Mutated Zygomites Slayer Guide OSRS: Tips, Locations, and Strategies
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers a variety of unique Slayer tasks, and one that stands out for its quirky nature is the Mutated Zygomites. These giant mushroom-like creatures might seem unassuming at first, but they pack a punch and require specific tactics to defeat. Whether you’re a seasoned Slayer looking to optimize your tasks or a newcomer curious about these fungal foes, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about tackling Mutated Zygomites in OSRS. From their locations to combat strategies and potential rewards, let’s dive into this fungi-filled adventure!
Mutated Zygomites are Slayer monsters that require a level 57 Slayer to damage, making them a mid-tier task in OSRS. Referred to as “Zygomites” by players but officially named “Mutated Zygomites” by Slayer Masters, these creatures appear as harmless fungi until provoked. Once you “pick” them, they transform into aggressive, bouncy mushrooms ready to fight. Found primarily in Zanaris and Fossil Island, they’re an intriguing mix of challenge and charm that sets them apart from more common Slayer targets like Abyssal Demons or Dust Devils.
Key Characteristics of Mutated Zygomites
Understanding what makes Mutated Zygomites tick is the first step to mastering this Slayer task. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Slayer Level Requirement: 57
- Combat Levels: 74 (near the furnace in Zanaris), 86 (near the Cosmic Altar in Zanaris), and Ancient variants on Fossil Island
- Unique Mechanic: Requires fungicide spray to finish them off after reducing their health
- Attack Style: Magic-based melee (headbutt) and magic-based ranged (spore shots)
Why Take on Mutated Zygomites?
While they’re not the most lucrative Slayer task, Mutated Zygomites offer a fast way to rack up Slayer points due to their low task weight and quick kill times. They’re perfect for players who want to breeze through a task without committing to a lengthy grind, making them a popular choice for point farming.
Where to Find Mutated Zygomites in OSRS
Location is everything when it comes to Slayer efficiency, and Mutated Zygomites have specific habitats you’ll need to visit. Here’s where you can track them down:
Zanaris: The Fairy Realm
Zanaris, the mystical fairy city, is the primary home of Mutated Zygomites. You’ll need a Dramen Staff or Lunar Staff to enter via a fairy ring (or completion of Fairy Tale II to skip this requirement). Two spots within Zanaris house these fungi:
- Near the Furnace (Level 74): Located east of the furnace, these Zygomites are slightly weaker and easier to handle.
- Near the Cosmic Altar (Level 86): Found south of the altar, these are tougher and hit harder, but they’re still manageable with the right setup.
Fossil Island: Ancient Zygomites
If you’ve been assigned Mutated Zygomites by Konar quo Maten and the task specifies Fossil Island, you’ll be facing Ancient Zygomites instead. These are also level 74 and reside in the Mushroom Forest. Access requires completion of Bone Voyage, and they’re a mandatory alternative for Konar’s Fossil Island tasks since regular Mutated Zygomites don’t spawn there.
How to Get There
- Zanaris: Use the fairy ring code BKS or teleport to Zanaris via a Slayer Ring and head to the furnace or Cosmic Altar.
- Fossil Island: Take a boat from the Digsite or use the fairy ring code CIP to reach the Mushroom Forest.
How to Kill Mutated Zygomites: Combat Strategies
Defeating Mutated Zygomites isn’t as straightforward as whacking them with a sword. Their unique mechanics and attack styles demand a tailored approach. Let’s break it down.
Gear Setup for Mutated Zygomites
Since Zygomites use magic-based attacks, your gear should prioritize Magic defense while maintaining decent offensive stats. Here’s a recommended setup:
| Slot | Item |
|---|---|
| Head | Slayer Helmet (if on task) or Black Mask |
| Cape | Ava’s Accumulator or Fire Cape |
| Body | Black Dragonhide Body or Karil’s Leathertop |
| Legs | Black Dragonhide Chaps or Karil’s Leatherskirt |
| Weapon | Abyssal Whip, Dragon Scimitar, or Leaf-Bladed Sword |
| Shield | Dragon Defender or Book of War |
| Boots | Dragon Boots or Climbing Boots |
Note: Dragonhide armor is ideal for its high Magic defense, countering their spore-based ranged attacks.
Fungicide Spray Mechanic
The defining feature of Mutated Zygomites is the need for fungicide spray. Here’s how it works:
- Reduce the Zygomite’s health to below 300 life points (for regular Zygomites) or 20 life points (for Chaeldar’s special task).
- Use the fungicide spray from your inventory to finish them off.
- Reload the spray with fungicide (purchased from Slayer Masters for 10 coins each) after every 10 kills.
Pro Tip: Unlock the “Shroom Sprayer” ability (110 Slayer points) to auto-apply fungicide when you have it in your inventory, saving time and clicks.
Combat Tips and Prayer
- Prayer: Use Protect from Missiles to mitigate their stronger ranged spore attacks. Their melee headbutts are less threatening.
- Safespotting: In Zanaris, trap them behind pillars near the Cosmic Altar or furnace to attack from a distance.
- Inventory: Bring 5-10 pieces of food (e.g., lobsters or sharks), a teleport, and extra fungicide reloads.
Mutated Zygomites Slayer Task Rewards
Mutated Zygomites won’t make you rich, but they do offer some niche drops and consistent Slayer experience. Here’s what you can expect:
Drop Table Highlights
- Common Drops: Mort Myre fungus, strawberry seeds, supercompost
- Rare Drops: Uncut gems (sapphire to diamond), nature talisman, rune spear
- Fungicide: Occasionally dropped to replenish your spray
- Slayer-Specific: Brimstone keys (if assigned by Konar)
Slayer XP: 65 (level 74), 75 (level 86), making it decent for mid-level training.
Are They Worth It?
For profit, no—there are better tasks like Kurasks or Gargoyles. For speed and points, absolutely. A typical task of 40-60 Zygomites can be completed in 10-15 minutes, netting you quick Slayer points to spend on skips or unlocks.
Tips to Optimize Your Mutated Zygomites Slayer Task
Want to make the most of this fungal fiesta? Here are some advanced tips to streamline your experience:
Efficiency Boosters
- Cannon: Set up a Dwarf Multicannon in multi-combat areas like the Cosmic Altar to speed up kills.
- Task Size: Extend the task with Slayer points if you enjoy it, though most prefer to keep it short.
- Teleportation: Use a Slayer Ring or fairy ring network to hop between locations quickly.
Special Task from Chaeldar
Occasionally, Chaeldar offers a special task to test an experimental fungicide spray on 10 Zygomites. Completing it grants 10,000 Slayer XP and 25 points. The catch? The spray has random effects (e.g., healing the Zygomite or speeding up its attacks), so be prepared for surprises.
Should You Block or Skip?
With a low task weight (2 from Duradel), Mutated Zygomites are rare enough that blocking isn’t worth it. Skipping costs 30 points, so weigh that against the 15-20 points you’ll earn from completing it. Most players opt to do it for the quick turnaround.
Mutated Zygomites might not be the flashiest Slayer task in OSRS, but their blend of accessibility, speed, and quirky mechanics makes them a fan favorite for point grinding. Whether you’re slashing through them in Zanaris or tackling Ancient variants on Fossil Island, this guide has you covered. Grab your fungicide spray, equip some dragonhide, and get ready to bounce these mushrooms into oblivion!