How to Kill a Lizardman Shaman in OSRS – Ultimate Guide

Lizardman Shamans in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) are tough, rewarding enemies that drop the coveted Dragon Warhammer, making them a popular target for players seeking profit and combat experience. Found in the Lizardman Canyon, Caves, and Temple, these reptilian foes require strategy, preparation, and patience to defeat. This guide covers everything you need to know to kill Lizardman Shamans efficiently, from gear setups to combat tactics, ensuring you maximize your kills and loot. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the grind, read on to master this challenging encounter.
Lizardman Shamans are a high-priority target for many OSRS players due to their valuable drops and combat experience. Their multi-combat mechanics and special attacks make them a unique challenge, but the rewards are worth it. Here’s why you should consider taking them on:
- Dragon Warhammer: A rare drop with a powerful special attack, highly sought after for PvM.
- Profit: Average kills yield around 14,659 coins, with consistent loot like herbs, seeds, and runes.
- Slayer Tasks: They count toward lizardman Slayer tasks, offering bonus experience and rewards.
- Combat Training: Great for leveling Ranged or Melee while earning loot.
Key Requirements
Before heading to battle, ensure you meet these prerequisites:
- 100% Shayzien Favour: Required to access Lizardman Shamans in the Canyon or Caves.
- Combat Level: Recommended 80+ in Ranged or Melee for efficient kills.
- Quests: Partial completion of Fairytale II – Cure a Queen for fairy ring access (code DJR).
- Slayer Task (Optional): Unlocks Caves/Temple and boosts drops with Kourend & Kebos Diary.
Where to Find Lizardman Shamans
Lizardman Shamans are located in three distinct areas, each with unique characteristics. Choosing the right spot depends on your combat style, Slayer task status, and preference for multi- or single-combat.
Lizardman Canyon (Western Side)
The Canyon is a multi-combat area with three Shamans, ideal for players using a Dwarf Multicannon. It’s accessible via Xeric’s Talisman (Xeric’s Inferno teleport) or fairy ring (DJR). Be cautious, as multiple Shamans can attack simultaneously, dealing heavy damage.
Lizardman Caves (Northern Settlement)
Located north of the Lizardman Settlement, the Caves house eight Shamans in single-combat rooms (two per room). These are Slayer-task-only, making them less crowded but requiring a lizardman assignment. Use the fairy ring (DJR) and head north past Xeric’s Shrine.
Lizardman Temple (Molch)
The Temple, beneath Molch, has six Shamans in single-combat rooms, also Slayer-task-only. It’s less hectic than the Canyon, perfect for focused kills. Access it via the Molch boat or fairy ring (DJR), then head to the underground entrance.
Best Gear and Inventory Setup
Your gear and inventory are critical to surviving and maximizing kills. Lizardman Shamans are weak to stab and Ranged attacks, with high defenses against slash, crush, and magic. Below are recommended setups for Ranged and Melee.
Ranged Setup
Ranged is the preferred method due to better maneuverability and distance management. Here’s a strong setup:
Slot | Item | Alternative (Budget) |
---|---|---|
Head | Shayzien Helm (5) or Slayer Helmet (on task) | Black D’hide Coif |
Body | Shayzien Platebody (5) | Black D’hide Body |
Legs | Shayzien Greaves (5) | Black D’hide Chaps |
Weapon | Bow of Faerdhinen or Toxic Blowpipe | Rune Crossbow |
Ammo | Amethyst Arrows or Dragon Darts | Broad Bolts |
Cape | Ava’s Accumulator | Obsidian Cape |
Inventory:
- Dwarf Multicannon (Cannonballs: 500–1000)
- Prayer Potions (4–6)
- Stamina Potions (2–3)
- High-healing food (Sharks or Manta Rays)
- Rune Pouch (High Alchemy runes)
- Bones to Peaches tablet (optional)
Melee Setup
Melee is viable but riskier due to close-range combat. Focus on stab weapons:
Slot | Item | Alternative (Budget) |
---|---|---|
Head | Shayzien Helm (5) or Slayer Helmet | Helm of Neitiznot |
Body | Shayzien Platebody (5) | Fighter Torso |
Weapon | Abyssal Whip or Zamorakian Hasta | Dragon Scimitar |
Inventory: Similar to Ranged, but prioritize more food and Prayer Potions due to higher damage taken.
Why Shayzien Armour?
Full tier-5 Shayzien Armour (helm, platebody, greaves) nullifies damage from the Shaman’s acid spit attack, though poison can still affect you. This is crucial for longer trips, especially if you haven’t completed the Hard Kourend & Kebos Diary.
Combat Strategies and Mechanics
Lizardman Shamans have three special attacks that can wipe you out if unprepared. Understanding and countering these is key to success.
Special Attacks
- Acid Spit: A green projectile dealing up to 30 poison damage. Wear Shayzien Armour to reduce or negate damage. Activate Protect from Missiles to mitigate further.
- Jump: The Shaman leaps and crashes at your location, dealing heavy, unblockable damage. Move 2–3 tiles away when you see it jump. Hugging walls in the Canyon or Temple prevents this attack.
- Spawns: Summons three minions, two near you and one under you. They explode after a few seconds, dealing 8–10 damage if you’re within two tiles. Run around obstacles or move away to avoid them.
Canyon Strategy (Multi-Combat)
In the Lizardman Canyon, set up your Dwarf Multicannon in the northwest corner near the obstruction for optimal coverage. Focus on killing the northwest and southwest Shamans to reduce aggro from nearby lizardmen. Steps:
- Activate Protect from Missiles and your best offensive prayer (Piety or Eagle Eye).
- Place the cannon and keep it loaded.
- Watch for special attacks—dodge jumps and spawns by moving around obstacles.
- Clear nearby lizardmen in the north and southwest to avoid extra damage.
- High Alch loot or use Bones to Peaches to extend trips.
Tip: Check the wounded soldier outside the Canyon to see how many players are present, avoiding crowded worlds.
Caves/Temple Strategy (Single-Combat)
These areas are simpler due to single-combat mechanics. Focus on one Shaman at a time:
- Use Protect from Missiles and offensive prayers.
- Stay near walls to prevent jump attacks.
- Dodge spawns by moving a few tiles away.
- Use Ranged to keep distance, switching targets if minions overwhelm you.
- Restock food and potions as needed via nearby banks (e.g., Shayzien).
Loot and Profit Potential
Lizardman Shamans offer consistent loot, with the Dragon Warhammer being the jackpot. Here’s a breakdown of their drops and profit:
Drop | Chance | Average Value |
---|---|---|
Dragon Warhammer | 1/5,000 | ~30M coins |
Noted Herbs | 22.5/250 | ~5,000 coins |
Xeric’s Talisman | 1/125 (with Easy Diary) | ~10,000 coins |
Rare Drop Table | 10/250 | Variable |
Profit Per Hour:
- Canyon: ~2.6M coins/hour (180 kills, assuming rare drops).
- Caves/Temple: ~1.7M coins/hour (120 kills, Slayer task).
Without the Dragon Warhammer, expect ~800K–1M coins/hour from consistent loot. The Hard Kourend & Kebos Diary boosts drop rates for items like Xeric’s Talisman, increasing profits.
Tips for Long Grinds
The Dragon Warhammer’s 1/5,000 drop rate means you may face long dry streaks. Stay motivated with these tips:
- Track Kills: Use the Shayzien Soldier in the Canyon to monitor your kill count.
- Take Breaks: Avoid burnout by mixing Shaman kills with other activities.
- Join a Clan: Share worlds and tips with others hunting Shamans.
- Optimize Gear: Upgrade to Blowpipe or Bow of Faerdhinen for faster kills.
Killing Lizardman Shamans in OSRS is a grind that tests your combat skills and perseverance. With the right gear, strategy, and mindset, you’ll conquer these reptilian foes and reap their rewards. Equip your Shayzien Armour, load your cannon, and head to the Canyon, Caves, or Temple to start your hunt. Good luck—may the Dragon Warhammer drop sooner than later!
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