How to Get a Rusty Sword in Old School RuneScape

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the rusty sword is a unique, untradable item that players need for specific tasks, such as completing the Easy Ardougne Achievement Diary. While it may seem like a simple piece of junk, obtaining and using a rusty sword can unlock rewards and provide low-level players with a chance to gain Smithing experience. This guide will walk you through the easiest and most efficient ways to get a rusty sword, along with tips on what to do with it once you have one. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned adventurer, read on to discover how to secure this elusive item.

The rusty sword isn’t just a random item—it serves a purpose in OSRS gameplay. Primarily, it’s required for a task in the Easy Ardougne Achievement Diary, where you must have Tindel Marchant in Port Khazard identify it. Beyond that, repairing a rusty sword can yield a random sword (from bronze to mithril) and grant 25 Smithing experience, making it a small but useful activity for low-level players looking to train skills or save gold.

Key Uses of the Rusty Sword

Ardougne Diary Task: Hand it to Tindel Marchant for diary progress.
Smithing Experience: Repair it to earn 25 Smithing XP.
Random Sword Reward: Get a usable sword, which can be handy for low-level combat or selling.

Easiest Methods to Obtain a Rusty Sword

There are several ways to get a rusty sword in OSRS, and the best method depends on your skill levels and preferences. Below, we’ll cover the most accessible options for players of all types, focusing on low-level requirements and efficiency.

Pickpocketing H.A.M. Members

One of the fastest and easiest ways to get a rusty sword is by pickpocketing H.A.M. (Humans Against Monsters) members in the H.A.M. Hideout in Lumbridge. This method requires only 15 Thieving, making it accessible to most players.

Location: H.A.M. Hideout, behind Lumbridge Castle.
How to Access: Pick the lock on the trapdoor (no additional items needed).
Drop Rate: Approximately 1/25 chance per successful pickpocket.
Tip: Bring food if your Thieving level is low, as failing a pickpocket can deal damage and knock you out.

Pro Tip: With decent Thieving (around 30+), you can get a rusty sword in just a few minutes of pickpocketing. It’s faster than other methods for most players.

Killing H.A.M. Guards

If combat is more your style, you can kill H.A.M. Guards in the same H.A.M. Hideout. These guards have combat levels of 12, 18, and 22, so they’re manageable for low-level players.

Requirements: Basic combat gear (no specific level needed).
Drop Rate: Roughly 1/27.5 chance per kill.
Advantage: You can also gain combat XP while farming the sword.
Drawback: Slightly slower than pickpocketing due to respawn times.

Playing the Fishing Trawler Minigame

For players who enjoy minigames, the Fishing Trawler offers a chance to obtain a rusty sword as a reward. This method requires 15 Fishing and is a good option if you’re also aiming for the Angler’s Outfit.

Location: Port Khazard docks.
Requirements: 15 Fishing, swamp paste, and ropes (optional: bailing bucket).
Drop Rate: Common reward, but depends on game success.
Tip: Use the Grouping Menu’s Fishing Trawler teleport to get there quickly.

Note: A single Fishing Trawler game takes about 5 minutes, and you’re likely to get a rusty sword within a few rounds, especially if you contribute to the minigame’s success.

Alternative Methods for Getting a Rusty Sword

If the above methods don’t suit you, there are other ways to obtain a rusty sword, though they may require more effort or higher skill levels.

Digging at the Digsite

Players who have started or partially completed The Dig Site quest can dig at Level 1 soil sites for a chance to get a rusty sword. This method is reliable but requires some quest progress.

Requirements: Partial completion of The Dig Site, leather gloves, leather boots, and a trowel.
Location: Digsite, near the eastern winch.
Drop Rate: Approximately 1/12 chance per dig.
Advantage: Faster than pickpocketing for players with quest progress.

Monster Drops

Certain monsters drop rusty swords, but this is generally the least efficient method due to lower drop rates and higher combat requirements for some enemies.

Monster	Combat Level	Drop Rate	Location
H.A.M. Guard	12, 18, 22	1/27.5	H.A.M. Hideout
Crazy Archaeologist	204	1/32	Wilderness

Recommendation: Stick to H.A.M. Guards unless you’re already fighting other monsters for unrelated tasks.

What to Do With a Rusty Sword

Once you have a rusty sword, you have a few options depending on your goals. Here’s how to make the most of it.

Complete the Ardougne Diary Task

For the Easy Ardougne Diary, take the rusty sword to Tindel Marchant in Port Khazard. He’ll identify it for 100 coins, completing the task.

Location: Port Khazard docks, near the Fishing Trawler.
Cost: 100 coins.
Reward: Progress toward Ardougne Diary rewards, including XP lamps and teleports.

Repair the Rusty Sword

You can repair the rusty sword to get a random sword (bronze to mithril, with iron being most common) and 25 Smithing XP. There are three repair methods:

Tindel Marchant: Pay 100 coins for a guaranteed repair.
Whetstone: Use a whetstone in a player-owned house (requires 35 Construction), but there’s a risk of breaking the sword.
Armour Stand: Repair on an armour stand in a player-owned house, with break chance decreasing as Smithing level increases.

Warning: Repairing on a whetstone or armour stand can destroy the sword, so Tindel Marchant is the safest option if you only have one.

Tips and Tricks for Success

To make your rusty sword hunt as smooth as possible, keep these tips in mind:

Prioritize Pickpocketing: H.A.M. Members are the fastest method for most players due to the low Thieving requirement and decent drop rate.
Combine Goals: If doing Fishing Trawler, aim for the Angler’s Outfit while farming rusty swords.
Check Your Inventory: Rusty swords are untradable, so ensure you have space before starting.
Boost Smithing for Repairs: If repairing yourself, higher Smithing reduces the chance of breaking the sword.
Use Teleports: Lumbridge Home Teleport or Grouping Menu teleports save time when heading to the H.A.M. Hideout or Port Khazard.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some pitfalls to watch out for when chasing a rusty sword:

Trying to Buy It

The rusty sword is untradable, so you can’t purchase it from the Grand Exchange. You must obtain it through one of the methods above.

Ignoring Requirements

Don’t waste time at the Digsite without starting The Dig Site quest, as you won’t be able to dig without the necessary items and progress.

Overcomplicating Repairs

If you only need the sword for the Ardougne Diary, don’t risk breaking it on a whetstone—just take it to Tindel Marchant.

By following this guide, you’ll have a rusty sword in no time, whether you’re completing the Ardougne Diary or just exploring OSRS’s quirky item mechanics. Got a rusty sword story or another method we missed? Share your thoughts in the comments below!