OSRS Best Herb Drops Ultimate Guide
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), herbs are a cornerstone of the Herblore skill, used to craft potions that boost combat, restore stats, or provide utility. For players looking to train Herblore or make a profit, gathering herbs through monster drops is a fantastic option, especially for ironmen or those avoiding the Grand Exchange. This guide dives into the best monsters for herb drops, strategies to maximize your loot, and tips to optimize your time. Whether you’re a low-level adventurer or a seasoned slayer, we’ve got you covered with the most efficient herb-dropping monsters in Gielinor.
Farming herbs via monster drops is a popular method because it combines combat experience, potential profit, and Herblore resources. Unlike herb runs, which require Farming levels and time-gated growth cycles, killing monsters offers immediate rewards. Plus, it’s engaging and can be tailored to your combat level and gear. Here’s why you should consider it:
- Accessibility: Many herb-dropping monsters are low-level, making them ideal for beginners.
- Variety: From slayer tasks to wilderness bosses, there’s something for every playstyle.
- Profit: Herbs like ranarr and snapdragon are valuable, boosting your bank.
- Experience: Gain combat or Slayer XP while collecting herbs.
Top Monsters for Herb Drops
Not all monsters are equal when it comes to herb drops. Some drop herbs frequently, while others offer rare, high-value ones. Below, we break down the best monsters based on accessibility, drop rates, and herb quality.
Chaos Druids
Combat Level: 13
Chaos druids are the go-to for low-level players. Found in locations like Taverley Dungeon, Edgeville Dungeon, and the tower north of Ardougne, these weak foes drop a surprising amount of herbs. Their low combat stats make them easy to kill, even with basic gear.
- Herb Drops: Guam, marrentill, tarromin, harralander, ranarr, and more.
- Locations: Taverley Dungeon (accessible for F2P), Edgeville Dungeon, Yanille Agility Dungeon.
- Tips: Use a ring of wealth to increase noted herb drops. Bring a looting bag in the Wilderness for extra inventory space.
Aberrant Spectres
Combat Level: 96, Slayer Level: 60
Aberrant spectres are a step up, requiring a nose peg or Slayer helmet to avoid their stat-draining attacks. Located in the Slayer Tower and Stronghold Slayer Cave, they drop large quantities of herbs, making them a favorite for mid-to-high-level players.
- Herb Drops: High chance for irit, avantoe, kwuarm, and cadantine.
- Locations: Morytania Slayer Tower, Stronghold Slayer Cave.
- Tips: Use magic or ranged for safe spotting. A herb sack is invaluable to store unnoted herbs.
Flesh Crawlers
Combat Level: 28/35/41
Flesh crawlers in the Stronghold of Security (level 2) are aggressive and drop herbs frequently. They’re perfect for low-to-mid-level players who want quick kills without Slayer requirements.
- Herb Drops: Guam, marrentill, tarromin, harralander, occasionally ranarr.
- Location: Stronghold of Security, Sepulchre of Death.
- Tips: Their aggression means constant combat. Wear decent armor to tank their hits.
Cave Crawlers
Combat Level: 23, Slayer Level: 10
Cave crawlers are low-level Slayer monsters that drop both herbs and secondary ingredients. Their poisonous attacks require an antipoison, but they’re manageable for early-game players.
- Herb Drops: Guam, marrentill, tarromin, occasionally higher-tier herbs.
- Locations: Fremennik Slayer Dungeon, Lumbridge Swamp Caves.
- Tips: Bring antipoison potions. Combine with Slayer tasks for bonus XP.
Basilisks
Combat Level: 61, Slayer Level: 40
Basilisks in the Fremennik Slayer Dungeon drop herbs often and are relatively easy to kill with a mirror shield. They’re great for players with moderate combat stats.
- Herb Drops: Irit, avantoe, ranarr, and more.
- Location: Fremennik Slayer Dungeon.
- Tips: Use a mirror shield to avoid their gaze. Safe spot with ranged for efficiency.
Specialized Herb Sources
Some herbs, like toadflax, snapdragon, and torstol, aren’t on the standard herb drop table. These require specific monsters or activities. Here’s how to get them.
Salarin the Twisted
Combat Level: 70
Salarin the Twisted, found in the Yanille Agility Dungeon, drops the sinister key, which unlocks a chest containing guaranteed herbs: two harralanders, three ranarr weeds, one irit leaf, one kwuarm, and one torstol.
- Requirements: 67 Agility to access, vulnerable to strike spells.
- Tips: Use magic (e.g., Fire Strike) for quick kills. The chest is a reliable torstol source.
Brimhaven Agility Arena
This minigame offers toadflax and snapdragon as rewards for tickets. It’s a non-combat option for players with decent Agility.
- Requirements: 40 Agility recommended.
- Tips: Save tickets for snapdragon, as it’s more valuable.
Strategies to Maximize Herb Drops
To get the most out of your herb farming, follow these strategies to boost efficiency and yield.
Gear and Inventory Setup
Your gear depends on the monster, but prioritize DPS and inventory management.
| Monster | Recommended Gear | Inventory Items |
|---|---|---|
| Chaos Druids | Rune armor, dragon scimitar | Looting bag, teleport runes, food |
| Aberrant Spectres | Slayer helmet, black dragonhide, whip | Herb sack, prayer potions, super sets |
| Flesh Crawlers | Mithril armor, adamant weapon | Food, teleport runes |
Use a Herb Sack
A herb sack, purchased from the Slayer reward shop (750 points), holds up to 28 different unnoted herbs, saving inventory space. It’s a must-have for extended trips.
Combine with Slayer
Monsters like aberrant spectres, basilisks, and cave crawlers are Slayer assignments. Killing them during tasks grants Slayer XP and increases herb drop rates with a Slayer ring.
Noted Herbs and Looting Bags
In areas like the Wilderness, noted herbs stack, and looting bags double your carrying capacity. This is ideal for chaos druids in Edgeville Dungeon’s Wilderness section.
Comparing Herb Drop Efficiency
To help you choose, here’s a breakdown of the top monsters based on herb drop frequency, combat requirements, and accessibility.
| Monster | Combat Level | Slayer Level | Herb Drop Frequency | Best Herbs | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chaos Druids | 13 | None | High | Ranarr, harralander | Very easy |
| Aberrant Spectres | 96 | 60 | Very high | Kwuarm, cadantine | Moderate |
| Flesh Crawlers | 28/35/41 | None | Moderate | Guam, tarromin | Easy |
| Cave Crawlers | 23 | 10 | Moderate | Guam, marrentill | Easy |
| Basilisks | 61 | 40 | High | Irit, avantoe | Moderate |
Tips for Specific Playstyles
Depending on your account type or goals, here’s how to tailor your herb farming.
Ironmen
Ironmen rely heavily on monster drops for herbs, as they can’t buy them. Focus on chaos druids early on and transition to aberrant spectres as you level Slayer. Salarin the Twisted is a must for torstol.
Low-Level Players
Stick to chaos druids and flesh crawlers. They require minimal gear and offer decent herbs for early Herblore training.
Profit-Oriented Players
Target aberrant spectres for high-value herbs like kwuarm and cadantine. Use a ring of wealth and herb sack to maximize loot per trip.
Herb farming in OSRS is a rewarding grind, blending combat, strategy, and resource gathering. Whether you’re slaying chaos druids for ranarr or tackling aberrant spectres for kwuarm, there’s a monster for every level. Equip your herb sack, plan your trips, and watch your Herblore supplies grow. Happy hunting!