OSRS Black Demons Slayer Task Guide
Black Demons are a formidable Slayer task in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), assigned by high-level Slayer masters to players with at least 80 combat. Known for their high combat stats but relatively low defense, they’re a popular task for those looking to gain Slayer experience and chase valuable drops like the Zenyte Shard. This guide covers everything you need to know to efficiently complete your Black Demons Slayer task, including locations, gear setups, strategies, and tips to maximize experience and profit.
Black Demons are large, aggressive demons found in various dungeons across Gielinor. They’re level 172 with high offensive stats but are notably weak to specific attack styles, making them manageable with the right setup. They’re assigned by Slayer masters like Krystilia, Chaeldar, Konar, Nieve, and Duradel, and you can also fight alternatives like Demonic Gorillas for this task. Their weaknesses and drop table make them a rewarding, if sometimes tedious, task.
Key Characteristics of Black Demons
- Combat Level: 172
- Hitpoints: 157
- Weaknesses: Demonbane weapons (e.g., Arclight), water spells, and magical attacks
- Attack Style: Melee (slash)
Why Black Demons Are Worth Killing
Despite some players choosing to block this task due to its length or cannonball consumption, Black Demons offer decent Slayer XP and a chance at rare drops. Their drop table includes items like the Zenyte Shard (worth over 13 million GP) when fighting Demonic Gorillas, making them appealing for profit-driven players. They’re also a good target for AFK training or cannoning for faster XP.
Best Locations for Black Demons Slayer Task
Choosing the right location is crucial for efficiency. Black Demons are scattered across Gielinor, but some spots are better for Slayer tasks due to accessibility, safespots, or multi-combat areas for cannoning.
Chasm of Fire
The Chasm of Fire, located in the Shayzien region, is the go-to spot for fast XP. It’s a multi-combat area, perfect for cannoning, and has safespots for ranged or magic attacks. You’ll need to complete the Priest in Peril quest to access it via the Shayzien teleports or a fairy ring (code DJR).
Taverley Dungeon
Taverley Dungeon is ideal for mid-level players or those without a cannon. It has safespots for ranged/magic and is easily accessible with a Taverley teleport. A dusty key or 70 Agility is required to reach the Black Demons area.
Catacombs of Kourend
The Catacombs offer a unique perk: every kill restores prayer points, making it great for melee setups using Protect from Melee. It’s also multi-combat, allowing cannon use. Access requires starting the Great Kourend questline and a Kourend teleport.
Wilderness Slayer Cave (Demonic Gorillas)
For high-level players, the Wilderness Slayer Cave houses Demonic Gorillas, which count toward Black Demons tasks if assigned by Krystilia. These mini-bosses drop valuable items like Zenyte Shards but are riskier due to the Wilderness location and tougher mechanics. Completion of Monkey Madness II is required.
| Location | Access Requirements | Multi-Combat | Safespots | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chasm of Fire | Priest in Peril, Shayzien teleport | Yes | Yes | Cannoning, fast XP |
| Taverley Dungeon | Dusty key or 70 Agility | No | Yes | Mid-level, safespotting |
| Catacombs of Kourend | Great Kourend questline | Yes | Yes | Prayer restoration, cannoning |
| Wilderness Slayer Cave | Monkey Madness II, Krystilia task | Yes | No | High-level, profit (Demonic Gorillas) |
Optimal Gear and Inventory Setups
Your gear and inventory depend on your combat style and location. Black Demons are weak to magic and demonbane weapons, but ranged and melee are also viable. Here are recommended setups for each style.
Melee Setup
Melee is straightforward with Protect from Melee prayer. Demonbane weapons like Arclight (requires The Shadow of the Storm) are highly effective, dealing bonus damage to demons.
- Weapon: Arclight or Abyssal Whip
- Armor: Proselyte (prayer bonus) or Bandos (strength bonus)
- Accessories: Amulet of Torture, Primordial Boots, Ferocious Gloves
Ranged Setup
Ranged is ideal for safespotting in Taverley Dungeon or Chasm of Fire. Use the best crossbow or bow you can afford, paired with high ranged accuracy gear.
- Weapon: Armadyl Crossbow or Toxic Blowpipe
- Armor: Armadyl or Blessed D’hide
- Ammo: Diamond Bolts (e) or Broad Arrows
Magic Setup
Magic exploits Black Demons’ weakness to water spells. Use high-damage spells like Water Surge or Ice Barrage for maximum efficiency.
- Weapon: Trident of the Swamp or Sanguinesti Staff
- Armor: Ahrim’s or Ancestral
- Spell: Water Surge or Ice Barrage
Inventory Tips
Your inventory should prioritize sustainability and efficiency. A typical setup includes:
- Prayer Potions: 4–6 for melee or Catacombs setups
- Food: Sharks or Monkfish (10–12)
- Teleport: For quick banking or escape (e.g., Kourend Castle teleport)
- Cannon Supplies: Cannonballs (200–300) if cannoning
Strategies for Efficient Black Demons Slayer Task
Efficiency comes down to leveraging safespots, cannoning, or tackling Demonic Gorillas for profit. Here’s how to optimize your task based on your goals.
Fastest XP: Cannoning in Chasm of Fire
Using a dwarf multicannon in the Chasm of Fire yields 40–50K Slayer XP per hour. Set up the cannon in the multi-combat area, attack from a safespot with ranged or magic, and let the cannon do most of the work. This method eats through cannonballs, so budget accordingly.
AFK Training: Safespotting in Taverley Dungeon
For a more relaxed approach, safespot in Taverley Dungeon using ranged or magic. Position yourself behind rocks or corners where Black Demons can’t reach you, and attack with minimal input. This is ideal for low-effort training but slower than cannoning.
Maximizing Profit: Demonic Gorillas
If assigned by Krystilia, Demonic Gorillas in the Wilderness Slayer Cave are the best for profit. They drop Zenyte Shards, Heavy Ballista parts, and other high-value items. However, they require switching between Protect from Magic and Melee prayers, as they alternate attack styles. Be cautious of PKers in the Wilderness and bank frequently.
Prayer Conservation: Catacombs of Kourend
The Catacombs’ prayer restoration per kill makes it perfect for melee users. Use Protect from Melee and Proselyte armor to minimize prayer potion usage, allowing longer trips without banking.
Tips and Tricks for Black Demons Tasks
To make your Black Demons task smoother and more rewarding, consider these tips based on community insights and game mechanics.
Should You Block Black Demons?
Some players block Black Demons due to their high hitpoints and cannonball costs. However, with the right setup (e.g., cannoning or Demonic Gorillas), they’re worth doing for XP and profit. If you’re low on funds or prefer faster tasks, consider blocking them after unlocking better alternatives like Gargoyles or Nechryaels. Reddit users suggest unblocking if chasing clue scrolls, as Black Demons drop them.
Extend the Task for More XP
Unlock the “It’s dark in here” perk for 100 Slayer points to extend Black Demons tasks. This is ideal for players cannoning in the Chasm of Fire, as it increases the task size for more XP per assignment.
Notable Drops to Watch For
While regular Black Demons have a modest drop table, Demonic Gorillas shine with rare drops. Key items include:
- Zenyte Shard: ~13M GP (Demonic Gorillas)
- Heavy Ballista Parts: ~500K–1M GP
- Rune Chainbody: Common from regular Black Demons
- Clue Scrolls (Hard): Occasional drop
Nightmare Zone Alternative
After completing The Grand Tree, you can fight a Black Demon in the Nightmare Zone for Slayer task credit. This is a single-combat area, so no cannoning, but it’s safe and convenient for low-risk kills.
By choosing the right location, gear, and strategy, your Black Demons Slayer task can be both rewarding and efficient. Whether you’re cannoning for XP, safespotting for AFK training, or chasing Zenyte Shards with Demonic Gorillas, this guide equips you to tackle the task with confidence. Happy Slaying!