Best Slayer Master for Kraken in OSRS: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re an Old School RuneScape (OSRS) player hunting the elusive Kraken, you’re likely wondering which Slayer Master offers the best chance to snag this coveted task. The Kraken, a popular boss requiring 87 Slayer, drops valuable items like the Trident of the Seas and Kraken Tentacle, making it a prime target for both profit and prestige. Choosing the right Slayer Master can make all the difference in how often you get assigned Cave Krakens, which you need to fight the boss. In this guide, we’ll break down the best Slayer Masters for Kraken tasks, explore their pros and cons, and provide tips to optimize your Slayer journey. Let’s dive in!
What is the Kraken?
The Kraken is a Slayer boss located in Kraken Cove, accessible only when you have a Cave Kraken task. It’s a stronger, larger variant of the regular Cave Kraken, requiring level 87 Slayer and 50 Magic to tackle. Known for its simplicity and decent loot, it’s a favorite among players, especially Ironmen seeking the Trident. However, you can’t fight it without the right task, so picking a Slayer Master who assigns Cave Krakens efficiently is key.
Why Does the Slayer Master Matter?
Each Slayer Master in OSRS has a unique task list with weighted probabilities. The “weight” of a task determines how likely you are to get it, and Cave Krakens have varying weights depending on the Master. A higher weight means a better chance, but other factors like task length, combat requirements, and your goals (e.g., XP, profit, or pet hunting) also play a role. Let’s explore the contenders.
Top Slayer Masters for Kraken Tasks
Duradel: The High-Level Favorite
Duradel, located in Shilo Village, is widely regarded as the best Slayer Master for Kraken tasks if you’re at a high combat level (100+). He assigns 100-120 Cave Krakens per task, which can be extended to 200+ with Slayer points, making him ideal for prolonged Kraken farming.
- Pros: High task weight (8), generous task size, access to boss tasks.
- Cons: Requires 100 combat and 50 Slayer, plus completion of Shilo Village quest.
For players aiming to maximize kills per task—especially for pet hunting or Trident drops—Duradel’s large assignments are unmatched. His task list is also packed with high-XP and profitable monsters, making him a solid all-rounder.
Konar quo Maten: The Loot Booster
Konar quo Maten, found on Mount Karuulm, adds a twist by assigning tasks with specific locations. She gives 100-120 Cave Krakens with a task weight of 8, matching Duradel’s odds, but her unique perk is the chance to drop Brimstone Keys, which unlock extra loot.
- Pros: Same task weight as Duradel (8), Brimstone Key drops, decent task size.
- Cons: Requires 75 combat, location-specific tasks can complicate multi-combat strategies.
Konar is a great pick if you want to spice up your Kraken grind with bonus rewards. However, her location requirement (Kraken Cove) is already standard, so it’s not a drawback here.
Nieve/Steve: The Mid-Tier Contender
Nieve (or Steve post-Monkey Madness II), located in the Tree Gnome Stronghold, is a strong option for players between 85-100 combat. She assigns 100-120 Cave Krakens with a task weight of 7, slightly lower than Duradel and Konar.
- Pros: Accessible at 85 combat, solid task size, good for mid-tier players.
- Cons: Lower task weight (7), fewer high-end tasks than Duradel.
Nieve is perfect if you’re not yet at Duradel’s level but still want a decent shot at Kraken tasks. Her cave also supports cannon use, which can speed up regular Cave Kraken kills.
Chaeldar: The Underdog
Chaeldar, in Zanaris, is a lesser-known option for Kraken tasks. She assigns 80-100 Cave Krakens with a task weight of 6, making her less efficient than the others.
- Pros: Requires only 70 combat, decent for mid-level players.
- Cons: Lower task weight (6), smaller task size.
Chaeldar is a fallback if you’re below Nieve’s requirements, but her lower weight and task count make her less ideal for serious Kraken farming.
Comparing Slayer Masters: A Quick Table
Slayer Master | Combat Req. | Task Weight | Task Size | Unique Perks |
---|---|---|---|---|
Duradel | 100 | 8 | 100-120 | High-end tasks |
Konar | 75 | 8 | 100-120 | Brimstone Keys |
Nieve/Steve | 85 | 7 | 100-120 | Cannon-friendly cave |
Chaeldar | 70 | 6 | 80-100 | Lower requirements |
This table highlights why Duradel and Konar stand out for Kraken tasks, with their higher weights and larger task sizes giving you more bang for your buck.
Strategies to Get Kraken Tasks Faster
Turael Skipping: The Point-Saving Trick
If you’re desperate for a Kraken task, Turael skipping can help. This involves doing nine quick tasks from Turael (in Burthorpe) to reset your task streak, then hitting up a high-level Master like Duradel or Konar for the tenth task, which boosts your points and chances. Pair this with Konar for the best odds, as her task list has fewer high-weight alternatives to dilute the pool.
Blocking and Skipping Tasks
Use Slayer points to block undesirable tasks with high weights (e.g., Wyrms, Drakes) to increase the relative chance of getting Cave Krakens. Skipping with 30 points is another option, but it’s costly unless you have a hefty point reserve. For Duradel, consider blocking:
- Kalphites (weight 9)
- Black Demons (weight 8)
- Greater Demons (weight 8)
This tilts the odds in your favor without breaking the bank.
Maximizing Task Efficiency
Once you land a Kraken task, extend it with Slayer points (100 points) to get more kills per assignment. Use a cannon for regular Cave Krakens and save your best Magic gear (e.g., Trident, Occult Necklace) for the boss. Instancing the Kraken Cove for 25,000 coins keeps your loot safe longer, ideal for pet hunters.
Who’s the Best Slayer Master for Kraken?
Best Overall: Duradel
For most players, Duradel takes the crown. His high task weight (8), large task sizes, and access to end-game content make him the go-to for efficient Kraken farming. If you’re 100+ combat and have the Slayer points to extend tasks, Duradel maximizes your time at Kraken Cove.
Best for Loot: Konar
If you’re after extra loot via Brimstone Keys, Konar edges out Duradel. Her identical task weight and size, combined with the bonus drops, make her a strong alternative, especially for players who enjoy variety or need a lower combat threshold (75).
Best for Mid-Tier: Nieve/Steve
For those not yet at Duradel’s level, Nieve/Steve is a reliable choice. The slightly lower weight (7) is offset by accessibility and the ability to use a cannon, making it a practical stepping stone.
When to Use Chaeldar
Chaeldar is only worth considering if you’re below 85 combat and can’t access Nieve. Otherwise, her lower efficiency makes her a last resort.
Tips for Kraken Success
Gear and Setup
The Kraken is weak to Magic, so prioritize high Magic attack bonuses. A sample setup includes:
- Weapon: Trident of the Seas/Swamp
- Head: Slayer Helmet (i)
- Neck: Occult Necklace
- Body: Ahrim’s Robetop
- Legs: Ahrim’s Robeskirt
Bring a fishing explosive to wake the boss instantly, and use Protect from Magic against the tentacles if needed.
Profit and Pet Hunting
The Kraken’s loot averages 30-40k per kill, with rare drops like the tentacle (1/400) and pet (1/3000) adding excitement. Duradel’s longer tasks boost your odds of hitting these jackpots, while Konar’s keys offer supplementary income.
Ironman Considerations
For Ironmen, the Trident is a game-changer for Magic training. Duradel or Nieve are your best bets due to task size, with Konar as a bonus if you’re after keys for resources.
In conclusion, Duradel is the best Slayer Master for Kraken tasks in OSRS for high-level players, with Konar as a close second for loot enthusiasts and Nieve for mid-tier adventurers. Tailor your choice to your combat level, goals, and playstyle, and you’ll be tentacle-deep in Kraken kills in no time. Happy slaying!