OSRS Dig Site Quick Guide: Fast Walkthrough for Old School RuneScape

OSRS Dig Site Quick Guide: Fast Walkthrough for Old School RuneScape


Welcome to our OSRS Dig Site Quick Guide! If you’re looking to complete “The Dig Site” quest in Old School RuneScape efficiently, you’ve landed in the right place. This beginner-friendly quest unlocks valuable rewards like Mining and Herblore XP, access to the Digsite, and progression in the Return of Zaros series. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, this guide provides a streamlined walkthrough to save you time and effort. Let’s dig in!

“The Dig Site” is an intermediate-level quest centered around archaeology, set in the Digsite east of Varrock. You’ll need to pass exams, help students, and uncover secrets tied to an ancient god. It’s a stepping stone for bigger quests like Desert Treasure and offers decent rewards for the effort.

Quest Details

  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Length: Medium (30-60 minutes with this guide)
  • Members Only: Yes
  • Start Point: Exam Centre, south of the Digsite

Required Skills and Items

You’ll need a few skills and items to breeze through this quest. Here’s what to prepare:

  • Skills:
  • Items:
    • 2 Ropes (can be pickpocketed from Digsite workmen)
    • 1 Cup of Tea (steal from Varrock tea stall or bring your own)
    • 1 Tinderbox
    • 1 Pestle and Mortar
    • 1 Vial
    • 1 Cut or Uncut Opal (optional, obtainable during quest)
    • Leather Gloves and Boots (recommended for digging)
  • Recommended: Varrock teleport, energy potions

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

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Follow these steps to complete “The Dig Site” quest quickly. We’ve broken it down into manageable phases to keep you on track.

Starting the Quest

Head to the Exam Centre south of the Digsite (east of Varrock). Speak to an Examiner and ask about taking an exam. She’ll give you an Unstamped Letter. Take it to Curator Haig Halen at the Varrock Museum (north of the Exam Centre). He’ll stamp it, then return to the Examiner. You’ll fail the first exam regardless of your answers—don’t worry, it’s part of the quest!

Passing the Exams

To pass the three archaeology exams, you’ll need answers from three students at the Digsite. Each has lost an item you must recover.

Level 1 Certificate

  1. Teddy Bear: Go north from the Exam Centre to the Digsite. Search the bushes near the large blue urn (west of the Mysterious Monolith) to find a teddy bear. Give it to the female student (blonde, purple outfit) in the northwest Digsite.
  2. Animal Skull: Pickpocket Digsite workmen until you get an animal skull. Give it to the student in a green shirt (southern Digsite).
  3. Special Cup: Grab a panning tray from the tent in the southeast Digsite. Try panning in the river; the guide will stop you and ask for a cup of tea. Give it to him, then pan until you find the special cup. Return it to the student in an orange shirt (eastern Digsite).
  4. Return to the Examiner. Answer:
    • Q1: “The study of the earth, its contents and history.”
    • Q2: “All that have passed the appropriate Earth Sciences exam.”
    • Q3: “Gloves and boots to be worn at all times; proper tools must be used.”

You’ll receive a Level 1 Certificate and a trowel.

Level 2 Certificate

  1. Talk to the three students again for new answers.
  2. Return to the Examiner. Answer:
    • Q1: “Samples taken in rough form; kept only in sealed containers.”
    • Q2: “Finds must be carefully handled, and gloves worn.”
    • Q3: “Always handle with care; strike cleanly on its cleaving point.”

You’ll get a Level 2 Certificate.

Level 3 Certificate

  1. Speak to the students again. The female student now demands an opal. Pan in the river (southeast Digsite) until you get one, then give it to her.
  2. Return to the Examiner. Answer:
    • Q1: “Samples cleaned and carried only in specimen jars.”
    • Q2: “Brush carefully and slowly using short strokes.”
    • Q3: “Handle bones very carefully and keep them away from other samples.”

You’ll earn a Level 3 Certificate, granting full Digsite access.

Exploring the Digsite

Now that you’re certified, it’s time to dig deeper—literally.

  1. Ancient Talisman: At the Digsite, use your trowel on Level 3 soil (northeast corner near the skeleton or southwest area). Keep digging until you find an Ancient Talisman. Take it to Terry Balando in the Exam Centre for an Invitation Letter.
  2. Western Winch: Use the invitation on any Digsite workman (except the one by the western winch). Use a rope on the western winch (northwest Digsite), climb down, pick up an Arcenia Root, and search the eastern bricks to exit.
  3. Northern Winch: Use a rope on the northeast winch, climb down, and talk to Doug Deeping. He’ll give you a Chest Key.

Clearing the Path

You’re close to the end—time to make an explosive entrance.

  1. Chemical Powder: Climb up, go to the southern tent, unlock the chest with the key, and search it for Chemical Powder (ammonium nitrate).
  2. Unidentified Liquid: Use the trowel on the closed barrel west of the tent, then use a vial on it to get Unidentified Liquid (nitroglycerin). Careful—if you drop it, it deals 25 damage!
  3. Charcoal: Search the specimen tray north of the barrel for charcoal (if you don’t have it). Grind it with your pestle and mortar.
  4. Chemical Compound: Mix the nitroglycerin and ammonium nitrate, add ground charcoal, then the arcenia root.
  5. Use the Chemical Compound on the eastern bricks in the western winch area, then light it with your tinderbox to clear the path.

Finishing the Quest

Enter the cleared room, pick up the Stone Tablet in the center, and take it to Terry Balando in the Exam Centre. Congratulations—you’ve completed “The Dig Site”!

Rewards and Benefits

Finishing this quest offers solid rewards and unlocks useful content:

Tips and Tricks for a Faster Run

Maximize your efficiency with these pro tips:

Preparation

  • Bring all items beforehand to avoid backtracking.
  • Use Varrock teleports or energy potions to cut travel time.
  • Pickpocket workmen early for ropes and a specimen brush.

During the Quest

  • Keep an opal from panning for the Level 3 exam to save time.
  • Wear leather gloves and boots when digging to avoid interruptions.
  • Save the arcenia root—it’s reusable if you fail the explosive mix.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Steer clear of these pitfalls:

Mistake Solution
Forgetting ropes Pickpocket workmen or bring extras
Dropping the unidentified liquid Handle carefully; re-collect if needed
Skipping student dialogue Talk to all three each time for exam answers

With this OSRS Dig Site Quick Guide, you’re equipped to tackle the quest like a pro. From passing exams to unearthing ancient secrets, you’ll be done in no time. Grab your trowel, hit the Digsite, and enjoy those sweet rewards. Happy questing!