Fastest Way to 99 Hunter OSRS Guide

Fastest Way to 99 Hunter OSRS Guide

Hunting in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is one of those skills that feels like a grind at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s like a rhythm you can’t stop grooving to. I’ve been chasing that sweet 99 Hunter cape for years, and let me tell you, the journey is wild. Whether you’re a newbie just starting out or a seasoned player looking to optimize your grind, this guide will break down the fastest way to 99 Hunter in OSRS. I’ll share my personal experiences, tips, and tricks to make your path to that skill cape as smooth as a freshly caught chinchompa.

Hunter is one of the most profitable skills in OSRS, and it’s also super engaging once you get into it. The thrill of tracking down rare creatures or setting traps in the right spot feels like a mini-adventure every time. Plus, that Hunter cape looks sick with its sleek design. But let’s be real: it’s not just about the cape. Getting to 99 Hunter can bankroll your other skills, fund your gear upgrades, or even help you flex on your friends.

So, what’s the fastest way to 99 Hunter? It depends on your playstyle, budget, and how much time you can dedicate. I’ll walk you through the best methods, from low-level grinding to high-level efficiency, with a sprinkle of my own mistakes and triumphs along the way.

Getting Started with Hunter: Levels 1-20

When I first started Hunter, I was clueless. I thought I could just plop down a bird snare and call it a day. Nope! The early levels are all about learning the basics and getting comfortable with the mechanics. Here’s how to kick things off:

Best Methods for Early Levels

  • Bird Snaring (Levels 1-9): Start at the Feldip Hills with bird snares. You’ll be catching Crimson Swifts, which give 34 XP per catch. It’s simple: place the snare, wait for a bird, and check it when it’s caught. I remember standing there, spam-clicking the snare like it would make the birds come faster. Spoiler: it doesn’t.

  • Tracking Kebbits (Levels 1-13): If you want a bit more action, try tracking Polar Kebbits in the Rellekka Hunter area. You’ll need a noose wand, which you can buy from the Grand Exchange for cheap. Tracking feels like a treasure hunt, and it’s a nice change of pace from bird snaring.

Pro Tip: Bring a few extra snares or wands in case you mess up or want to set multiple traps. Also, wear lightweight gear like Graceful to move faster between spots.

My Early Hunter Struggles

When I was a low-level noob, I didn’t realize you could set multiple traps at higher levels. I was running around with one bird snare, wondering why it was taking forever. Don’t make my mistake! Check your Hunter level and set as many traps as you can (up to 5 at level 80+). It’s a game-changer.

Powering Through Mid-Levels: 20-60

Once you hit level 20, things start getting interesting. You’ve got more options, and the XP starts to feel rewarding. This is where I really got hooked on Hunter. Here’s what worked for me:

Tropical Wagtails and Falconry (20-43)

  • Tropical Wagtails: These are an upgrade from Crimson Swifts, found in the Feldip Hills. They give 95.2 XP per catch, and you’ll need bird snares again. The trick is to find a quiet world to avoid competition. I once spent an hour competing with another player for the same spot. Not fun.

  • Falconry (Levels 43-60): At level 43, head to the Piscatoris Hunter area and try falconry. You borrow a falcon from Matthias for 500 gp and use it to catch Spotted Kebbits (137 XP each). It’s click-intensive, but the XP is decent, and it feels like you’re taming a wild beast.

Why Falconry Feels So Cool

Falconry was my favorite method in the mid-levels. There’s something about commanding a falcon to swoop down and grab a kebbit that makes you feel like a legit hunter. My only gripe? My fingers were sore from all the clicking. If you’re going this route, take breaks to avoid burnout.

Quick Question: Have you tried falconry yet? If not, give it a shot! It’s a vibe.

The Fast Track: Levels 60-99

Alright, this is where the real grind begins. If you’re aiming for the fastest way to 99 Hunter, you’ll need to focus on high-XP methods like Chinchompas and Herbiboar. These methods are where I spent most of my time, and they’re the bread and butter of efficient Hunter training.

Chinchompas: The Money-Making Machine (Levels 53-99)

Chinchompas are the golden ticket to 99 Hunter. They’re fast, profitable, and honestly kinda fun once you get the rhythm down. Here’s the breakdown:

  • Red Chinchompas (Level 63+): Found in the Feldip Hills, these bad boys give 265 XP per catch and sell for a pretty penny on the Grand Exchange. You’ll need box traps, and at higher levels, you can set up to 5 traps for maximum efficiency.

  • Black Chinchompas (Level 73+): These are in the Wilderness (watch out for PKers!). They give 315 XP per catch and are even more valuable. I was super paranoid about getting PKed, so I stuck to low-risk worlds and kept my inventory light.

My Chinchompa Story: I spent weeks hunting red chins, and it felt like a full-time job. But when I saw my bank account hit 10M from selling them, I was over the moon. The trick is to find a spot with minimal competition and master the trap placement. I’d set my traps in a cross pattern to cover more ground.

Table: Chinchompa XP and Profit Comparison

Type

Level Required

XP per Catch

Approx. GP per Catch

Red Chinchompa

63

265

1,000-1,500

Black Chinchompa

73

315

2,000-3,000

Herbiboar: The Endgame Grind (Levels 80-99)

If you’ve got 80 Hunter and 50 Herblore, Herbiboar on Fossil Island is hands-down the fastest way to 99. You’re looking at 150,000-200,000 XP per hour, plus some sweet Herblore XP on the side. Here’s how it works:

  1. Grab a noose wand and head to Fossil Island.

  2. Track the Herbiboar by inspecting burrows and following its trail.

  3. When you find it, you’ll get Hunter XP and some herbs.

Why I Loved Herbiboar: This method is super chill compared to chinchompas. It’s less click-intensive, and the Herblore XP is a nice bonus. I got my Herblore from 50 to 70 just by doing Herbiboar. Plus, the herbs you collect can stack up for decent profit.

Quick Tip: Use the Stamina Potion to keep your run energy up. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.

Boosting Your Efficiency

Want to hit 99 Hunter as fast as possible? Here are some tricks I learned the hard way:

  • Use the Hunter Cape Perk: At 99, the cape lets you set an extra trap. It’s a small boost, but every bit helps.

  • Complete Quests: Quests like Eagles’ Peak and Fossil Island unlock key Hunter areas. Don’t skip them!

  • Hunter Potions: These boost your Hunter level by 3, letting you access higher-level methods early.

  • Tick Manipulation: If you’re a pro, you can use 1.5-tick or 3-tick methods to speed up chinchompa catching. I tried this, and it’s intense but worth it for the XP gains.

Question: Are you planning to go all-in with chinchompas or mix it up with Herbiboar? Let me know what you think!

Avoiding Common Mistakes

I’ve made plenty of blunders on my Hunter journey, so here’s a quick list to keep you on track:

  • Don’t Overcrowd Traps: Placing traps too close together can mess up their mechanics. Space them out!

  • Watch Your Run Energy: Running out of energy mid-Herbiboar hunt is the worst. Keep those stamina pots handy.

  • Avoid PKers in the Wilderness: If you’re hunting black chins, stick to low-risk worlds and don’t bring anything you can’t afford to lose.

My Final Push to 99

When I was closing in on 99, I went all-in on Herbiboar. The XP rates were insane, and I loved the chill vibe of Fossil Island. I’d pop on some music, sip some coffee, and just track those boars for hours. The day I hit 99, I threw a little party in-game with my clan. The Hunter cape was worth every second of the grind.

Fun Fact: Did you know the Hunter skill was added to OSRS in 2006? It’s been a fan favorite ever since.

FAQs About 99 Hunter

Q: How long does it take to get 99 Hunter?
It depends on your method and playtime. With Herbiboar, you can hit 99 in about 60-80 hours from level 80. Chinchompas take a bit longer but are more profitable.

Q: Is Hunter worth it for profit?
Absolutely! Red and black chinchompas can net you millions, and Herbiboar herbs add up over time.

Q: What’s the best gear for Hunter?
Graceful for run energy, plus a noose wand or box traps. Keep it simple!

Final Thoughts

Getting to 99 Hunter in OSRS is a marathon, not a sprint. Whether you’re chasing chins in the Wilderness or tracking Herbiboar on Fossil Island, the key is to find a method that feels fun for YOU. My journey was full of ups and downs, from getting PKed with a full inventory of chins to celebrating that final level-up. Stick with it, and you’ll be rocking that Hunter cape in no time.

What’s your favorite Hunter method? Drop a comment and let me know how your grind’s going!