OSRS Halloween 2024 Walkthrough Guide
The Old School RuneScape (OSRS) Halloween 2024 event, officially titled “Pumpkin by Numbers,” is a heartwarming seasonal quest that runs from October 16 to November 13, 2024. Set in the South Falador Farm, this event invites players to help Marika, a farmer, restore a pumpkin portrait disrupted by mischievous crows. With no skill or quest requirements, it’s accessible to all players, offering a mix of spooky fun and touching storytelling. This walkthrough will guide you through every step, highlight rewards, and share tips to make your experience seamless.
To kick off the OSRS Halloween 2024 event, head to the South Falador Farm, just south of Falador’s southern gate. The area is marked with a holiday event icon on your world map and minimap, making it easy to locate. No items or teleports are required, but a Falador teleport (using runes or a teleport tablet) can speed things up. If you’re a free-to-play player or fresh off Tutorial Island, you can walk from Lumbridge or Draynor Village.
Finding Marika
Once at the farm, look for Marika, an NPC standing near a colorful pumpkin patch by the compost bin. She’s hard to miss, surrounded by scattered pumpkins and a slightly chaotic field. Speak to her to begin the event. If you’re struggling to spot her, check the minimap for the holiday icon and zoom in on the cabbage patch area.
Event Requirements
- No skill levels needed: Perfect for new and veteran players alike.
- Inventory space: Ensure you have at least 2-3 free slots for the map and rewards.
- Optional items: A Falador teleport for quick access or energy potions for faster running.
Step-by-Step Walkthrough
The core of the Halloween 2024 event involves helping Marika fix her pumpkin portrait, which was meant as a tribute to a loved one who adored cats. Crows have misplaced 16 pumpkins, and your job is to collect the incorrect ones using a provided map. Here’s how to complete it efficiently.
Step 1: Starting the Quest
Talk to Marika and select dialogue option 1 (“Yes”) to agree to help. She’ll explain that she created a cat-shaped pumpkin portrait using seven varieties of heirloom pumpkins, but crows have ruined it. After the dialogue, she hands you a picture map, which shows the correct layout of the pumpkin patch. This map is your guide for identifying misplaced pumpkins.
Step 2: Collecting Misplaced Pumpkins
With the picture map in your inventory, head to the pumpkin patch directly north of Marika. The patch is a grid of colorful pumpkins, and your task is to pick the 16 that don’t match the map’s design. Here’s how to do it:
- Use the map: Open your inventory and examine the picture map to see the correct pumpkin colors and positions.
- Identify mismatches: Compare the map to the field. For example, if the map shows a red pumpkin in a spot where a blue one sits, pick the blue one.
- Throw to Marika: Click a misplaced pumpkin to pick it, and your character automatically throws it to Marika, who stores it in a nearby bin.
Tip: Work systematically, row by row, to avoid confusion. The map isn’t overly complex, but double-checking colors prevents mistakes. If you pick a correct pumpkin by accident, Marika will scold you, but it won’t reset progress—just keep going.
Step 3: Dealing with the Crows
After collecting a few pumpkins, Marika mentions the crow problem. She’s building a scarecrow but needs a pumpkin head to complete it. Conveniently, the misplaced pumpkins you’re collecting double as potential heads. You don’t need to do anything extra here—keep picking pumpkins, and the scarecrow head is handled automatically as part of the process.
Step 4: Finishing the Patch
Once you’ve picked all 16 misplaced pumpkins, return to Marika. A short cutscene plays, featuring Postie Pete delivering pumpkin seed packets. Marika uses these to replant the patch, restoring the cat portrait. You don’t need to plant anything yourself; the game handles this part. After the cutscene, speak to Marika again to complete the event and claim your rewards.
Rewards and Customization
The OSRS Halloween 2024 event offers a delightful set of rewards, emphasizing customization and spooky flair. Completing the event grants you the following:
| Reward | Description |
|---|---|
| Scarecrow Shirt | A wearable cosmetic shirt with a rustic, Halloween-themed design. |
| Customizable Pumpkin Head | A headpiece you can personalize with different colors and facial expressions (e.g., o.O, w, or surprised Pikachu face). |
| Player-Owned House Scarecrow | A placeable scarecrow for your POH, customizable with colors and expressions, similar to the Wintumber Tree. |
You can also claim rewards from previous Halloween events by speaking to Diango in Draynor Village. These include items like Halloween masks, witch outfits, and more.
Customizing Your Rewards
The Pumpkin Head and POH Scarecrow are highlights, letting you pick from various colors (e.g., orange, purple, green) and expressions for a unique look. To customize:
- Pumpkin Head: Right-click the item in your inventory and select “Change style” to cycle through options.
- POH Scarecrow: Build it in your Player-Owned House (no Construction level required) and interact to adjust its appearance.
Pro tip: Experiment with expressions like the surprised Pikachu face for a fun twist, perfect for showing off in busy areas like the Grand Exchange.
Bonus Activity: Carving Pumpkins
After completing the event, Marika lets you take pumpkins from the storage bin to carve Jack-o’-lanterns. These can be placed on the ground to create temporary pictures or decorations. While they don’t last long, they’re a creative way to engage with friends or make screenshots for social media.
Tips and Tricks for a Smooth Experience
To maximize your enjoyment and efficiency during the OSRS Halloween 2024 event, keep these pointers in mind:
Inventory Management
The picture map and rewards require minimal space, but clear out junk beforehand to avoid interruptions. If Marika tries to give you rewards and your inventory is full, she’ll warn you, but you’ll need to bank items before continuing.
Audio Easter Egg
The event includes a touching detail involving a Ghost Cat. If your in-game sounds are muted when the cat first meows, Marika humorously asks if you’ve cast a “mute spell” and offers to dispel it (i.e., turn your sound on). Keep audio enabled for the full experience, especially if you’re wearing a Catspeak Amulet and Morytania Legs 3. This combo lets you understand the cat calling Marika’s name, adding depth to the story.
Time-Saving Travel
If you’re doing multiple runs or helping friends, use these teleports to reach South Falador Farm quickly:
- Falador Teleport: Run south from the teleport spot.
- Skills Necklace: Teleport to the Farming Guild (requires 45 Farming) and head east.
- Explorer’s Ring: Teleport to the cabbage field (requires Lumbridge/Draynor Diary) and walk northwest.
Community and Story Context
The event, designed by Mod Maylea, is a tribute to someone who loved cats, reflected in the cat-shaped pumpkin portrait and Ghost Cat NPC. Engaging with the dialogue fully reveals a heartfelt narrative, making this more than just a fetch quest. Share your experience on the 2007Scape subreddit or OSRS Discord to connect with other players moved by the story.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Event
The OSRS Halloween 2024 event stands out for its accessibility, charm, and emotional resonance. Whether you’re a completionist chasing cosmetics, a casual player enjoying the spooky season, or someone who appreciates a good story, there’s something here for you. The event takes about 10-15 minutes to complete, making it a quick detour from your usual skilling or bossing grind.
Limited-Time Opportunity
With the event ending on November 13, 2024, don’t wait too long to participate. Missing it means waiting another year to snag the Scarecrow Shirt, Pumpkin Head, and POH Scarecrow—items that won’t return until the next Halloween rerun, if at all.
Free-to-Play Friendly
No membership is required, so Ironmen, free-to-play accounts, and new players can jump in without barriers. The lack of combat or skill checks ensures everyone can enjoy the festive vibe and walk away with cool rewards.
That wraps up our OSRS Halloween 2024 walkthrough! Head to South Falador Farm, help Marika fix her pumpkin portrait, and claim your spooky loot. Have fun, and happy Halloween in Gielinor!