you to carry more per trip. Remove the cloak before using your last unnoted horn to ensure unnoted drops for further summons.
    • Teleport to a bank (e.g., Ardougne teleport or dueling ring) when your inventory is full, restock, and return via Ardougne cloak or fairy ring (code DJP).
  • Pros: Guaranteed 2–4 horns per kill, no competition, and noted drops with Ardougne Diaries.
  • Cons: Requires cowhides, which can be time-consuming to gather without preparation.

Tip: Farm cowhides at the Crafting Guild or Lumbridge cow fields beforehand. With max efficiency, you can achieve 400–500 horns per hour in high-end gear.

Fremennik Province (East of Rellekka)

The Fremennik Province, east of Rellekka, is a safe and accessible spot for farming unicorn horns from black unicorns. It’s ideal for players without Tower of Life unlocked or those preferring a simpler method.

  • Requirements: None, though fairy ring access (code CJR) speeds up banking.
  • Recommended Gear: Basic combat gear and food for low-level players (black unicorns are level 27).
  • Strategy:
    • Head to the area north of the Swaying Tree (rare tree icon on the map).
    • Kill the 2 black unicorns that drop horns (avoid the 4 black unicorn foals, which don’t).
    • Bank at Rellekka or use the fairy ring to reach a bank (e.g., Zanaris).
    • World hop to minimize downtime, as black unicorns respawn every ~53 seconds.
  • Pros: Low requirements, close to a bank with fairy ring, and minimal competition.
  • Cons: Slower than Unicows, with only 1 horn per kill.

Great Kourend (Woodcutting Guild)

The Woodcutting Guild in Great Kourend boasts the highest number of unicorn spawns (5) in a single location, making it a strong choice for players with access to Zeah.

  • Requirements: 60 Woodcutting and 75% Hosidius favor (for bank access).
  • Recommended Gear: Light combat gear, as unicorns are level 15 with 19 HP.
  • Strategy:
    • Travel to the Woodcutting Guild (south of Shayzien, west of Hosidius).
    • Kill the 5 unicorns near the magic trees, world hopping to speed up kills.
    • Bank at the Guild (requires 60 Woodcutting) or at Land’s End bank chest to the southwest.
    • Use stamina potions if your Agility level is low to maintain run energy.
  • Pros: High spawn density, bank access with Hosidius favor.
  • Cons: Requires Zeah access and favor, and running can deplete energy without high Agility.

Comparing Farming Methods

Each method has unique advantages, but efficiency varies based on your account’s unlocks and playstyle. Here’s a comparison to help you choose:

Method Horns per Hour Requirements Competition Noted Drops
Tower of Life (Unicows) 400–500 Tower of Life quest, cowhides None Yes (with Ardougne cloak)
Fremennik Province 50–100 None (fairy ring optional) Low No
Woodcutting Guild 80–120 60 Woodcutting, 75% Hosidius favor Low No

Recommendation: For most players, Tower of Life is the best method due to its high yield and lack of competition. If you haven’t completed the quest, the Fremennik Province is a solid, low-requirement alternative.

Tips for Efficient Unicorn Horn Farming

Maximize your farming efficiency with these practical tips:

Optimize Your Inventory

  • Unicows: Carry 10–12 cowhides and 1–2 horns to start, leaving space for drops. Use noted horns from previous runs to continue summoning.
  • Unicorns/Black Unicorns: Skip food unless you’re low-level, and bring a teleport method (e.g., dueling ring, fairy ring).

Use Teleports and Diaries

  • Ardougne cloak (Easy or Medium Diaries) notes horns at the Tower of Life, drastically increasing trip duration.
  • Fairy rings (code CJR or DJP) speed up banking for Fremennik and Tower methods.

World Hop Strategically

Unicorns and black unicorns have a slow respawn rate (~53 seconds). World hopping after each kill in the Fremennik Province or Woodcutting Guild can double your horns per hour.

Pre-Farm Cowhides

For Unicows, stock up on cowhides at the Crafting Guild or buy them from the Grand Exchange (if not Ironman). This reduces downtime during farming sessions.

Alternative Methods and Considerations

If farming isn’t your style, here are other ways to obtain unicorn horns:

Passive Collection

Some players collect horns passively during other activities:

  • Herb Runs: Kill 1–2 unicorns (e.g., south of Varrock or near Catherby) between farming runs for a steady, low-effort supply.
  • Clue Scrolls: Medium clues can reward horns, especially during grinds.

PvM Drops

Later-game content like Zulrah drops antidote++, reducing the need for super antipoisons and thus unicorn horns. However, this isn’t viable for mid-level players.

Grand Exchange (Non-Ironman)

For non-Ironmen, buying horns or horn dust from the Grand Exchange is often faster than farming, especially if you’re focused on Herblore training. Check live prices on GE Tracker to ensure profitability.

Farming unicorn horns in OSRS is a grind, but with the right method, it’s a rewarding one. The Tower of Life stands out as the best place for most players, offering unmatched efficiency and scalability. For those without quest access, the Fremennik Province or Woodcutting Guild provide solid alternatives. Combine these methods with smart inventory management and teleport strategies, and you’ll be swimming in horns in no time. Happy farming!