OSRS Ground Desert Goat Horn Guide for Profit and Herblore
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the ground desert goat horn, also known as goat horn dust, is a niche item with surprising utility for players looking to train Herblore or make some extra gold. This guide dives into everything you need to know about ground desert goat horns, from how to obtain them to their uses and profitability. Whether you’re a skiller, a quester, or a money-maker, this item has something to offer.
Desert goat horns are items dropped by goats and billy goats found primarily in the Kharidian Desert. When ground using a pestle and mortar, they become goat horn dust, a secondary ingredient for crafting combat potions. This makes them valuable for players training Herblore, especially those avoiding the tedious grinding process themselves.
Where to Find Desert Goats
Desert goats are scattered across the Kharidian Desert, with key locations including:
- North of Nardah: Easily accessible with a teleport to Nardah via the desert amulet or fairy ring (code DLQ).
- West of Pollnivneach: Near the Shantay Pass, ideal for players using the magic carpet network.
- Uzer: A quieter spot for those wanting less competition.
Each goat has a 100% chance to drop a desert goat horn upon death, making them a reliable resource.
Requirements to Collect Horns
Collecting desert goat horns is straightforward, but you’ll need:
- Combat level: Low (goats are level 23, billy goats level 33).
- Desert gear: Waterskins or an enchanted water tiara to survive the desert heat.
- Inventory space: Horns stack only after grinding, so bring a pestle and mortar if grinding on-site.
How to Grind Desert Goat Horns
Grinding desert goat horns into dust is the key to unlocking their value. The process is simple but can be time-consuming, which is why many players opt to buy the dust directly from the Grand Exchange.
Step-by-Step Grinding Process
Here’s how to grind horns efficiently:
- Kill goats to collect desert goat horns.
- Equip a pestle and mortar in your inventory.
- Use the pestle and mortar on the horns to create goat horn dust.
- Each horn yields one dust, granting 1 Herblore XP.
Tip: Grinding doesn’t give much experience, so it’s often better to sell the dust or use it in potions for faster Herblore training.
Best Gear for Efficiency
To maximize your horn collection speed:
- Weapon: Use a fast weapon like a bone dagger or dragon scimitar for quick kills.
- Teleportation: Desert amulet or fairy rings to hop between goat spawns.
- Weight-reducing gear: Graceful outfit to reduce run energy depletion.
Uses of Ground Desert Goat Horns
Goat horn dust has a few specific but valuable applications in OSRS, making it a sought-after item for certain players.
Combat Potions
The primary use of goat horn dust is as a secondary ingredient in combat potions. These potions temporarily boost Attack, Strength, and Defence by 3-12 levels, depending on your skill level.
| Potion | Level Required | Primary Ingredient | Secondary Ingredient | XP Gained |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combat potion (3) | 36 Herblore | Harralander potion (unf) | Goat horn dust | 84 |
This makes goat horn dust essential for players training Herblore from level 36 to 38, where combat potions are a cost-effective option.
Summoning Pouches
Goat horn dust is also used as a tertiary ingredient for infusing smoke devil pouches at level 61 Summoning. Each pouch requires:
- 141 spirit shards
- 1 crimson charm
- 1 goat horn dust
- 1 empty pouch
This use is less common due to the high Summoning level requirement, but it adds niche value to the dust.
Profitability of Grinding Desert Goat Horns
Grinding desert goat horns can be a decent money-making method for low- to mid-level players, especially since it requires minimal investment. However, profitability depends on Grand Exchange prices and market demand.
Current Market Analysis
As of April 2025, desert goat horns and goat horn dust fluctuate in price due to Herblore training demand. Here’s a rough breakdown (prices are approximate and should be checked in-game):
| Item | Average GE Price | Profit per Grind |
|---|---|---|
| Desert goat horn | 150-200 GP | 50-100 GP |
| Goat horn dust | 250-300 GP |
Note: Grinding 1,000 horns per hour yields roughly 50,000-100,000 GP profit, but selling dust can be slow due to buy limits (10,000 per 4 hours).
Tips for Maximizing Profit
To make the most out of this method:
- Test the market: Grind a small batch (e.g., 100 horns) to ensure profitability before committing.
- Bank efficiently: Use Nardah’s bank to store horns and grind in bulk.
- Monitor prices: Sell dust when Herblore events or double XP weekends drive up demand.
Be cautious, as bulk selling may take time, and price crashes can occur if too many players flood the market.
Alternatives to Grinding Goat Horns
If grinding horns feels too slow or unprofitable, consider these alternatives for Herblore training or money-making.
Other Herblore Secondaries
Instead of goat horn dust, you could farm other secondary ingredients like:
- Eye of newt: Cheap and used for attack potions (level 3 Herblore).
- Snape grass: Gathered on Waterbirth Island for prayer potions (level 38 Herblore).
- Mort myre fungus: Collected in Morytania for super energy potions (level 52 Herblore).
These often have higher demand and faster collection rates.
Other Money-Making Methods
For players seeking better gold per hour, try:
- Tanning dragonhide: Up to 500,000 GP/hour with minimal requirements.
- Farming herbs: Passive income with profits scaling to your Farming level.
- Killing chaos druids: Drops valuable herbs for 100,000-200,000 GP/hour.
These methods typically outpace grinding horns unless you enjoy the low-effort nature of goat hunting.
Ground desert goat horns may not be the flashiest item in OSRS, but their steady demand in Herblore and potential for profit make them worth considering. Whether you’re killing goats for horns, grinding them into dust, or crafting combat potions, this guide should help you navigate the process efficiently. Always check the Grand Exchange for the latest prices, and don’t be afraid to experiment with small batches to find what works best for you. Happy skilling!