Is Pest Control Worth It in Old School RuneScape
Pest Control is one of the most iconic minigames in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), offering players a cooperative combat experience with unique rewards. But with so many ways to train combat and earn loot in Gielinor, is Pest Control worth your time in 2025? This blog post dives into the mechanics, rewards, and strategies of Pest Control to help you decide if it fits your OSRS goals. Whether you’re a low-level player or a seasoned veteran, we’ll break down the pros, cons, and everything in between.
Pest Control is a members-only minigame set on the Void Knights’ Outpost, where players team up to protect the Void Knight from waves of monsters while destroying four portals. The minigame is accessible via Port Sarim and requires a minimum combat level of 40 to participate. Games typically last 2-20 minutes, depending on strategy and team coordination.
How to Play Pest Control
Players board one of three landers based on their combat level:
- Novice Lander: Combat level 40+
- Intermediate Lander: Combat level 70+
- Veteran Lander: Combat level 100+
The goal is to either keep the Void Knight alive for 20 minutes or destroy all four portals before the knight dies. Destroying portals is the faster and more common strategy, often wrapping up games in under two minutes with a skilled team.
Key Roles in the Game
Success in Pest Control relies on teamwork, with players splitting into two main roles:
- Portal Killers: Focus on attacking portals and dealing with Spinners, which heal portals if left unchecked.
- Defenders: Protect the Void Knight by killing pests like Shifters that target him directly.
Balancing these roles is crucial, as neglecting the Void Knight can lead to a quick loss, while ignoring portals drags out the game.
Rewards of Pest Control
The primary draw of Pest Control is its rewards, earned through commendation points. Points are awarded based on the lander used—2 for novice, Closes 3 for intermediate, and 4 for veteran per win—provided players deal at least 50 damage or repair barricades to stay active.
Void Knight Equipment
The most sought-after reward is the Void Knight armor set, which includes robes, gloves, and a choice of helms (melee, ranged, or mage). The full set offers a unique set bonus:
Elite Void, an upgraded version, requires additional points and quests like “The Void Stares Back.” It boosts damage further, making it valuable for high-level content like raids.
Experience Points
Players can spend commendation points on combat XP (Attack, Strength, Defence, Hitpoints, Ranged, Magic, or Prayer). The XP scales with your level, and higher landers offer better rates. For example, on the veteran lander, you can earn up to 150k melee XP per hour at high levels, though this assumes efficient games.
Other Rewards
Less popular rewards include:
- Herb Packs: Useful for ironmen but often not worth the points for main accounts.
- Seed Packs: Low-value seeds make this a niche choice.
- Mineral Packs: Decent for low-level mining but outclassed by other methods.
- Void Seal: Deals area damage in-game but is situational.
Is Pest Control Worth It for Combat Training
Pest Control has long been debated as a combat training method. Let’s weigh the pros and cons.
Pros of Training at Pest Control
Here’s why Pest Control can be a solid choice:
- Safe Environment: It’s a safe minigame—death means respawning on the lander with no item loss.
- Team-Based Fun: The cooperative nature makes it more engaging than solo grinding.
- Flexible XP: You can target specific skills like Defence or Prayer, which is rare for combat training.
- Scalable Rates: Higher combat levels and landers yield better XP per hour.
Cons of Training at Pest Control
However, there are downsides:
- Team Dependency: Inefficient teams or bots can lead to losses, wasting time.
- Lower XP Rates: Compared to methods like Nightmare Zone or Slayer, Pest Control’s XP (e.g., 95k-150k/hr) is often slower.
- Point Costs: Spending points on XP means delaying Void armor, which may be your primary goal.
| Training Method | XP/Hour (Melee) | Safe? | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pest Control (Veteran) | 95k-150k | Yes | Low |
| Nightmare Zone | 150k-200k | Yes | Moderate |
| Slayer (Cannon) | 100k-180k | No | High |
Strategies to Maximize Pest Control Efficiency
To make Pest Control worth your time, efficiency is key. Here are tips to optimize your experience.
Gear and Inventory Setup
Your gear depends on your combat style:
- Melee: Use high-strength gear like a Dragon Scimitar or Abyssal Whip. Bring a special attack weapon like a Dragon Dagger.
- Ranged: A Magic Shortbow or Crystal Bow offers fast, accurate hits. Chinchompas can hit multiple pests but are costly.
- Mage: Spells like Fire Bolt or Trident of the Seas work well for portal damage.
Inventory should include 4-6 prayer potions, food (like sharks), and a special attack restore potion. Avoid stat-boosting potions, as stats reset after each game.
Team Coordination Tips
Pest Control shines with teamwork. Try these:
- Join World 344: The official Pest Control world often has experienced players.
- Communicate: Call out portal shield drops or when the Void Knight needs help.
- Close Gates: Shut gates to slow pests, giving defenders more time.
- Prioritize Spinners: Kill Spinners near portals to prevent healing.
Choosing the Right Lander
Your combat level dictates your lander, but here’s a quick guide:
- Novice (40+): Best for low levels, but slower games due to less experienced players.
- Intermediate (70+): A good middle ground with decent XP and point rates.
- Veteran (100+): Fastest games and best rewards, but requires high combat stats.
Who Should Play Pest Control
Pest Control isn’t for everyone, so let’s break down who benefits most.
Players Aiming for Void Armor
If you want Void Knight equipment, Pest Control is a must. The set’s bonuses are unmatched for hybrid combat, especially in raids like Chambers of Xeric or Theatre of Blood. Elite Void is particularly valuable for endgame content, making the grind worthwhile.
Ironmen and Restricted Accounts
Ironmen benefit from Pest Control’s safe XP and herb/seed packs, which help with early herblore and farming. Restricted accounts, like pures, can use it to train Defence or Prayer without risking other stats.
Casual Players Seeking Fun
If you enjoy group activities and want a break from solo grinds, Pest Control’s fast-paced teamwork can be a refreshing change. It’s less monotonous than killing crabs or NMZ, and the social aspect adds replayability.
When to Skip Pest Control
Skip Pest Control if:
- You prioritize max XP rates (Nightmare Zone or Slayer are faster).
- You don’t need Void armor for your playstyle.
- You dislike team-based activities or unreliable teammates.
In conclusion, Pest Control is worth it in OSRS if you’re chasing Void Knight armor, enjoy cooperative gameplay, or need flexible combat XP as an ironman or casual player. While it’s not the fastest training method, its unique rewards and engaging mechanics keep it relevant in 2025. For the best experience, join the veteran lander on world 344, optimize your gear, and coordinate with your team. Whether you’re defending the Void Knight or smashing portals, Pest Control offers a rewarding challenge for the right player.