How to Get to Bardur in OSRS A Step by Step Guide

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), Bardur is a Fremennik warrior located deep within the Waterbirth Island Dungeon. Whether you’re chasing a Fremennik shield for The Fremennik Exiles quest, trading for cooked sharks, or just exploring, reaching Bardur can be a daunting task due to the dungeon’s complex layout and enemies. This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to get to Bardur efficiently, covering preparation, navigation, and tips to make your journey smoother. Optimized for players of all levels, this post ensures you’ll find Bardur without getting lost in the depths!
Bardur is a key NPC for several reasons, making the trek to his location worthwhile. He’s primarily known for trading Fremennik items and aiding players during quests. Here’s why you might need to reach him:
- Quest Item: During The Fremennik Exiles, Bardur sells or gifts a Fremennik shield, essential for progressing the quest.
- Trading Opportunity: He trades cooked sharks for Fremennik blades, shields, or helms, useful for extending Dagannoth slayer trips.
- Lore and Exploration: Bardur’s dialogue and presence add depth to the Fremennik storyline, appealing to lore enthusiasts.
Knowing his location and how to navigate to him is crucial, especially since the dungeon is filled with aggressive monsters and tricky puzzles.
Preparation for the Journey to Bardur
Before heading to Waterbirth Island, proper preparation will save you time and prevent unnecessary deaths. The dungeon is challenging, with enemies using all three combat styles (melee, ranged, and magic). Below are the essentials to bring and consider.
Gear Recommendations
Your gear should balance defense and mobility since you’ll face Dagannoths and potentially other players in PvP worlds. Here’s a suggested setup:
- Melee Armor: Rune or better (e.g., Torag’s or Bandos for high-level players).
- Weapon: A strong melee weapon like a Dragon Scimitar or Abyssal Whip.
- Protective Gear: Anti-dragon shield or Dragonfire shield for Dagannoth attacks.
- Food: Sharks or better to sustain through fights.
- Prayer Potions: To maintain protection prayers (Protect from Melee is key).
Inventory Checklist
Your inventory should include specific items to navigate the dungeon’s puzzles and survive encounters. Here’s a concise list:
Item | Purpose |
---|---|
Rune Thrownaxe (5-10) | Unlock door supports to access deeper levels. |
Pet Rock | Activate floor buttons for gates (skippable with 85 Agility). |
Ring of Charos (a) | Charm Bardur for a free Fremennik shield (optional). |
Seal of Passage | Required unless Elite Fremennik Diary is completed. |
Teleport (e.g., Rellekka House Tab) | Quick escape if needed. |
Skill and Quest Requirements
While no strict skill levels are mandatory, certain skills and quests make the journey easier:
- Combat Level: 70+ recommended for safer navigation.
- Agility: 85 for a shortcut that bypasses puzzle gates (optional).
- Quest: Start The Fremennik Trials to access Waterbirth Island; The Fremennik Exiles for shield-related interactions.
Getting to Waterbirth Island
Bardur resides in the Waterbirth Island Dungeon, so your first step is reaching the island itself. Here’s how to get there from various starting points.
Traveling from Rellekka
Rellekka is the main hub for accessing Waterbirth Island. Follow these steps:
- Teleport to Rellekka: Use an Enchanted Lyre, Fremennik Sea Boots, or a Rellekka House Tab if your player-owned house is set there.
- Find Jarvald: Head to the docks west of the Rellekka marketplace.
- Speak to Jarvald: With a Seal of Passage (or after completing Elite Fremennik Diary), ask to travel to Waterbirth Island. He’ll sail you there for free.
Tip: If exiled during The Fremennik Exiles, Jarvald still allows travel, so no worries about quest status.
Alternative Routes
If you’re not near Rellekka, consider these options:
- Camelot Teleport: Teleport to Camelot, then run north to Rellekka docks.
- Lunar Isle Teleport: If you’ve progressed in the Lunar Diplomacy quest, teleport to Lunar Isle and take a boat back to Rellekka, then to Waterbirth.
- Fairy Rings: Use code CIP to reach Miscellania, sail to Rellekka, then head to Jarvald.
Navigating Waterbirth Island Dungeon to Bardur
Once on Waterbirth Island, enter the dungeon via the hole in the center (use a rope if it’s your first time; Bardur provides one in some quests). The dungeon’s layout is maze-like, with gates, ladders, and aggressive monsters. Follow this detailed path to reach Bardur.
Step 1: First Level and Gate Puzzles
The first level requires you to pass through gated rooms guarded by Dagannoths. Here’s how to proceed:
- Enter the Dungeon: Climb down the ladder in the central hole on Waterbirth Island.
- Unlock Gates: You’ll encounter three gates (north, east, west). To open each:
- Drop your Pet Rock on one floor button.
- Stand on the other button yourself.
- Interact with the gate to pass.
- Combat Tip: Dagannoths here hit hard. Use Protect from Melee and stay alert for multi-combat areas.
Agility Shortcut: If you have 85 Agility, use the rock-climb shortcut to skip gates and head directly to the next ladder.
Step 2: Door Supports and Ladders
After passing the gates, you’ll reach a room with door supports that block your path.
- Use Rune Thrownaxe: Equip a Rune Thrownaxe, use its special attack, and target the west door’s supports (even if you’re at the north or south door). This destroys the supports, unlocking the ladder.
- Descend the Ladder: Climb down to enter sublevel 2.
- Tip: Bring extra thrownaxes (5-10) as the special attack may miss, and each costs one axe.
Step 3: Sublevel Navigation
The lower levels involve a series of ladders and tunnels. Follow this route:
- First Room: Continue straight, ignoring side paths, and climb down the next ladder.
- Two-Ladder Room: When you reach a room with two ladders, take the southern one.
- Final Descent: Keep following ladders downward, staying on the main path. Avoid fighting unless necessary to conserve food.
- Arrival: You’ll eventually enter a room where Bardur is fighting Dagannoth fledgelings. He’s in the center, swinging away!
Note: The dungeon map on the OSRS Wiki can clarify the route if you get lost. Bardur’s room is safe, as fledgelings are non-aggressive.
Tips and Tricks for a Smooth Journey
Reaching Bardur can be tricky, but these tips will streamline your trip and handle common pitfalls.
Combat Strategies
Dagannoths are the main threat. Here’s how to deal with them:
- Prayer Usage: Protect from Melee is your best friend, as most Dagannoths use melee attacks.
- Safe Spots: If overwhelmed, retreat to a ladder or gate to break aggro.
- Conserve Resources: Only fight when necessary to save food and potions for deeper levels.
Quest-Specific Advice
If you’re visiting for The Fremennik Exiles, keep these in mind:
- Free Shield: Wear a Ring of Charos (a) to charm Bardur for a free Fremennik shield, saving 150,000 coins.
- Timing: Visit Bardur after being exiled in the quest, as he’ll be more relevant to your objectives.
Efficiency Hacks
Maximize your trip with these shortcuts:
- Bank Beforehand: Use the Rellekka bank to stock up, as there’s no bank on Waterbirth Island.
- Teleports: Carry a teleport to escape quickly if low on supplies.
- Group Up: If possible, travel with friends to split aggro from monsters.
With these steps and tips, reaching Bardur in the Waterbirth Island Dungeon should be straightforward. Whether you’re grabbing a shield, trading items, or soaking in the Fremennik atmosphere, you’re now equipped to navigate this challenging area. Safe travels, and may your adventures in OSRS be glorious!
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