Exploring the Desert Bandit Camp in OSRS: A Comprehensive Guide
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is packed with unique locations that offer players a mix of adventure, combat, and lore. One such spot is the Desert Bandit Camp, nestled in the Kharidian Desert. Whether you’re a seasoned player looking to grind combat XP or a curious adventurer seeking hidden gems, this camp has something for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about the Desert Bandit Camp in OSRS—its location, features, training opportunities, and more. Let’s get started!
The Desert Bandit Camp is located in the western part of the Kharidian Desert, a vast and arid region in OSRS. It’s home to a group of Zarosian bandits who have a deep-seated grudge against followers of Saradomin and Zamorak. Getting there is straightforward, but you’ll need to prepare for the desert environment. Here’s how you can reach it:
Travel Options
- Magic Carpet Ride: Start at the Shantay Pass (south of Al Kharid), take a carpet ride to the Bedabin Camp for 200 coins (or 100 with a Ring of Charos), then run south to the Bandit Camp.
- Fairy Ring: Use the fairy ring code BIQ to teleport near the Kalphite Lair, then head southwest to reach the camp.
- Bandit Camp Teleport Scroll: Obtained from Treasure Trails, this scroll teleports you directly east of the camp’s pub. It’s the fastest option if you have one.
- Lodestone Network: After unlocking the Bandit Camp lodestone (requires Desert Treasure completion), you can home teleport there anytime.
Desert Survival Tips
The Kharidian Desert’s heat can drain your health if you’re not prepared. While the Bandit Camp itself is immune to desert heat, traveling there isn’t. Bring waterskins, desert clothing, or the Desert Amulet (from the Desert Diary) to stay safe on the journey.
Lore and History of the Desert Bandit Camp
The Desert Bandit Camp isn’t just a random outpost—it’s steeped in OSRS lore tied to the god Zaros. The bandits here are descendants of Zarosian followers who fled persecution during the God Wars. After Zamorak overthrew Zaros and ignited chaos, these loyalists retreated to the desert, forming this camp as a haven. Their hatred for Saradomin and Zamorak followers runs deep, which explains their aggressive behavior toward players wearing items aligned with those gods.
Key Lore Highlights
- Zarosian Legacy: The camp reflects the enduring loyalty of Zaros’ followers, even centuries after his fall.
- Desert Treasure Connection: The camp plays a role in the Desert Treasure quest, with key items like mirrors and Rasolo’s gilded cross found here.
- Outlaw Lifestyle: These bandits live as criminals, surviving in the harsh desert through thievery and combat.
Features and Points of Interest
The Desert Bandit Camp is small but packed with useful features for players. From shops to training spots, here’s what you’ll find:
The Big Heist Lodge
This bar is the only place in OSRS to buy Bandit’s Brew, an ale that boosts your Thieving level by 1 for 650 coins. While sq’irkjuice might be a cheaper alternative, the brew adds a unique flavor to the camp’s outlaw vibe.
General Store
The Bandit Shopkeeper runs a general store selling desert essentials like waterskins. It’s also a handy spot for combat trainers to un-note food (e.g., sell noted tuna and buy it back un-noted) for extended sessions.
Bandits and Combat Training
The camp is home to two types of bandits: level 57 and level 74. They’re aggressive if you wear Saradomin or Zamorak items, making this a popular AFK combat training spot. More on that later!
Combat Training at the Desert Bandit Camp
For many OSRS players, the Desert Bandit Camp is a go-to location for combat training. The bandits’ aggression mechanic—triggered by wearing god-aligned gear—allows for passive, low-effort XP grinding. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Why Train Here?
- Consistent Aggression: Bandits attack relentlessly when you wear Saradomin or Zamorak items, like a god cape or arrows.
- Decent XP Rates: Expect 30k–70k combat XP per hour, depending on your stats and gear.
- AFK-Friendly: With the right setup, you can train for hours with minimal input.
Recommended Gear and Setup
To maximize efficiency and safety, consider this setup:
| Slot | Item | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Weapon | Guthan’s Warspear | Healing without food |
| Armor | Guthan’s Set | High defense + healing effect |
| Cape | Saradomin Cape | Triggers bandit aggression |
| Ring | Ring of Life | Safety net if AFK too long |
Alternatives include using a Saradomin Godsword for passive healing or a Bunyip familiar. Bring noted food and coins to use the general store for restocking.
Best Training Spots
- Northern House: The northeastern building has 2–3 bandits and a bottleneck layout, ideal for AFK training.
- Tent Area: The southern tent (used in Desert Treasure) offers a confined space for combat.
Thieving Option
If combat isn’t your goal, you can pickpocket the bandits at level 53 Thieving. Each success yields 79.4 XP and items like coins, antipoison, or lockpicks—though it’s riskier due to potential stun damage.
Activities Beyond Combat
The Desert Bandit Camp isn’t just for fighters. It’s tied to quests, clues, and nearby attractions, making it a versatile hub in the Kharidian Desert.
Desert Treasure Quest
This iconic quest features the camp heavily. You’ll use mirrors southeast of the camp to locate the Diamonds of Azzanadra and retrieve Rasolo’s gilded cross from a chest in the southern tent (requires 53 Thieving and lockpicks). Completing the quest unlocks Ancient Magicks at the nearby Jaldraocht Pyramid.
Treasure Trails
The camp and its surroundings are hotspots for clue scrolls. A coordinate clue west of the camp requires defeating a level 108 Saradomin Wizard, so come prepared!
Nearby Points of Interest
- Bandit Camp Quarry: South of the camp, this mine offers granite and sandstone rocks, plus a sand grinder for buckets of sand.
- Smoke Dungeon: East of the camp, home to dust devils (level 93 Slayer required).
- Jaldraocht Pyramid: South of the camp, where you unlock Ancient Magicks post-Desert Treasure.
With its mix of combat, lore, and utility, the Desert Bandit Camp stands out as a multifaceted location in OSRS. Whether you’re grinding XP, chasing quest rewards, or exploring the Kharidian Desert, this camp is worth a visit. Pack your gear, watch out for those bandits, and dive into the adventure!