How to Get to Mithril Dragons in OSRS A Step-by-Step Guide

Mithril Dragons in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) are formidable foes found in the Ancient Cavern, offering valuable loot like the Dragon Full Helm and Draconic Visage. Reaching them requires specific steps, preparation, and knowledge of the game’s mechanics. This guide walks you through how to get to Mithril Dragons, covering requirements, travel routes, and tips to make your journey smooth. Whether you’re a slayer enthusiast or chasing rare drops, read on to master the path to these metallic beasts.
Mithril Dragons reside in the Ancient Cavern, a dungeon accessible only after completing part of the Barbarian Training miniquest. These level 304 dragons are the third-strongest metal dragons, using melee, ranged, magic, and powerful dragonfire attacks. Knowing their location and how to access it is crucial for efficient trips.
Why Visit Mithril Dragons?
Players seek out Mithril Dragons for several reasons:
- Rare Drops: They’re the only monsters dropping the Dragon Full Helm, with a 1/250 chance when using chewed bones on a pyre ship.
- Slayer Tasks: Assignable after unlocking for 80 Slayer reward points, they’re profitable with an average kill value of 15,224.28 coins (or 21,959.49 with chewed bones).
- Diary Requirements: Killing one is needed for the Hard Kandarin Diary.
Where Are They Exactly?
Mithril Dragons are on the top level of the Ancient Cavern, south of Baxtorian Falls. You’ll need to navigate past other monsters, like brutal green dragons, to reach them. The cavern’s entrance is a whirlpool near Otto’s Grotto, but alternative routes exist for faster access.
Meeting the Requirements for Access
Before you can set foot in the Ancient Cavern, you must meet specific requirements tied to the Barbarian Training miniquest. Here’s what you need.
Barbarian Training Firemaking
To enter the Ancient Cavern, complete the Firemaking portion of Barbarian Training:
- Level 35 Firemaking: Required to light logs with a bow.
- Level 11 Crafting: Needed for pyre ship construction later.
- Items: An oak log and a bow (willow, oak, or maple).
Head to Otto Godblessed, west of Baxtorian Falls, and ask about Barbarian Firemaking. He’ll teach you to light oak logs without a tinderbox. Once done, speak to him about pyre ships to unlock whirlpool access.
Recommended Combat Stats and Gear
While not mandatory, these stats and items make reaching and fighting Mithril Dragons easier:
- Combat Level 80+: To handle the dragons’ attacks.
- Antifire Protection: Extended antifire potion or super antifire potion, paired with an anti-dragon or dragonfire shield.
- Teleport Items: Games necklace or fairy ring for quick travel.
Fastest Routes to the Ancient Cavern
Getting to the Ancient Cavern efficiently depends on your teleportation options and familiarity with the area. Below are the best methods to reach the whirlpool entrance.
Method 1 Games Necklace to Barbarian Outpost
This is the quickest and most accessible route:
- Use a Games Necklace to teleport to the Barbarian Outpost.
- Run south to the pier near Otto’s Grotto.
- Jump into the whirlpool to enter the Ancient Cavern.
Pro Tip: Keep a Games Necklace in your inventory for fast return trips.
Method 2 Fairy Ring Teleport
If you’ve unlocked the fairy ring in the Ancient Cavern, this is a great alternative:
- Requirements: Partial completion of Fairy Tale II – Cure a Queen and 5 bittercap mushrooms to repair the fairy ring (code BJQ).
- Teleport to the Ancient Cavern using fairy ring code BJQ.
- Run east past waterfiends and brutal green dragons, then climb the stairs to the Mithril Dragons.
Note: You can’t bring a familiar through the whirlpool, so the fairy ring saves an inventory slot if you use summoning.
Method 3 Alternative Travel Options
If you lack a Games Necklace or fairy ring access, try these:
- Gnome Glider: Fly to the Tree Gnome Stronghold, then use the shortcut north of the Grand Tree to reach Baxtorian Falls Lake.
- Spirit Tree: Teleport to the Tree Gnome Stronghold and follow the same shortcut.
- Grouping Teleport: Use the Barbarian Outpost teleport via the Grouping interface.
These methods are slower but viable for early-game players.
Navigating the Ancient Cavern to Mithril Dragons
Once inside the Ancient Cavern, you’ll need to move quickly to avoid unnecessary combat. Here’s how to reach the Mithril Dragons.
Step-by-Step Navigation
- Enter the Cavern: Jump into the whirlpool to land at the cavern’s entrance.
- Go Downstairs: Climb down the stairs immediately in front of you.
- Run South: Head south past brutal green dragons and barbarian spirits. Watch your health, as these monsters can hit hard.
- Climb Upstairs: Find a set of stairs in the southeast corner and climb up to the top level.
- Locate the Dragons: You’ll find two Mithril Dragons surrounded by mithril rocks and stalagmites.
Tips for Safe Travel
- Avoid Aggression: Turn off auto-retaliate to prevent engaging brutal green dragons.
- Bring Food: Pack high-healing food like sharks in case you take hits en route.
- Use Protect Prayers: If you’re low on health, use Protect from Melee or Ranged while running past enemies.
Preparing for the Fight What to Bring
Reaching Mithril Dragons is only half the battle. You’ll need the right gear and supplies to survive their attacks. Here’s a breakdown of essentials.
Recommended Inventory
Item | Purpose |
---|---|
Extended Antifire Potion | Protects against dragonfire for 12 minutes. |
Super Combat Potion | Boosts Attack, Strength, and Defence. |
Prayer Potions (2-3) | Restores prayer points for protection prayers. |
High-Healing Food (15-20) | Sharks or better to tank hits. |
Games Necklace | Quick teleport back to Barbarian Outpost. |
Emergency Teleport | Teleport to House tablet for quick escapes. |
Gear Suggestions
Mithril Dragons are weak to stab and magic, especially earth spells. Here are two effective setups:
- Melee Setup:
- Weapon: Zamorakian Hasta or Dragon Hunter Lance (stab weapons).
- Armour: Bandos or Karil’s for high defence.
- Prayer: Protect from Melee or Magic, depending on your armour’s weakness.
- Magic Setup:
Dragonfire Protection: Always use an antifire potion with an anti-dragon or dragonfire shield, or a super antifire potion alone.
Combat Tips
- Stay at Range: If using magic or ranged, keep your distance to avoid melee hits.
- Prayer Switching: Prioritize Protect from Missiles if ranging or maging, as their ranged attack hits up to 22.
- Monitor Health: Their melee can hit 28, so stay above 40 hitpoints.
With these steps, you’re ready to navigate to Mithril Dragons and tackle them head-on. Use the Games Necklace for speed, prepare your inventory, and choose a combat style that suits your stats. Happy dragon hunting, and may the Dragon Full Helm be yours!