OSRS Beginner Hot Cold Guide for Treasure Trails

OSRS Beginner Hot Cold Guide for Treasure Trails

Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is packed with exciting activities, and Treasure Trails are a fantastic way for beginners to explore the game while earning rewards. Among the various clue types, Hot Cold clues are a unique challenge, especially for free-to-play (F2P) players tackling beginner clue scrolls. This guide dives into everything you need to know about OSRS beginner Hot Cold clues, from getting started to pinpointing treasure locations efficiently. Whether you’re new to clue scrolls or looking to master this mechanic, read on to become a Hot Cold pro!

Hot Cold clues are a type of Treasure Trail puzzle where players use a strange device to locate a treasure spot by following temperature-based hints. The device, obtained from Reldo in the Varrock Palace library for beginner clues, tells you whether you’re “Hot” (close) or “Cold” (far) from the dig site via the chatbox. This mechanic is inspired by the classic children’s game, making it intuitive yet engaging. For beginners, these clues are accessible in F2P areas and require no specific skills or quests, making them perfect for new players.

How the Strange Device Works

The strange device measures your proximity to the treasure using the Chebyshev distance, which counts the number of steps needed to reach the treasure, ignoring obstacles like walls or rivers. When you click the device, it provides a temperature reading:

  • Incredibly Hot: You’re within 8 steps of the treasure.
  • Very Hot: Within 17 steps.
  • Hot: Within 31 steps.
  • Warm: Within 49 steps.
  • Cold: 50–99 steps.
  • Very Cold: 100–149 steps.
  • Ice Cold: 150+ steps.

By moving to different locations and checking the device, you narrow down the treasure’s position within a 9×9 square where you can dig with a spade.

Getting Started with Beginner Hot Cold Clues

TalkTreasure TrailsGuideHot Cold OSRS Wiki

To begin, you’ll need a beginner clue scroll, which drops from low-level F2P monsters like goblins, cows, or chickens, or from skilling activities like fishing (clue bottles), mining (clue geodes), or woodcutting (clue nests). Once you have a clue scroll directing you to a Hot Cold step, follow these steps:

Obtaining the Strange Device

Visit Reldo in the Varrock Palace library (north of Varrock Square). If your clue scroll includes a Hot Cold step, Reldo will give you the strange device. You only need to obtain it once, as it can be stored in your bank for future clues. No quests or skill levels are required, making this accessible for all F2P players.

Essential Items for Hot Cold Clues

To complete Hot Cold clues efficiently, prepare the following items:

  • Strange Device: Obtained from Reldo.
  • Spade: For digging at the treasure spot (available at general stores or from farming patches).
  • Teleportation Items: Chronicle (bought from Diango in Draynor Village for 300 GP) or Varrock teleport tablets for quick travel.
  • Energy Potions (optional): To restore run energy for faster movement.

With these items, you’re ready to start hunting!

Strategies for Solving Hot Cold Clues

Solving Hot Cold clues involves moving around Gielinor, checking the strange device, and interpreting its temperature readings. Here are two effective strategies to locate the treasure quickly.

The Chronicle Trick

The Chronicle Trick is a popular method for narrowing down Hot Cold locations using the Chronicle teleport, which takes you to the Champions’ Guild. Follow these steps:

  1. Teleport to the Champions’ Guild using the Chronicle and check the strange device.
  2. If it’s Very Hot or Incredibly Hot, the treasure is in the cow field north of Lumbridge Castle.
  3. If it’s Warm, the clue is either north of the Al Kharid mine or behind Draynor Manor. Take one step east and check again:
  4. If it’s Cold or colder, try teleporting to Varrock Square and check again. From there, use the following logic:
    • Hot in Varrock Square: Likely Lumbridge cows.
    • Walk east a few steps; if warmer, it’s Al Kharid. If not, check Falador teleport for Ice Mountain, Draynor Manor, or Draynor Village.

This method leverages F2P teleports to quickly rule out locations.

Triangulation Method

If you prefer a more hands-on approach, use triangulation:

  1. Start at a central location (e.g., Varrock Square) and check the device.
  2. Move in one direction (e.g., east) and check again to see if the temperature increases or decreases.
  3. Teleport or walk to another location (e.g., Lumbridge) and repeat, noting temperature changes.
  4. Based on the readings, narrow down the area and move closer until you’re Incredibly Hot, then dig within the 9×9 square.

This method is slower but works well if you lack teleportation items.

Beginner Hot Cold Locations

Beginner Hot Cold clues have five possible locations, all in F2P areas. Below is a table summarizing these spots, their approximate coordinates, and tips for reaching them.


Location Approximate Coordinates How to Reach Notes
Cow Field (North of Lumbridge) (3225, 3295) Chronicle teleport, then run north. Often “Very Hot” from Champions’ Guild.
North of Al Kharid Mine (3295, 3370) Varrock teleport, run south-east. Check east movement for confirmation.
Behind Draynor Manor (3100, 3325) Draynor Village teleport (Chronicle), run north. Common if colder from Al Kharid.
Ice Mountain (3000, 3475) Falador teleport, run north-west. Hot from Falador if not Draynor.
Draynor Village (Wheat Field) (3140, 3275) Chronicle teleport, run west. North-east of Draynor bank.

Tips for Each Location

  • Cow Field: Check the northernmost field near Lumbridge Castle. Dig in the center of the 9×9 area.
  • Al Kharid Mine: Head north of the mine, near the desert border. Use Varrock teleport for speed.
  • Draynor Manor: The spot is directly behind the manor, not inside. Watch for aggressive trees if low-level.
  • Ice Mountain: Located near the Black Knights’ Fortress. Falador teleport is closest.
  • Draynor Village: The wheat field north-east of the bank is a common spot. Dig carefully to avoid missing the square.

Tips and Tricks for Faster Clue Completion

Maximize your efficiency with these pro tips:

Optimize Your Inventory

Keep your inventory light with only the essentials: strange device, spade, Chronicle, and a few teleport tablets. Store clue scrolls and caskets in your bank to avoid losing them if you die.

Use F2P Teleports

The Chronicle is your best friend for F2P clue hunting. It’s cheap, rechargeable, and teleports you near multiple Hot Cold locations. Combine with Varrock and Falador teleports for broader coverage.

Bank Strategically

Use banks in Varrock, Lumbridge, or Draynor to quickly restock teleport items or deposit caskets. The Grand Exchange is ideal for buying supplies like spades or Chronicles.

Avoid Common Mistakes

  • Forgetting the Spade: Always carry a spade, as you can’t dig without it.
  • Misreading Temperatures: Double-check the chatbox to avoid misinterpreting “Hot” versus “Very Hot.”
  • Digging Outside the Square: Ensure you’re within the 9×9 area, as digging just outside won’t work.

By following these tips, you’ll complete Hot Cold clues faster and with less frustration.

Conclusion

OSRS beginner Hot Cold clues are a fun and accessible way to dive into Treasure Trails, offering new players a chance to explore Gielinor and earn rewards. By understanding the strange device, using strategies like the Chronicle Trick, and targeting the five F2P locations, you can master these clues in no time. Grab your spade, teleport to Varrock, and start hunting for treasure today! For more OSRS guides, check out our other posts on clue scrolls and F2P activities.