Evil Dave RFD OSRS Guide Freeing Evil Dave in Recipe for Disaster

Evil Dave RFD OSRS Guide Freeing Evil Dave in Recipe for Disaster

The “Recipe for Disaster” (RFD) quest in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a fan-favorite for its quirky subquests and rewarding outcomes, and freeing Evil Dave is one of its most memorable challenges. This subquest, part of the larger RFD storyline, tasks players with crafting the perfect spicy stew to save the self-proclaimed evil mage, Evil Dave, from a magical freeze. Known for its trial-and-error gameplay and humorous dialogue, the Evil Dave RFD OSRS subquest can be both fun and frustrating. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step to complete this subquest efficiently, share tips to avoid common pitfalls, and help you unlock its rewards.

The Evil Dave subquest in Recipe for Disaster requires players to recreate a “totally evil” spicy stew that Evil Dave loves, using unique spices stolen by hellrats. Set in Edgeville and Lumbridge, this medium-length quest involves puzzle-solving, resource gathering, and a bit of patience. It’s accessible to mid-level players but can feel daunting due to its random spice mechanic. With the right approach, however, you can streamline the process and save time.

Why Free Evil Dave?

Completing this subquest grants access to valuable rewards, including the ability to make spicy stews that can boost or lower stats, 7,000 Cooking XP, and progress toward unlocking the Culinaromancer’s Chest. It’s also a prerequisite for other RFD subquests and the “Evil Dave’s Big Day Out” quest, making it a key milestone for quest enthusiasts aiming for the Quest Cape.

Quest Requirements

Before diving in, ensure you meet the following requirements:

  • Level 25 Cooking (boostable with potions if you’re making stews yourself)
  • Completed Quests: Gertrude’s Cat, Demon Slayer, The Golem, Shadow of the Storm, and the RFD introduction
  • Items Needed: A cat (any except overgrown; wily or regular cats are best), 9 bowls of stew (maximum needed), and optional teleportation methods (e.g., Amulet of Glory or Varrock teleport)

Step-by-Step Guide to Freeing Evil Dave

Follow these steps to navigate the subquest smoothly, from starting in Lumbridge to delivering the perfect stew.

Starting the Quest

Begin at Lumbridge Castle’s dining room. Inspect Evil Dave to trigger a cutscene with Gypsy Aris, who explains that you must make a spicy stew to free him. She suggests visiting Evil Dave’s mother, Doris, in Edgeville for the recipe.

  1. Teleport to Edgeville (Amulet of Glory or Fairy Ring code DKR works well).
  2. Head to the house west of the bank, marked with cooking and water symbols.
  3. Speak to Doris and ask about Dave. She’ll direct you to the basement.

Meeting Evil Dave

Climb down the trapdoor in Doris’ house to enter Evil Dave’s Basement of Doom. Talk to Evil Dave and ask what he ate at the secret council meeting. If he’s reluctant, select the dialogue option “because the magic requires it” (note: holding the space bar can bypass a rare bug where dialogue options don’t appear). He’ll reveal it was a “perfectly spicy evil stew” like his mother’s.

Return upstairs to Doris, who explains that hellrats stole her spices, so you’ll need to recover them using your cat.

Hunting Hellrats for Spices

Drop your cat in the basement and right-click it to select “Chase-Vermin” (ensure “Hide Familiar Options” is disabled in Gameplay > Combat & Action Bar > Choose Option Menu). Your cat will hunt hellrats, dropping one of four spices: red, yellow, brown, or orange, each with 1–4 doses.

  • Tip: Use a wily or regular cat for better catch rates; kittens are slower.
  • Note: After 7–10 catches, your cat may turn into a hellcat. This doesn’t affect gameplay, but you can revert it later with a bucket of milk or by talking to Doris.

Collect at least 6 doses of each spice to avoid running out during the stew-making process. Hellrats also drop ashes, which can be auto-banked with the Underworld Grimoire if you have it.

Making the Perfect Spicy Stew

The core challenge of this subquest is creating a stew with the correct combination of spices, each requiring 1–3 doses. The required doses are randomized for each player, making this a game of trial and error. Here’s how to solve it efficiently.

Understanding the Spice Mechanic

You need to determine the exact number of doses (1, 2, or 3) for each of the four spices. Evil Dave will taste your stews and provide feedback, saying either “one spice is correct, the rest are incorrect” or “none of them are right.” This feedback helps you narrow down the correct amounts.

Step-by-Step Spice Testing Method

To minimize stew and spice usage, test one color at a time. Here’s the optimal strategy:

  1. Test Red Spice: Add 1 dose of red spice to a stew and give it to Evil Dave.
    • If he says “one spice is correct,” note that red = 1 dose and move to the next color.
    • If he says “none are right,” make a new stew with 2 doses of red spice.
    • If 2 doses are correct, red = 2. If not, red = 3 (no need to test 3 doses).
  2. Repeat for Yellow, Brown, and Orange: Follow the same process for each color, testing 1 dose, then 2 if needed.
  3. Combine the Correct Doses: Once you know the correct doses (e.g., 1 red, 2 yellow, 3 brown, 1 orange), add them all to one stew.

Important: Pay attention to the chatbox to confirm spices are added, as clicking too quickly can cause errors. Also, don’t eat the stew yourself, or you’ll need to start over.

Delivering the Final Stew

Give the final stew to Evil Dave in the basement. If correct, he’ll approve it without consuming it all—ensure you complete all dialogue. Teleport back to Lumbridge, right-click the frozen Evil Dave in the dining room, and use the stew to free him. Congratulations, subquest complete!

Tips and Tricks for Success

This subquest can take anywhere from 20 minutes to over 90 minutes depending on luck and preparation. Here are some pro tips to make it easier:

Preparation Tips

  • Stock Up on Stews: Buy 9 stews from the Warriors’ Guild (100 GP each) or Seers’ Village café (20 GP each, but slower). You’ll need at most 9 if you make no mistakes.
  • Teleport Efficiently: Use an Amulet of Glory for Edgeville and a Lumbridge teleport or Home Teleport to return quickly.
  • Bring Extra Spices: Aim for 10 doses per color to account for errors or bad luck with hellrat drops.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

  • Bug Workaround: If Evil Dave won’t reveal what he ate, hold the space bar during dialogue to force the “because the magic requires it” option.
  • Hellcat Bug: If your hellcat turns invisible after teleporting, log out and back in to fix it.
  • Track Your Progress: Use a notepad or the table below to record correct doses as you test.
Spice Color Doses Needed
Red ___ (1, 2, or 3)
Yellow ___ (1, 2, or 3)
Brown ___ (1, 2, or 3)
Orange ___ (1, 2, or 3)

Rewards and What’s Next

Completing the Evil Dave RFD OSRS subquest offers solid rewards and opens new gameplay opportunities.

Subquest Rewards

  • 7,000 Cooking XP: A decent boost for mid-level players.
  • Spicy Stew Access: Craft spicy stews by catching hellrats, which can randomly boost or lower stats (useful for skilling or combat).
  • Hellcat Cosmetic: Your cat may remain a hellcat for a cool red look (revert with milk if desired).
  • Culinaromancer’s Chest Access: Expanded access to this RFD-exclusive shop for gloves and other items.

Progressing in RFD

Freeing Evil Dave is one of 10 RFD subquests. Next, consider tackling subquests like Freeing Sir Amik Varze or King Awowogei for more XP and rewards. Completing all subquests unlocks the final Culinaromancer fight, granting access to Barrows gloves and other perks. Check your quest log to prioritize based on your skills and goals.

By mastering the Evil Dave RFD OSRS subquest, you’re one step closer to conquering Recipe for Disaster. With this guide, you should breeze through the spice puzzle and enjoy Evil Dave’s hilarious antics. Happy questing, and may your stews be totally evil!