Blue Moon Inn OSRS A Comprehensive Guide to Varrock’s Iconic Tavern
In the bustling city of Varrock in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the Blue Moon Inn stands as a historic and multifaceted location for adventurers. This tavern and inn, located in south-central Varrock, is more than just a place to grab a beer—it’s a hub for quests, lore, and nostalgic player interactions. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned veteran, this guide dives deep into everything you need to know about the Blue Moon Inn, from its role in quests to its cultural significance in the OSRS community.
Nestled just northeast of Varrock’s southern gate, the Blue Moon Inn is easily recognizable by its distinctive sign at the front and back. It’s a lively tavern where players can purchase beer for 2 coins from the bartender, cook on a hidden range, or engage with NPCs tied to some of the game’s most iconic quests. The inn’s rich history and quirky details, like the bartender’s fourth-wall-breaking dialogue, make it a memorable stop for any adventurer.
Location and Accessibility
The Blue Moon Inn is conveniently located near the Varrock lodestone, making it a short walk north for players teleporting in. Its central position in Varrock ensures easy access for those exploring the city or completing quests. The inn’s interior includes a main bar area, a kitchen with a range (not visible on the minimap), and an upstairs area with a treasure chest crucial for specific quests.
Notable Features
- Beer for Sale: Purchase beer for 2 coins each from the bartender.
- Cooking Range: A hidden range in the kitchen for cooking, ideal for early-game players.
- Empty Pot Spawn: Found on a table in the kitchen, useful for crafting or quests.
- Quest NPCs: Home to characters like Jonny the Beard and Dr. Harlow.
Quest Involvement and NPCs
The Blue Moon Inn is a key location for several quests in OSRS, hosting NPCs that drive the narrative of some of the game’s most beloved storylines. Below, we explore the quests and characters tied to this iconic tavern.
Shield of Arrav
In the Shield of Arrav quest, Jonny the Beard is a central figure found inside the Blue Moon Inn. Players must confront him as part of the quest to retrieve a crucial item for either the Black Arm Gang or the Phoenix Gang. The inn is repeatedly referred to as the “Blue Moon Pub” by Charlie the Tramp during this quest, adding a layer of colloquial charm to its identity.
Vampyre Slayer
Dr. Harlow, a drunken ex-vampire slayer, can be found nursing a pint in the Blue Moon Inn. He plays a pivotal role in the Vampyre Slayer quest, providing players with guidance and items needed to defeat Count Draynor. His disheveled demeanor and humorous dialogue make him a fan favorite.
Pirate’s Treasure
Upstairs in the Blue Moon Inn, a treasure chest is a key objective in the Pirate’s Treasure quest. Players must search it to progress the storyline, making the inn an essential stop for those chasing pirate-themed adventures.
Alfred Grimhand’s Barcrawl Miniquest
The Blue Moon Inn is one of the stops in the Alfred Grimhand’s Barcrawl miniquest, where players must purchase the potent “Uncle Humphrey’s Gutrot” for 50 coins from the bartender. This drink is part of the chaotic bar-hopping challenge required to access the Barbarian Outpost.
Lore and Cultural Significance
Beyond its practical uses, the Blue Moon Inn is steeped in OSRS lore and player culture. From its connections to in-game stories to its status as a nostalgic gathering spot, the inn holds a special place in the hearts of many players.
Lore Connections
The inn is featured in the RuneScape lore story Worth Comes in Battle, where Signature Heroes Ariane, Ozan, and the Raptor stop by for drinks. This tale, witnessed by Balek, the barkeeper’s son, adds depth to the inn’s role as a social hub for Gielinor’s adventurers. Additionally, Gypsy Aris, a Varrock NPC, claims to be 224 years old—seven times the number of legs on the inn’s stools—tying the tavern to quirky in-game trivia.
Historical Party Hub
In RuneScape Classic, before the release of RuneScape 2, the Blue Moon Inn was a hotspot for player-hosted parties, especially in its basement. These gatherings were a hallmark of early RuneScape’s community spirit, with players congregating on World 1 for evenings of revelry. While this practice has largely faded due to the Party Room update, the inn remains a nostalgic symbol of those early days.
Fourth-Wall-Breaking Bartender
The bartender at the Blue Moon Inn is one of the few NPCs in OSRS who breaks the fourth wall. When asked for tips, he refuses, stating it would “make the computer game too easy.” If pressed further with “What game?”, he describes RuneScape as a “magic box” game, only for the player to call him mad and end the conversation. This meta humor is a delightful Easter egg for players.
Practical Uses for Players
The Blue Moon Inn isn’t just a quest and lore hub—it offers practical utilities for players of all levels. Here’s a breakdown of how you can make the most of this location.
Cooking and Resource Gathering
The kitchen’s hidden range is a boon for early-game players looking to train Cooking without venturing far from Varrock’s center. The empty pot spawn on the kitchen table is also handy for crafting or quest-related tasks. While not as efficient as dedicated skilling hubs, the inn’s accessibility makes it a convenient stop.
Training and NPC Interaction
Some NPCs in the inn, like Jonny the Beard, can be fought during quests, offering minor combat training opportunities. The inn’s central location also makes it a good spot for players to regroup, interact with NPCs, or plan their next move in Varrock.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | South-central Varrock, near southern gate |
| Quests | Shield of Arrav, Vampyre Slayer, Pirate’s Treasure, Alfred Grimhand’s Barcrawl |
| NPCs | Jonny the Beard, Dr. Harlow, Bartender |
| Utilities | Beer (2 coins), cooking range, empty pot spawn |
| Lore | Featured in Worth Comes in Battle, tied to Gypsy Aris trivia |
Community and Modern Relevance
While the Blue Moon Inn’s heyday as a party hub has passed, it remains a beloved location in the OSRS community, inspiring fan art, Reddit discussions, and even merchandise. Let’s explore its modern significance.
Fan Creations and Nostalgia
The inn has inspired creative works, such as a Reddit post showcasing two players’ characters sharing beers at the Blue Moon Inn, commissioned as a Christmas gift. Another fan recreated the inn in Minecraft on the Nintendo Switch, highlighting its enduring appeal. Merchandise like the “Blue Moon Inn OSRS” T-shirt by artist nahht on Redbubble further cements its cultural footprint.
Reddit Discussions and Suggestions
The OSRS community on Reddit frequently references the Blue Moon Inn. For example, a post suggested adding a cornhole set outside the inn to enhance its social vibe, garnering over 2,100 votes. Another proposed moving the Varrock Achievement Diary Taskmaster, Toby, to the inn to make the Diary Cape teleport more useful. These ideas reflect players’ desire to keep the inn relevant.
Blue Moon Armour Connection
While not directly tied to the inn, the Blue Moon Armour set, introduced as a reward from the Lunar Chest in Neypotzli, shares its name. This high-level magic equipment (requiring 75 Magic and 50 Defence) has sparked discussions about incorporating Blue Moon-themed content into the inn, such as a clue step involving the armour, as suggested in a Reddit thread.
Key Takeaways:
- The Blue Moon Inn is a central Varrock location with deep ties to OSRS quests and lore.
- Its NPCs, like Jonny the Beard and Dr. Harlow, are integral to iconic quests.
- The inn’s nostalgic role as a party hub and modern fan creations keep it alive in the community.
- Practical features like the cooking range and empty pot spawn make it useful for players.
- Community suggestions, such as adding new activities or tying it to Blue Moon Armour, show its potential for future updates.
Whether you’re slaying vampires, chasing pirate treasure, or simply soaking in the nostalgic atmosphere, the Blue Moon Inn is a must-visit in OSRS. Next time you’re in Varrock, grab a beer, chat with the quirky bartender, and immerse yourself in this iconic tavern’s charm.