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OSRS Elite Clue Steps: A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering Treasure Trails
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers players a variety of engaging activities, and among the most rewarding are Treasure Trails. Elite clue scrolls, in particular, stand out as the second-highest tier, providing a challenging yet lucrative experience. If you’re looking to conquer OSRS elite clue steps, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from obtaining the scrolls to solving their complex puzzles and defeating tough foes. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a curious newcomer, mastering elite clues can unlock rare rewards and elevate your gameplay. Let’s dive into the world of elite Treasure Trails!
Elite clue scrolls are a high-tier version of Treasure Trails in OSRS, sitting just below master clues in difficulty. These scrolls typically range from 5 to 7 steps, though they can occasionally extend to 8. Each step involves a mix of riddles, combat, and exploration, making them a test of both skill and patience. Completing an elite clue rewards you with an elite reward casket, which can contain valuable items like 3rd age gear, gilded armor, or other rare cosmetics.
Why Pursue Elite Clues?
Elite clues are worth the effort for several reasons:
- Rare Rewards: Items like the 3rd age bow or gilded scimitar are exclusive to elite and master tiers.
- Challenge Factor: They push your problem-solving and combat skills to the limit.
- Profit Potential: The average loot value often exceeds that of lower-tier clues.
How to Obtain Elite Clue Scrolls
Getting your hands on an elite clue scroll requires some effort. Here are the primary methods:
- High-Level Monster Drops: Bosses like Vorkath (1/65 chance) or Zulrah (1/75 chance) are reliable sources.
- Skilling Activities: Clue nests, bottles, and geodes from Woodcutting, Fishing, and Mining have a 7.1% chance of yielding an elite clue.
- Impling Jars: Looting high-tier implings like dragon implings offers a decent shot at elite scrolls.
- Combat Achievements: Completing elite-tier Combat Achievements boosts drop rates by 5% from all sources except implings.
Preparing for Elite Clue Steps
Before tackling elite clue steps, preparation is key. These trails often require travel across Gielinor, combat with powerful enemies, and specific gear or quest completions. Here’s how to gear up:
Essential Gear and Inventory
Your inventory should be optimized for efficiency and safety:
- Teleportation Items: Xeric’s Talisman, Royal Seed Pod, and teleport jewelry (e.g., Ring of Dueling).
- Combat Gear: Dragonhide armor, a strong weapon (e.g., Abyssal Whip), and prayer potions for Wilderness encounters.
- Tools: Spade, clue scroll, and a clue box (to protect your scroll in the Wilderness above level 20).
- Food and Potions: High-healing food like sharks and super restore potions.
Skill and Quest Requirements
Elite clues demand certain skill levels and quest progress. Here’s a quick rundown:
| Skill | Level | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Attack | 70 | Wield dragon weapons |
| Defence | 60 | Wear dragon med helm |
| Ranged | 70 | Use black dragonhide armor |
| Magic | 70 | Cast Lvl-5 Enchant for Sherlock challenges |
Quests: Starting Regicide (for Tirannwn access) and Mourning’s End Part I (for Lletya) is highly recommended.
Types of Elite Clue Steps
Elite clue scrolls feature a variety of step types, each requiring a unique approach. Understanding these will help you breeze through the trail.
Anagram Clues
Anagrams are scrambled NPC names. Solve them, then speak to the NPC for your next clue or a challenge. Example: “RUG MERCHANT” becomes “GUNTHER MAR.” Visit Gunther in the specified location.
Coordinate Clues
These clues provide coordinates (e.g., 10°52’N, 3°45’E) where you must dig. In elite clues, digging spawns a level 97 Armadylean guard (Ranged) or level 125 Bandosian guard (Melee). Use Protect from Missiles or Melee accordingly.
Cryptic Clues
Cryptic clues are riddles pointing to a location or action. For instance, “Green is the colour of my death…” leads to the Chaos Altar in the Wilderness. Bring a spade or search a crate as directed.
Emote Clues
Equip specific items, go to a location, and perform an emote. Uri appears to hand you the next clue. Example: “Cheer at the Burthorpe Games Room with a bronze sword.” No Double Agent fight occurs in elite clues, unlike hard clues.
Puzzle Boxes
Received from NPCs, these sliding puzzles must be solved to proceed. Use tools like Alt1 Toolkit for quick solutions if you’re stuck.
Sherlock Challenges
Sherlock, located near Seer’s Village, assigns skill-based tasks (e.g., enchant a dragonstone necklace). Temporary boosts work for non-combat challenges. Complete it, and he’ll give your next step.
Solving Elite Clue Steps: Tips and Strategies
Navigating elite clue steps can be daunting, but with the right strategies, you’ll save time and avoid frustration.
Efficient Travel
Use teleports to minimize travel time:
- Fairy Rings: Portable fairy rings or a dramen staff speed up access to remote areas.
- POH Portals: A Player-Owned House with an ornate jewelry box and portal nexus is a game-changer.
- Wilderness Sword: Cuts webs in the Wilderness, saving precious seconds.
Combat Preparedness
Coordinate clues often lead to the Wilderness, where PKers lurk. Bring minimal risk (3-4 items) and use a clue box. For guards:
- Armadylean Guard: Immune to melee; use magic or ranged with Protect from Missiles.
- Bandosian Guard: Melee-only; tank with Protect from Melee.
Puzzle-Solving Hacks
Puzzle boxes can be tedious. Screenshot the puzzle and use an online solver or Alt1 Toolkit to align the tiles quickly. Practice makes perfect, but shortcuts save sanity.
Rewards and Final Thoughts
Completing an elite clue scroll is no small feat, and the rewards reflect that effort. After 5-7 steps, you’ll open an elite reward casket. The loot pool includes:
- Unique Items: 3rd age equipment, gilded armor, and rare dyes.
- Resources: Runes, herbs, and coins in substantial quantities.
- Master Clue Chance: A 1/5 chance to receive a master clue scroll as a bonus.
Average Value and Motivation
While exact values fluctuate with the Grand Exchange, elite caskets often yield loot worth 100k-500k GP, with rare drops pushing millions. After completing 200 elite clues, you’ll also earn a heavy casket—a nice bonus for dedicated hunters.
Final Tips for Success
To wrap up, here’s a quick checklist:
- Stay Organized: Keep your bank stocked with teleport items and gear.
- Be Patient: Some steps require trial and error—don’t rush.
- Enjoy the Journey: Elite clues are as much about exploration as they are about loot.
Elite clue steps in OSRS offer a thrilling blend of adventure, combat, and brain-teasers. With this guide, you’re equipped to tackle them head-on. Grab your spade, ready your gear, and start hunting—Gielinor’s treasures await!