OSRS 99 Slayer Time Guide How Long It Takes and Tips to Get There
Achieving level 99 Slayer in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a monumental goal for many players. Slayer is a unique skill that combines combat training with task-based monster hunting, offering both excitement and profitability. However, it’s also one of the slowest skills to max due to its reliance on randomized tasks and varying experience rates. In this guide, we’ll explore how long it takes to reach 99 Slayer, the factors that influence the grind, and actionable tips to optimize your journey. Whether you’re a main account or an Ironman, this blog post will help you plan your path to the coveted Slayer cape.
Slayer is a skill where players receive tasks from Slayer Masters to kill specific monsters. Each kill grants Slayer experience based on the monster’s hitpoints, and completing tasks earns Slayer points for unlocks and perks. The skill is tied to your combat level, with higher-tier Slayer Masters offering better tasks and rewards. Let’s break down the key elements that affect the time to 99 Slayer.
Slayer Masters and Task Quality
Your choice of Slayer Master significantly impacts experience rates and task efficiency. Low-level masters like Turael offer quick but low-experience tasks, while high-level masters like Duradel or Nieve provide tasks with better experience and loot. For optimal training, you’ll want to use Nieve (combat level 85+) or Duradel (combat level 100+, 50 Slayer) as soon as possible, as their tasks yield higher experience per hour.
Experience Rates and Task RNG
Slayer experience depends on the monsters assigned. For example, bursting Nechryaels in the Catacombs of Kourend can yield 100k–150k experience per hour, while slower tasks like Suqahs offer closer to 50k. Random task assignments mean your experience rate fluctuates, making it hard to predict exact times. On average, players achieve 60k–80k experience per hour with efficient strategies.
Factors Affecting Time to 99 Slayer
Several variables influence how long it takes to reach 99 Slayer. From your combat stats to your playstyle, understanding these factors will help you estimate your grind and identify areas for improvement.
Combat Level and Gear
Higher combat stats (Attack, Strength, Defence, Ranged, Magic) allow you to kill monsters faster, boosting experience rates. Best-in-slot gear, like the Slayer Helmet (i) and Bandos armor, further increases damage output. For example, using a Dwarf Multicannon or Barrage spells can double your experience per hour on certain tasks. Starting Slayer at combat level 70+ is recommended to access better tasks and equipment.
Quest Completion and Unlocks
Quests like Fairytale II – Cure a Queen (for Fairy Ring access) and Dwarf Cannon (for cannon use) save significant time by improving mobility and task speed. Completing diaries, such as the Elite Kourend Diary, boosts Slayer points from Konar, enhancing efficiency. Before starting, aim to complete these quests:
- Desert Treasure I: Unlocks Ancient Spellbook for Barrage spells.
- Lunar Diplomacy: Grants NPC Contact spell to talk to Slayer Masters remotely.
- A Porcine of Interest: Boosts you to level 13 Slayer.
Playstyle: Efficient vs. AFK
Your approach to Slayer affects the grind’s duration. Efficient players use cannons, Barrage spells, and skip low-experience tasks, achieving faster progress. AFK players, using prayer gear like Proselyte armor, prioritize low-effort tasks but sacrifice speed. Efficient methods can yield 100k+ experience per hour, while AFK methods hover around 30k–50k.
How Long Does It Take to Reach 99 Slayer?
Reaching 99 Slayer requires 13,034,431 experience points. The time to achieve this depends on your experience rate, which varies based on the factors above. Let’s estimate the time for different playstyles and setups.
Time Estimates by Playstyle
Below is a table summarizing the approximate time to 99 Slayer based on average experience rates:
| Playstyle | Average XP/Hour | Hours to 99 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Efficient (Cannon/Barrage) | 80k–100k | 130–163 hours | Uses Nieve/Duradel, skips bad tasks, high combat stats. |
| Semi-Efficient | 60k–80k | 163–217 hours | Mixes cannon use with melee, occasional skips. |
| AFK | 30k–50k | 261–434 hours | Uses prayer gear, no skips, lower combat stats. |
| Ironman (No Cannon) | 50k–70k | 186–261 hours | Limited by cannonball crafting, relies on melee/magic. |
These estimates assume consistent play and optimal task management. Real-world times may vary due to task RNG, breaks, or resource gathering (e.g., cannonballs for Ironmen).
Task Milestones and Point Boosts
Slayer points increase significantly at task milestones (every 10th, 50th, 100th, etc.), with multipliers up to 50x at the 1000th task. Using high-point masters like Krystilia (25 points per task) early on helps stockpile points for skips and blocks, reducing time spent on undesirable tasks. Aim to hit milestones with Duradel or Konar for maximum points.
Strategies to Optimize Your Slayer Grind
To minimize the time to 99 Slayer, adopt these proven strategies to boost experience rates and streamline your training.
Block and Skip Tasks Wisely
Blocking high-weight, low-experience tasks (e.g., Suqahs, Black Demons) ensures you get more profitable or faster tasks. Each block costs 100 Slayer points, and you can unlock up to seven block slots with quest points and the Elite Lumbridge Diary. Skipping tasks (30 points each) is useful for avoiding bad assignments without blocking. A sample block list for Duradel:
- Suqahs: Slow, low XP, no valuable drops.
- Black Demons: High hitpoints, moderate XP, cannonable but slow.
- Spiritual Creatures: Low XP, spread across multiple locations.
Extend High-XP Tasks
Extending tasks like Dust Devils or Nechryaels (with Slayer points) increases the number of monsters per task, maximizing time spent on high-XP activities. Combine with a Bracelet of Slaughter to further extend task length. These tasks are ideal for Barrage spells in multi-combat areas like the Catacombs of Kourend.
Use the Right Gear and Methods
Invest in gear that maximizes damage per second (DPS). Key items include:
- Slayer Helmet (i): Boosts accuracy and damage on task.
- Dwarf Multicannon: Speeds up cannonable tasks like Dagannoths.
- Black Mask (i): Early-game alternative to Slayer Helmet.
For magic-based tasks, use Ice Barrage with an Ancestral Robes set. For melee, prioritize a Ghrazi Rapier or Scythe of Vitur on high-hitpoint monsters.
Leverage Quests and Diaries
Complete quests that grant Slayer experience to skip early levels. For example, the Varrock Museum Quiz and A Porcine of Interest can boost you to level 13. Diaries like the Elite Western Provinces Diary increase Nieve’s points to match Duradel’s, saving time on point farming.
Post-99 Slayer What to Do Next
Congratulations on hitting 99 Slayer! But the journey doesn’t end here. Post-99, you can focus on bossing, unique drops, or even push for 200m experience. Here’s how to stay motivated.
Bossing and Unique Drops
Slayer bosses like Cerberus (91 Slayer) and Alchemical Hydra (95 Slayer) offer lucrative drops, such as Primordial Crystals or Hydra Leather. These tasks are both profitable (up to 4m GP/hour) and engaging, keeping the grind fresh. Consider Turael-skipping for specific boss tasks if you’re hunting uniques like the Basilisk Jaw.
Pushing for 200m Experience
For the truly dedicated, 200m Slayer experience (around 2,000–3,000 hours from 99) is a long-term goal. Focus on boss-heavy task lists and maintain an efficient block/skip strategy. Many maxed players continue Slayer for its passive combat experience and consistent GP.
Profit and Fun with Konar
Konar’s tasks often include Brimstone Keys, which yield ~89k GP per chest. While her location-specific tasks can be less efficient, the potential for high-value loot makes her a fun choice post-99. Experiment with her tasks to break the monotony of standard Slayer.
Reaching 99 Slayer in OSRS is a grind that tests your patience and strategy. Depending on your playstyle, it can take anywhere from 130 to 434 hours, with efficient methods cutting the time significantly. By optimizing your Slayer Master choice, blocking bad tasks, and using high-DPS gear, you can make the journey faster and more enjoyable. Whether you’re chasing the cape, boss uniques, or millions in profit, Slayer offers endless opportunities. Best of luck on your path to 99—Gielinor’s monsters await!