How to Change Slayer Task in OSRS – Ultimate Guide for Old School RuneScape Players

How to Change Slayer Task in OSRS – Ultimate Guide for Old School RuneScape Players

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), Slayer is one of the most engaging and rewarding skills, tasking players with slaying specific monsters assigned by Slayer Masters. However, not every task suits every player—some are too tedious, others too tough, or simply not worth the time. Knowing how to change your Slayer task is a game-changer, saving you time and boosting efficiency. This guide dives deep into the methods, strategies, and tips for swapping out unwanted tasks, helping you optimize your Slayer grind. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned slayer, read on to master task management!

Sometimes, a Slayer task just doesn’t vibe with your goals. Maybe you’re assigned ankous when you’re chasing profit, or a high-level monster like Cerberus when your gear isn’t ready. Changing tasks lets you tailor your Slayer experience to your playstyle, whether you’re after XP, loot, or just a quicker task. Here’s why players often swap tasks:

  • Profitability: Some tasks, like gargoyles or brutal black dragons, offer better drops.
  • Speed: Faster tasks mean quicker Slayer points and XP.
  • Combat Level: Avoid monsters that are too challenging for your current setup.
  • Preference: Maybe you just hate killing zygomites—fair enough!

Understanding Slayer Task Assignments

Before diving into changing tasks, let’s recap how tasks work. Slayer Masters like Turael, Vannaka, or Duradel assign you a specific monster and quantity to kill. Each master has a task list weighted by combat level, Slayer level, and quest requirements. Higher-tier masters give tougher tasks but reward more points. If you get a task you don’t like, you have options to ditch it without losing too much progress.

Methods to Change Your Slayer Task

Old School RuneScape OSRS Melee Gear Progression Guide Gamer Empire

There are several ways to change your Slayer task in OSRS, each with its pros and cons. Below, we break down the main methods to help you decide which fits your needs.

Using Turael or Spria to Reset Tasks

The simplest way to change a task is by visiting Turael in Burthorpe or Spria in Draynor Village. These low-level Slayer Masters can replace your current task with an easier one, but there’s a catch.

How it works:

  1. Head to Turael (south of Burthorpe’s general store) or Spria (Draynor Village).
  2. Speak to them and ask for a new task.
  3. If your current task isn’t one they assign (e.g., high-level tasks like abyssal demons), they’ll give you a new, easier task like goblins or rats.

Pros:

  • Free and instant.
  • No Slayer points required.
  • Great for skipping tough tasks early on.

Cons:

  • Resets your task streak, meaning no bonus points for milestones (e.g., 10th or 50th task).
  • New tasks are low-XP and low-reward.
  • Won’t work if your task is one Turael/Spria also assign (e.g., desert lizards).

Best for: Low-level players or those desperate to ditch a task without spending points.

Canceling Tasks with Slayer Points

If you’ve got Slayer points to spare, you can cancel a task directly through your current Slayer Master. This method preserves your task streak, which is key for earning bonus points.

How it works:

  1. Right-click your Slayer Master and select “Rewards.”
  2. Go to the “Assignment” tab.
  3. Choose “Cancel task” for 30 Slayer points.
  4. You’ll get a new task immediately.

Pros:

  • Maintains your task streak for bonus points.
  • Quick and reliable.
  • Works with any Slayer Master (except Turael/Spria, who don’t use points).

Cons:

  • Costs 30 Slayer points per cancel.
  • You might get another undesirable task.

Best for: Mid-to-high-level players with a decent point stockpile.

Blocking Unwanted Tasks

For tasks you never want to do, blocking them is the ultimate solution. This removes specific monsters from your Slayer Master’s task pool, but it’s costly and limited.

How it works:

  1. Access the “Rewards” menu at your Slayer Master.
  2. In the “Assignment” tab, select “Block task” for 100 Slayer points.
  3. Choose a monster to block (e.g., ankous or fire giants).

Block Slot Limits:

Quest Points Block Slots
50 1
100 2
150 3
200 4
250 5
300 6
350 7

Pros:

  • Permanently removes hated tasks.
  • Saves time and points in the long run.
  • Improves task quality overall.

Cons:

  • Expensive (100 points per block).
  • Limited slots based on quest points.
  • Requires strategic planning to block the “worst” tasks.

Best for: High-level players optimizing for efficiency or profit.

Strategic Task Management Tips

Changing tasks is only half the battle—smart management ensures you get the most out of Slayer. Here are some pro tips to level up your approach.

Prioritize Task Streaks

Task streaks unlock bonus Slayer points at milestones (10th, 50th, 100th, etc.). Canceling tasks with points keeps your streak intact, so avoid Turael resets unless absolutely necessary. For example, Duradel offers 75 points for every 10th task and 225 for every 50th—huge boosts for unlocks like the Slayer helmet.

Choose the Right Slayer Master

Your Slayer Master matters. Higher-tier masters like Duradel or Konar give better tasks but require higher combat and Slayer levels. If you’re canceling tasks often, stick to a master whose task list aligns with your goals. For instance:

  • Konar: Great for loot-focused players (unique drop table).
  • Duradel: Best for high XP and challenging tasks.
  • Vannaka: Balanced for mid-level players.

Stockpile Slayer Points Early

Points are your currency for task control. Complete every task (even the bad ones) early on to build a point reserve. After your first five tasks, you’ll earn points per completion, doubling after the Smoking Kills quest. Spend wisely—prioritize unlocks like the Slayer ring before blowing points on skips.

Common Tasks to Skip or Block

Not all tasks are created equal. Some are slow, unprofitable, or just plain annoying. Here’s a rundown of tasks players often skip or block, plus why.

Low-XP Tasks

Tasks like ankous or zygomites give poor Slayer XP for the time invested. They’re often skipped by players chasing level 99 or 200m XP.

Unprofitable Tasks

Monsters like fire giants or hellhounds have lackluster drops compared to gargoyles or kurasks. If GP is your goal, block these to focus on money-makers.

Location-Based Hassles

Tasks requiring specific locations, like Konar’s hydras in Karuulm Slayer Dungeon, can be a pain if you lack teleports or gear. Skip these if travel time eats into your efficiency.

Maximizing Efficiency After Changing Tasks

Once you’ve changed your task, make sure you’re set up for success. Here’s how to hit the ground running with your new assignment.

Gear Up Properly

Check your new task’s requirements. Need a nose peg for aberrant spectres? Black mask for boosted XP? Equip the right gear to maximize damage and efficiency. The Slayer helmet (i) is a must for its accuracy and damage buffs on-task.

Use Teleports and Shortcuts

Minimize travel time with teleports like fairy rings, Slayer rings, or your player-owned house portal chamber. For example, a Slayer ring teleports you near Duradel or the Stronghold Slayer Cave—perfect for common tasks.

Leverage the Dwarf Multicannon

For tasks in multi-combat areas, the dwarf multicannon is a game-changer. It speeds up kills, boosting XP and profit. Just watch your cannonball costs—they add up fast!

Pro Tip: Combine the cannon with barraging in areas like the Catacombs of Kourend for insane XP rates.

Changing your Slayer task in OSRS is a powerful tool to shape your gameplay. Whether you’re resetting with Turael, canceling with points, or blocking tasks for good, each method has its place. By understanding task weights, managing points, and picking the right Slayer Master, you can turn Slayer into a smoother, more rewarding grind. Now, grab your enchanted gem, talk to your Slayer Master, and start slaying smarter!