How to Kill a Crocodile in OSRS – Ultimate Slayer Guide

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), crocodiles are a common Slayer task assigned by Vannaka, Mazchna, or Sumona, lurking in the scorching Kharidian Desert. These level 40 and 77 beasts may seem daunting for low-level players due to their remote location and the desert heat mechanic, but with the right strategy, you can turn this task into a breeze. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to efficiently kill crocodiles in OSRS, from preparation to combat tactics, ensuring you maximize XP and minimize hassle. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned slayer, let’s dive into the sandy depths of this task!

What Are Crocodiles?

Crocodiles are aggressive monsters found along the River Elid in the Kharidian Desert, south of Pollnivneach, north of Sophanem, and west of Nardah. They come in two combat levels: 40 and 77, with identical combat stats except for hitpoints (1450 for level 40, 2900 for level 77). They’re often assigned as Slayer tasks, offering 33.4 or 44.4 Slayer XP per kill, respectively. Their examine text, “Never smile at a…,” nods to Disney’s Peter Pan, adding a quirky charm to these toothy foes.

Why Are Crocodile Tasks Challenging?

Crocodile tasks can frustrate players, especially at lower levels, for several reasons:

• Desert Heat: Without a water source, you’ll take damage over time.
• Remote Location: The Kharidian Desert is far from teleports, requiring preparation.
• Poor Loot: Crocodiles drop mostly bones, with rare long or curved bones, making them less profitable.
• Mobility: Crocodiles often swim across the river, complicating melee combat.

Despite these challenges, strategic planning can make this task manageable and even AFK-friendly.

Preparation for Killing Crocodiles

Gear and Inventory Setup

Your gear and inventory are critical for surviving the desert and dispatching crocodiles efficiently. Here’s a recommended setup:

Slot	Recommended Item	Alternative (Low Budget)
Head	Slayer Helmet (if on task)	Rune Full Helm
Body	Rune Platebody	Adamant Platebody
Legs	Rune Platelegs	Adamant Platelegs
Weapon	Rune Scimitar	Mithril Scimitar
Shield	Rune Kiteshield	Adamant Kiteshield
Cape	Obsidian Cape	Team Cape

Inventory Essentials:

• Waterskins (4-8): Refillable at Pollnivneach’s fountain or Nardah’s shrine. Enchanted Water Tiara is a great alternative post-Dealing with Scabaras.
• Food (10-15): Lobsters or better for healing. Buy kebabs (3 coins each) from Ali the Kebab Seller in Pollnivneach for emergencies.
• Teleport (Optional): Pharaoh’s Sceptre, Desert Amulet, or Nardah Teleport for quick access.
• Ranged Weapon/Ammo: A shortbow with arrows to lure crocodiles from the river.
• Prayer Potions (2-4): If using Protect from Melee.

Stat Requirements and Recommendations

Crocodiles have low defence, so any melee weapon works, despite Vannaka suggesting stab weapons. Recommended stats:

• Attack/Strength: 40+ for decent damage output.
• Defence: 40+ to wear rune armor and reduce damage.
• Hitpoints: 40+ to withstand hits (max hit: 116).
• Slayer: Level 1 (no requirement for crocodiles).

Ranged or Magic (40+) can be used for safespotting, with Magic being especially effective due to crocodiles’ weakness to air spells.

Best Locations to Kill Crocodiles

South of Pollnivneach

The most popular spot is south of the River Elid, directly south of the small island where crocodiles spawn. Their aggression draws them from the water, reducing the need to lure them. This spot is less click-intensive and ideal for melee combat.

Nardah Safespot

West of Nardah, near the magic carpet, a cactus provides a safespot. Stand south of the cactus to attack two crocodile spawns without taking damage. This is perfect for ranged or magic users. If you’ve completed Spirits of the Elid, Nardah’s shrine recharges Prayer, Hitpoints, and run energy, and a fountain refills waterskins.

North of Sophanem

Post-Icthlarin’s Little Helper, fight crocodiles just north of Sophanem’s gate. An altar and sink inside the city allow prolonged trips. This spot is great for prayer-heavy strategies.

East of Sophanem (Marshes)

The marshes east of Sophanem are free from desert heat, ideal for players without Crocodile Tears completed. Crocodiles here drop big bones, slightly improving loot value. However, they may retreat out of range when maging, so stick to melee or close-range magic.

Combat Strategies for Crocodiles

Melee Strategy

Melee is straightforward due to crocodiles’ low defence across all styles. Use a rune scimitar or similar for fast attacks. Stand on the south side of the River Elid to exploit their aggression. Protect from Melee reduces damage, especially for low-defence players. Watch out for crocodiles swimming across the river—lure them back with a ranged attack if needed.

Ranged Strategy

Use a safespot like the Nardah cactus or the wall east of the Ruins of Unkah. A shortbow with bronze or iron arrows suffices. Ranged lures crocodiles from the water, preventing drop loss (items sink if killed in water). This method is slower but safer for low-level players.

Magic Strategy

Crocodiles are weak to air spells, making Wind Strike or Wind Bolt highly effective. Cast from a safespot or close range in the marshes. Magic hits nearly every time, offering decent XP. Bring air runes and a staff (e.g., Staff of Air) to save inventory space.

Tips for Efficiency

• Safespotting: Use cacti, walls, or riverbanks to avoid damage.
• World Hopping: After killing 1-2 crocodiles on the northern riverbank, hop worlds to reset spawns.
• Prayer Management: Recharge at Nardah or Sophanem altars to sustain Protect from Melee.
• Food Conservation: Search banana trees along the River Elid for free bananas to supplement food.

Additional Tips and Quest Benefits

Quest Recommendations

Completing these quests enhances your crocodile-slaying experience:

• Crocodile Tears: Grants immunity to desert heat, eliminating the need for waterskins.
• Spirits of the Elid: Unlocks Nardah’s shrine for recharging stats.
• Icthlarin’s Little Helper: Opens Sophanem’s northern spot.
• Dealing with Scabaras: Unlocks the Enchanted Water Tiara.

Loot and Rewards

Crocodiles drop bones (regular or big), with rare long bones or curved bones for Construction XP. Expect low profit, but Slayer XP (33.4-44.4 per kill) and combat XP (72.5-145) make this task worthwhile for leveling. In the marshes, big bones slightly boost value.

Dealing with Desert Heat

Unless you’ve completed Crocodile Tears, desert heat will drain your stats and HP. Wear desert clothing to slow the effect, but prioritize armor for combat. Refill waterskins at Pollnivneach’s fountain, Nardah’s shrine, or the stream near Sophanem’s archaeologists. The Lunar spell Humidify can also refill waterskins instantly.

Killing crocodiles in OSRS doesn’t have to be a slog. With the right gear, location, and combat style, you can turn this Slayer task into an efficient XP grind. Safespotting and quest completions make it even smoother, while proper preparation ensures you won’t succumb to the desert’s harsh conditions. So, grab your waterskins, ready your weapon, and head to the River Elid to tackle those crocodiles like a pro!