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Knight of Ardougne OSRS: Your Ultimate Guide to Thieving Success
In the vibrant world of Old School RuneScape (OSRS), few activities capture the thrill of stealth and reward like pickpocketing the Knight of Ardougne. Located in the bustling city of Ardougne, these knights offer players a fantastic opportunity to train their Thieving skill while raking in substantial gold. Whether you’re a seasoned thief or a newcomer looking to level up, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Knight of Ardougne in OSRS, from requirements and strategies to maximizing your profits. Let’s dive into the shadows of Ardougne and uncover the secrets of this iconic NPC!
The Knights of Ardougne are non-player characters (NPCs) patrolling the East Ardougne marketplace and the courtyard of East Ardougne Castle. Clad in their distinctive blue and white armor, they serve as the city’s militia, tasked with protecting market stalls from thieves—ironic, considering they’re prime targets for pickpocketing! After completing the “Song of the Elves” quest, you’ll also spot them in West Ardougne, expanding their presence in the game.
Why Pickpocket the Knight of Ardougne?
Pickpocketing the Knight of Ardougne is a popular training method for several reasons:
- High XP Rates: At 84.3 Thieving XP per successful pickpocket, you can achieve up to 252,900 XP per hour with optimal conditions.
- Profitable Returns: Each success yields a coin pouch worth 50 coins, doubling to 100 with the Rogue’s outfit, potentially netting you millions of gold.
- Low Entry Barrier: You only need 55 Thieving to start, making it accessible for mid-level players.
Where to Find Them
The primary hotspot for pickpocketing is the East Ardougne marketplace, particularly near the silk stall and baker’s stall. One knight also roams the courtyard of East Ardougne Castle, though the marketplace is favored for its density and trapping opportunities.
Requirements and Gear for Pickpocketing Knights
Before you start lifting coin pouches from these vigilant knights, you’ll need to prepare. Here’s what you’ll need to get started and optimize your experience.
Skill Requirements
To pickpocket a Knight of Ardougne, you must have at least 55 Thieving. However, higher levels significantly boost your success rate:
- Level 55: ~60% success rate
- Level 99: ~94% success rate
- Level 95 with Medium Ardougne Diary: 100% success rate (no fails!)
Recommended Gear
Your gear can make or break your thieving session. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials:
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Rogue’s Outfit | Doubles loot (100 coins per pickpocket) |
| Gloves of Silence | Increases success rate by 5% (doesn’t stack with Ardougne Diary) |
| Ardougne Cloak (Medium Diary) | 10% increased success rate in Ardougne |
| Dodgy Necklace | 25% chance to avoid being stunned/damaged on failure |
| Food (e.g., Cakes) | Heals damage from failed attempts |
Optional Boosts
For those looking to push their efficiency further:
- Regeneration Bracelet: Boosts HP regeneration, reducing food reliance around level 90+.
- Hitpoints Cape/Rapid Heal Prayer: Further enhances HP regen (effects don’t stack).
How to Pickpocket the Knight of Ardougne Efficiently
The key to maximizing your XP and gold lies in trapping a knight in a confined space, allowing for rapid, uninterrupted pickpocketing. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the most popular method.
The Trapping Method
The north-east house in the Ardougne marketplace (east of the silk stall) is the go-to spot. Follow these steps:
- Lure the Knight: Attack the south-eastmost knight in the market, then run into the house and close the door behind you.
- Trap Him: Ensure the knight is confined to the two southernmost tiles inside the house. If he can’t move freely, he’ll despawn.
- Adjust Settings: Set NPC attack options to “Hidden” in the Controls panel (Settings tab) to enable left-click pickpocketing.
- Spam Click: Position your camera so you can repeatedly click the same spot without moving your mouse.
Alternative Trapping Spots
If the north-east house is crowded, try these alternatives:
- South Ardougne Bank: Lure a knight into the bank and have a friend splash it to keep it stationary.
- Castle Courtyard: Less crowded but harder to trap effectively.
Tips for Success
Maximize your efficiency with these pro tips:
- World Hopping: Find a world where a knight is already trapped to save time.
- Inventory Management: Bank coin pouches regularly or use the “Open All” option to free up space.
- Avoid Flickering: Don’t pickpocket simultaneously with another player to prevent the knight from temporarily disappearing.
XP and GP Rewards: What to Expect
Pickpocketing the Knight of Ardougne is both a grind and a goldmine. Here’s what you can expect based on your level and setup.
Thieving XP Breakdown
With a theoretical maximum of 3,000 pickpockets per hour, your XP rates scale with your level and bonuses:
- Level 55: ~180,000 XP/hour (with Rogue’s outfit and diary bonuses)
- Level 90+: ~240,000 XP/hour
- Level 95+ with Diary: Up to 252,900 XP/hour (no fails)
Gold Per Hour
The financial rewards are equally impressive:
| Setup | GP/Hour |
|---|---|
| No Rogue’s Outfit | ~150,000 GP/hour |
| Full Rogue’s Outfit | ~300,000 GP/hour |
From 55 to 99 Thieving with the Rogue’s outfit, you could earn around 15.5 million coins—a hefty sum for any adventurer!
Risks and Mitigation
Failing a pickpocket deals 3 damage and briefly stuns you. At lower levels, this can add up, so bring food or rely on HP regeneration at higher levels. The Medium Ardougne Diary eliminates fails at 95+, making it a game-changer.
Advanced Strategies and Community Insights
For those looking to take their Knight of Ardougne thieving to the next level, the OSRS community has developed some clever tricks and workarounds.
Using the Dragon Spear
A dragon spear’s special attack can push the knight into the house without needing to log out to reset aggro. This requires precise timing and coordination, often with a second account or friend.
Splashing and Clan Support
Join clans like “Splashworlds” or “Thievinghost” to find worlds where a knight is already trapped and splashed (kept in combat with low-damage magic). Some clans even offer healing support via the Lunar spell “Heal Group,” reducing downtime.
Bug Awareness
A known glitch occurs when two players fail a pickpocket simultaneously, causing the knight to “flicker” and vanish for 1-2 seconds. This isn’t tied to weapons or run energy, contrary to some myths—just bad timing!
Pickpocketing the Knight of Ardougne in OSRS is more than just a training method; it’s a rite of passage for thieves in Gielinor. With the right setup, strategy, and a bit of patience, you can turn this humble NPC into a goldmine while climbing the Thieving ranks. Whether you’re trapping a knight in a house, joining a splashing world, or grinding solo, the rewards—both in XP and GP—are well worth the effort. So grab your Rogue’s outfit, head to Ardougne, and start pickpocketing your way to glory!