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OSRS Expert Hunter Rumours Guide for Optimal XP and Rewards
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) introduced the Hunter Rumours system with the Varlamore expansion, revolutionizing the Hunter skill. For players between levels 72 and 91, Expert Hunter Rumours offer a competitive training method with excellent experience rates and valuable rewards. This guide dives deep into mastering Expert Rumours, covering setup, blocklists, equipment, and strategies to maximize efficiency. Whether you’re aiming for 99 Hunter or chasing loot, here’s everything you need to know.
Expert Hunter Rumours are assignments from Guild Hunters Aco and Teco, available at level 72 Hunter in the Hunter Guild’s Burrow. These tasks involve hunting specific creatures until you obtain a rare creature part, which you return to the Guild for Hunter experience and an Expert Hunter’s Loot Sack. The system mirrors Slayer tasks, with a focus on randomization and strategic planning to optimize outcomes.
How to Start Expert Rumours
To unlock Hunter Rumours, you need at least 46 Hunter and must speak to Guild Scribe Verity in the Burrow under the Hunter Guild. For Expert Rumours, ensure you’re at least level 72 and approach either Aco or Teco. Completing the quest At First Light is not required for Expert Rumours but unlocks Master Rumours at 91 Hunter. Learn more about the system here.
Why Choose Expert Rumours?
- High XP Rates: Up to 160,000–240,000 XP per hour with an optimized blocklist.
- Profitable Loot: Expert Loot Sacks average 29,330.96 GP, including herbs, furs, and rare blueprints.
- Engaging Gameplay: The variety of creatures keeps training dynamic.
- Guild Hunter Outfit: 1/50 chance per sack to obtain pieces, boosting efficiency.
Setting Up an Efficient Blocklist
A blocklist is crucial for skipping undesirable rumours and focusing on high-XP or profitable tasks. Since Guild Hunters cannot assign the same rumour simultaneously, you can “block” tasks by leaving them incomplete with other hunters.
Choosing Between Aco and Teco
Aco and Teco, the Expert Guild Hunters, have distinct rumour pools. Aco offers slightly higher XP and completion rates, while Teco includes Herbiboar at level 80, ideal for players seeking herbs or the pet. Here’s a breakdown:
| Hunter | Key Rumours | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Aco | Orange Salamander, Red Salamander, Red Chinchompa, Dark Kebbit, Dashing Kebbit, Tecu Salamander (79+), Moonlight Moth (85+) | Max XP, rumour completions |
| Teco | Red Salamander, Red Chinchompa, Dark Kebbit, Dashing Kebbit, Sunlight Moth, Herbiboar (80+) | Herbiboar access, balanced XP |
Note: Choose Aco for pure XP efficiency or Teco if you prioritize Herbiboar.
Recommended Blocklist Strategy
To build a blocklist, start with Huntmaster Gilman (Novice) due to his large rumour pool, then use Adept Hunters (Cervus or Ornus) to block additional tasks. Here’s a step-by-step guide for Aco’s blocklist:
- Gilman (Novice): Block Sabre-toothed Kyatt or Pyre Fox.
- Ornus (Adept): Block Orange Salamander.
- Cervus (Adept): Block Sunlight Moth or another low-XP task.
For Teco, adjust to block Sabre-toothed Kyatt with Gilman and Pyre Fox with Cervus. Be cautious: resetting all rumours with Gilman wipes your blocklist.
Post-May 2024 Update Notes
The May 15, 2024, update reworked rumour lists, removing tasks like Razor-backed Kebbits from Teco’s pool for new assignments. Players with pre-update tasks may still encounter these until completed or reset.
Equipment and Inventory Setup
Your gear and inventory depend on the assigned rumour. Below are recommended setups for common Expert Rumour creatures.
General Equipment
- Guild Hunter Outfit: Slightly lowers pity drop threshold, increasing rare part rates.
- Quetzal Whistle: Teleports to the Hunter Guild and checks rumour status. Craft with willow logs and a knife after 10 rumours.
- Graceful Outfit: Improves run energy for tasks requiring movement.
Creature-Specific Inventory
| Creature | Method | Items Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Red Chinchompa | Box Trap | Multiple box traps, knife, logs, celastrus bark (tick manipulation) |
| Red/Orange Salamander | Net Trap | Ropes, small fishing nets, herb/tar/pestle (Runelite shift-click optimization) |
| Sunlight/Moonlight Moth | Barehanded | Butterfly net, jars (optional for banking) |
| Herbiboar (Teco) | Tracking | Spade, secateurs, herb sack (optional) |
| Dark/Dashing Kebbit | Falconry | 500 GP for falcon, bonecrusher (optional) |
Tip: Use Runelite’s shift-click feature to streamline trap resets, especially for salamanders.
Maximizing XP and Loot
With an efficient blocklist and setup, Expert Rumours shine in both XP and profitability. Here’s how to optimize your grind.
XP Optimization Tips
- Prioritize High-XP Tasks: Red Chinchompas, Sunlight Moths, and Herbiboar (Teco) offer the best rates.
- Use Tick Manipulation: For box traps, cut logs or use celastrus bark to speed up catches.
- Barehanded Moths: At 75 (Sunlight) or 85 (Moonlight), moths are caught without nets, offering fast XP.
Loot and Rewards
Expert Hunter’s Loot Sacks contain resources like noted herbs, furs, and blessed bone shards (5–6 Prayer XP each). Rare drops include:
- Enhanced Quetzal Whistle Blueprint: Upgrades whistle capacity.
- Huntsman’s Kit: Utility item for hunters.
- Quetzin Pet: Rare cosmetic pet.
On average, Expert Rumours yield 400,000 GP per hour, with sacks providing consistent value.
Troubleshooting and Common Issues
Here are solutions to frequent challenges players face with Expert Rumours.
Pity Drop Mechanics
A pity threshold ensures a rare part after a set number of catches, slightly reduced with the Guild Hunter Outfit. If your inventory is full, normal drops appear on the ground, but pity drops are destroyed, so keep a free slot.
Blocklist Mishaps
Accidentally resetting with Gilman or completing a blocked task can undo your blocklist. Always double-check your rumour with the Quetzal Whistle before hunting, as plugins may display incorrect tasks.
Dealing with Old Tasks
Pre-May 2024 tasks like Pyre Foxes or Razor-backed Kebbits may persist if not completed. Finish or reset these with Gilman to align with current rumour pools.
Expert Hunter Rumours are a fantastic way to train Hunter while earning solid rewards. By setting up a blocklist, optimizing your gear, and focusing on high-XP tasks, you can achieve rates rivaling top methods. Start with Aco or Teco today, and happy hunting!