OSRS Desert Treasure II The Fallen Empire Guide and Insights
Old School RuneScape’s Desert Treasure II: The Fallen Empire is a grandmaster quest that pushes players to their limits with intense combat, intricate puzzles, and a gripping storyline. Released on July 26, 2023, it’s the sequel to the iconic Desert Treasure I and part of the Mahjarrat series. This blog dives into everything you need to know about the quest, from requirements and preparation to rewards and strategies, optimized for players seeking to conquer this epic adventure.
Billed as one of the hardest and longest quests in OSRS, Desert Treasure II takes players across Gielinor to unravel the mysteries of an ancient empire. The quest introduces four formidable bosses—Duke Sucellus, The Leviathan, The Whisperer, and Vardorvis—each with unique mechanics that challenge even seasoned players. Completing the quest unlocks access to these bosses as repeatable encounters, offering valuable loot like Virtus robes and the soulreaper axe.
Why It’s a Must-Play Quest
The quest’s appeal lies in its blend of lore, combat, and rewards. It expands on the Mahjarrat storyline, delivering twists that keep players engaged. The high skill requirements and boss fights make it a badge of honor for those who complete it.
Lore and Story Highlights
Without spoiling too much, the narrative begins at the Ancient Vault near Nardah and involves key characters like Asgarnia Smith and Terry Balando. Expect references to Zarosian history and Mahjarrat politics, with a nod to The Elder Scrolls via a cheeky “Lusty Argonian Maid” Easter egg.
Quest Requirements and Preparation
Before diving into Desert Treasure II, players need to meet steep skill and quest prerequisites. Proper preparation is crucial to avoid frustration during the quest’s challenging segments.
Skill Requirements
- Firemaking 75 (unboostable)
- Magic 75 (unboostable)
- Thieving 70 (unboostable)
- Herblore 62 (unboostable)
- Runecraft 60 (unboostable)
- Construction 60 (unboostable)
These set a new record for Firemaking, Thieving, and Runecraft requirements in OSRS quests.
Quest Prerequisites
You’ll need to complete the following quests:
- Desert Treasure I
- Secrets of the North
- Enakhra’s Lament
- Temple of the Eye
- The Garden of Death
- Below Ice Mountain
- His Faithful Servants
Recommended Gear and Items
Here’s a checklist to streamline your journey:
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Combat | Melee gear (high DPS), runes for Blood, Ice, Smoke, and Shadow Burst spells |
| Utility | Pickaxe (bronze provided), rope, stamina potions, Digsite/Senntisten teleports |
| Survival | Desert amulet or Nardah teleport, waterskins, food, prayer potions |
Note: You must be on the Ancient Magicks spellbook to start the quest.
Walkthrough Highlights
The quest begins at the Ancient Vault northeast of Nardah (fairy ring code DLQ). Below are key steps to guide you without spoiling the full experience.
Starting the Quest
- Enter the Ancient Vault and speak to Asgarnia Smith.
- Inspect the four statues (Vardorvis, Perseriya, Duke Sucellus, The Whisperer).
- Visit Terry Balando at the Digsite Exam Centre for further clues.
Navigating Key Challenges
The quest involves exploration across areas like the Stranglewood and Lassar Undercity. You’ll face puzzles, such as navigating the Scar maze, and combat encounters like the Ancient Guardian (200 Hitpoints, melee-focused). For the Guardian, use Protect from Melee and attack with melee to bypass its regenerating shield.
Tips for Success
- Conserve resources: Bring extra stamina potions for running-intensive segments.
- Study boss mechanics: Practice burst spellcasting for efficiency.
- Teleport often: Use fairy rings or teleports to save time.
Boss Fights and Strategies
The four main bosses are the quest’s climax, each tied to an Ancient Magick element (Blood, Ice, Smoke, Shadow). Unlike Desert Treasure I, these bosses can’t be cannoned, and pures must gain Hitpoints XP.
Duke Sucellus
Location: Icy haunt in Lassar Undercity
Mechanics: Poison-based attacks, requires salt deposits to weaken.
Strategy: Use ranged or magic, dodge AoE attacks, and stock up on antipoison.
The Leviathan
Location: The Scar, underwater.
Mechanics: Long-range attacks, phase switches.
Strategy: Prioritize mobility and prayer flicking. Shadow spells hit hard here.
The Whisperer
Location: Hidden, shadow-based realm.
Mechanics: Insanity debuff, tentacle spawns.
Strategy: Tag tentacles quickly and use Ice Burst to control adds. Expect multiple attempts.
Vardorvis
Location: Stranglewood.
Mechanics: Melee-heavy, blood-based executes.
Strategy: Stay mobile, use Protect from Melee, and burst with Blood spells.
Pro Tip: All bosses run, not walk, making safespotting impossible. Practice mechanics in beta worlds if available.
Rewards and Post-Quest Content
Completing Desert Treasure II is just the beginning. The real grind starts with post-quest boss farming for exclusive loot.
Quest Completion Rewards
- Ring of Shadows: Upgraded Ring of Visibility with teleports to boss areas.
- Access to Bosses: Fight Duke Sucellus, The Leviathan, The Whisperer, and Vardorvis.
- XP Lamps: Modest XP rewards for skills used.
Post-Quest Loot
The bosses drop game-changing items:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Virtus Robes | +12% Ancient Magicks damage (set bonus), BIS for magic builds. |
| Soulreaper Axe | Consumes 8 HP per hit for +6% Strength stacks (up to 5). |
| Ancient Rings | Ultor, Venator, Magus, Bellator—crafted from vestiges and DK rings. |
| Ancient Sceptre Upgrades | Blood, Ice, Smoke, Shadow variants with unique effects. |
Crafting Note: Rings require 90 Magic and 80 Crafting to make, using Fremennik ring icons and boss vestiges.
Why Rewards Matter
Virtus robes outshine Ahrim’s for Ancient Magicks, while the soulreaper axe is niche but powerful for high-risk PvM. The rings, like Ultor, compete with BIS gear like the Berserker ring, keeping older content relevant.
Desert Treasure II: The Fallen Empire is a monumental quest that tests every aspect of a player’s skill in OSRS. From its demanding requirements to its unforgettable boss fights, it’s a journey worth taking. Whether you’re chasing loot or lore, this guide should set you on the path to victory. Share your tips or boss kill counts in the comments below!