OSRS Desert Bandit Thieving: Your Guide to Mastering This Skill
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers a variety of ways to train your Thieving skill, but one method that stands out for its simplicity and efficiency is pickpocketing Desert Bandits. Located in the Kharidian Desert Bandit Camp, these NPCs provide a low-effort training option for players looking to level up their Thieving while gathering some useful loot. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player aiming for 99 Thieving, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Desert Bandit thieving in OSRS. From requirements and strategies to rewards and tips, let’s dive into this desert adventure!
Desert Bandits are a popular choice for Thieving training due to their accessibility and decent experience rates. Unlike more click-intensive methods like blackjacking, pickpocketing Desert Bandits offers a more relaxed approach, making it ideal for players who prefer a steady grind without constant attention. Plus, the loot isn’t half bad—think coins, antipoison, and lockpicks that can come in handy during your RuneScape journey.
Understanding the Basics
Desert Bandits are attackable NPCs found at the Kharidian Desert Bandit Camp, south of the Bedabin Camp. They require level 53 Thieving to pickpocket, and each successful attempt grants 79.4 Thieving experience. These bandits are descendants of Zaros followers, which adds a bit of lore flavor to your thieving escapades—they’ll even turn aggressive if you wear Saradomin or Zamorak gear!
Comparing Desert Bandits to Other Methods
Compared to alternatives like blackjacking Menaphite Thugs (200k+ XP/hour) or pickpocketing Ardougne Knights (up to 150k XP/hour), Desert Bandits offer a more modest 50k–70k XP/hour. However, their lower intensity and minimal setup make them a strong contender for players who want to multitask or avoid repetitive clicking.
How to Get Started with Desert Bandit Thieving
Ready to start pickpocketing? Here’s how to prepare and get to the Bandit Camp efficiently. With the right setup, you’ll be racking up experience and loot in no time.
Requirements and Recommendations
To begin, you’ll need:
- Level 53 Thieving: The minimum level to pickpocket Desert Bandits.
- Desert Clothing: Protects against desert heat (optional if you bring waterskins).
- Waterskins: Prevents damage from dehydration in the Kharidian Desert.
- Teleport Method: A Ring of Dueling or Amulet of Glory speeds up travel.
Recommended items include Gloves of Silence (boosts success rate by 5%) and completion of the Medium Ardougne Diary for a 10% pickpocketing boost across RuneScape.
Getting to the Bandit Camp
The Kharidian Desert Bandit Camp is easy to reach:
- Shantay Pass Route: Buy a Shantay Pass (5gp), take a magic carpet to the Bedabin Camp (200gp), then run south.
- Fairy Ring Route: Use fairy ring code BIQ (requires Fairy Tale II started), teleport to the Kalphite Lair entrance, and head southwest.
Both methods are quick, but the fairy ring is more efficient if you’ve unlocked it.
Thieving Strategy and Tips
Maximizing your efficiency while thieving Desert Bandits requires a bit of strategy. Here’s how to optimize your experience and avoid common pitfalls.
Basic Pickpocketing Technique
Simply left-click the Desert Bandits to pickpocket them (set NPC attack options to “Hidden” in your game settings for ease). If you fail, you’ll take 2–3 damage and may get stunned briefly, so keep an eye on your health. Spam-clicking can increase your attempts per minute, boosting XP rates slightly.
Boosting Success Rates
Your success rate improves with higher Thieving levels and certain boosts:
- Gloves of Silence: +5% success rate (doesn’t stack with Ardougne Diary).
- Ardougne Diary (Medium): +10% success rate globally after completion.
- Thieving Cape: Guarantees success at level 99 (a long-term goal!).
At level 53, your success rate is around 70%, climbing to 100% by level 85ish without boosts.
Managing Risks
Wear neutral gear to avoid aggression—Saradomin or Zamorak items will make bandits attack you. Bring some food (e.g., cakes or wines) to heal from failed attempts, and keep waterskins handy for the desert heat if you’re not wearing desert robes.
Rewards and Loot from Desert Bandits
While the XP is the main draw, the loot from Desert Bandits adds a nice bonus to your efforts. Here’s what you can expect and how to make the most of it.
Loot Table Breakdown
Each successful pickpocket yields one of these:
| Item | Quantity | GE Value (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Coins | 10–40 | 10–40gp |
| Antipoison (1) | 1 | 50gp |
| Lockpick | 1 | 200gp |
The average loot value per pickpocket is around 30–50gp, with lockpicks being the standout prize for quests like Desert Treasure.
Profit Potential
At 50k XP/hour, you might pickpocket 600–700 times per hour, netting roughly 20k–35k gp. It’s not a goldmine compared to high-level methods like pickpocketing elves (3m gp/hour), but it’s a decent side income for mid-level players.
Leveling Up: When to Move On
Desert Bandits are a solid mid-tier training method, but you’ll eventually outgrow them. Here’s how they fit into your Thieving journey and when to switch gears.
Experience Progression
From level 53 to 65, Desert Bandits provide a steady 50k–70k XP/hour. It’ll take about 5–7 hours to reach level 65, depending on your focus and boosts. Past 65, the XP rates don’t scale well compared to alternatives.
Next Steps After Desert Bandits
Consider these upgrades:
- Level 65: Menaphite Thugs (Blackjacking): 200k–250k XP/hour in Pollnivneach.
- Level 82: Ardougne Knights: 150k–200k XP/hour with Rogue’s Outfit.
- Level 91: Pyramid Plunder: 200k–270k XP/hour for the fastest route to 99.
Transition when you feel ready for more intensity or when the XP/hour feels too slow—usually around level 65–70.
Desert Bandit thieving in OSRS is a fantastic option for players seeking a laid-back yet productive way to train Thieving. With a modest setup, easy access, and a sprinkle of loot, it’s a method that balances effort and reward perfectly for mid-level adventurers. Whether you’re grinding to unlock higher-tier methods or just enjoying the desert vibes, these bandits have plenty to offer. So grab your waterskins, dodge those Saradomin capes, and start pickpocketing your way to Thieving glory!