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OSRS Hot Cold Clue Guide: Master the Treasure Hunt in 2025
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers a variety of engaging activities, and one of the most intriguing is the Hot Cold Clue challenge tied to Treasure Trails. Whether you’re a beginner tackling your first clue scroll or a seasoned player chasing master-level rewards, the Hot Cold mechanic adds a unique twist to the game. This guide dives deep into everything you need to know about OSRS Hot Cold Clues, from how they work to strategies for solving them efficiently. Let’s get started on this treasure-hunting adventure!
Hot Cold Clues are a special type of puzzle found in OSRS Treasure Trails, specifically within beginner and master clue scrolls. Unlike traditional clues that point to a specific location or riddle, Hot Cold Clues use a “strange device” to guide players toward a hidden dig spot. The device provides temperature-based feedback—hotter means you’re closer, colder means you’re farther—making it a dynamic and interactive challenge.
How the Strange Device Works
The strange device is the key tool for solving Hot Cold Clues. For beginner clues, you obtain it from Reldo in Varrock Palace’s library, while master clues require a visit to Jorral at the outpost northwest of West Ardougne (after completing the “Making History” quest). Once activated, the device gives temperature readings like “freezing,” “warm,” or “burning hot” based on your proximity to the treasure, measured in steps using Chebyshev distance.
Hot Cold Clue Difficulty Levels
Hot Cold Clues appear in two difficulty tiers:
- Beginner Clues: Accessible to free-to-play and members, these are simpler and safer, with dig spots in less hazardous areas.
- Master Clues: Exclusive to members, these are tougher, often in dangerous locations, and using the device inflicts 3-8 damage per check.
How to Solve Hot Cold Clues in OSRS
Solving a Hot Cold Clue requires strategy, patience, and a bit of trial and error. The goal is to narrow down the treasure’s location by interpreting the device’s temperature feedback as you move across Gielinor. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to make it easier.
Step 1: Obtain the Strange Device
Start by picking up your strange device. For beginners, talk to Reldo with an active clue step. For master clues, visit Jorral post-quest. Keep the device in your inventory or bank—it doesn’t need to be returned after use.
Step 2: Check the Temperature
Click “Feel Strange Device” to get your first reading. The feedback ranges from “freezing” (far away) to “burning hot” (very close). For master clues, brace for damage each time you check—bring food or healing items.
Step 3: Move and Triangulate
Teleport or walk to a new location and check the device again. If it gets warmer, you’re heading in the right direction; if colder, adjust your path. Use a map or list of known dig spots to narrow it down faster. Each spot has a 7×7 dig area, so precision matters.
Step 4: Dig at the Spot
Once the device says “burning hot,” you’re within 2-3 steps of the treasure. Equip a spade and dig. For master clues, be ready for combat—more on that later.
Hot Cold Clue Locations in OSRS
The possible dig spots for Hot Cold Clues span across Gielinor, from safe beginner-friendly zones to perilous master-level areas. Knowing common locations can speed up your hunt. Below is a table of example spots for each tier.
| Clue Tier | Location Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | Lumbridge Swamp, Draynor Village, Al Kharid | Safe, accessible to all players |
| Master | Wilderness Volcano, Chaos Temple, Lizardman Settlement | Dangerous, may involve combat |
Beginner Clue Hotspots
Beginner clues often lead to low-risk areas like Falador Farm or the Varrock lumberyard. These spots are ideal for new players or those avoiding combat.
Master Clue Danger Zones
Master clues can take you to multi-combat zones like the Wilderness or single-combat areas with foes like the Brassican Mage. Always check the location type before digging.
Tips and Tricks for Hot Cold Clue Success
To master Hot Cold Clues, you’ll need more than just the basics. These tips will help you save time, stay safe, and maximize rewards.
Use Teleports Wisely
Teleportation items like the Royal Seed Pod, Explorer’s Ring, or Wilderness Sword cut travel time. Since clues can span the map, quick movement is key.
Prepare for Master Clue Combat
Master clue dig spots may spawn enemies:
- Single Combat: Face a Brassican Mage with typeless projectile attacks.
- Multi-Combat: Battle three Ancient Wizards (melee, range, magic), with the melee one capable of poisoning.
Bring combat gear, food, and an antipoison for multi-combat zones.
Track Temperature Changes
Keep a mental or written note of temperature shifts. For example, moving from “warm” to “very hot” after teleporting from Varrock to Falador narrows your search to nearby zones.
Avoid Overchecking
For master clues, frequent device checks can drain your health. Space them out and heal between uses to avoid an unexpected death.
Rewards and Why Hot Cold Clues Are Worth It
The effort of solving Hot Cold Clues pays off with Treasure Trail rewards. While beginner clues offer modest loot like coins or basic gear, master clues can yield rare items that make the challenge worthwhile.
Beginner Clue Rewards
Expect simple rewards like gold, runes, or low-tier equipment. These are great for new players building their bank.
Master Clue Rewards
Master clues offer high-value loot, including:
- Rare Cosmetics: 3rd Age items, gilded armor.
- Resources: High-level runes, potions, or seeds.
- Cash: Significant gold stacks.
The risk of combat and damage is balanced by the potential for big payouts.
Long-Term Benefits
Beyond immediate loot, completing Hot Cold Clues boosts your clue scroll proficiency, unlocking more Treasure Trail opportunities. It’s a skill worth honing in 2025.
OSRS Hot Cold Clues blend exploration, strategy, and a touch of danger into one of the game’s most rewarding puzzles. Whether you’re digging in Lumbridge or braving the Wilderness, this guide equips you to tackle them with confidence. Grab your strange device, pack your spade, and start hunting—there’s treasure waiting!