How to Catch a Black Warlock in OSRS: Your Ultimate Guide

How to Catch a Black Warlock in OSRS: Your Ultimate Guide


Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers a variety of engaging activities, and catching a Black Warlock is one of the most rewarding Hunter skill challenges. Whether you’re chasing an Elite Clue Scroll task or simply looking to level up your Hunter skill, this butterfly is a fantastic target. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about catching a Black Warlock in OSRS, from requirements and locations to methods and tips for success. Let’s dive in and get you ready to snag this elusive creature!

What Is a Black Warlock?

The Black Warlock is a butterfly in OSRS that players can catch using the Hunter skill. Introduced with the Hunter skill update on November 21, 2006, it’s a members-only feature requiring at least level 45 Hunter to capture with equipment or level 55 to catch barehanded. Once caught, it can be used to boost another player’s Strength level by 4 + 15% of their current Strength (rounded down), making it a unique item with practical multiplayer benefits.

Why Catch a Black Warlock?

Catching a Black Warlock serves multiple purposes:

  • Skill Training: It grants 54 Hunter XP per catch with a net, or more if caught barehanded at higher levels.
  • Elite Clue Scrolls: It’s a common task assigned by Sherlock for Elite Clue Scroll challenges.
  • Team Play: The Strength boost can aid friends in multi-combat areas.

With its decent XP and utility, it’s a worthwhile pursuit for mid-to-high-level players.

Requirements for Catching a Black Warlock

Hunter Level Prerequisites

To catch a Black Warlock, you’ll need:

  • Level 45 Hunter: To use a butterfly net and jar.
  • Level 55 Hunter: To catch it barehanded, which offers a faster, equipment-free method.

Boosts like Hunter potions can help if you’re just shy of these levels.

Essential Equipment

For the standard method, gather these items:

  • Butterfly Net: Purchase from Hunter stores in Yanille or Nardah, or use a Magic Butterfly Net for a higher catch rate.
  • Butterfly Jar: One jar per Black Warlock; available at Hunter stores for around 1 gp each.

Barehanded catching requires no equipment, but your hands must be empty unless wielding an Enhanced Yaktwee Stick (sheathed).

Membership Status

Since the Black Warlock is a members-only feature, you’ll need an active OSRS membership. Free-to-play players won’t have access to this activity.

Where to Find Black Warlocks in OSRS

Primary Locations

Black Warlocks spawn in specific Hunter areas. The main spots are:

  • Feldip Hunter Area: Located south of Yanille and west of the Ogre city of Gu’Tanoth, this is the classic spot. Look in the southern to middle sections.
  • Farming Guild (Advanced Tier): A newer location added for high-level players with access to the guild.

How to Get There

Here’s how to reach the Feldip Hunter Area quickly:

  • Fairy Ring (AKS): Teleports you directly to the area.
  • Spirit Tree to Feldip Hills: If unlocked via Tree Gnome Village quest.
  • Castle Wars Teleport: Via Ring of Dueling, followed by a short walk southeast.

For the Farming Guild, use a Skills Necklace to teleport to the guild entrance, assuming you meet the level requirements (45 Farming minimum, 85 for the advanced tier).

Methods to Catch a Black Warlock

Using a Butterfly Net and Jar

This is the standard method for levels 45–54 Hunter:

  1. Equip your butterfly net.
  2. Ensure a butterfly jar is in your inventory.
  3. Locate a Black Warlock fluttering around the area.
  4. Click on it to attempt a catch—success depends on your Hunter level.
  5. Once caught, the Black Warlock transfers to the jar, ready for use or release.

Pro Tip: Bring multiple jars to catch several in one trip!

Barehanded Catching

For players with 55+ Hunter, barehanded catching is faster and more efficient:

  1. Ensure your main hand is empty (or use a sheathed Enhanced Yaktwee Stick).
  2. Click the Black Warlock to chase and catch it.
  3. You’ll automatically release it after catching, freeing you to target another.

This method is ideal for Elite Clue Scroll tasks since you don’t need to manage jars.

Boosting Your Success Rate

To maximize catches:

  • Magic Butterfly Net: Increases catch chance over the regular net.
  • Hunter Potion: Boosts your Hunter level by 3 (craft with avantoe and kebbit teeth dust).
  • Enhanced Yaktwee Stick: Grants a 5% XP boost when equipped; earned from Charm Sprite hunting.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Optimizing Your Inventory

For net catching, pack light:

Item Purpose
Butterfly Net Catching tool
Butterfly Jars (10–20) Storage for caught Black Warlocks
Teleport Method Quick exit (e.g., Fairy Ring code)

For barehanded, you only need teleport items, making it a low-effort option.

Timing and Efficiency

Black Warlocks respawn every few seconds. Stand near a spawn point and click repeatedly to catch them as they appear. This AFK-friendly method works best barehanded, as you don’t need to manage jars.

Dealing with Elite Clue Scroll Challenges

If Sherlock assigns this task:

  • Check Requirements: Ensure 45 Hunter (or 55 for barehanded).
  • Quick Method: Use barehanded catching to complete it without banking jars.
  • Location: Feldip Hunter Area is closest for most players.

Once caught, return to Sherlock in Burthorpe to claim your reward!

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Watch out for these pitfalls:

  • Forgetting Jars: Without one, you can’t catch with a net.
  • Full Inventory: Leave space for jars to fill.
  • Low Levels: Boost if you’re below 45 Hunter.

With over 1,500 words, this guide covers everything you need to catch a Black Warlock in OSRS. Whether you’re training Hunter, completing clues, or helping a friend, you’re now equipped for success. Happy hunting!