How to Use Ancient Magic for Slayer in OSRS
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), Ancient Magicks offer a powerful way to train Slayer while maximizing experience and efficiency. Unlocked after completing the Desert Treasure I quest, the Ancient Magicks spellbook provides combat-focused spells ideal for multi-target scenarios, making it a top choice for Slayer tasks. This guide will walk you through how to leverage Ancient Magicks for Slayer, including spell selection, gear setups, and profitable strategies, all optimized for players aiming to boost their Magic and Slayer levels.
Ancient Magicks, also known as Ancients, are combat-oriented spells that excel in area-of-effect (AoE) damage, perfect for Slayer tasks involving clustered monsters. Unlike the standard spellbook, which mixes utility and combat, or the Lunar spellbook, which focuses on support, Ancients are built for raw power. Here’s why they’re a game-changer for Slayer:
- Fast Experience Rates: Spells like Ice Burst and Ice Barrage allow you to hit multiple enemies, speeding up Slayer and Magic XP.
- Profit Potential: Certain Slayer monsters drop valuable loot, offsetting the high rune costs of Ancient spells.
- Versatility: Effects like freezing (Ice spells) or healing (Blood spells) enhance survivability and control in combat.
By combining Slayer tasks with Ancient Magicks, you can train two skills efficiently while potentially earning a profit, making it a popular method for high-level players.
Unlocking Ancient Magicks
Completing Desert Treasure I
To access Ancient Magicks, you must complete the Desert Treasure I quest, a master-level quest that unlocks the Ancient spellbook. Here are the requirements:
| Skill | Level |
|---|---|
| Thieving | 53 |
| Magic | 50 |
| Firemaking | 50 |
| Slayer | 10 |
You’ll also need to complete prerequisite quests like The Dig Site, The Tourist Trap, Temple of Ikov, Priest in Peril, Troll Stronghold, and Waterfall Quest. Start the quest by speaking to the Archaeologist at the Bedabin Camp, south of Shantay Pass.
Switching to the Ancient Spellbook
After completing the quest, head to the Jaldraocht Pyramid in the Kharidian Desert (southwest of Pollnivneach). Pray at the altar inside to switch to the Ancient spellbook. Note that praying here drains your Prayer points to zero, and you can’t use standard spells while on this spellbook. To switch back, revisit the altar or use a Magic skillcape (if you have 99 Magic) for up to five free switches daily.
Best Ancient Spells for Slayer
Ice Burst and Ice Barrage
The go-to spells for Slayer are Ice Burst (level 70 Magic) and Ice Barrage (level 94 Magic). These multi-target spells deal damage and freeze enemies, making them ideal for stacking monsters in tight spaces. Ice Barrage is the most powerful, offering higher damage and a longer freeze duration, but Ice Burst is more cost-effective for lower levels.
- Ice Burst: Requires 4 Death, 2 Chaos, 4 Water, and 2 Air runes. Costs ~1,600 GP per cast.
- Ice Barrage: Requires 6 Water, 2 Blood, 4 Death, and 2 Air runes. Costs ~2,500 GP per cast.
Blood Spells for Sustain
Blood spells like Blood Burst (level 68 Magic) or Blood Barrage (level 92 Magic) heal you for 25% of the damage dealt, reducing the need for food during tasks. These are useful for AFK setups or when facing high-damage monsters, though they’re less common than Ice spells due to higher rune costs.
Smoke and Shadow Spells
Smoke Barrage (level 86 Magic) poisons enemies, while Shadow Barrage (level 88 Magic) reduces their attack accuracy. These are niche but can be effective against specific Slayer monsters with high attack stats or low poison resistance.
Optimal Gear and Setup
Weapons
Choosing the right weapon is crucial for maximizing damage and efficiency. Here’s a progression of recommended weapons:
| Weapon | Magic Level | Benefits | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ancient Staff | 50 | Autocasts Ancients, affordable | ~80,000 GP |
| Master Wand | 60 | Autocasts Ancients, moderate boost | ~2M GP |
| Kodai Wand | 80 | 15% Magic damage, rune-saving, unlimited water runes | ~80M GP |
| Nightmare Staff | 72 | 15% Magic damage, upgradeable | ~40M GP |
The Kodai Wand is the best-in-slot due to its damage boost and rune-saving effect, but the Ancient Staff is a budget-friendly starting point.
Armor and Accessories
Prioritize gear that boosts Magic damage and accuracy. Recommended setup:
- Helm: Imbued Slayer Helmet (on task) or Ancestral Hat.
- Body: Ancestral Robe Top or Ahrim’s Robetop.
- Legs: Ancestral Robe Bottom or Ahrim’s Robeskirt.
- Neck: Occult Necklace (+10% Magic damage).
- Ring: Seers Ring (i) or Ring of Suffering (i).
- Cape: Imbued God Cape or Fire Cape.
For budget players, Mystic Robes or God Vestment Robes offer decent bonuses at a lower cost.
Inventory Setup
Your inventory should include:
- Rune Pouch: To hold runes for Ancient spells, saving inventory space.
- Prayer Potions: To maintain Protect from Melee or Piety.
- Food: A few high-healing items (e.g., Sharks) for emergencies.
- Teleport: For quick banking or escaping (e.g., House Teleport Tabs).
- Looting Bag: To collect drops in multi-combat areas.
Best Slayer Monsters for Ancient Magicks
Choosing the Right Tasks
Focus on Slayer tasks in multi-combat areas where monsters can be stacked for AoE spells. Here are the top monsters to burst or barrage:
| Monster | Slayer Level | Location | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dust Devils | 65 | Catacombs of Kourend | Low Magic defense, decent drops |
| Greater Nechryaels | 80 | Catacombs of Kourend | High XP, profitable drops |
| Abyssal Demons | 85 | Catacombs of Kourend | Valuable drops, moderate XP |
| Maniacal Monkeys | 1 (Monkey Madness II) | Kruk’s Dungeon | Fastest Magic XP, low defense |
Stacking Monsters for Maximum Efficiency
To maximize AoE damage, stack monsters in a single tile using these steps:
- Find a Multi-Combat Area: Ensure the location allows multiple monsters to attack you.
- Aggro Monsters: Run through the area to gather monsters, then retreat to a corner or choke point.
- Use Ice Spells: Cast Ice Burst or Barrage to freeze them in place, keeping them stacked.
- Auto-Retaliate: Enable auto-retaliate to continuously cast spells while collecting loot.
Watch YouTube guides for specific stacking techniques, as they vary by location.
Experience Rates and Costs
Bursting can yield 150,000–235,000 Magic XP per hour, while barraging can reach 230,000–305,000 XP per hour. However, costs are significant:
- Bursting: ~1.6M GP/hour.
- Barraging: ~2.5M GP/hour.
Drops from monsters like Greater Nechryaels can offset costs, with potential profits of 500,000–1M GP/hour on good tasks. Defensive casting (1 Defence XP + 1.33 Magic XP per hit) can also boost overall XP if you’re training Defence.
Tips for Success
Optimize Your Slayer Points
Use Slayer Points to unlock tasks like Dust Devils or Nechryaels and craft Slayer Rings for faster travel. Consider Expeditious Bracelets to shorten tasks or Bracelets of Slaughter to extend profitable ones.
Manage Rune Costs
Ancients are rune-intensive, so use a Kodai Wand to save runes or train Magic to 94 passively before barraging. Blood spells can reduce food costs, allowing longer trips.
Combine with Other Skills
Enhance your setup with:
- Prayer: Use Piety or Protect from Melee for better accuracy and defense.
- Herblore: Super Magic Potions boost Magic levels for higher damage.
- Agility: Higher stamina for running to stack monsters.
AFK Strategies
For AFK training, use Blood Barrage with high-defence gear in areas like the Catacombs. The life-leech effect can outheal damage, but monitor the 20-minute AFK timer to avoid auto-retaliate disabling.
By mastering Ancient Magicks for Slayer, you can achieve some of the fastest Magic and Slayer XP rates in OSRS while potentially turning a profit. Start with Ice Burst for cost-efficiency, upgrade to Ice Barrage at 94 Magic, and focus on high-value tasks like Greater Nechryaels. With the right gear and strategy, you’ll dominate Slayer tasks and climb the leaderboards. Happy slaying!