OSRS 20 Defense Pure Quests Guide for Optimal Builds
Building a 20 Defense pure in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a rewarding challenge that balances low combat levels with access to powerful gear like Initiate armor and Mystic robes. This guide dives into the best quests to complete for a 20 Defense pure, ensuring you maximize rewards while avoiding unwanted Defense XP. Whether you’re aiming for PvP dominance or a unique PvM experience, these quests will set you up for success without compromising your build.
A 20 Defense pure offers a sweet spot between the glass-cannon nature of 1 Defense pures and the tankier Zerker builds. With access to Initiate armor, Mystic robes, and Studded leather, you gain decent defensive bonuses while keeping your combat level low enough for competitive PvP brackets (typically 50-80). Quests are critical for this build, as they provide XP in Attack, Strength, and other skills without forcing you to grind excessively or risk Defense XP.
Benefits of a 20 Defense Pure
- Access to better gear: Equip Initiate armor and Mystic robes for improved Prayer and Magic bonuses.
- Low combat level: Stay competitive in PvP with a combat level range of 50-80.
- Versatile playstyle: Suitable for both PvP and select PvM activities like low-level bossing.
Challenges to Watch For
Quests can be tricky for pures. Some reward Defense XP or require combat with high-damage NPCs, which can ruin your build if not planned carefully. Always double-check quest rewards and requirements to avoid accidental leveling.
Essential Quests for 20 Defense Pures
The following quests are carefully selected to provide valuable XP, items, or unlocks without granting Defense XP beyond the 20 Defense threshold. These quests focus on boosting Attack, Strength, Ranged, Magic, and Prayer while unlocking gear and areas critical for your pure.
Waterfall Quest
Requirements: None
Rewards: 13,750 Attack XP, 13,750 Strength XP
This quest is a must for any pure. It grants massive early-game XP, equivalent to level 30 in both Attack and Strength from level 1. The quest involves navigating dangerous areas, so bring food and be cautious of the level 86 Fire Giants if your combat level is low.
Fight Arena
Requirements: None
Rewards: 12,175 Attack XP, 2,175 Thieving XP
Fight Arena is another excellent quest for Attack XP. You’ll face a series of NPC fights, including a level 63 Ogre, but with proper gear and food, it’s manageable even at low levels. The Thieving XP is a nice bonus for unlocking other content.
The Grand Tree
Requirements: 25 Agility
Rewards: 7,900 Agility XP, 18,400 Attack XP, 2,150 Magic XP
This quest boosts your Attack significantly and provides Agility XP to help with mobility. The final boss, a level 172 Black Demon, can be safespotted with Magic or Ranged, making it accessible for low-level pures.
Nature Spirit
Requirements: 18 Crafting, 10 Prayer, Priest in Peril
Rewards: 3,000 Crafting XP, 2,000 Hitpoints XP, 2,000 Defense XP
Nature Spirit is one of the few quests you’ll use to reach 20 Defense. The Defense XP reward brings you to level 10-15, depending on prior XP. It also unlocks the Mort Myre Swamp, useful for training and gathering resources.
Recruitment Drive
Requirements: 12 Quest Points, Priest in Peril
Rewards: 1,000 Prayer XP, 1,000 Agility XP, 1,000 Herblore XP, Initiate Sallet
This quest is key for unlocking the Initiate Sallet, part of the Initiate armor set that defines the 20 Defense pure. The XP rewards are modest but helpful, and the quest is straightforward with no mandatory combat.
Optional Quests for Utility and Gear
While the above quests form the core of your build, these optional quests unlock items, teleports, or areas that enhance your 20 Defense pure’s versatility. Pick and choose based on your goals.
Animal Magnetism
Requirements: 18 Slayer, 19 Crafting, 30 Ranged, 35 Woodcutting, Priest in Peril
Rewards: 1,000 Crafting XP, 1,000 Fletching XP, 1,000 Slayer XP, 2,500 Woodcutting XP, Ava’s Device
Ava’s Device (Accumulator) is a game-changer for Ranged training, automatically collecting arrows and boosting Ranged stats. This quest is highly recommended if you plan to focus on Ranged for PvP or PvM.
Lost City
Requirements: 31 Crafting, 36 Woodcutting
Rewards: 3 Quest Points, Dragon Longsword/Dagger access
Lost City unlocks Zanaris and the ability to wield Dragon weapons, which are powerful for 60 Attack builds. The level 101 Tree Spirit can be safespotted, making it safe for low-level pures.
Dragon Slayer I
Requirements: 32 Quest Points, ability to defeat a level 83 dragon
Rewards: 18,650 Strength XP, 18,650 Attack XP, ability to wear Rune Platebody (not relevant for 20 Def)
Dragon Slayer I offers a huge XP boost, pushing Attack and Strength toward level 40. The final boss, Elvarg, requires careful preparation, but with Magic or Ranged safespotting and Anti-Dragon Shield, it’s doable.
Quests to Avoid for 20 Defense Pures
Not all quests are safe for your build. Some grant unavoidable Defense XP or push you past 20 Defense, ruining your pure. Here’s a quick list of quests to steer clear of:
- Monkey Madness I: Optional Defense XP reward can exceed 20 Defense.
- Heroes’ Quest: Grants 3,075 Defense XP.
- Druidic Ritual: Required for Herblore but gives minor Defense XP in follow-ups like Eadgar’s Ruse.
- Between a Rock: Awards 5,000 Defense XP.
Tips for Avoiding Unwanted XP
Always check the OSRS Wiki for quest rewards before starting. Use a combat calculator to track your levels, and avoid accepting optional XP rewards (e.g., in Monkey Madness I, decline Daero’s training).
Quest Progression and Build Planning
To make your questing efficient, follow a logical order and plan your skill training around requirements. Below is a suggested progression table to guide your 20 Defense pure build.
| Quest | Skill Requirements | Combat Level Impact | Key Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterfall Quest | None | ~Level 30 Attack/Strength | 13,750 Attack/Strength XP |
| Fight Arena | None | ~Level 35 Attack | 12,175 Attack XP |
| The Grand Tree | 25 Agility | ~Level 40 Attack | 18,400 Attack XP |
| Nature Spirit | 18 Crafting, 10 Prayer | ~Level 10-15 Defense | 2,000 Defense XP |
| Recruitment Drive | 12 Quest Points | Minimal | Initiate Sallet |
| Animal Magnetism | 18 Slayer, 19 Crafting, 30 Ranged, 35 Woodcutting | Minimal | Ava’s Device |
Skill Training Tips
Before questing, train the following to meet requirements:
- Agility (25): For The Grand Tree; train at Gnome Stronghold.
- Crafting (19): For Nature Spirit and Animal Magnetism; spin flax or cut gems.
- Ranged (30): For Animal Magnetism; train on cows or Rock Crabs.
After quests, focus on Ranged (70+) and Magic (94 for Ice Barrage) for PvP, or Strength (99) for max melee hits.
Gear Recommendations
Your 20 Defense pure shines with the right gear. Prioritize:
- Initiate Armor: Boosts Prayer for longer fights.
- Mystic Robes: Enhances Magic accuracy for PvP spells.
- Dragon Dagger: For high-damage special attacks in PvP.
- Ava’s Accumulator: Saves ammo during Ranged training.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
Completing these quests sets your 20 Defense pure on the path to PvP glory or efficient PvM. Focus on Waterfall Quest, Fight Arena, and The Grand Tree early to skyrocket your combat stats, then grab Nature Spirit and Recruitment Drive for that iconic Initiate armor. Optional quests like Animal Magnetism and Lost City add flexibility to your build.
After questing, train at Sand Crabs or Ammonite Crabs for AFK combat XP, and aim for high Ranged and Magic for PvP dominance. Always double-check rewards to avoid Defense XP traps, and use a combat calculator to stay in your desired bracket.
Ready to dominate the Wilderness or tackle low-level bosses? Your 20 Defense pure is now equipped to shine. Happy questing, and may your KOs be swift!