OSRS Beginner Hot Cold Guide Unraveling Treasure Trails Clues

Adventurer! If you’re just starting out in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) and stumbled across a Hot Cold clue scroll, you might be scratching your head wondering what to do. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. As someone who’s spent countless hours chasing treasure trails and digging up rewards, I’m here to break down the Hot Cold clue in a way that’s easy to understand. I’ll share my own experiences, tips, and tricks to help you master this part of the game. So, grab your spade, and let’s dive into the world of OSRS Hot Cold clues!

Hot Cold clues are a type of clue scroll in OSRS where you use a strange device to track down a specific spot to dig for your reward. The device gives you hints like “warmer” or “colder” as you move, guiding you to the treasure. It’s like a game of hide-and-seek, but with better loot! These clues are part of Treasure Trails, a fun activity where you solve puzzles to earn sweet rewards.

My First Hot Cold Clue Disaster

When I first got a Hot Cold clue years ago, I was SO confused. I ran around Gielinor like a headless chicken, clicking the strange device everywhere. Spoiler alert: I didn’t find the treasure that day. But after some trial and error (and a lot of digging in the wrong spots), I figured it out. Trust me, if I can do it, so can you!

Why Should Beginners Care?

Hot Cold clues are great for new players because they don’t require high skills or expensive gear. Plus, the rewards can be awesome, from gold to rare cosmetics. Ever wondered what it’d be like to wear a fancy hat or wield a cool weapon? These clues might just get you there.

How to Start a Hot Cold Clue

Before you can play Hot Cold, you need a clue scroll and the strange device. Here’s the lowdown on getting started.

Getting Your Clue Scroll

Clue scrolls come in different levels (beginner, easy, medium, etc.), but Hot Cold clues usually show up in easy or medium scrolls. You can get them by:

Killing monsters like goblins or guards.
Pickpocketing NPCs such as HAM members.
Completing other clue steps that lead to a Hot Cold clue.

As a beginner, I loved farming goblins near Lumbridge for easy clues. It’s low-risk, and you might even snag some bones to train Prayer!

Activating the Strange Device

Once you have a Hot Cold clue, read it. It’ll say something like, “Use the strange device to find the treasure.” To get the device:

Go to the Estate Agent in any major city (like Varrock).
Pay 10,000 coins to get the strange device. Don’t panic about the cost—it’s reusable!
Click the device to start the Hot Cold game.

Pro tip: Keep the device in your bank after you’re done. I learned the hard way after buying it twice!

What Do the Hints Mean?

The strange device tells you if you’re getting warmer (closer) or colder (farther) from the treasure. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Scorching: You’re super close!
Very Hot: Almost there, just a few steps away.
Warm: You’re in the right area but not exact.
Cold: You’re way off, try a different spot.
Very Cold: You’re basically on the wrong side of the map.

When I first played, I thought “warm” meant I was one step away. Nope! I wandered around for hours before realizing I needed to keep moving.

Best Strategies for Solving Hot Cold Clues

Now that you know the basics, let’s talk about how to actually solve these clues without losing your mind.

Use a World Map or Guide

The treasure can be anywhere in Gielinor, so a map is your best friend. I use the OSRS Wiki’s Hot Cold clue map—it shows all possible dig spots. If you’re old-school like me, you can try guessing, but that’s a headache waiting to happen.

Teleport to Save Time

As a beginner, you might not have tons of teleports, but use what you’ve got. Varrock, Lumbridge, and Falador teleports are cheap and cover a lot of ground. I once spent 30 minutes running from Draynor to Al Kharid because I was too stubborn to teleport. Don’t be like me.

Keep Your Spade Handy

You’ll need a spade to dig at the treasure spot. Always carry one, or you’ll be backtracking to a bank. I keep mine in my inventory during clues to avoid that “oops” moment.

What If You’re Still Lost?

Ever feel like the device is trolling you? Sometimes it does! If you’re stuck, try:

Moving to a straight line to see how the hints change.
Checking common dig spots like Faladorin, Varrockport or Draynor.
Asking a friend or clan for help brainstorm.

Common Hot Cold Clues for Beginners

Not all Hot Cold spots are beginner-friendly. Here’s a few spots I’ve hit up a ton as a new player, and why they’re great for you.

Lumbridge Swamp

Why I Love It: Close to Lumbridge, low danger, easy to reach.
How to Get There: Walk south from Lumbridge Castle or use the teleport spell.
Watch Out: Swamp gas can damage torches, but it’s not a big deal for digging.

Draynor Village

Why I Love It: Near a bank, safe for low-level players.
How to Get There: Walk from Lumbridge or use the Amulet of Glory.
Watch Out: There’s a couple of aggressive NPCs nearby, but they’re weak.

Falador Park

Why I Love It: It’s in a safe city with a pretty view!
How to Get There: Use a Falador teleport or walk from Varrock.
Watch Out: Nothing much, just don’t dig in the flowerbeds by mistake!

Here’s a quick table to compare these spots:

Location	Travel Time (from Lumbridge)	Danger Level	Nearby Bank?
Lumbridge Swamp	5 minutes	Low	No
Draynor Village	3 minutes	Low	Yes
Falador Park	10 minutes	None	Yes

Rewards and Why They’re Worth Chasing

Hot Cold clues are fun, but the rewards make them even better. Let’s talk loot!

What Can You Get?

Easy and medium clues can drop:

Cash and runes: Great for buying gear or training Magic.
Cosmetics: Think fancy robes or hats to flex your style.
God pages: Rare items for prayer books, sellable for big bucks.
Random junk: Not every reward is a winner, but it’s still fun.

My first big reward was a black wizard hat. I wore it for weeks, feeling like Gandalf. What’s the coolest item you’ve ever gotten from a clue?

Are They Worth Your Time?

For beginners, absolutely! You don’t need high stats, and the rewards can fund your early adventures. I used clue money to buy my first rune armor set—felt like a king!

Pro Tip for Rewards

Always check the Grand Exchange price before selling. Some “junk” items are worth more than you think. I once sold a random headband for 50k, which was huge for me back then.

Mistakes to Avoid as a Beginner

Even experts mess up sometimes. Here’s what NOT to do when tackling Hot Cold clues.

Don’t Forget Your Spade

I’ve lost count of how many times I reached a dig spot without a spade. Save yourself the frustration—double-check your inventory.

Don’t Ignore the Hints

If the device says “very cold,” don’t keep wandering in the same area. Teleport somewhere else! I wasted hours in the Wilderness once, thinking I was close. Spoiler: I wasn’t.

Don’t Panic in Dangerous Areas

Some Hot Cold spots are in the Wilderness or near aggressive monsters. If you’re low-level, stick to safe spots or bring cheap gear. I lost a clue scroll to a Wilderness PKer once—still stings.

Final Thoughts on Hot Cold Clues

Hot Cold clues are a blast once you get the hang of them. They’re like a treasure hunt that keeps you exploring Gielinor and snagging cool loot. As someone who’s gone from clueless noob to clue-chasing pro, I can tell you it’s worth the effort. Start small, use a map, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Before you know it, you’ll be digging up rewards like a seasoned adventurer.

What’s your favorite clue scroll memory? Got any questions about Hot Cold clues? Drop them below, and I’ll help you out. Happy treasure hunting!