Best Places to Use Cannon in OSRS for Maximum XP and Profit

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the Dwarf Multicannon is a game-changer for players looking to boost their Ranged XP or speed up Slayer tasks. Unlocked after completing the Dwarf Cannon quest, this deployable turret fires cannonballs at nearby enemies, offering a supplemental damage source. However, cannoning is expensive, with cannonballs costing around 210 GP each and up to 6,000 used per hour. To make the most of your investment, choosing the right location is critical. This guide explores the best places to use your cannon in OSRS, balancing experience rates, profitability, and accessibility for all account types.
The Dwarf Multicannon is unique because it doesn’t replace your primary weapon but enhances your damage output in multi-combat areas. It’s ideal for training Ranged efficiently or completing Slayer tasks faster. However, its accuracy depends on your equipped gear and attack style, and it yields half the normal Ranged XP (2 XP per damage instead of 4). With high costs, selecting spots with dense monster spawns or valuable drops is essential to maximize efficiency.
Key Considerations for Cannon Placement
- Multi-Combat Areas: Cannons shine where multiple enemies can be hit simultaneously.
- Monster Density: High spawn rates ensure constant firing.
- Loot Potential: Valuable drops can offset cannonball costs.
- Safety: Safe spots or low-risk areas are ideal for pures and low-defense accounts.
Top Cannon Spots for Ranged XP
For players prioritizing Ranged experience, these locations offer high XP rates due to dense spawns and multi-combat environments. They’re perfect for leveling up quickly, though profitability varies.
Lighthouse Basement (Dagannoths)
The Lighthouse basement, accessible after starting Horror from the Deep, is a top-tier cannon spot. Located near Rellekka, it houses 22 Dagannoths that are aggressive, weak (combat level 74-92), and densely packed in a multi-combat area.
- XP Rate: 80,000–100,000 Ranged XP/hour with decent gear.
- Requirements: Partial completion of Horror from the Deep.
- Setup: Place the cannon near the center of the pit, slightly north for optimal coverage. Bring a melee weapon or blowpipe to supplement damage.
- Loot: Snapdragon and Torstol seeds, medium clue scrolls (occasional).
Tip: Use Bones to Peaches or a Bonecrusher necklace to sustain trips without prayer potions.
Catacombs of Kourend
The Catacombs of Kourend is a sprawling dungeon with diverse monsters like Bloodvelds, Ankou, and Greater Demons, all cannonable in multi-combat zones. Its proximity to a bank (via Kourend Castle teleport) makes it convenient.
- XP Rate: 70,000–90,000 Ranged XP/hour.
- Requirements: Access to Kourend (no quest needed).
- Setup: Target Bloodvelds in the western room or Greater Demons near the center. Position the cannon to hit multiple targets.
- Loot: Ancient shards, dark totem pieces, rune items.
Tip: Combine with Slayer tasks for bonus XP and profit.
Best Cannon Spots for Profit
While cannoning is costly, some locations offer loot that can break even or turn a profit. These spots are ideal for players who want to train Ranged without draining their GP.
Wilderness Slayer Cave (Green Dragons)
The Wilderness Slayer Cave, housing six level 88 Green Dragons, is a high-risk, high-reward cannon spot. Located in low-level Wilderness, it’s multi-combat and offers consistent profit from guaranteed drops.
- XP Rate: 60,000–80,000 Ranged XP/hour.
- Requirements: Anti-dragon shield or antifire potion.
- Setup: Place the cannon centrally to hit all dragons. Stay alert for PKers.
- Loot: Green dragonhide (1,000–2,000 GP each), dragon bones (2,000–3,000 GP each).
Warning: Bring only what you’re willing to lose, as PKers frequent this area. Use a Bulwark or quick teleports for safety.
Scabarites (Sophanem Dungeon)
Scabarites in the Sophanem Dungeon, accessible after Contact!, are a hidden gem for profitable cannoning. These high-defense monsters drop stackable items, making them a rare money-making option.
- XP Rate: 90,000–110,000 Ranged XP/hour with a blowpipe.
- Requirements: Completion of Contact!.
- Setup: Set the cannon in the central chamber for maximum hits. Use a blowpipe for faster kills.
- Loot: Noted adamantite ore, blood runes, rune items (up to 350,000 GP/hour profit).
Tip: High Ranged levels (85+) and elite Combat Achievements (for 60 cannonball capacity) boost efficiency.
Cannon Spots for Low-Level Accounts and Pures
Low-level players or pures with 1 Defense need safe spots and accessible locations. These spots cater to early-game accounts while still offering decent XP.
Rock Crabs (Rellekka)
Rock Crabs on Rellekka’s northern beaches are a classic low-level cannon spot. With high HP, low defense, and no quest requirements, they’re perfect for levels 1–40 Ranged.
- XP Rate: 40,000–60,000 Ranged XP/hour.
- Requirements: None.
- Setup: Place the cannon near the shore to aggro multiple crabs. Use knives or a shortbow alongside.
- Loot: Minimal (focus on XP).
Tip: Hop worlds if crowded, as crabs are popular. Avoid crashing other players’ cannons.
Shayzien Graveyard (Hill Giants)
Near the Shayzien Graveyard on Zeah, 6–7 Hill Giants spawn in a tight area, ideal for pures. Safe spots make it zero-risk for low-HP accounts.
- XP Rate: 50,000–70,000 Ranged XP/hour.
- Requirements: Access to Kourend.
- Setup: Position the cannon in the pit’s center. Stand behind a gravestone to avoid damage.
- Loot: Giant keys, herbs, runes (moderate value).
Tip: Bring Telegrab to collect drops safely without breaking your safe spot.
Slayer-Specific Cannon Locations
Cannoning during Slayer tasks maximizes both Ranged and Slayer XP. These spots are tailored for common cannonable tasks, offering efficiency and rewards.
Ice Trolls (Jatizso)
North of Jatizso, Ice Trolls spawn in a multi-combat area, perfect for cannoning during Slayer tasks. Their alchable drops help offset costs.
- XP Rate: 60,000–80,000 Ranged XP/hour, plus Slayer XP.
- Requirements: The Fremennik Trials.
- Setup: Place the cannon near the bank for quick reloads. Use Protect from Melee to tank hits.
- Loot: Rune items, alchables (potential profit).
Tip: High Ranged and Prayer levels (70+) make this spot more sustainable.
Black Demons (Taverley Dungeon)
Black Demons in Taverley Dungeon are a solid Slayer task for cannoning, with a decent spawn count and valuable drops.
- XP Rate: 70,000–90,000 Ranged XP/hour, plus Slayer XP.
- Requirements: Dusty key or 70 Agility.
- Setup: Place the cannon west of the small rock cluster. Stand northeast to draw aggro.
- Loot: Rune chainbodies, hard clue scrolls, ashes.
Tip: Use Proselyte armor and prayer potions for extended trips.
Comparing Cannon Spots: XP vs. Profit
Choosing the right spot depends on your goals. Below is a table comparing the top cannon locations based on XP, profit, and requirements.
Location | Ranged XP/Hour | Profit Potential | Key Requirements | Risk Level |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lighthouse (Dagannoths) | 80,000–100,000 | Low | Horror from the Deep (partial) | Low |
Wilderness Slayer Cave | 60,000–80,000 | High | Anti-dragon shield | High (PKers) |
Scabarites | 90,000–110,000 | High | Contact! | Medium |
Rock Crabs | 40,000–60,000 | Minimal | None | Low |
Ice Trolls (Jatizso) | 60,000–80,000 | Moderate | The Fremennik Trials | Medium |
Tips for Efficient Cannon Use
To get the most out of your cannon, follow these strategies:
- Stock Up: Carry 2,000–3,000 cannonballs per trip to avoid frequent banking.
- Combat Achievements: Unlock elite tier for 60 cannonball capacity.
- Safe Spotting: Use terrain (rocks, walls) to avoid damage, especially for pures.
- Combine with Slayer: Cannonable tasks like Dagannoths or Kalphites boost overall efficiency.
- Monitor Costs: Track loot to ensure you’re breaking even or profiting.
Whether you’re a main chasing 99 Ranged, a pure building an account, or a Slayer enthusiast, these cannon spots offer something for everyone. Experiment with them to find the best fit for your playstyle and goals in OSRS.