OSRS Corrupted Gauntlet Tier 1 Preparation Guide: Master T1 Prep Like a Pro

The Corrupted Gauntlet (CG) in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is one of the most challenging yet rewarding solo PvM activities. For players looking to dive into this endgame content, Tier 1 (T1) preparation is the foundation of success. Whether you’re aiming to farm the Enhanced Crystal Weapon Seed or simply want to conquer the Corrupted Hunllef, mastering T1 prep is essential. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about OSRS CG T1 prep, from gear and inventory setup to room navigation and combat strategies. Let’s get started!
The Corrupted Gauntlet is a tougher version of the regular Gauntlet, located in Prifddinas. It pits you against the Corrupted Hunllef, a formidable boss with 1,000 Hitpoints and increased damage output. T1 prep refers to the initial preparation phase where you gather resources and craft basic (Tier 1) gear within a strict 7:30-minute time limit—shorter than the regular Gauntlet’s 10 minutes. Efficient T1 prep sets the stage for a smooth boss fight, making it a critical skill to master.
Why T1 Prep Matters
T1 prep is all about balancing speed and resource collection. With only 7:30 minutes, you need to gather enough materials to craft basic armor, a weapon, and food while leaving time to reach the boss room. A solid T1 setup ensures you can survive the Hunllef’s attacks long enough to upgrade your gear mid-run if needed.
Prerequisites for Corrupted Gauntlet
Before diving into T1 prep, ensure you meet these requirements:
- High Combat Stats: 80+ Attack, Strength, Defence, and Hitpoints recommended.
- Song of the Elves Quest: Completed to access Prifddinas.
- Prayer Level: 70+ for Piety (optional but highly beneficial).
- Gear Outside: Basic combat gear to enter (e.g., Rune armor, Crystal bow).
Gear and Inventory Setup for T1 Prep
Your starting setup outside the Gauntlet influences how quickly you can begin gathering resources. Inside, you’ll craft T1 gear, so efficiency is key.
Recommended Gear to Wear
Wear lightweight, combat-ready gear to maximize run energy and survivability:
- Helm: Rune full helm or better.
- Body: Rune platebody or Monk robes (for Prayer bonus).
- Legs: Rune platelegs.
- Weapon: Crystal bow or Rune scimitar (for quick hits on mobs).
- Boots: Boots of Lightness or Graceful boots.
- Cape: Graceful cape or Ava’s device.
Inventory Setup
Your inventory should be minimal to save space for resources:
- Teleport Crystal: For quick exits if needed.
- Stamina Potion (1): To maintain run energy.
- Coins (10k): To re-enter after a death.
- Food (Optional): 1-2 Sharks for emergencies outside.
Once inside, drop unnecessary items like the Stamina Potion after use to free up slots.
Step-by-Step T1 Prep Strategy
Time management is the backbone of T1 prep. Here’s a detailed walkthrough to optimize your 7:30 minutes.
Step 1: Enter and Assess the Layout
Upon entering, immediately check your surroundings. The Gauntlet’s layout is randomized, so identify key resource nodes (crystal deposits, fishing spots, herb patches) near the starting room. Prioritize nodes within 2-3 rooms of the center to minimize travel time.
Step 2: Gather Resources
You’ll need the following for T1 prep:
Resource | Amount | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Crystal Shards | 120-140 | Craft T1 armor and weapon |
Raw Paddlefish | 10-15 | Food for the boss fight |
Phren Bark | 1 | Craft T1 armor |
Linium Ore | 1-2 | Craft T1 weapon |
Tip: Attack Demi-bosses (Bear, Wolf, Dragon) only if they’re blocking a resource node. Otherwise, avoid combat to save time.
Step 3: Craft T1 Gear
Head to the Singing Bowl in the starting room and craft:
- Basic Corrupted Armor (T1): Costs 120 shards (40 per piece—body, legs, helm).
- Corrupted Weapon (T1): Choose a bow or staff (20 shards).
- Paddlefish: Cook raw paddlefish at the range (heals 20 HP each).
The T1 armor reduces the Hunllef’s max hit from 12 to 10 with the correct prayer, giving you a fighting chance.
Step 4: Navigate to the Boss Room
With 1-2 minutes left, run to the Corrupted Hunllef’s room (marked by a red portal). Use the minimap to plot the shortest path, avoiding unnecessary fights. Drop excess items (e.g., extra ore) to lighten your load.
Combat Tips for the Corrupted Hunllef with T1 Gear
Facing the Hunllef with T1 gear is tough but doable with the right approach.
Prayer and Movement
The Hunllef uses three attack styles: Magic (stomp), Ranged (projectiles), and a tornado phase. Key tactics include:
- Prayer Switching: Match the Hunllef’s attack style (Protect from Magic or Ranged).
- Tornado Dodge: Run in a square pattern to avoid the extra tornadoes in CG.
- Stamina Management: Sip your Stamina Potion early to keep moving.
Dealing Damage
With a T1 weapon (e.g., Corrupted Bow), focus on consistent hits:
- Attack every 5 ticks (the Hunllef’s attack speed).
- Switch to a staff or unequip your weapon every 6th hit to trick the Hunllef into changing prayers, then resume with your bow.
This “5:1 method” maximizes your damage output despite low-tier gear.
Healing and Survival
Eat paddlefish at 50-60 HP to avoid being comboed out by the Hunllef’s attacks. Combo-eating (using paddlefish with other food) can help if you’re low on supplies.
Optimizing Your T1 Prep Runs
Practice makes perfect. Here’s how to refine your T1 prep over time.
Time-Saving Tricks
Boost your efficiency with these tips:
- Pre-Cast Vengeance: Cast it before entering to save Prayer points.
- Drop Excess: Don’t hoard resources beyond what’s needed for T1.
- Pathing: Memorize common layouts to reduce navigation time.
Scaling Up from T1
Once comfortable with T1 prep, aim to gather extra shards (200+) to upgrade to T2 or T3 weapons mid-run. This increases your DPS and survival odds against the Hunllef.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Steer clear of these pitfalls:
- Overfighting: Don’t waste time killing mobs unless necessary.
- Poor Resource Management: Collect only what you need for T1.
- Late Start: Begin gathering within 10 seconds of entering.
Mastering OSRS CG T1 prep is your gateway to conquering the Corrupted Gauntlet. With a solid strategy, you’ll turn those 7:30 minutes into a streamlined process, setting yourself up for success against the Hunllef. Start with T1, refine your skills, and soon you’ll be farming those coveted Crystal Armor Seeds and Enhanced Weapon Seeds. Happy Gauntleting!