How to Get Beginner Clue Scrolls in OSRS: A Complete Guide
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers a variety of exciting activities, and one of the most engaging is the Treasure Trails minigame. At the heart of this adventure are clue scrolls, with beginner clue scrolls being the easiest and most accessible tier, perfect for new players and veterans alike. If you’re wondering how to get beginner clue scrolls in OSRS, this guide will walk you through every method, from monster drops to skilling, with tips to maximize your efficiency. Whether you’re a free-to-play (F2P) adventurer or a member looking to stock up, we’ve got you covered!
Before diving into how to obtain them, let’s clarify what beginner clue scrolls are. These are the entry-level tier of clue scrolls in OSRS, designed to introduce players to the Treasure Trails system. Unlike higher tiers (easy, medium, hard, elite, and master), beginner clue scrolls are available to both F2P and members, making them unique. They typically involve 1-3 steps, such as talking to an NPC, performing an emote, or digging at a specific spot, and reward players with modest loot like coins, runes, or F2P items.
Why Hunt for Beginner Clue Scrolls?
Beginner clue scrolls are more than just a newbie activity. They’re a low-risk, fun way to explore Gielinor, learn game mechanics, and earn rewards. Plus, completing 600 beginner clues unlocks the coveted “Explore” emote—a badge of dedication for any player. For F2P players, they’re the only clue scrolls available, making them a key part of the free experience.
Methods to Get Beginner Clue Scrolls
There are several ways to obtain beginner clue scrolls in OSRS, ranging from combat to skilling and even passive collection. Below, we’ll break down each method so you can choose the one that suits your playstyle.
Killing Low-Level Monsters
The most straightforward way to get beginner clue scrolls is by defeating low-level monsters. These drops are random, but the more you kill, the better your chances. This method is ideal for F2P players and early-game adventurers with basic combat skills.
- Goblins: Found in Lumbridge and near Varrock, goblins have a 1/64 drop rate. Their low hitpoints (5-13) and dense spawns make them a top choice for clue farming.
- Minotaurs: Located in the Stronghold of Security (first floor), minotaurs offer a 1/60 drop rate. They’re slightly tougher (level 12-27) but drop right skull halves to recharge the Skull Sceptre, aiding mobility.
- Hill Giants: In the Edgeville Dungeon, these level 28 monsters have a 1/50 drop rate. They’re great for players with moderate combat stats.
- Bryophyta and Obor (Members): These F2P bosses guarantee a beginner clue scroll drop, but require a mossy key (Bryophyta) or giant key (Obor), making them less consistent for farming.
Tip: Use a fast-attacking weapon like a scimitar or a cannon (for members) to speed up kills. Goblins are the go-to for sheer efficiency due to their numbers and low stats.
Skilling for Clue Scrolls
If combat isn’t your thing, skilling offers a passive way to snag beginner clue scrolls. These drops come in the form of clue bottles, geodes, or nests, depending on the skill.
- Fishing (Clue Bottles): Catch fish anywhere in Gielinor, and you might reel in a clue bottle. Higher Fishing levels increase your odds, but even level 1 players can get them with shrimp.
- Mining (Clue Geodes): Mine any rock, from copper to runite, for a chance at a clue geode. The drop rate improves with higher-level ores, but it’s viable at all levels.
- Woodcutting (Clue Nests): Chop trees or ivy to find clue nests. Like other skilling methods, the chance scales with the tree’s level (e.g., oaks vs. yews).
Tip: Combine skilling with other goals—like training for a pet or gathering resources—to make clue hunting feel less grindy. Birdhouse runs (members) also yield clue nests passively.
Hunting Implings (Members Only)
For members, implings are the fastest, albeit costly, way to farm beginner clue scrolls. These fluttering creatures can be caught with a butterfly net and jar, or bought from the Grand Exchange (GE) and opened.
- Baby Implings: Require 17 Hunter, with a 1/50 chance of dropping a beginner clue scroll. They’re cheap on the GE (around 1k gp each).
- Young Implings: Need 22 Hunter, offering a 1/25 drop rate. They cost more (around 2-3k gp) but double your efficiency.
Tip: Buy young impling jars from the GE and open them in bulk for the quickest results. This method burns cash but saves time—perfect if you’re after the Explore emote fast.
Efficient Strategies for Farming Beginner Clue Scrolls
Now that you know where to get beginner clue scrolls, let’s optimize your approach. Efficiency is key, especially if you’re aiming for that 600-clue milestone.
Best Gear and Setup
Your gear depends on your method, but here’s a general setup:
| Method | Recommended Gear | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Monster Killing | Best melee weapon (e.g., Rune Scimitar), light armor, Skull Sceptre (optional) | Goblin Village, Stronghold of Security |
| Skilling | Appropriate tool (e.g., pickaxe, axe, net), weight-reducing gear (e.g., Graceful) | Varrock mines, Lumbridge trees |
| Impling Hunting | Butterfly net, impling jars, stamina potions | Puro-Puro or GE (for buying) |
Tip: For combat, prioritize attack speed over strength to maximize kills per hour. For skilling, use weight-reducing items to conserve run energy.
Drop Trick for Multiple Scrolls
You can only hold one beginner clue scroll at a time (in your inventory, bank, or Death’s Office), but there’s a workaround. The “drop trick” lets you stockpile scrolls:
- Obtain a clue scroll or container (e.g., bottle, geode, nest).
- Drop it on the ground in a safe spot.
- Continue your activity to get another.
- Pick up all dropped scrolls when done.
Note: Dropped scrolls follow you if you hop worlds and persist through logouts or updates, resetting their 61-minute despawn timer. This is clutch for skilling or crowded areas like Crashed Stars.
Tips for Completing Beginner Clue Scrolls
Getting the scrolls is half the battle—completing them is the other. Here’s how to breeze through your Treasure Trails.
Preparation Checklist
Before starting, gather these essentials:
- Spade: For digging clues.
- Teleportation Items: Teleport tabs (Varrock, Lumbridge) or jewelry (e.g., Games Necklace).
- Charlie the Tramp Items: Iron ore, raw herring, leather body, etc., for his tasks.
Tip: Store extras in your bank to grab as needed. A hidey-hole (12 Construction) near clue spots can stash items too.
Common Clue Types
Beginner clues are simple but varied. Expect these:
- Emote Clues: Equip items and perform an emote (e.g., “Cheer at Iffie Nitter with a chef’s hat”).
- Charlie the Tramp Tasks: Deliver items to Charlie in Varrock.
- Hot/Cold Clues: Use a strange device from Reldo to find a dig spot.
Tip: Use the OSRS Wiki for exact locations and solutions—it’s a lifesaver for first-timers.
Why Beginner Clue Scrolls Matter in 2025
As of April 07, 2025, beginner clue scrolls remain a staple of OSRS. They’re a gateway to the broader Treasure Trails system, teaching mechanics that scale to higher tiers. For F2P players, they’re a rare chance to engage in this iconic activity without a membership. Plus, with the game’s ever-growing community, farming these scrolls is a nostalgic yet rewarding grind that keeps players coming back.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re slaying goblins, chopping trees, or chasing implings, getting beginner clue scrolls in OSRS is a flexible and fun pursuit. Start with goblins for F2P simplicity, or splurge on young implings if you’re a member with gp to burn. With the right strategy, you’ll be stacking scrolls and chasing that Explore emote in no time. So grab your spade, pick your method, and let the treasure hunt begin!
Happy hunting, adventurers!