OSRS Elite Clue Requirements: Your Complete Guide to Mastering Treasure Trails

OSRS Elite Clue Requirements: Your Complete Guide to Mastering Treasure Trails


Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers a thrilling adventure through its Treasure Trails, and elite clue scrolls sit near the top of the challenge ladder. These scrolls demand a mix of skill, preparation, and game knowledge, making them a rewarding pursuit for seasoned players. If you’re aiming to conquer elite clues, understanding their requirements is key. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about OSRS elite clue requirements, from skills and quests to gear and strategies, ensuring you’re ready to tackle these complex treasure hunts.

Elite clue scrolls are the second-highest tier of Treasure Trails in OSRS, just below master clues. They typically involve 5 to 7 steps, blending puzzles, combat, and exploration across Gielinor. Completing an elite clue rewards you with an elite reward casket, which can contain valuable items like rare dyes, third-age gear, or other high-value loot. However, their complexity and prerequisites make them a step up from easy, medium, and hard clues, requiring careful preparation.

Why Elite Clues Matter

Elite clues strike a balance between challenge and reward. They’re tougher than hard clues but less demanding than master clues, offering a sweet spot for players looking to test their skills without the extreme requirements of the top tier. The potential for big payouts—like the coveted third-age items—keeps players coming back.

How to Obtain Elite Clue Scrolls

You can snag elite clues from various high-level activities:

  • Bosses: Monsters like Zulrah (1/75 drop rate), Vorkath (1/65), or Sarachnis (1/60) offer decent chances.
  • Minigames: Looting the Barrows chest after killing all six brothers gives a 1/29 chance with elite combat achievements completed.
  • Skilling: Pickpocketing elves in Prifddinas or burning Urium remains (1/176 effective rate) can yield elites.
  • Implings: Dragon implings provide a 1/50 chance, though this is costly.

Skill Requirements for Elite Clue Scrolls

OSRS Ironman Guide Quest Order Gear Progression Slayer and More

Elite clues demand a range of skills to complete their steps, from wielding specific gear to tackling Sherlock’s challenges. While temporary boosts can help with non-combat tasks, combat requirements are strict. Here’s a breakdown of the highest skill levels you’ll need:

Combat Skills

Non-Combat Skills

Sherlock’s skill challenges can push your limits. You’ll need:

Skill Boosting Tips

For non-combat challenges, use boosts like stews (+5) or pies (e.g., hunter pie for +5 Hunter). Plan ahead to hit these levels temporarily if your base stats fall short.

Quest Requirements for Elite Clue Scrolls

Accessing certain areas or NPCs for elite clues often requires quest progress. While you won’t need every quest completed, specific ones unlock critical regions or items. Here’s what you should prioritize:

Essential Quests

  • Mourning’s End Part I (Started): Grants access to Lletya and mourner gear for emote clues.
  • Regicide (Started): Opens Tirannwn; completing it simplifies travel with charter ships to Port Tyras.
  • Song of the Elves: Unlocks Prifddinas, a hub for elite clue steps and elf pickpocketing.

Optional but Helpful Quests

Quest Planning

Focus on these quests early to avoid roadblocks mid-clue. Starting a quest is often enough for access, but full completion can streamline travel and efficiency.

Gear and Inventory Setup for Elite Clues

Elite clues involve emote clues, coordinate fights, and puzzles, so your inventory needs versatility. Here’s a recommended setup:

Essential Gear

Slot Item Purpose
Head Dragon med helm Emote clue requirement
Body Black d’hide body Ranged requirement and combat
Weapon Black salamander or rune crossbow Multi-style combat
Feet Dragon boots Emote clue requirement

Inventory Must-Haves

  • Teleportation: Rune pouch with law, air, and nature runes for teleports and alchemy.
  • Combat Gear: Food, prayer potions, and antipoison for Armadylean/Bandosian guards.
  • Tools: Spade, clue scroll, and a clue box (to protect in the Wilderness).
  • Puzzle Solvers: Space for puzzle boxes or light boxes from NPCs.

Combat Encounters

Digging at coordinate clues spawns a level 97 Armadylean guard (ranged) or level 125 Bandosian guard (melee). Bring dragonhide armor and Protect from Melee/Missiles to handle them efficiently.

Tips and Strategies for Completing Elite Clues

Success with elite clues hinges on preparation and efficiency. Here’s how to streamline your treasure-hunting experience:

Preparation Tips

  • STASH Units: Build and fill STASH units near clue locations to store gear, saving inventory space.
  • Teleport Network: Use fairy rings, spirit trees, and jewelry (e.g., games necklace) for fast travel.
  • Boost Management: Carry boosting items to hit skill requirements on the fly.

Efficient Clue Solving

  • Puzzle Boxes: Practice sliding puzzles beforehand; they’re common in elite clues.
  • Sherlock Challenges: Pre-gather items like stamina potions or black chinchompas to complete tasks quickly.
  • Wilderness Safety: Use a clue box above level 20 Wilderness to protect your scroll from PvP deaths.

Reward Optimization

Stack caskets in your inventory to open them later, maximizing your loot haul. Elite clues can drop master clues (1/5 chance), so keep an eye out for that bonus.

Mastering OSRS elite clue requirements opens the door to some of the game’s most exciting challenges and rewards. With the right skills, quests, gear, and strategies, you’ll be cracking these scrolls like a pro. Whether you’re chasing third-age gear or just love the thrill of the hunt, elite clues offer a perfect mix of difficulty and payoff. Get out there, adventurer, and let the treasure trails begin!