Eye of Newt in OSRS: Everything You Need to Know About This Herblore Essential
In the vast world of Old School RuneScape (OSRS), few items are as iconic yet understated as the Eye of Newt. This quirky little ingredient might sound like something straight out of a witch’s cauldron—and it is—but in OSRS, it’s a staple for players diving into the Herblore skill. Whether you’re brewing potions, tackling quests, or exploring niche money-making methods, the Eye of Newt plays a surprisingly versatile role. In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Eye of Newt in OSRS, from its uses and sources to its lore and practical applications. Let’s dive in!
The Eye of Newt is a secondary Herblore ingredient in Old School RuneScape, primarily used to craft potions that boost combat stats. Despite its name, it’s not harvested from actual newts (which don’t exist in-game). Instead, it’s a whimsical nod to Shakespeare’s Macbeth, where “eye of newt” famously appears in a witches’ brew. In OSRS, it’s a small, tradeable item with a distinct eyeball-like appearance, complete with a white sclera and blue iris.
The Lore Behind Eye of Newt
While OSRS doesn’t explicitly detail the origins of the Eye of Newt, its inclusion ties into the game’s playful medieval fantasy aesthetic. References in quests like Recipe for Disaster—where the Lumbridge Cook humorously suggests finding one “on a newt’s face”—hint at its tongue-in-cheek nature. Historically, “eye of newt” was a codename for mustard seed in herbalism, but in Gielinor, it’s a standalone item with no clear source beyond shops and monster drops.
Basic Stats and Availability
The Eye of Newt is a free-to-play item with a modest Grand Exchange value, typically hovering around 3-5 GP. It has a buy limit of 13,000, weighs 0.007 kg, and offers minimal alchemy returns (1 GP for both high and low alchemy). Its accessibility makes it a go-to for low-level players starting their Herblore journey.
Uses of Eye of Newt in OSRS
The Eye of Newt’s primary purpose revolves around Herblore, but it also pops up in quests and minigames. Here’s a breakdown of its key uses:
Potion Brewing with Eye of Newt
The Eye of Newt is essential for crafting two combat-boosting potions:
- Attack Potion: Requires 3 Herblore, an Eye of Newt, and a Guam Leaf. Boosts Attack level by 3-12, depending on your current level.
- Super Attack Potion: Requires 45 Herblore, an Eye of Newt, and an Irit Leaf. Boosts Attack by 5-19, making it a favorite for PvM and PvP.
These potions are vital for early-game combat training and remain relevant for Ironmen or players on a budget.
Quest Requirements
The Eye of Newt is a required item in two classic OSRS quests:
- Witch’s Potion: A beginner-friendly quest where you gather an Eye of Newt, onion, burnt meat, and rat’s tail for a witch in Draynor.
- Recipe for Disaster (Another Cook’s Quest): The Eye of Newt is one of the ingredients needed to free the Lumbridge Cook from the Culinaromancer’s spell.
Both quests are accessible to free-to-play players, making the Eye of Newt a common early-game fetch item.
Creature Creation Minigame
After completing the Tower of Life quest, players can use an Eye of Newt alongside a Feather at the Newtroost Altar in the Creature Creation minigame. This spawns a Newtroost (combat level 19), which drops 4-10 Eyes of Newt upon defeat—sometimes noted if wearing an Ardougne Cloak. It’s a niche way to farm the item, especially for restricted accounts.
How to Obtain Eye of Newt in OSRS
Getting your hands on an Eye of Newt is straightforward, with multiple acquisition methods catering to different playstyles. Here’s how:
Buying from Shops
The easiest way to stock up is by purchasing Eyes of Newt from various stores across Gielinor:
| Shop | Location | Price (Coins) | Stock |
|---|---|---|---|
| Betty’s Magic Emporium | Port Sarim | 3 | 10 |
| Jatix’s Herblore Shop | Taverley | 3 | 10 |
| Frincos’s Fabulous Herb Store | Entrana | 3 | 10 |
| Eye of Newt Pack (Various) | Multiple Shops | 300-420 | 100 per pack |
Pro Tip: Eye of Newt Packs, containing 100 units, are sold at places like the Myths’ Guild Herbalist (300 coins) or Regath’s Wares (420 coins). These are ideal for bulk buyers training Herblore.
Monster Drops
For players who prefer combat over commerce, several monsters drop Eyes of Newt:
- Catablepons: Found in the Stronghold of Security, with a 1/14 drop rate.
- Cave Crawlers: In Fremennik Slayer Dungeon, dropping at 1/128.
- Armoured Zombies: Misthalin drop small noted stacks, useful for Ironmen.
These drops are less efficient than buying but can supplement your supply during Slayer tasks.
Grand Exchange Trading
The Grand Exchange is the go-to for instant access. With a daily volume exceeding 2.8 million, Eyes of Newt are always available, typically at 4 GP each. It’s the fastest option for players needing large quantities without hopping worlds.
Eye of Newt in the OSRS Economy
While not a high-ticket item, the Eye of Newt has a steady place in the OSRS economy, driven by its utility and accessibility.
Money-Making Potential
One niche money-making method involves buying Eye of Newt Packs (300 coins) and selling the contents individually on the GE (4 GP each, totaling 400 GP). This yields a modest 100 GP profit per pack—small but viable for free-to-play players with limited options. At scale, it can reach 480k GP/hour if sold at a premium, though market fluctuations apply.
Demand and Supply Dynamics
Demand spikes during Herblore training pushes or for Ironmen reliant on shop stock. Supply remains stable thanks to infinite shop inventories and monster drops, keeping prices low. It’s a classic example of a low-value, high-volume item in OSRS.
Tips and Tricks for Using Eye of Newt
To maximize your Eye of Newt experience, consider these practical strategies:
Efficient Herblore Training
For early Herblore levels, stockpile Eyes of Newt and Guam Leaves to spam Attack Potions. At 45 Herblore, switch to Super Attack Potions with Irit Leaves. Buy packs to save time and use noted drops from Newtroosts to stretch your supply.
Ironman Strategies
Ironmen should hit up Catablepons or the Creature Creation minigame for self-sufficiency. The Myths’ Guild shop (post-Dragon Slayer II) offers packs at the best price, making it a hotspot for bulk purchases.
Fun Facts and Trivia
- The Eye of Newt’s design differs from real newts, which have yellow eyes—proof it’s a fictional creation in Gielinor.
- It’s one of the few items referenced in both free-to-play and members’ content, bridging the game’s divide.
- Players once speculated Newts might appear in-game, but Jagex keeps the mystery alive with no sightings.
At just under 2,000 words, this guide covers the Eye of Newt’s role in OSRS comprehensively. From brewing potions to questing and even dabbling in the economy, this humble ingredient punches above its weight. Whether you’re a newbie mixing your first Attack Potion or an Ironman farming Catablepons, the Eye of Newt is a small but mighty part of your RuneScape journey. What’s your favorite use for it? Let us know in the comments!