How to Get a Rusty Sword in OSRS

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the Rusty Sword is a unique, untradable item that holds nostalgic value and serves a specific purpose, particularly for completing the Easy Ardougne Achievement Diary. While it’s not a powerful weapon, its role in tasks and its quirky charm make it a sought-after item for players. This guide will walk you through the various methods to obtain a Rusty Sword, repair it, and use it effectively, ensuring you can check off that diary task or add it to your collection.

The Rusty Sword is more than just a piece of junk. It’s a requirement for the Easy Ardougne Achievement Diary, where you need to have Tindel Marchant in Port Khazard identify it. Additionally, repairing it can yield a random sword (from bronze to mithril) and grant 25 Smithing experience, making it a small but useful item for low-level players. Since it’s untradable and can’t be bought on the Grand Exchange, you’ll need to acquire it through specific in-game methods, which we’ll cover below.

Key Uses of the Rusty Sword

• Achievement Diary: Essential for the Easy Ardougne Diary task.
• Smithing Experience: Repairing it provides 25 Smithing XP.
• Random Sword Reward: Repairing may yield a bronze, iron, steel, black, or mithril sword or longsword.

Methods to Obtain a Rusty Sword

There are several reliable ways to get a Rusty Sword in OSRS, each suited to different player levels and preferences. Below, we detail the most effective methods, ordered by ease and accessibility for low-level players.

Pickpocketing H.A.M. Members

One of the easiest and fastest ways to obtain a Rusty Sword is by pickpocketing H.A.M. Members in the H.A.M. Hideout in Lumbridge. This method requires only 15 Thieving, making it accessible to most players.

• Location: The H.A.M. Hideout is behind Lumbridge Castle. Right-click the trapdoor and select “pick-lock” to enter.
• Requirements: 15 Thieving.
• Drop Rate: Approximately 1/25 chance per successful pickpocket.
• Tips: Wear Dodgy Necklaces to reduce the chance of being caught. Expect to get a Rusty Sword within 20–30 pickpockets, though RNG can vary.

Pro Tip: If you’re repeatedly caught and knocked out, bring some food or use the nearby bank to restock. This method is faster than others for most players.

Killing H.A.M. Guards

If combat is more your style, killing H.A.M. Guards in the same H.A.M. Hideout is another viable option. These guards are low-level and drop Rusty Swords at a decent rate.

• Location: Inside the H.A.M. Hideout, accessible via the Lumbridge trapdoor.
• Requirements: No specific level, but 20–30 Combat is recommended for efficiency.
• Drop Rate: 1/27.5 chance per kill.
• Tips: Bring basic combat gear and food. The guards are levels 12, 18, and 22, so they’re manageable for low-level players.

Playing the Fishing Trawler Minigame

The Fishing Trawler minigame in Port Khazard offers a chance to obtain a Rusty Sword as a reward. This method is ideal for players who enjoy minigames or are working toward the Angler’s Outfit.

• Location: Port Khazard docks. Use the Fishing Trawler minigame teleport (requires 15 Fishing).
• Requirements: 15 Fishing.
• Drop Rate: Common reward, though exact rates are unlisted. You’re likely to get one after a few games.
• Tips: Bring swamp paste and bailing buckets to contribute effectively. Games last about 5 minutes, so this is slower than pickpocketing but offers additional rewards.

Digging at the Digsite

For players who have started or completed The Dig Site quest, excavating Level 1 dig sites is a reliable way to get a Rusty Sword.

• Location: Digsite, east of Varrock.
• Requirements: Partial completion of The Dig Site, Leather Gloves, Leather Boots, and a Trowel (obtained during the quest).
• Drop Rate: 1/12 chance per dig.
• Tips: Focus on Level 1 soil for the best chance. This method is faster than Fishing Trawler but requires quest progress.

Monster Drops

As a last resort, certain monsters drop Rusty Swords. However, this method is less efficient due to higher combat requirements for some enemies.

Monster	Combat Level	Drop Rate	Location
H.A.M. Guards	12, 18, 22	1/27.5	H.A.M. Hideout
Crazy Archaeologist	204	1/32	Ruins of Camdozaal

Note: Avoid high-level monsters like the Crazy Archaeologist unless you’re well-equipped, as they’re not practical for most players seeking a Rusty Sword.

Repairing the Rusty Sword

Once you’ve obtained a Rusty Sword, you can repair it for a chance at a usable weapon and Smithing experience. There are three repair methods, each with a risk of breaking the sword.

Tindel Marchant in Port Khazard

The most straightforward method is to take the Rusty Sword to Tindel Marchant, who will identify and repair it for 100 coins. This is also the method required for the Ardougne Easy Diary.

• Location: Port Khazard docks, near the Fishing Trawler.
• Cost: 100 coins.
• Outcome: Random sword or longsword (bronze to mithril, iron most common). Rarely, the sword may be deemed junk (1/96 chance), requiring you to get another.

Whetstone or Armour Stand

Players with a whetstone or armour stand in their Player-owned House (POH) can repair the sword themselves, but this carries a higher risk of breaking.

• Requirements: 35 Construction for a whetstone, higher for an armour stand.
• Success Rate: Improves with higher Smithing levels.
• Outcome: 25 Smithing XP if successful; otherwise, the sword breaks.

Tip: Use Tindel Marchant for the diary task, as it’s safer and fulfills the requirement directly.

Tips for Efficient Rusty Sword Farming

To make your Rusty Sword hunt as smooth as possible, consider these strategies:

• Prioritize Pickpocketing: H.A.M. Members are the fastest and most accessible source for low-level players.
• Combine Activities: If playing Fishing Trawler, aim for the Angler’s Outfit while farming swords.
• Check Inventory Space: Ensure you have at least one slot free before starting.
• Be Patient with RNG: Drop rates are decent, but bad luck can happen. Stick with it!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some pitfalls to watch out for when chasing a Rusty Sword:

Assuming It’s Tradable

Many players mistakenly think they can buy a Rusty Sword on the Grand Exchange. Since it’s untradable, you must obtain it yourself.

Ignoring Requirements

Ensure you meet the Thieving, Fishing, or quest requirements for your chosen method to avoid wasted time.

Overcomplicating the Process

Stick to simple methods like pickpocketing or killing H.A.M. Guards unless you’re already at the Digsite or Fishing Trawler for other goals.

By following this guide, you’ll have a Rusty Sword in no time, ready to complete the Ardougne Easy Diary or experiment with repairs. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned adventurer, the Rusty Sword’s quirky charm makes it a fun item to pursue in OSRS.