Can You Get Another Half Certificate in OSRS
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the Half Certificate is a curious item tied to a specific quest that often leaves players wondering if they can obtain another one. Whether you’re a completionist, a collector, or just curious about this obscure item, understanding its role and whether you can get a second Half Certificate is key. This guide dives into the details of the Half Certificate, its purpose in the game, and answers the burning question: can you get another one? We’ll explore the quest, mechanics, and potential workarounds, all while keeping things clear for both new and veteran players.
The Half Certificate is an item in OSRS that plays a pivotal role in the Shield of Arrav quest. This quest, one of the early free-to-play adventures, involves joining either the Black Arm Gang or the Phoenix Gang and retrieving two halves of a certificate to prove ownership of the titular shield. The Half Certificate is essentially one piece of this puzzle, and combining two halves allows players to complete the quest and claim their reward.
Role in Shield of Arrav
During the Shield of Arrav, players must choose a gang to align with. Depending on your choice, you’ll receive one Half Certificate:
- Phoenix Gang: You retrieve one Half Certificate from the gang’s hideout.
- Black Arm Gang: You obtain the other Half Certificate through different means, typically involving stealing it from the rival gang.
The catch? You need both halves to complete the quest, which forces you to collaborate with another player or use an alt account. This cooperative element makes the Half Certificate unique but also raises questions about obtaining extras.
Why Players Want Another Half Certificate
There are a few reasons players might seek another Half Certificate:
- Collection purposes: Some players love hoarding quest items for their banks.
- Quest replayability: Curiosity about whether you can redo parts of the quest.
- Trading or trolling: In rare cases, players might want extras for niche interactions.
But the game’s mechanics limit how items like this work, so let’s dig into whether getting another is possible.
Can You Get Another Half Certificate
The short answer is no, you cannot obtain another Half Certificate in OSRS under normal circumstances. Once you complete the Shield of Arrav quest, the game locks you out of retrieving additional Half Certificates. However, there are nuances to this, and certain scenarios might make you think otherwise. Let’s break it down.
Quest Completion Locks You Out
After finishing Shield of Arrav, the quest’s storyline concludes, and the NPCs and locations tied to the Half Certificate no longer offer it. For example:
- Phoenix Gang: The chest containing the Half Certificate becomes inaccessible.
- Black Arm Gang: The NPC interactions that grant the certificate are no longer available.
This design ensures players can’t farm quest items endlessly, maintaining the quest’s integrity.
Dropping or Losing the Half Certificate
If you drop or lose your Half Certificate during the quest, you can return to the gang you joined to retrieve another one. For instance:
- Phoenix Gang members can check the chest again.
- Black Arm Gang members can revisit Katrine for a replacement.
However, this only applies before completing the quest. Once the quest is done, this option vanishes.
Alt Accounts and Workarounds
Some players use alt accounts to bypass the one-certificate limit. Here’s how it works:
- Create a second account and start Shield of Arrav.
- Join the opposite gang from your main account.
- Trade the Half Certificate to your main account before completing the quest on the alt.
While this technically allows you to hold two Half Certificates on one account, it’s not a true method of getting “another” one, as it relies on a separate account’s quest progress. Plus, Jagex’s rules on alt accounts mean you should be cautious about excessive trading to avoid bans.
Why Can’t You Get Another Half Certificate
OSRS is built with strict quest item mechanics to prevent exploits and preserve the game’s balance. The Half Certificate’s single-use nature is intentional, and here’s why Jagex enforces this.
Quest Item Restrictions
Most quest items in OSRS, including the Half Certificate, are coded to be non-farmable. This means:
- One-time use: You can only obtain them once per account during the quest.
- Non-tradeable post-quest: After combining the halves, the certificate becomes part of the quest reward and can’t be reobtained.
This restriction stops players from stockpiling items that could disrupt the economy or quest progression.
Game Lore and Design
The Shield of Arrav quest is designed around cooperation. The Half Certificate symbolizes this by requiring two players (or accounts) to work together. Allowing players to get multiple certificates would undermine the quest’s narrative and mechanics, making it less engaging.
Alternatives to Getting Another Half Certificate
If you’re desperate to have something similar to a Half Certificate in your bank, there are a few creative alternatives to consider, though they won’t replace the item itself.
Collecting Other Quest Items
Instead of fixating on the Half Certificate, focus on other collectible quest items that are easier to keep. Examples include:
- Karamjan Rum from Pirate’s Treasure (with some trickery).
- Enchanted Key from Making History (if you don’t complete the miniquest fully).
These items scratch the collector’s itch without the Half Certificate’s strict limits.
Replaying Similar Quests
While OSRS doesn’t allow quest replays, you can experience similar cooperative mechanics in other quests. Try these for a similar vibe:
- Heroes’ Quest: Requires teamwork to gather specific items.
- The Feud: Involves faction-based choices, though less cooperative.
These quests offer fresh challenges without the need to chase unobtainable items.
Showcasing Your Bank
If your goal is to flex your collection, consider displaying other rare or nostalgic items in your bank. A table of collectible items might inspire you:
| Item | Quest/Source | Why Collect It |
|---|---|---|
| Disk of Returning | Discontinued item | Ultra-rare, nostalgic value |
| Ectophial | Ghosts Ahoy | Useful and iconic |
| Rusty Sword | Various spawns | Quirky, low-value collectible |
Building a unique bank can be just as satisfying as chasing a second Half Certificate.
Tips for Shield of Arrav and Beyond
Whether you’re tackling Shield of Arrav for the first time or revisiting it, here are some tips to make the quest smoother and help you avoid Half Certificate headaches.
Finding a Partner
The easiest way to complete Shield of Arrav is to find another player. Use these methods:
- Clan chats: Join OSRS community chats and ask for a quest partner.
- Forums or Discord: The OSRS subreddit or official Discord often has players willing to help.
- Friends list: Convince a buddy to start the quest with you.
Having a partner eliminates the need for alt accounts and makes the quest more fun.
Managing Quest Items
During the quest, handle your Half Certificate carefully:
- Don’t drop it unnecessarily: While you can replace it pre-quest, it’s a hassle.
- Trade securely: Use the trade window with your partner to avoid scams.
- Bank it if pausing: Store the certificate if you’re logging off mid-quest.
These steps ensure you don’t lose progress.
Maximizing Quest Rewards
The Shield of Arrav rewards aren’t just about the certificate. You’ll get:
- 600 coins: Decent for early-game players.
- 1 Quest Point: Progress toward Quest Cape goals.
- Gang membership: Access to gang-specific perks, like the Phoenix Crossbow.
Focus on these rewards rather than unobtainable extras like another Half Certificate.
In conclusion, getting another Half Certificate in OSRS isn’t possible once you’ve completed Shield of Arrav. The game’s design locks you out after the quest, and while alt accounts offer a workaround, they don’t truly solve the issue. Instead, embrace the quest’s cooperative spirit, collect other unique items, or dive into similar adventures. OSRS is full of quirky challenges—don’t let one unobtainable certificate slow you down!