OSRS Duradel vs Nieve The Ultimate Slayer Master Guide

OSRS Duradel vs Nieve The Ultimate Slayer Master Guide

Hey, what’s good, fellow Old School RuneScape slayers? If you’re grinding Slayer in OSRS, you’ve probably wondered whether Duradel or Nieve is the better Slayer master. I’ve spent years maxing out my Slayer level to 99, sweating through countless tasks, and tweaking my setup to make every kill count. Both Duradel and Nieve have their perks, but choosing the right one can make or break your Slayer grind. So, let’s dive into this head-to-head comparison, share some personal stories, and figure out who’s the best for you. Ready to slay? Let’s roll!

First off, let’s break down who these Slayer masters are. Duradel and Nieve (or Steve, if you’ve progressed far enough) are two high-tier Slayer masters in OSRS. They dish out tasks for players with decent combat and Slayer levels, but they cater to slightly different vibes. I remember when I first unlocked Nieve after grinding to 85 Slayer it felt like a big deal! Duradel, though, was a whole other beast, requiring even more effort to access.

Duradel: The Shilo Village Slayer Master

Duradel hangs out in Shilo Village, chilling in his hut like the Slayer legend he is. To get tasks from him, you need at least 100 Combat and 50 Slayer. He’s the highest-tier Slayer master, so his tasks are tougher but often more rewarding. The FIRST time I talked to Duradel, I got a Black Demon task, and I was like, “Whoa, this guy doesn’t mess around!” His assignments lean toward high-level monsters, which can mean bigger XP and loot but also more prep.

Nieve: The Gnome Stronghold Slayer Queen

Nieve (or Steve, her successor after a certain quest) is in the Gnome Stronghold, right by the tree. You only need 85 Slayer to use her, which makes her more accessible than Duradel. I used Nieve a ton when I was pushing for 99 Slayer because her tasks felt more manageable. She assigns a mix of monsters, from mid-tier to some spicy ones like Gargoyles. Ever get a task from Nieve and feel like it’s perfect for your gear? That’s her charm.

Task Differences Between Duradel and Nieve

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Now, let’s get to the juicy stuff: what tasks do these two give, and how do they stack up? Both masters share a lot of the same monsters, but there are key differences that can sway your choice. I’ve had epic moments and total flops with both, so let’s break it down.

Duradel’s Task List

Duradel’s tasks are built for high-level players. He loves throwing you into the deep end with stuff like:

  • Abyssal Demons: Great for XP and loot, but you need a whip or better.
  • Greater Demons: Decent XP, but can be a slog without good gear.
  • Hellhounds: Easy if you’re at Cerberus, but no loot unless you’re bossing.
  • Dark Beasts: High Slayer XP, but you need 90 Slayer.

My favorite Duradel task? Abyssal Demons. I once got a 200k drop from an Abyssal Sire task, and I was hyped for days! But his tasks can be longer, so you gotta commit.

Nieve’s Task List

Nieve’s tasks are a bit more forgiving, perfect for players still building their Slayer game. Some of her common assignments include:

  • Gargoyles: Amazing GP and XP with a Rock Hammer.
  • Kurasks: Leaf-bladed weapons make these a breeze.
  • Trolls: Quick tasks if you cannon them in Jatizso.
  • Bloodvelds: Easy XP, especially in the Catacombs.

I loved Nieve’s Gargoyle tasks when I was saving for a Bandos set. Smashing those rocks for 2M an hour felt so good! Her tasks are usually shorter, which is great if you’re juggling IRL stuff.

Which Tasks Are Better?

It depends on your goals. Duradel’s tasks give more XP per hour, but they’re tougher and take longer. Nieve’s are faster and often more profitable for mid-tier players. I switched to Duradel after hitting 90 Slayer because I wanted those big XP drops. What’s your Slayer level? Are you chasing XP or GP?

XP and Efficiency: Who Wins?

If you’re like me, you want every Slayer task to push you closer to 99 or that sweet 200M XP. Let’s talk about which master gives you the edge in efficiency.

Duradel for Max XP

Duradel is the king of XP. His tasks often involve high-HP monsters, which means more Slayer XP per kill. For example, Dark Beasts and Smoke Devils are XP beasts, but you’ll need high Slayer and combat stats. I remember chaining Duradel tasks with a Slayer Helm and cannon it shaved hours off my grind! On average, Duradel tasks can net you 50-60k XP per hour with optimal setups.

Nieve for Balanced Grinding

Nieve’s tasks are less intense but still solid for XP. Gargoyles and Nechryaels are her bread and butter, offering 40-50k XP per hour with good gear. I used Nieve when I was multitasking OSRS with Netflix her shorter tasks let me chill. She’s perfect if you’re not maxed or don’t have BiS gear yet.

My XP Grind Story

Back when I was 92 Slayer, I stuck with Nieve for quick tasks to fund my gear. Once I hit 95, I switched to Duradel and never looked back. The XP gains were worth the extra effort, but I missed Nieve’s easy GP. Which master are you using right now?

Profit Potential: GP Gains Compared

Slayer isn’t just about XP it’s also about stacking that GP for gear upgrades. Both Duradel and Nieve can make you bank, but their loot tables differ.

Duradel’s Loot

Duradel’s tasks can be hit or miss for profit. Abyssal Demons and Cerberus (from Hellhound tasks) drop big, but stuff like Greater Demons? Meh. I once got a Primordial Crystal from Cerberus after a Duradel task pure luck, but it sold for 30M! Here’s a quick look at his profit potential:

Monster Average GP per Task
Abyssal Demons 500k-1M
Gargoyles 1-2M
Hellhounds (Cerberus) 0-30M (RNG)

Nieve’s Loot

Nieve’s tasks shine for consistent GP. Gargoyles and Kurasks drop alchables and herbs like crazy. I funded my first Dragon Warhammer with Nieve’s tasks, banking 1-2M per Gargoyle run. Her profit table looks like this:

Monster Average GP per Task
Gargoyles 1-2M
Kurasks 500k-1M
Bloodvelds 200-500k

Profit Verdict

Nieve wins for steady GP, especially if you’re not ready for bossing. Duradel’s potential is higher, but it’s RNG-heavy. I mix both depending on my bank. What’s your go-to for making GP?

Which Slayer Master Should You Choose?

So, Duradel or Nieve? It boils down to your stats, goals, and playstyle. Here’s my take based on years of slaying.

Pick Duradel If…

  • You’re 95+ Slayer and maxed combat.
  • You want max XP per hour.
  • You’re cool with longer, tougher tasks.
  • You love bossing (e.g., Cerberus, Sire).

I switched to Duradel full-time at 97 Slayer, and it felt like I was finally playing the endgame. The grind was real, but so were the rewards.

Pick Nieve If…

  • You’re 85-94 Slayer or mid-tier combat.
  • You want quick, profitable tasks.
  • You’re saving for gear like a Whip or Bandos.
  • You prefer chill, shorter sessions.

Nieve carried me through the 80s. Her tasks were my go-to when I needed GP without stress.

My Final Recommendation

If you’re under 95 Slayer, stick with Nieve. She’s forgiving, profitable, and fun. Once you hit 95 and have solid gear, switch to Duradel for that XP grind. I still use Nieve sometimes when I’m low on GP or just want a quick task. What’s your Slayer goal? Drop it in the comments!

In the end, both Duradel and Nieve are awesome, and I’ve had epic moments with each. Whether it’s banking big with Nieve’s Gargoyles or sweating a Duradel Cerberus task, Slayer’s my favorite skill in OSRS. So grab your Slayer Helm, pick your master, and get to killing. Happy scaping!