Heroes’ Quest OSRS Partner Guide: How to Team Up and Succeed

The Heroes’ Quest in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a classic adventure that stands out for its unique requirement: you need a partner to complete it. Released back in 2002, this quest remains a rite of passage for many players aiming to join the Heroes’ Guild and unlock its rewards. Whether you’re a seasoned quester or a newcomer, finding the right partner and understanding the teamwork mechanics can make or break your experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about partnering up for the Heroes’ Quest in OSRS, including tips, strategies, and community resources to ensure success.
Unlike most OSRS quests that you can tackle solo, Heroes’ Quest demands collaboration due to its ties with the Shield of Arrav quest. Your gang affiliation—either the Phoenix Gang or the Black Arm Gang—determines the specific tasks you and your partner must complete. This cooperative element adds a layer of strategy and social interaction, making it one of the more memorable quests in the game.
The Gang Connection
The Heroes’ Quest builds on the gang choice you made during Shield of Arrav. If you’re in the Phoenix Gang, you’ll need a Black Arm Gang partner, and vice versa. This dynamic ensures that each player brings something unique to the table, requiring you to exchange items or assist in specific tasks that your gang affiliation locks you out of completing alone.
What Makes It Unique
The partner mechanic isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a clever design choice that forces players to engage with the OSRS community. You’ll need to coordinate with someone who has the opposite gang affiliation, turning a solo grind into a shared triumph. This aspect has kept the quest relevant and fostered a helping culture among players over the years.
Preparing for Heroes’ Quest with Your Partner
Before you dive into the quest, preparation is key. Both you and your partner need to meet the requirements and gather the right items to avoid hiccups during the journey. Here’s how to get ready.
Quest Requirements
- 55 Quest Points – A decent grind, but achievable with mid-level quests.
- Shield of Arrav Completion – You must have finished this prerequisite and chosen a gang.
- Skills Needed:
Note that these skills can be boosted temporarily with items like stews or potions, so don’t worry if you’re slightly below the mark.
Items to Gather
Here’s a checklist of items you and your partner should bring:
Item | Purpose | How to Obtain |
---|---|---|
Fishing Rod | Catching Lava Eels | Fishing shops (e.g., Port Sarim) |
Blamish Snail Slime | Making Oily Fishing Rod | Gerrant in Port Sarim |
Harralander | Making Oily Fishing Rod | Herblore shops or farming |
Vial of Water | Making Oily Fishing Rod | General stores |
Bow and Arrows (Phoenix Gang) | Killing Grip | Ranged shops |
Black Armor Set (Black Arm Gang) | Entering ScarFace Pete’s Mansion | Varrock/Champions’ Guild |
Coordinate with your partner to split the workload—some items, like the Miscellaneous Key, will need to be traded between you.
Finding a Heroes’ Quest Partner in OSRS
Finding a reliable partner can feel daunting, but the OSRS community has you covered. With the right approach, you’ll be teamed up in no time.
Using Clan Chats Like “OSRS SOA”
The “OSRS SOA” clan chat is a legendary resource for both Shield of Arrav and Heroes’ Quest. Players here often dedicate themselves to helping others, with some even running multiple accounts in both gangs to assist. Hop into the chat, state your gang affiliation, and you’ll likely find someone ready to pair up within minutes.
Forums and Social Media
If clan chats aren’t your speed, check out the OSRS subreddit or official forums. Posts like “Phoenix Gang looking for Black Arm partner” are common, and you can arrange a time that works for both of you. Discord servers dedicated to OSRS are another goldmine for finding quest partners.
Friends or Clanmates
Already have a friend or clanmate who’s done Shield of Arrav? Ask them to check their gang status via the Varrock gang leaders (Straven or Katrine). If they’re in the opposite gang, you’ve got an instant partner—no strangers required.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Heroes’ Quest with a Partner
Once you’ve got your partner, it’s time to tackle the quest. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process, split by gang affiliation.
Phoenix Gang Role
If you’re in the Phoenix Gang, your job revolves around infiltrating ScarFace Pete’s mansion in Brimhaven with your Black Arm partner’s help.
- Get the Miscellaneous Key: Your Black Arm partner gives you this key, obtained from Grip.
- Head to Brimhaven: Travel to Karamja and go to the Shrimp and Parrot pub.
- Use the Key: Enter the mansion’s secret closet (north door) with the key, then shoot Grip through the window with a bow and arrow.
- Collect the Candlestick: Once Grip is dead, your Black Arm partner grabs two candlesticks from the treasure room—one for each of you.
- Return to Varrock: Trade the candlestick to Straven for the Master Thieves’ Armband.
Black Arm Gang Role
For Black Arm Gang members, you’ll take the lead in Brimhaven while your Phoenix partner provides ranged support.
- Acquire Black Armor: Wear a full set (helm, platebody, platelegs) to enter ScarFace Pete’s mansion.
- Talk to Grip: Inside, ask Grip for a job to get the Miscellaneous Key, then pass it to your Phoenix partner.
- Lure Grip: Search a cupboard in the northeast room to draw Grip into position for your partner to shoot him.
- Grab the Candlesticks: After Grip dies, use his dropped keys to enter the treasure room, take two candlesticks, and trade one to your partner.
- Finish in Varrock: Return to Katrine to claim your Master Thieves’ Armband.
Shared Tasks: Lava Eel and Beyond
Regardless of gang, both partners must complete these final steps:
- Craft an Oily Fishing Rod: Combine Blamish Snail Slime, a Harralander, and a Vial of Water, then use it on a regular fishing rod.
- Fish a Lava Eel: Head to Taverley Dungeon’s lava pool (bring bait), catch an eel, and cook it.
- Enter the Heroes’ Guild: With the candlestick, eel, and armband, go to Entrana, then the guild north of Taverley to finish the quest.
Tips for a Smooth Heroes’ Quest Partnership
Teamwork makes the dream work, but a few pro tips can ensure your Heroes’ Quest run is glitch-free.
Communication is Key
Use in-game chat, Discord, or even emotes (if muted) to stay in sync with your partner. Agree on timings—especially for the Grip kill—and double-check that you’ve traded all necessary items.
Leverage Community Help
If your partner bails or you hit a snag, don’t hesitate to return to “OSRS SOA” or ask around in Brimhaven. Players often hang out there to assist, some even safespotting Grip for free.
Boost Skills if Needed
Short on Cooking or Fishing levels? Spicy Stew with yellow spice can boost you up to +5. For Herblore, a Botanical Pie gives a +4 boost—perfect for that Oily Rod prep.
With your partner by your side and these strategies in hand, the Heroes’ Quest becomes less of a challenge and more of a victory lap. Completing it unlocks the Heroes’ Guild, Dragon weapons, and a sense of camaraderie that’s hard to beat in OSRS. So grab a friend—or make a new one—and embark on this iconic quest today!