OSRS Hot Cold Beginner Guide for Easy Treasure Trails

OSRS Hot Cold Beginner Guide for Easy Treasure Trails

Old School RuneScape (OSRS) Treasure Trails are a fantastic way to dive into the game’s puzzle-solving adventures, and Hot Cold clues are a great starting point for beginners. These clues, part of the Beginner Treasure Trails, challenge players to locate a buried casket using a strange device that hints whether you’re “hot” (close) or “cold” (far) from the target. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to master Hot Cold clues as a new player, from setup to strategy, ensuring you can claim those rewards with confidence.

Hot Cold clues are unique to Beginner Treasure Trails, making them perfect for players new to clue hunting. The strange device gives temperature-based feedback in your chatbox, guiding you to the exact dig spot. Your goal? Find the casket buried at a specific location by interpreting these hints.

How the Strange Device Works

The strange device is your key tool. When you “Operate” it, it tells you how close you are to the dig spot:

  • Freezing: You’re very far away (100+ squares).
  • Cold: You’re far but getting closer (50-100 squares).
  • Warm: You’re in the general area (25-50 squares).
  • Hot: You’re very close (5-25 squares).
  • Very Hot: Almost there (0-5 squares).
  • Steaming: You’re standing on the spot—dig now!

Why Start with Beginner Hot Cold Clues?

Beginner clues are less complex than higher-tier Treasure Trails, with fewer steps and simpler mechanics. Hot Cold clues don’t require combat or obscure items, making them accessible. Plus, they offer decent rewards like coins, runes, or even cosmetic items for free-to-play (F2P) and pay-to-play (P2P) players alike.

Preparing for Your First Hot Cold Clue

Before you start, a little prep goes a long way. Having the right gear and knowledge ensures you’re not wasting time running around Gielinor.

Items You’ll Need

Here’s a quick checklist to get you ready:

Item Purpose
Strange Device Provided with the clue to check temperature.
Spade Dig at the final spot (grab one from any tool shop).
Teleportation Items Ring of Dueling, Amulet of Glory, or runes for teleports to move quickly.
Energy Potions (Optional) Boost running stamina for faster travel.

Recommended Skills and Quests

No specific skills or quests are mandatory, but having some Agility (for faster running) or Magic (for teleports) helps. Completing X Marks the Spot is a great way to unlock Beginner Treasure Trails, requiring minimal effort and granting early clue access.

Step-by-Step Guide to Solving Hot Cold Clues

Ready to hunt? Follow these steps to track down your treasure efficiently.

Step 1: Get a Beginner Clue Scroll

Beginner clue scrolls drop from easy monsters like goblins, chickens, or men/women NPCs. You can also get them from pickpocketing H.A.M. members or buying them from the Grand Exchange (P2P). Check your inventory for a scroll, then read it to receive the strange device if it’s a Hot Cold clue.

Step 2: Start at a Central Location

Begin in a central hub like Varrock or Falador to cover Gielinor efficiently. Operate the strange device to get your first temperature reading. If it’s “Freezing,” you’re nowhere near—move to another major area and try again.

Step 3: Narrow Down the Location

Use a systematic approach to find the dig spot:

  • Move Broadly: If “Cold” or “Freezing,” teleport or run to a different region (e.g., from Lumbridge to Draynor).
  • Test and Adjust: Keep operating the device every 50-100 squares. When you hit “Warm,” slow down and check smaller areas.
  • Pinpoint: Once “Hot” or “Very Hot,” move square by square until “Steaming” appears.

Step 4: Dig and Claim Your Reward

When the device says “Steaming,” equip your spade and dig. If you’re spot-on, you’ll unearth a casket containing your loot. Open it to reveal coins, items, or even another clue scroll for multi-step trails.

Common Hot Cold Dig Spots for Beginners

Hot Cold clues lead to specific dig spots across OSRS. Knowing common locations saves time. Here are some frequent ones for Beginner Trails:

Free-to-Play Dig Spots

Pay-to-Play Dig Spots

Tips for Guessing Locations

If you’re stuck, check the OSRS Wiki for a full list of Hot Cold spots, but focus on major cities first. Most Beginner clues stick to accessible areas, so avoid obscure wilderness or dungeon locations unless the device pulls you there.

Tips and Tricks to Master Hot Cold Clues

With practice, you’ll solve these clues faster. Here are some pro tips to level up your game.

Optimize Your Travel

Use teleports to cut down travel time. For F2P, stick to Varrock, Lumbridge, or Falador teleports if you have Magic levels. P2P players can leverage jewelry like the Ring of Dueling or Amulet of Glory for quick hops to key spots.

Manage Inventory Space

Keep your inventory light—carry only the strange device, spade, teleports, and a few energy potions. This leaves room for rewards and prevents banking trips mid-hunt.

Avoid Common Mistakes

New players often misjudge distances or dig too early. Always wait for “Steaming” before digging, and double-check your location if the reading flips from “Hot” to “Cold” suddenly—you might’ve overshot.

Maximize Rewards

While Beginner clues won’t make you rich, stacking scrolls (store them in your bank) and doing them in bulk can add up. Look out for rare drops like Black Armor Trim or cosmetic capes, which are tradeable for decent gold.

Solving Hot Cold clues in OSRS is a fun, low-pressure way to explore Treasure Trails as a beginner. With the strange device as your guide, a spade in hand, and a bit of patience, you’ll be digging up caskets in no time. Start with a clue scroll, teleport strategically, and follow the temperature hints to claim your rewards. As you get comfortable, you might even graduate to harder clues for bigger payouts. Grab your gear and start hunting—Gielinor’s treasures are waiting!