How to Get to the Catacombs in OSRS: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Get to the Catacombs in OSRS: A Step-by-Step Guide


Navigating the world of Old School RuneScape (OSRS) can be an adventure in itself, especially when it comes to reaching unique locations like the Catacombs of Kourend. Whether you’re a Slayer enthusiast looking to tackle high-level monsters or a curious explorer wanting to uncover the secrets beneath Great Kourend, knowing how to get to the Catacombs is essential. This massive dungeon, located under the kingdom of Great Kourend, offers a variety of monsters, exclusive drops, and even a Prayer restoration mechanic that makes it a hotspot for players. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through every method to reach the Catacombs in OSRS, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your journey. Let’s dive in!

Before we get into the “how,” let’s briefly explore the “why.” The Catacombs of Kourend isn’t just another dungeon—it’s a treasure trove of opportunities for OSRS players. From Slayer tasks to rare loot, here’s what makes it worth the trip:

Unique Features of the Catacombs

  • Slayer Heaven: The Catacombs house stronger versions of common Slayer monsters like Nechryaels, Abyssal Demons, and Dust Devils, making it a prime spot for training.
  • Prayer Restoration: Burying bones here restores Prayer points (1 for regular bones, 2 for big bones, 4 for dragon bones), reducing the need for Prayer potions.
  • Exclusive Drops: Monsters drop Ancient Shards and Dark Totem pieces, which can be used to craft the powerful Arclight weapon or access the Skotizo boss.
  • Multi-Combat Zones: Most areas allow for multi-combat, perfect for using area-of-effect attacks like Ancient Magicks.

Who Should Visit?

This dungeon is ideal for mid-to-high-level players (combat level 50+) focusing on Slayer, combat training, or bossing. If you’re chasing profit, XP, or just a new challenge, the Catacombs has something for you.

Getting Started: Prerequisites for Reaching the Catacombs

Catacombes de Paris

Before you can set foot in the Catacombs, you’ll need to unlock access to Great Kourend. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

Quest Requirements

To reach Great Kourend, you must at least start the “Client of Kourend” quest. However, a small prerequisite quest comes first:

  • X Marks the Spot: This beginner-friendly quest takes about 10-15 minutes and unlocks travel to Port Sarim’s docks, where you can sail to Kourend. Speak to Veos in Lumbridge to begin.
  • Client of Kourend: After completing “X Marks the Spot,” talk to Veos again to start this quest. You don’t need to finish it—just starting it unlocks access to Kourend.

Recommended Gear and Stats

While not mandatory, these will make your trip smoother:

  • Combat Level: 50+ for safer exploration.
  • Gear: Decent armor (Rune or better), a good weapon, and Prayer gear (e.g., Proselyte armor).
  • Inventory: Food, teleport runes, and a Bonecrusher (optional for Prayer sustain).

Main Entrance: How to Get to the Catacombs via Kourend Castle

The primary way to enter the Catacombs is through the statue of King Rada I in Kourend Castle. Here’s how to do it step-by-step.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Main Entrance

  1. Travel to Port Sarim: From anywhere in Gielinor, teleport to Falador or Lumbridge, then walk to Port Sarim’s docks.
  2. Sail to Kourend: Speak to Veos at the northern docks and choose to travel to Port Piscarilius or Land’s End. Both options get you to Great Kourend.
  3. Head to Kourend Castle: From Port Piscarilius, walk west; from Land’s End, head east. The castle is centrally located in Great Kourend.
  4. Investigate the Statue: Find the statue of King Rada I in the castle courtyard. Right-click and select “Investigate” to enter the Catacombs.

Faster Teleport Options

Walking every time can be tedious. Here are quicker alternatives:

  • Kourend Castle Teleport: Requires 69 Magic and the standard spellbook. You’ll need 2 Law runes, 2 Soul runes, and the “Transportation Incantations” book (found in Arceuus Library).
  • Xeric’s Talisman: Use the “Xeric’s Heart” teleport (unlocked via Lizardman kills in Shayzien) to land right outside the statue.
  • Fairy Ring (CIS): Teleports you north of the castle—run south to reach the statue.

Alternative Entrances: Unlocking the Hidden Exits

Besides the main entrance, the Catacombs have five additional exits scattered across Great Kourend. These only unlock after you climb their respective vines from inside the dungeon. Here’s how to access them.

Overview of Alternative Entrances

Location Section of Catacombs Nearest Teleport Notable Monsters
Arceuus (Northeast) Demon’s Run Fairy Ring CIS Greater Demons
Lovakengj (Northwest) Dragon’s Den Xeric’s Talisman (Xeric’s Inferno) Brutal Black Dragons
Shayzien (Southwest) Reeking Cove Fairy Ring DJR Deviant Spectres
Hosidius (Southeast) The Shallows Kharedst’s Memoirs (Hosidius) Warped Jellies
Forthos Dungeon (Southeast) The Shallows Spirit Tree to Hosidius King Sand Crabs

How to Unlock and Use Alternative Entrances

  1. Enter via Main Entrance: Start at the Kourend Castle statue.
  2. Navigate to an Exit: Head to one of the four sections (Demon’s Run, Dragon’s Den, Reeking Cove, or The Shallows) and find the vine or rope.
  3. Climb Up: Use the vine to exit to the surface. This unlocks the entrance for future use.
  4. Return Anytime: Once unlocked, teleport to the nearest point (e.g., Fairy Ring DJR for Shayzien) and enter via the hole.

Best Alternative Entrance for Slayer

For Slayer tasks, the Shayzien entrance (Reeking Cove) is a favorite due to its proximity to Fairy Ring DJR and the variety of undead monsters like Deviant Spectres and Twisted Banshees.

Tips for Navigating and Surviving the Catacombs

Now that you know how to get there, here’s how to make the most of your time in the Catacombs.

Navigating the Dungeon

  • Dark Altar Teleports: Use Ancient Shards (dropped by monsters) on the central Dark Altar to teleport between the four sections.
  • Agility Shortcuts: A 34 Agility level unlocks shortcuts, like the stepping stones between the steel and brutal red dragon areas.
  • Map Awareness: The Catacombs are vast—keep an eye on your minimap to avoid getting lost.

Combat and Survival Tips

  • Prayer Flicking: Use Protect from Melee or Magic depending on the monster. Combine with bone-burying for infinite Prayer.
  • Multi-Combat Prep: Bring high-healing food (e.g., Sharks) since most areas allow multiple enemies to attack at once.
  • No Cannons: Dwarf multicannons are disabled here, so rely on your combat skills.

Facing Skotizo: The Demi-Boss

To fight Skotizo, collect Dark Totem pieces (base, middle, top) from monsters, assemble them, and use the totem on the Dark Altar. This teleports you to his lair for a rewarding boss fight.

Conclusion: Start Your Catacombs Adventure Today

Getting to the Catacombs in OSRS is straightforward once you’ve unlocked Great Kourend and mastered the teleport options. Whether you’re entering through the main statue at Kourend Castle or using one of the alternative entrances, this dungeon offers endless opportunities for combat, loot, and exploration. With this guide, you’re equipped with everything you need to reach the Catacombs efficiently and tackle its challenges head-on. So grab your gear, teleport to Kourend, and start exploring the depths today—adventure awaits!