OSRS: Is Slayer Good Money? A Deep Dive into Profitability

OSRS: Is Slayer Good Money? A Deep Dive into Profitability


Old School RuneScape (OSRS) players often wonder whether training Slayer is worth the effort in terms of gold-making potential. Slayer, a skill that tasks you with defeating specific monsters assigned by a Slayer Master, is a fan favorite for its unique gameplay and rewards. But is Slayer good money in OSRS? In this blog post, we’ll explore the profitability of Slayer, breaking down the factors that influence earnings, the best tasks for profit, and how it stacks up against other money-making methods. Whether you’re a low-level player or a seasoned veteran, this guide will help you decide if Slayer is the goldmine you’re looking for.

Slayer isn’t just about grinding combat skills—it’s a dynamic skill that combines exploration, strategy, and loot collection. Its appeal lies in the variety of monsters, the potential for rare drops, and the ability to train multiple skills simultaneously. But when it comes to making money, Slayer’s profitability depends on several variables, including your combat level, gear, and task choices.

The Unique Mechanics of Slayer

Unlike other skills like Woodcutting or Fishing, Slayer requires you to follow specific assignments from Slayer Masters like Turael, Vannaka, or Duradel. Each task pits you against monsters with unique drops, some of which can be incredibly valuable. This mechanic makes Slayer a gamble—some tasks yield little profit, while others can shower you with gold.

Skill Training and Passive Income

Slayer offers passive income through combat drops while leveling up your combat stats (Attack, Strength, Defense, and Hitpoints). For players who enjoy multitasking, this dual-purpose nature makes it an attractive option compared to single-focus money-making methods.

Factors That Affect Slayer Profitability

Not all Slayer tasks are created equal. Your earnings depend on a mix of preparation, knowledge, and a bit of luck. Let’s break down the key factors that determine whether Slayer will fill your coin pouch or leave you broke.

Your Combat Level and Gear

Higher combat levels and better gear (like a Slayer Helm, Dragon Scimitar, or even a Twisted Bow for end-game players) allow you to complete tasks faster and tackle high-profit monsters like Demonic Gorillas or Cerberus. Low-level players might struggle with slower kills and lower-tier loot, reducing hourly profits.

Slayer Master Choice

Choosing the right Slayer Master is crucial. Low-level masters like Turael assign easy tasks with minimal loot, while high-level masters like Duradel offer tougher monsters with better rewards. For profit-focused players, sticking to Duradel or Konar (for her unique drop table) is often the best bet once you meet their requirements.

RNG and Rare Drops

Slayer’s profitability hinges heavily on random number generation (RNG). Rare drops like the Abyssal Whip, Dragon Chainbody, or Cerberus’s Primordial Crystal can turn an average task into a jackpot. However, relying on RNG means profits can be inconsistent—some trips yield millions, others barely cover supply costs.

Top Slayer Tasks for Making Money

If you’re aiming to maximize gold per hour, focusing on specific tasks can make Slayer a lucrative endeavor. Here are some of the best monsters to slay for profit, based on their drop tables and efficiency.

Gargoyles (Level 75 Slayer)

Gargoyles are a mid-tier Slayer monster known for consistent loot. With a decent drop table including Rune items, Granite Mauls, and the occasional Adamantite Ore, they can net you around 500k-700k GP per hour with good gear and a Slayer Ring for banking.

Abyssal Demons (Level 85 Slayer)

Abyssal Demons are a staple for profit due to their rare Abyssal Whip drop (worth ~1.5M GP) and Abyssal Dagger. Even without the big drop, their consistent loot of runes, herbs, and alchables can push profits to 600k-800k GP per hour.

Demonic Gorillas (Post-Monkey Madness II)

For high-level players, Demonic Gorillas offer some of the best Slayer profits. Their drops include Zenyte Shards (~15M GP) and Tortured Gorilla parts, averaging 1M-1.5M GP per hour with optimal gear and switches.

Cerberus (Level 91 Slayer)

Cerberus, a hellhound boss, drops Primordial, Eternal, and Pegasian Crystals, each worth millions. With a potential profit of 1.5M-2M GP per hour, it’s a top-tier choice for end-game Slayers, though it requires precise mechanics and high combat stats.

Top Profitable Slayer Tasks:

  • Gargoyles: 500k-700k GP/hour
  • Abyssal Demons: 600k-800k GP/hour
  • Demonic Gorillas: 1M-1.5M GP/hour
  • Cerberus: 1.5M-2M GP/hour

Slayer vs. Other Money-Making Methods

To truly answer “Is Slayer good money?” we need to compare it to other popular OSRS money-makers like skilling, bossing, and flipping. Here’s how Slayer stacks up.

Slayer vs. Skilling (e.g., Runecrafting)

High-level Runecrafting (e.g., Blood Runes) can yield 1M-1.5M GP per hour with minimal risk but requires intense focus and high skill levels. Slayer offers similar profits at higher levels (e.g., Cerberus) with more variety, though it’s riskier and gear-dependent.

Slayer vs. Bossing (e.g., Zulrah)

Bossing like Zulrah or Vorkath consistently nets 2M-3M GP per hour for skilled players, outpacing most Slayer tasks. However, these require significant upfront investment in gear and practice, whereas Slayer scales with your level and offers profit from the start.

Slayer vs. Flipping (Grand Exchange)

Flipping items on the Grand Exchange can earn millions per hour with low effort, but it demands market knowledge and capital. Slayer, by contrast, is more accessible and doubles as a combat training method, making it a better fit for players who enjoy active gameplay.

Method GP/Hour Requirements Risk/Effort
Slayer (High-Level) 1M-2M High Combat, Gear Medium
Runecrafting 1M-1.5M High Skill Level Low
Zulrah 2M-3M High Combat, Gear, Skill High
Flipping 1M-5M+ Capital, Market Knowledge Low

Tips to Maximize Slayer Profits

Slayer can be a goldmine if you optimize your approach. Here are actionable tips to boost your earnings and make the most of every task.

Use Slayer Points Strategically

Earn Slayer Points by completing tasks and spend them wisely. Unlock “Bigger and Badder” for superior monster variants with better loot, or skip unprofitable tasks like Greater Demons to focus on high-value ones.

Invest in Gear and Supplies

A Black Mask or Slayer Helm boosts damage and accuracy on task, speeding up kills. Stock up on Prayer Potions, food, and teleports to minimize downtime. For bosses like Cerberus, bring Spectral Spirit Shields or other high-end gear to maximize efficiency.

Leverage Konar’s Drop Table

Konar quo Maten offers a unique drop table with items like Brimstone Keys, which unlock chests worth 100k-500k GP. Assigning tasks in specific locations (e.g., Kourend Catacombs) can also drop Ancient Shards, adding extra profit.

Track Your Profits

Use a loot tracker (like RuneLite’s plugin) to monitor earnings per task. This helps identify which monsters are worth your time and which to block or skip, refining your Slayer strategy over time.

Quick Tips for Slayer Success:

  • Prioritize High-Value Tasks: Focus on Gargoyles, Demons, or bosses.
  • Upgrade Gear: Invest in a Slayer Helm and combat boosts.
  • Use Konar: Tap into her unique drops for bonus GP.
  • Monitor Loot: Adjust tasks based on real profits.

So, is Slayer good money in OSRS? The answer is a resounding “yes”—if you play it smart. For mid-to-high-level players willing to invest in gear and target the right tasks, Slayer can rival or exceed many traditional money-making methods, all while offering engaging gameplay and combat XP. Low-level players might find it less profitable early on, but as you climb the Slayer ladder, the rewards grow exponentially. Whether you’re chasing rare drops or steady income, Slayer’s mix of risk, reward, and variety makes it a worthy pursuit in Gielinor.