OSRS Best Way to Get Heron Pet – Ultimate Guide

OSRS Best Way to Get Heron Pet – Ultimate Guide

The Heron pet in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a coveted skilling pet that players can obtain while training Fishing. Its rarity and charm make it a badge of honor for anglers across Gielinor. In this guide, we’ll explore the most efficient methods to increase your chances of getting the Heron, breaking down strategies, requirements, and tips to optimize your grind. Whether you’re a seasoned fisher or just starting, this post will help you navigate the path to securing this elusive bird.

Before diving into the methods, it’s crucial to understand how the Heron pet drop works. The chance of receiving the Heron is tied to your Fishing level and the time it takes to catch a fish. The formula for most fishing activities is 1 / (Base Chance – (Fishing Level * 25)), where the base chance varies by fish type. Higher Fishing levels reduce the denominator, improving your odds per catch. However, some activities like Fishing Trawler have static rates, making them exceptions to this rule.

Factors Affecting Heron Drop Rate

  • Fishing Level: Higher levels significantly boost your chances. At level 99, your odds are much better than at lower levels.
  • Fish Type: Different fish have different base drop rates, affecting how often you roll for the pet.
  • Actions Per Hour: Methods that allow more catches per hour increase your rolls for the Heron.
  • Tick Manipulation: Advanced techniques like 2-tick fishing can drastically speed up catches, improving efficiency.

Fastest Method – 2-Tick Fishing Tuna and Swordfish

For players aiming to get the Heron as quickly as possible, 2-tick fishing for tuna and swordfish is the top method. This technique maximizes catches per hour, giving you more rolls for the pet. It’s click-intensive but highly effective, especially at higher Fishing levels.

Requirements for 2-Tick Fishing

  • Fishing Level: 55+ (70+ recommended for swordfish).
  • Equipment: Harpoon, Barbarian Fishing Rod, or bare hands (if using Barbarian Fishing).
  • Location: Catherby or Fishing Guild.
  • Optional: Stamina potions for sustained running, Fishing cape for teleportation.

How to 2-Tick Fish

  1. Start at a fishing spot in Catherby or the Fishing Guild.
  2. Use a herb and tar (e.g., Guam leaf and swamp tar) to manipulate game ticks. Drop the tar and click the fishing spot on specific ticks to speed up catches.
  3. Keep your inventory light to avoid interruptions.
  4. Bank or drop fish as needed, using the Fishing Guild bank for efficiency.

Pro Tip: At level 99 Fishing, 2-tick fishing yields around 181 hours on average to get the Heron, assuming optimal execution. Practice the tick manipulation rhythm to maintain consistency.

Best AFK Method – Karambwan Fishing

If you prefer a more relaxed approach, fishing for karambwans is the best AFK method for chasing the Heron. It offers a solid balance of decent pet odds and low effort, making it ideal for players who want to multitask or avoid intense clicking.

Why Choose Karambwans?

Karambwans have a base drop rate of approximately 1/170,874 at level 65 Fishing, which improves with higher levels. With a fish barrel, you can extend AFK sessions, catching around 600 karambwans per hour at level 99, translating to roughly 280 hours on average for the Heron.

Requirements for Karambwan Fishing

  • Fishing Level: 65+.
  • Quest: Completion of Tai Bwo Wannai Trio to unlock karambwan fishing.
  • Equipment: Karambwan vessel, raw karambwanji (bait).
  • Optional: Fish barrel (from Tempoross), Karamja gloves 3 for banking, fairy ring (code CKR) for quick access.

Step-by-Step Karambwan Fishing

  1. Travel to the karambwan fishing spot north of the fairy ring CKR.
  2. Use raw karambwanji as bait in your karambwan vessel.
  3. Fish until your inventory or fish barrel is full.
  4. Bank at the deposit box near the Legends Guild (with Quest Point Cape) or Shilo Village (with Karamja gloves).

Pro Tip: Use a fish barrel to double your AFK time, reducing trips to the bank. At 30k XP per hour, this method is also decent for leveling Fishing passively.

Fishing Trawler – A Minigame Alternative

For players who enjoy minigames, the Fishing Trawler offers a unique way to hunt for the Heron. Unlike other methods, its pet chance is static: 1/5,000 per successful trip (1/2,500 with full contribution). This makes it less dependent on Fishing level but reliant on game performance.

Requirements for Fishing Trawler

  • Fishing Level: 15+ (higher levels improve contribution).
  • Location: Port Khazard.
  • Equipment: Bailing bucket, ropes, swamp paste (bring extras).
  • Optional: Angler’s outfit for XP boosts, coins for travel.

Tips for Maximizing Fishing Trawler Success

  • Maximize Contribution: Repair leaks, bail water, and fill the net to ensure full contribution for the 1/2,500 rate.
  • Play Solo or Small Teams: Solo games allow better control, but small teams (2-3 players) can reduce downtime.
  • Track Games: You can play up to 12 games per hour, so aim for consistent runs.

Note: Fishing Trawler is less efficient than 2-tick fishing or karambwans, requiring around 400-500 hours on average for the Heron, but it’s a fun change of pace.

Comparing Methods for Heron Pet

Choosing the right method depends on your playstyle, Fishing level, and tolerance for intensity. Below is a table comparing the three main methods discussed:

Method Base Drop Rate (at 99) Average Time to Heron Intensity XP/Hour
2-Tick Tuna/Swordfish ~1/110,000 ~181 hours High 50k-70k
Karambwan Fishing ~1/170,874 ~280 hours Low 25k-35k
Fishing Trawler 1/2,500 (full contribution) ~400-500 hours Medium 10k-20k

Key Takeaway: 2-tick fishing is the fastest but demands focus, karambwans are best for AFK players, and Fishing Trawler suits those who enjoy minigames.

Tips to Optimize Your Heron Hunt

Regardless of the method you choose, these tips will help streamline your grind and keep you motivated while chasing the Heron pet.

Boost Your Fishing Level First

Since the drop rate improves with your Fishing level, aim for at least 80+ Fishing before seriously hunting the Heron. Level 99 maximizes your chances, so consider training via Tempoross or Barbarian Fishing for efficient XP.

Use Efficiency Gear and Items

  • Angler’s Outfit: Earned from Fishing Trawler, it gives a small XP boost.
  • Fishing Cape: At level 99, it provides unlimited teleports to the Fishing Guild.
  • Spirit Flakes: From Tempoross, these give a 50% chance to catch double fish, speeding up rolls.
  • Dragon Harpoon: Boosts catch speed for tuna/swordfish.

Stay Motivated During the Grind

The Heron is rare, and dry streaks are common. To stay engaged:

  • Track Progress: Log your catches or XP to visualize your journey.
  • Mix Methods: Switch between karambwans and Fishing Trawler to avoid burnout.
  • Join a Clan: Chat with others while fishing to make the grind social.

Consider Other Fishing Methods

While less efficient, other methods like monkfish (1/305,792 base rate) or infernal eels (1/99,000 base rate) can still yield the Heron. These are viable if you’re training for XP or profit alongside the pet hunt, but they’re slower than the top methods.

Final Thoughts: Getting the Heron pet in OSRS is a test of patience and dedication. For the fastest results, master 2-tick fishing for tuna and swordfish. If you prefer chilling, fish karambwans with a fish barrel. For a fun detour, try Fishing Trawler. Whatever you choose, keep your Fishing level high, use efficiency tools, and stay persistent. That “funny feeling like you’re being followed” will hit eventually, and your Heron will be worth the wait. Happy fishing!