OSRS Fastest Way to Get Ancient Shards: Top Methods for 2025

OSRS Fastest Way to Get Ancient Shards: Top Methods for 2025


In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), ancient shards are a valuable resource dropped exclusively in the Catacombs of Kourend. Whether you’re looking to craft and charge an Arclight for demon-slaying or use them for quick teleports within the dungeon, gathering ancient shards efficiently can save you time and effort. With the game’s meta constantly evolving, this guide dives into the fastest ways to get ancient shards in OSRS as of April 2025, balancing kill speed, drop rates, and accessibility. Let’s explore the best methods to stockpile these elusive items!

Before jumping into the grind, it’s worth knowing what ancient shards do and why they matter. Dropped by monsters in the Catacombs of Kourend (except ghosts), these shards have two primary uses:

  • Crafting and Charging Arclight: Combine three shards with a Darklight at the central altar to create an Arclight, a powerful weapon against demons. Each shard also adds 333 charges (1,000 for three) up to a 10,000-charge cap.
  • Teleportation: Use one shard at the altar to teleport to four key areas: Demon’s Run, Dragon’s Den, Reeking Cove, or The Shallows.

The drop rate depends on a monster’s hitpoints (HP), capped at 400 HP, meaning higher-HP monsters generally yield better odds. However, the fastest methods balance this with how quickly you can kill them. Let’s break it down.

Top Methods for Farming Ancient Shards

Barraging Greater Nechryaels

For high-level players with strong Magic stats (80+ recommended), barraging Greater Nechryaels is arguably the fastest way to farm ancient shards in OSRS. Found in the Catacombs’ northeast section, these demons have 115 HP and a decent shard drop rate.

  • Why It Works: Ancient Barrage or Ice Barrage lets you hit multiple Nechryaels at once, maximizing kills per hour (200+ with good gear).
  • Gear Setup: Slayer helm (on task), Ahrim’s robes, Trident of the Seas/Swamp, and an Imbued Heart.
  • Extra Perks: On a Slayer task, you’ll also get totem pieces and a shot at superior Nechryaels for even more loot.

Pro Tip: Bring a Bonecrusher and prayer potions—the Catacombs’ prayer restore effect keeps you going longer.

Cannon Hill Giants in Giants’ Den

For mid-level players (60+ combat) or those seeking a semi-AFK method, cannoning Hill Giants in the Giants’ Den is a solid choice. With 35 HP, their shard drop rate isn’t the highest, but their low defenses and high spawn density make up for it.

  • Why It Works: A Dwarf Multicannon can mow down 13 Hill Giants fast, yielding 100-150 kills per hour.
  • Gear Setup: Basic melee gear (Rune or better), Cannon, and some food for sustainability.
  • Bonus: You’ll also collect dark totem pieces and decent low-tier loot like big bones.

Pro Tip: Use a Lightbearer or Dinh’s Bulwark to lure them efficiently, boosting your shard-per-hour rate.

Killing Skotizo for Guaranteed Drops

If you’ve got dark totems to spare, Skotizo offers a guaranteed 1-5 ancient shards per kill. This demonic boss resides in the Catacombs and is accessible after assembling a totem.

  • Why It Works: Each kill takes 5-10 minutes with decent gear (70+ combat), and the guaranteed shards make it reliable.
  • Gear Setup: Arclight (if you have it), Bandos or Obsidian armor, and a Dragon Defender.
  • Extra Loot: Clue scrolls, runes, and rare drops like the Skotos pet.

Pro Tip: Farm totem pieces from other Catacombs monsters to keep your Skotizo runs consistent.

Optimizing Your Ancient Shard Grind

Choosing the Right Monster

The shard drop rate formula is tied to HP: 1 / ((2/3) * (500 - HP)), capped at 400 HP. Here’s a quick table to compare top targets:

Monster HP Drop Rate (Approx.) Kills/Hour (Avg.)
Greater Nechryael 115 1/257 200+
Hill Giant 35 1/317 100-150
Mutated Bloodveld 125 1/250 180+
Skotizo 450 1-5 (Guaranteed) 6-12

Insight: Higher HP means better drop rates, but kill speed matters more for shards per hour.

Leveraging Slayer Tasks

Doing Slayer tasks in the Catacombs is a passive yet effective way to stockpile shards. Assignable monsters like Dust Devils, Nechryaels, and Abyssal Demons all drop shards, and the Slayer helm boosts your damage and accuracy.

  • Dust Devils: 130 HP, barragable, and profitable with herb drops.
  • Abyssal Demons: 150 HP, great for shards and totem pieces if bursting.

Pro Tip: Use a Bracelet of Slaughter or Expeditious Bracelet to extend or speed up tasks for more shard opportunities.

Low-Effort Alternatives for Ancient Shards

AFK Mutated Bloodvelds

For a more relaxed grind, Mutated Bloodvelds (125 HP) in the Catacombs’ southwest area are a great pick. Their shard drop rate is decent, and they’re easy to AFK with melee or a Venator Bow.

  • Why It Works: Low defense and aggression make them ideal for 100-180 kills per hour with minimal input.
  • Gear Setup: Guthan’s or prayer gear to sustain without food.

Pro Tip: Pair with a Bonecrusher for passive prayer sustain.

Barraging Dust Devils Off-Task

Dust Devils (130 HP) are another low-effort option for Magic users. They stack well for barraging and offer shard rates close to Nechryaels with less competition.

  • Why It Works: 150-200 kills per hour with decent herb drops to offset costs.
  • Gear Setup: Same as Nechryaels—focus on Magic damage.

Pro Tip: Avoid peak hours to secure a good spot.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Use the Right Gear and Inventory

Your setup can make or break your shard grind. Here’s a checklist:

  • Weapons: Trident for Magic, Scythe or Fang for melee, Cannon for multi-target.
  • Inventory: Prayer potions, Bonecrusher, teleport (Xeric’s Talisman), and food or Guthan’s.
  • Rings: Lightbearer for special attacks or Ring of Wealth for loot.

Combine Goals

Farm shards while chasing other objectives:

  • Slayer XP: Stick to tasks in the Catacombs.
  • Totem Pieces: Build totems for Skotizo runs.
  • Combat Training: Train Magic or Melee alongside shard farming.

Track Your Progress

Use a loot tracker or note how many shards you get per hour. For example:

  • Barraging Nechryaels: ~3-5 shards/hour.
  • Cannon Hill Giants: ~2-3 shards/hour.
  • Skotizo: ~6-15 shards/hour (with totem prep time).

Insight: Adjust your method based on your combat level, gear, and playstyle.

Conclusion: Your Path to Ancient Shard Success

Farming ancient shards in OSRS doesn’t have to be a slog. For the fastest results, barrage Greater Nechryaels if you’re high-level, cannon Hill Giants if you’re mid-tier, or kill Skotizo for guaranteed drops with totems. Low-effort players can AFK Mutated Bloodvelds or Dust Devils while still racking up shards. Whatever your approach, optimize with Slayer tasks, the right gear, and multi-goal grinding to keep your Arclight charged and your teleports ready. Start today—those demons won’t slay themselves!

Which method works best for you? Drop your shard-farming tips below and happy grinding in Old School RuneScape!