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Blue Dragon Key OSRS Ultimate Guide

In the vast world of Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the Blue Dragon Key, commonly known as the Dusty Key, is a vital item for adventurers seeking to access the Blue Dragon area in Taverley Dungeon. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about obtaining and using the Dusty Key, its significance in slaying Blue Dragons, and tips to optimize your gameplay. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned player, this guide will help you navigate the dungeon, secure the key, and maximize your profits from Blue Dragon tasks.
The Dusty Key is a non-tradeable item that unlocks a gate in Taverley Dungeon, granting access to the deeper sections where Blue Dragons reside. This key is essential for players without 70 Agility, as it allows passage from the Lesser Demon area to the Blue Dragon lair. Blue Dragons are a popular Slayer task and a profitable target due to their guaranteed drops of dragon bones and blue dragonhide.
Why the Dusty Key Matters
Without the Dusty Key, players with less than 70 Agility must take a lengthy route through Taverley Dungeon or rely on alternative locations like the Myths’ Guild or Corsair Cove Dungeon, which often require completing quests like Dragon Slayer II. The key simplifies access, making it a must-have for efficient Blue Dragon slaying.
Key Locations and Requirements
The Dusty Key is primarily obtained in Taverley Dungeon, but there are other methods to acquire it, each with specific requirements:
- Velrak the Explorer: Found in the Black Knight headquarters in Taverley Dungeon. Kill the jailer to obtain a key, enter Velrak’s cell, and talk to him without asking for a reward to receive the Dusty Key.
- Legends’ Guild: Players who have completed the Legends’ Quest can purchase the Dusty Key for one coin on the 2nd floor (UK) or 3rd floor (US) of the Legends’ Guild.
- Taverley Dungeon Spawn: A single Dusty Key spawns near the Lava Eel fishing spot, south of the Blue Dragon area, but this is only accessible if you already have a key or 70 Agility.
How to Obtain the Dusty Key
Obtaining the Dusty Key is straightforward but requires careful navigation through Taverley Dungeon. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you secure it efficiently.
Step-by-Step Guide to Get the Dusty Key
- Travel to Taverley Dungeon: Use a Falador teleport or an Amulet of Glory to reach Taverley. The dungeon entrance is just south of Taverley.
- Navigate to the Black Knight Headquarters: From the dungeon entrance, head south past the Black Knights to locate the jailer.
- Kill the Jailer: The jailer (combat level 47) drops a jail key. Be prepared for combat with basic gear and food if your combat level is low.
- Enter Velrak’s Cell: Use the jail key to unlock the southern door, where Velrak the Explorer is imprisoned.
- Talk to Velrak: Speak to Velrak and avoid selecting the reward option. He will give you the Dusty Key.
- Store or Use the Key: The Dusty Key can be placed on a Steel Key Ring to save inventory space or used immediately to access the Blue Dragon area.
Tips for Low-Level Players
If you’re a low-level player, consider these tips:
- Bring Food: Black Knights and the jailer can hit moderately hard, so pack some food like lobsters or swordfish.
- Use Protect from Melee: This prayer can reduce damage from Black Knights if your combat stats are low.
- Avoid Combat: Run past aggressive monsters like Poison Scorpions to minimize damage.
Using the Dusty Key to Access Blue Dragons
Once you have the Dusty Key, you can unlock the gate in Taverley Dungeon to reach the Blue Dragon area. This section covers how to use the key and the best strategies for slaying Blue Dragons.
Navigating to the Blue Dragon Area
From the Taverley Dungeon entrance, follow these steps:
- Head north past the dungeon entrance and locate the gate guarded by animated armor stands.
- Defeat the armor stands if they attack, then proceed through the gate.
- Travel south, then east, passing Magic Axes and Poison Scorpions.
- Cross the bridge and head north until you reach a locked gate.
- Use the Dusty Key on the gate to enter the Blue Dragon lair, which contains nine Blue Dragons and some Baby Blue Dragons.
Alternative Access with 70 Agility
Players with 70 Agility (or 65 with a summer pie boost) can bypass the Dusty Key requirement by using the obstacle pipe near the dungeon entrance. This shortcut takes you directly to the Blue Dragon area, saving time and inventory space.
Blue Dragon Slayer Task and Strategies
Blue Dragons are a common Slayer task assigned by mid- and high-level Slayer masters like Vannaka, Chaeldar, Nieve, or Duradel, requiring 65 combat and starting Dragon Slayer I. They are profitable due to their drops but require specific gear to handle their dragonfire attacks.
Recommended Gear and Inventory
To kill Blue Dragons efficiently, use the following gear and inventory setup:
Slot | Recommended Item | Budget Alternative |
---|---|---|
Head | Slayer Helmet (i) | Black Mask or Armadyl Helmet |
Neck | Amulet of Fury | Amulet of Glory |
Body | Armadyl Chestplate | Black D’hide Body |
Legs | Armadyl Chainskirt | Black D’hide Chaps |
Weapon | Dragon Hunter Crossbow | Rune Crossbow with Broad Bolts |
Shield | Dragonfire Ward | Anti-Dragon Shield |
Inventory:
- Extended Antifire Potion: Provides temporary protection against dragonfire when paired with an Anti-Dragon Shield.
- Prayer Potions: For maintaining Protect from Melee or Ranged prayers.
- High-Healing Food: Sharks or Monkfish for sustaining health.
- Teleportation Items: Amulet of Glory or Falador Teleport for banking.
- Dwarf Multicannon (Optional): Speeds up kills in Taverley Dungeon.
Safespotting Blue Dragons
Safespotting is a popular strategy for low-level players or those looking to conserve resources. In Taverley Dungeon, you can safespot Blue Dragons in the hallway leading to Black Demons. Stand behind pillars or corners to avoid melee and dragonfire attacks while using Ranged or Magic. Another safespot is available in the Heroes’ Guild basement (requires Heroes’ Quest), where a single Blue Dragon can be ranged from a fenced area.
Drops and Profitability
Blue Dragons are highly profitable due to their guaranteed drops:
- Dragon Bones: Sell for approximately 2,717 coins each.
- Blue Dragonhide: Sell for approximately 1,754 coins each.
- Tertiary Drops: Ensouled Dragon Head (1/50), Scaly Blue Dragonhide (1/50), Brimstone Key (1/98 on Konar task), Clue Scroll (Hard) (1/128).
With 100 kills per hour, you can expect around 447,100 coins in profit from guaranteed drops alone, excluding additional loot like herbs or clue scrolls.
Tips for Efficient Blue Dragon Slaying
To maximize your efficiency and profits, consider these advanced tips:
Optimize Your Route
Use a Falador teleport to quickly reach Taverley Dungeon. If banking, the Myths’ Guild basement (post-Dragon Slayer II) is closer to a bank via the Mythical Cape teleport, but it has fewer dragon spawns.
Use a Cannon for Faster Kills
A Dwarf Multicannon significantly increases kill speed in Taverley Dungeon or Isle of Souls Dungeon. However, it’s not usable in the Catacombs of Kourend or Ruins of Tapoyauik.
Consider Baby Blue Dragons for Quick Tasks
If you’re looking to complete a Slayer task quickly, kill Baby Blue Dragons in Taverley Dungeon. They don’t use dragonfire, making them easier and faster to kill, especially with a cannon.
Monitor Grand Exchange Prices
Check the live prices of dragon bones and blue dragonhide on the Grand Exchange, as they fluctuate. This ensures you’re slaying Blue Dragons at a profitable time.
By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to obtain the Dusty Key, access the Blue Dragon area, and slay these iconic monsters efficiently. Whether you’re grinding Slayer tasks or hunting for profit, the Blue Dragon Key is your gateway to success in OSRS. Happy adventuring!