OSRS Curse of Arrav: The Ultimate Quest Guide for Old School RuneScape

OSRS Curse of Arrav: The Ultimate Quest Guide for Old School RuneScape


The Curse of Arrav is one of the most exciting quests in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), released on November 6, 2024, as a reimagined version of the classic RuneScape quest. Packed with adventure, lore, and challenging tasks, this quest takes players deep into the Mahjarrat storyline, offering a chance to free the legendary hero Arrav from the clutches of the sinister Zemouregal. Whether you’re a seasoned quester or a newcomer aiming for that coveted Quest Point Cape, this guide will walk you through every step of the Curse of Arrav in OSRS, optimized with tips to make your journey seamless. Let’s dive into this epic tale and uncover how to conquer it!

Before embarking on the Curse of Arrav, it’s essential to understand what you’re signing up for. Announced at the Summer Summit 2024, this quest blends rich storytelling with OSRS’s unique charm, diverging from its RS3 predecessor to fit the old-school vibe. Your mission? To liberate Arrav by recovering his preserved heart while navigating ancient ruins, treacherous mountains, and a heavily guarded fortress.

Quest Prerequisites

To start the Curse of Arrav, you’ll need to meet some skill and quest requirements. Here’s what you need:

Recommended Gear and Items

Preparation is key to success. Here’s a rundown of recommended items:

  • Crossbow and Mithril Grapple – For traversing traps.
  • Insulated Boots – Protection against energy surges.
  • Combat Gear – Weakness to Crush is a bonus against Arrav.
  • Stamina Potions – For long runs across the map.
  • Antivenom – Handy for potential hazards.
  • Emergency Teleport – A lifesaver if things go south.

Starting the Curse of Arrav Quest

Kick off your adventure at the Uzer Oasis, accessible via fairy ring code DLQ. Head east toward the coast to find Elias White, your quest giver. Elias has been researching a unique form of necromancy tied to Arrav’s curse, pointing you toward the Uzer Mastaba—a tomb linked to a Pharaoh Queen who once aided victims of Mahjarrat magic.

Speaking with Elias White

Elias reveals that freeing Arrav requires preserving his heart, which Zemouregal has hidden. He tasks you with exploring the Uzer Mastaba for clues on heart preservation while he locates its whereabouts. This sets the stage for a multi-part journey across Gielinor.

Navigating the Uzer Mastaba

Enter the Mastaba atop the nearby hill. Beware of skeletons—only two are key:

  • Southern Skeleton – Past the entrance, drops a Mastaba Key.
  • Northwest Skeleton – Near the stone boat, drops another Mastaba Key.

Watch out for traps! Check wall markings in the northeast and southeast corners before pulling levers, or you’ll take 19 damage.

Exploring Zemouregal’s Fort

After gathering intel from the Mastaba, return to Elias, who directs you to Zemouregal’s Fort. Here, you’ll encounter Arrav himself and uncover critical items for the next phase.

Meeting Arrav

Head upstairs in the fort to find Arrav, who warns you to leave before Zemouregal returns. Ask about his heart—he reveals it’s not in the fort but hints at a clue behind the flame tapestry in the northeastern room. Search it to obtain a Base Key and Base Plans.

Understanding the Base Plans

The Base Plans reveal Zemouregal’s Base layout, including a chamber with Arrav’s heart. Security features include:

  • Human Detection Spells
  • Energy Surges
  • Fire Ray Enchantments
  • Guarded Vault Door – Five-inch thick runite steel with a four-digit code.

Elias suggests countermeasures: insulated boots, a distraction for zombies, and a crossbow with mith grapple.

Infiltrating Zemouregal’s Base

With plans in hand, travel north of the Digsite to Zemouregal’s Base. This section is a heist-like challenge requiring skill and strategy.

Entering the Base

Equip your insulated boots and enter via the kitchen (look for the kitchen icon). Use the southern wall pipe to access the sewer, following it to the exit pipe.

Bypassing Security

Inside, you’ll face multiple obstacles:

  1. Decoder Puzzle – Search the west table for decoder strips and a chest for a code key. Use the four-digit code (noted earlier) in the decoder interface.
  2. Fire Traps – Equip your crossbow and mith grapple to swing over metal bars above the traps.

Confronting Arrav

Reach the heart’s pedestal, but Zemouregal and Sharathteerk intervene, forcing Arrav to attack. Use Protect from Melee—he swings his axe every third attack, dealing up to 26 damage in both directions. Pro tip: Unequip your weapon to catch his axe, dealing extra damage back.

Attack Type Defense Strategy Damage Potential
Melee Protect from Melee Variable
Axe Throw Move adjacent/behind Up to 26

Rewards and Tips for Success

Completing the Curse of Arrav yields substantial rewards and ties up a thrilling chapter in the Mahjarrat saga.

Quest Rewards

Here’s what you’ll earn:

Pro Tips for Completion

Maximize your success with these strategies:

  • Bank Before the Base – Stock up on supplies; it’s a long haul.
  • Use Crush Weapons – Arrav’s weakness can speed up the fight.
  • Teleport Out if Needed – No shame in retreating to regroup.
  • Check Traps Carefully – Avoid unnecessary damage in the Mastaba.

The OSRS Curse of Arrav quest is a testament to the game’s ability to blend nostalgia with fresh content. From the eerie Uzer Mastaba to the intense showdown in Zemouregal’s Base, every step challenges your skills and immerses you in Gielinor’s lore. With this guide, you’re equipped to free Arrav and claim your rewards. Ready to take on this iconic quest? Grab your gear and start your journey today!