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OSRS Ardougne Knight Pickpocketing Guide for Maximum XP and Gold
Pickpocketing Ardougne Knights in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a popular method for training the Thieving skill while earning a tidy profit. Known as “Ardy Knights,” this activity offers high experience rates and decent gold per hour, making it a go-to for players aiming for level 99 Thieving or a quick cash grab. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to master Ardy Knight pickpocketing, from prerequisites and setup to advanced tips and strategies for optimizing your efficiency.
Ardougne Knights are a staple in OSRS for Thieving training due to their accessibility, profitability, and relatively low effort. Located in the bustling market of East Ardougne, these NPCs provide 84.3 Thieving experience and 50 coins per successful pickpocket, with the potential for double loot when equipped with the Rogue’s outfit. With the right setup, players can achieve up to 253,000 XP per hour and 300,000 GP per hour at higher levels, making it one of the most rewarding Thieving methods.
Key Benefits of Pickpocketing Ardy Knights
- High XP Rates: Up to 253,000 Thieving XP per hour at level 95+ with optimal gear and diary bonuses.
- Profitability: Earn up to 300,000 GP per hour with the Rogue’s outfit, totaling around 15.5M GP from level 55 to 99.
- AFK Potential: Trapping the knight in a specific spot allows for semi-AFK training with spam-clicking.
- Low Requirements: Start at level 55 Thieving, with higher efficiency at 95+.
Prerequisites and Recommended Gear
Before diving into pickpocketing Ardy Knights, ensure you meet the minimum requirements and have the right equipment to maximize success rates and profits. While the activity is accessible, certain items and achievements significantly boost efficiency.
Minimum Requirements
- Thieving Level 55: Required to pickpocket Ardougne Knights without instant failure.
- Access to Ardougne: Easily reachable via Ardougne Teleport, Ardougne Cloak, or boat from Rimmington.
Recommended Gear and Items
Equipping the right gear can make or break your pickpocketing session. Here’s a breakdown of the best items to use:
| Item | Effect | How to Obtain |
|---|---|---|
| Rogue’s Outfit | 100% chance to double loot (100 GP per pickpocket) | Rogue’s Den minigame (takes ~2 hours) |
| Ardougne Cloak 2 | +10% pickpocket success rate in Ardougne | Medium Ardougne Diary |
| Dodgy Necklace | 25% chance to avoid stun/damage on failure | Grand Exchange (~3K GP) |
| Gloves of Silence | +5% pickpocket success rate | Grand Exchange or crafted with 64 Crafting |
| Dragon Spear | Special attack aids in luring knights | Grand Exchange |
Note: Gloves of Silence and Ardougne Cloak bonuses do not stack. Use the cloak for the higher success rate boost.
Inventory Setup
- Noted Food (e.g., Cakes or Wines): Sustain health from failed pickpockets, especially at lower levels.
- Energy Potions: Maintain stamina for longer sessions.
- Teleportation Items: Ardougne Cloak, Amulet of Glory, or runes for quick banking.
- Coin Pouches: Automatically collected; open them periodically to free inventory space.
How to Trap an Ardougne Knight
Trapping an Ardougne Knight in a confined space is crucial for efficient pickpocketing. The most common spot is the trapezoid-shaped house in the northeast corner of the Ardougne market, north of the Baker’s Stall. This setup allows for spam-clicking, reducing effort and maximizing XP.
Step-by-Step Trapping Guide
- Locate the Knight: Find an Ardougne Knight in the East Ardougne marketplace.
- Attack and Lure: Attack the knight once, run into the trapezoid-shaped house, and close the door behind them to trap them inside.
- Use Dragon Spear (Optional): The special attack can push the knight into position faster.
- Reset Aggro: Log out and back in to make the knight non-aggressive, allowing safe pickpocketing.
- Position Yourself: Stand north of the knight to avoid despawning issues (standing east or west can cause the knight to get stuck and despawn).
- Keep the Gate Closed: Be courteous to other players by ensuring the door remains shut.
Pro Tip: Hop worlds (e.g., World 378, 365, or 420) to find a knight already trapped, saving time. Join the “thievinghost” clan chat or “splashworlds” Discord for worlds with pre-trapped knights or splashers keeping the knight stationary.
Alternative Trapping Spots
- Southern Ardougne Bank: Lure the knight into the bank and use a splasher to keep it in place. Common in high-population worlds like 302 or 330.
- Northwest Building: Similar to the northeast house but less crowded, ideal for solo players.
Optimizing XP and GP Rates
To achieve the highest XP and GP rates, you’ll need to fine-tune your setup and technique. At level 95 Thieving with the Medium Ardougne Diary completed, players stop failing pickpockets entirely, eliminating the need for food and boosting efficiency.
XP Rates by Thieving Level
| Thieving Level | XP per Hour | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 55 | 86,000 | High failure rate; use food and Dodgy Necklace |
| 75 | 141,000 | Improved success with Rogue’s Outfit |
| 90 | 209,000 | Minimal failures with Ardougne Cloak |
| 95+ | 240,000–253,000 | 100% success with Medium Ardougne Diary |
Maximizing Efficiency
- Menu Entry Swapper (RuneLite): Set left-click to “Pickpocket” for spam-clicking ease.
- NPC Attack Options: Set to “Hidden” in game settings to avoid accidental attacks.
- Shadow Veil Spell: Requires 47 Magic and A Kingdom Divided quest; grants a 15% chance to avoid stun/damage.
- Mouse Keys: Bind a keyboard key to left-click for AFK-friendly spam-clicking (ensure compliance with Jagex rules).
Warning: Avoid using unauthorized bot scripts or macros, as they violate Jagex rules and can lead to bans. Stick to manual methods or approved plugins like RuneLite.
Tips for a Smooth Pickpocketing Experience
Pickpocketing Ardy Knights can be repetitive, so here are some tips to keep your sessions enjoyable and productive:
Managing Inventory and Health
- Steal Cakes: If low on health, grab cakes from the nearby Baker’s Stall for free food.
- Open Coin Pouches: Regularly open pouches to prevent inventory clogging (max 28 pouches).
- Bank Strategically: Use Ardougne Cloak teleports to bank loot quickly and return to thieving.
Community and World Selection
- Join Thieving Communities: Clan chats like “thievinghost” or Discord servers like “splashworlds” provide updates on worlds with trapped or splashed knights.
- Popular Worlds: Worlds 378, 365, and 420 often have pre-trapped knights or active splashers.
- Avoid Crowded Spots: If a world is too busy, hop to a less populated one or trap your own knight.
Dealing with Failures and Risks
At lower levels, failing pickpockets results in a 3-damage hit and a brief stun, which can add up. Use the following to mitigate risks:
- Dodgy Necklace: Reduces stun/damage frequency.
- Ring of Life: Auto-teleports you to safety if HP drops below 10% (useful for Hardcore Ironmen).
- Regen Bracelet/Hitpoints Cape: At level 90+, these make damage sustainable without food.
Pickpocketing Ardougne Knights is a rewarding way to train Thieving and earn gold in OSRS. With the right gear, a trapped knight, and optimized settings, you can achieve top-tier XP rates and millions in profit. Whether you’re a casual player or grinding for 99 Thieving, this method offers a balance of efficiency and ease. So, head to Ardougne, trap that knight, and start your journey to becoming a master thief!