Black Demon Slayer Task OSRS Guide
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) players diving into Slayer tasks will eventually face the formidable Black Demon. Assigned at combat level 80, this task challenges mid-to-high-level players with high hitpoints and melee attacks. Whether you’re aiming for Slayer XP, loot, or just surviving, this guide covers everything you need to conquer Black Demons efficiently. From gear setups to locations and strategies, let’s break down how to tackle this task like a pro.
Black Demons are large, jet-black demonic creatures found in various dungeons across Gielinor. Known for their high combat stats but relatively low defense, they’re a prime target for Slayer tasks. They require 80 combat to be assigned, with no Slayer level prerequisite, making them accessible yet daunting for newer players. Their max hit of 16 demands respect, but with the right setup, they’re manageable.
Key Stats and Weaknesses
Black Demons have a combat level of 172–184, depending on their location, with 157–170 hitpoints. Their defense is moderate, making them vulnerable to:
- Demonbane weapons like Arclight for massive damage boosts.
- Water spells for magic users.
- All combat styles, as they lack specific resistances.
They attack solely with melee, so Protect from Melee is your go-to prayer.
Alternative Monsters for the Task
If Black Demons feel too slow or unprofitable, you can kill these alternatives for the same task:
- Demonic Gorillas (requires Monkey Madness II completion).
- Skotizo in the Catacombs of Kourend (counts as one kill).
- Balfrug Kreeyath, Porazdir, or Kolodion’s final form for specific scenarios.
Demonic Gorillas are especially lucrative due to their Zenyte Shard drops, though they’re slower for XP.
Best Locations for Black Demon Slayer Tasks
Choosing the right spot can make or break your task. Black Demons spawn in several dungeons, each with unique pros and cons. Here’s a rundown of the top locations.
Taverley Dungeon
The Taverley Dungeon is a favorite for cannon users due to clustered spawns. You’ll need 70 Agility for the pipe shortcut or a Dusty Key for standard access. Safespots are available for Ranged or Magic, and it’s ideal for fast XP.
Catacombs of Kourend
This multicombat area is perfect for AFK training. Wear Proselyte armor, pray Protect from Melee, and auto-retaliate. You’ll also collect Ancient Shards and Dark Totem pieces, adding passive rewards. Access it via Kourend Castle teleport or Fairy Ring (C I S).
Chasm of Fire
Located in Shayzien, the Chasm of Fire offers cannonable spawns but with more spacing than Taverley. It’s less crowded, and safespots make it viable for non-cannon setups. Use a Shayzien teleport or run from Lovakengj.
Wilderness Locations
Edgeville Dungeon and Wilderness Slayer Cave house Black Demons, but PKer risks make them less appealing. The Wilderness Slayer Cave offers Larran’s Keys for extra loot on Krystilia tasks, but bring minimal risk gear.
Brimhaven Dungeon
With only four spawns, Brimhaven is less efficient but cannonable and safespottable. It’s hard to access (875 coins or Karamja Gloves 3) and rarely worth the effort unless you’re nearby.
Recommended Gear and Inventory
Your gear setup depends on your combat style, budget, and whether you’re cannoning. Below are tailored suggestions for melee, ranged, and magic, plus inventory tips.
Melee Setup
Melee is the fastest for high-level players, especially with Arclight. Prioritize prayer bonus over tank gear to sustain Protect from Melee.
| Slot | High-Level | Mid-Level |
|---|---|---|
| Head | Slayer Helmet (i) | Black Mask |
| Neck | Amulet of Torture | Amulet of Fury |
| Body | Proselyte Hauberk | Monk’s Robe Top |
| Legs | Proselyte Cuisse | Monk’s Robe |
| Weapon | Arclight | Dragon Scimitar |
| Shield | Dragon Defender | Book of Law |
| Cape | Fire Cape | Skill Cape |
Ranged Setup
Ranged is great for safespotting, especially for lower levels. Use crossbows or Black Salamanders for budget options.
- High-Level: Slayer Helmet (i), Ava’s Assembler, Necklace of Anguish, Toxic Blowpipe, Armadyl Chestplate.
- Mid-Level: Archer Helm, Ava’s Accumulator, Amulet of Glory, Rune Crossbow, Black D’hide Body.
Magic Setup
Magic is slower but viable with water spells or Polypore Staff for high levels. Their magic defense is decent, so prioritize accuracy.
- High-Level: Slayer Helmet (i), Occult Necklace, Ancestral Robes, Toxic Trident.
- Mid-Level: Farseer Helm, Mystic Robes, Iban’s Staff (u).
Inventory Essentials
Your inventory should support sustained combat and mobility:
- 4–6 Prayer Potions for Protect from Melee.
- 10–15 Food (Monkfish or Sharks) for emergencies.
- Super/Extreme Combat Set for DPS boosts.
- Teleport Runes (e.g., Falador, Kourend Castle).
- Holy Wrench or Soul Bearer for prayer/ensouled heads.
- Cannon (if using) with 100–200 cannonballs.
Strategies for Maximum Efficiency
Black Demon tasks can be slow without optimization. Here’s how to boost XP, profit, and speed.
Cannoning for Fast XP
Using a Dwarf Multicannon in Taverley Dungeon or Chasm of Fire yields 35K–40K Slayer XP per hour with max melee stats. Set it up in clustered spawn areas, pray Protect from Melee, and auto-retaliate. Expect 19K–23K XP per hour with mid-level stats (70s–85s).
AFK Training in Catacombs
For a relaxed approach, the Catacombs of Kourend is unmatched. Proselyte armor and 4–6 prayer potions let you AFK for 10-minute aggression cycles. You’ll net 15K–20K XP per hour while collecting totem pieces.
Safespotting for Low Levels
If you’re under 100 combat, safespotting with Ranged or Magic is safer. Taverley and Chasm of Fire have multiple safespots (e.g., behind rocks or pillars). This method is slower but conserves resources.
Demonic Gorillas for Profit
After Monkey Madness II, Demonic Gorillas are a profitable alternative. They drop Zenyte Shards (1/300, ~9M GP) and high-value alchables. Use two combat styles to counter their prayer switches, but expect slower XP (~10K–15K per hour).
Loot and Rewards
Black Demons aren’t known for stellar drops, but certain locations and strategies improve profitability.
Notable Drops
Their drop table includes:
- Rune Chainbody, Mithril Kiteshield (1/128).
- Hard Clue Scroll (1/128, better with Ring of Wealth in Wilderness).
- Ensouled Demon Head (1/35, great for Prayer XP).
- Ancient Shard, Dark Totem Pieces (Catacombs-exclusive).
- Brimstone Key (1/84–1/86 on Konar tasks).
Average kill value is ~2K GP, rising to 4K on Krystilia tasks or 3.4K with Konar.
Should You Skip or Block?
For players under 100 combat, Black Demons are often a block task due to their high HP and slow kills. However, mid-to-high-level players with cannons or Arclight find them worthwhile for XP. If you’re after profit, Demonic Gorillas are better, but regular Black Demons offer consistent Clue Scrolls and moderate gold.
Pro Tip: Don’t use Arclight charges unless you’re flush with them—save them for Abyssal Demons or Gorillas.
With the right setup, Black Demons can be a rewarding Slayer task. Whether you’re cannoning in Taverley, AFKing in the Catacombs, or chasing Zenyte Shards with Gorillas, this guide equips you to dominate. Happy slaying!