OSRS Hot and Cold Locations Guide for Treasure Trails
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) Treasure Trails offer exciting challenges, and Hot and Cold clues are among the most engaging. These clues, part of the Hot and Cold challenge, task players with using a Strange Device to locate a treasure by following temperature-based hints. Whether you’re tackling Beginner or Master clues, understanding Hot and Cold locations and efficient strategies can save time and boost your rewards. This guide dives into how these clues work, key locations, strategies like the Chronicle Trick, and tips to optimize your clue-hunting experience.
Hot and Cold clues are a unique component of OSRS Treasure Trails, inspired by the classic children’s game. Players use a Strange Device, obtained from Reldo (Beginner clues) or Jorral (Master clues), which indicates proximity to the treasure via chatbox messages. The device reports temperatures like “Incredibly Hot” (very close) or “Ice Cold” (far away), based on the Chebyshev distance (steps to the treasure, ignoring obstacles). Each location has a 9×9 dig square where the treasure can be found, and Master clues may involve combat encounters upon digging.
How the Strange Device Works
The Strange Device is central to solving Hot and Cold clues. For Beginner clues, visit Reldo in Varrock Palace’s library. For Master clues, speak to Jorral at the outpost northwest of West Ardougne after completing the “Making History” quest. Once obtained, the device doesn’t need to be returned and can be banked. Click it to check the temperature, then teleport or walk to another spot to see if it gets warmer or colder. Repeat until you pinpoint the dig spot.
Temperature Indicators
The device uses a range of temperature messages to guide you:
- Incredibly Hot: You’re within the 9×9 dig square.
- Very Hot: Very close, usually a few steps away.
- Hot: Moderately close.
- Warm: Somewhat far.
- Cold: Far away.
- Very Cold: Very far.
- Ice Cold: Extremely far from the treasure.
Beginner Hot and Cold Locations
Beginner clues are ideal for free-to-play (F2P) players and have only five possible Hot and Cold locations, making them easier to solve. These locations are concentrated around central RuneScape areas, accessible with basic teleports or short walks.
List of Beginner Locations
Here are the five Beginner Hot and Cold locations, as outlined in the OSRS Wiki:
| Location | Description | Teleport/Walk |
|---|---|---|
| Cow Field (Lumbridge) | North of Lumbridge Castle, in the cow pen. | Lumbridge Teleport or Chronicle Teleport. |
| Al Kharid Mine (North) | North of the Al Kharid mine, near the desert. | Al Kharid Duel Arena (Ring of Dueling). |
| Draynor Manor (Behind) | Behind Draynor Manor, near the back entrance. | Amulet of Glory to Draynor Village. |
| Ice Mountain | Near the Black Knights’ Fortress, on Ice Mountain. | Falador Teleport, then walk north. |
| Draynor Wheat Field | In the wheat field south of Draynor Village. | Amulet of Glory to Draynor Village. |
Using the Chronicle Trick
The Chronicle Trick is a fast method to narrow down Beginner clue locations, requiring minimal teleports. Follow these steps:
- Teleport to Champion’s Guild using the Chronicle (bought from Diango in Draynor).
- Check the Strange Device. If it’s “Very Hot” or “Incredibly Hot,” the clue is in the Lumbridge cow field.
- If Warm, step eastward. If warmer, the clue is north of Al Kharid mine; if not, it’s behind Draynor Manor.
- If Cold, teleport to Falador. If “Hot,” it’s Ice Mountain; otherwise, it’s the Draynor wheat field.
This method, popularized by players like Vannaka on YouTube, can identify the location in 1-2 teleports, saving time and runes.
Master Hot and Cold Locations
Master clues are far more complex, with 116 possible Hot and Cold locations across Gielinor, from safe areas to the Wilderness and multi-combat zones. These clues often require combat preparation, as digging may trigger fights with a Brassican Mage (single-combat) or three Ancient Wizards (multi-combat, with poison risk).
Notable Master Clue Locations
With 116 locations, listing them all is impractical, but here are some frequently reported or notable spots, based on community contributions and the OSRS Wiki:
- Mos Le’Harmless: Near the three trees above the word “HarmleSS” on the map.
- Lunar Isle: Outside the Dream Hall in the settlement’s center.
- Trollheim Arena: South of Trollheim, where you fight Dad.
- Wilderness (Level 35): Just north of black chinchompas.
- Shayzien Encampment: Southeast of the Combat Ring.
- Piscatoris Fishing Colony: Near the colony’s entrance.
For a full list, check the OSRS Wiki’s Master Hot and Cold guide, which includes a map of all 116 locations.
Combat Preparation for Master Clues
Digging at Master clue locations can spawn enemies, so be ready:
- Single-Combat Areas: Face a Brassican Mage with typeless projectile attacks. Ranged armor helps, as protection prayers don’t block damage.
- Multi-Combat Areas: Fight three Ancient Wizards using all combat styles. The melee wizard can poison, so bring an antipoison potion.
- Gear Tips: Equip combat gear (e.g., Black Dragonhide, Rune armor), bring food (e.g., Sharks), and carry teleport runes for emergencies.
Strategies for Solving Hot and Cold Clues
Efficiently solving Hot and Cold clues requires strategic teleportation and location narrowing. Here are proven methods to streamline the process.
Optimal Teleportation Strategy
A Reddit user, u/snapegrassrunner, shared a mathematically optimized teleport strategy for Master clues, starting at the Crafting Guild due to its central map position:
- Start at Crafting Guild: Check the Strange Device.
- Teleport to Trollheim: If warmer, skip to northern regions (e.g., Rellekka).
- If Colder: Use a Necklace of Passage to the Outpost.
- Narrow Further: Use teleports like Amulet of Glory, Ring of Dueling, or Achievement Diary Cape to key hubs (e.g., Twiggy O’Korn).
This method minimizes teleports by leveraging cardinal directions and central hubs.
Using Runelite’s Clue Scroll Plugin
The Runelite client offers a Hot and Cold clue solver that highlights possible locations on the world map. However, it requires reading the clue first, as the overlay won’t activate otherwise. If you bank or drop the clue, the plugin resets, so keep the clue in your inventory while checking the Strange Device.
Tips for Efficient Clue Hunting
Maximize your Hot and Cold clue efficiency with these tips:
- Carry Teleports: Stock up on Rings of Dueling, Amulets of Glory, and Chronicle for quick movement.
- Use Runelite: The clue solver and world map overlays drastically reduce guesswork.
- Prepare for Combat: For Master clues, always bring gear, food, and antipoison to handle enemies.
- Check the Wiki: The OSRS Wiki’s maps and location lists are invaluable for both Beginner and Master clues.
- Spam-Click the Device: For Beginner clues, spam-clicking the Strange Device while teleporting can quickly narrow down locations.
Hot and Cold clues in OSRS are a thrilling mix of exploration and strategy. By mastering the Strange Device, leveraging the Chronicle Trick for Beginner clues, and using optimized teleports for Master clues, you can efficiently hunt treasures across Gielinor. Whether you’re a free-to-play newbie or a seasoned clue chaser, this guide equips you to tackle Hot and Cold challenges with confidence. Happy hunting!