OSRS Nechryael Bursting Guide for Max XP and Profit

Bursting Nechryaels in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is one of the most efficient ways to train Magic and Slayer simultaneously while potentially turning a profit. This guide dives into everything you need to know about bursting Greater Nechryaels in the Catacombs of Kourend, from requirements and gear to strategies and inventory setups. Whether you’re aiming for 99 Magic, Slayer, or both, this method offers high XP rates and rewarding loot. Let’s get started!

Nechryaels, specifically their stronger variant, Greater Nechryaels, are a prime target for bursting due to their low Magic defense, multi-combat environment, and valuable drops. Found in the Catacombs of Kourend, they can be stacked tightly for area-of-effect spells like Ice Burst or Ice Barrage, maximizing your XP per hour. Here’s why this method shines:

• High XP Rates: Up to 300,000 Magic XP and 70,000 Slayer XP per hour with optimal setups.
• Profit Potential: Drops like rune items and seeds often offset rune costs, sometimes yielding profit.
• Efficiency: Multi-target spells hit up to nine enemies at once, speeding up tasks.
• Flexibility: Suitable for mid- to high-level players with accessible requirements.

Who Should Use This Method?

Bursting Nechryaels is ideal for players with at least 70 Magic (for Ice Burst) and 80 Slayer (to kill Greater Nechryaels). It’s especially appealing if you’re chasing fast Magic or Slayer levels or want a low-effort, high-reward Slayer task. Ironmen and mains alike benefit from the consistent loot and XP.

Requirements for Bursting Nechryaels

Before heading to the Catacombs, ensure you meet the minimum requirements and have the recommended stats and items for an efficient trip. Missing key components can slow you down or cut your trips short.

Skill Requirements

• Magic: 70+ (for Ice Burst); 94 recommended (for Ice Barrage).
• Slayer: 80 (to kill Greater Nechryaels).
• Prayer: 43+ (for Protect from Melee); 70+ recommended for Piety or Rigour.
• Hitpoints: 70+ suggested to tank occasional Death Spawn hits.

Quest and Item Requirements

• Desert Treasure: Unlocks the Ancient Magicks spellbook.
• Access to Kourend: No strict quest requirement, but completing Client of Kourend helps with teleports.
• Xeric’s Talisman: For fast teleports to Kourend Castle (optional but highly recommended).
• Rune Pouch: Saves inventory space for spell runes.

Recommended Stats

For the best results, aim for:

• Magic 94 (Ice Barrage unlocks 25% faster kills).
• Prayer 70+ (extends trips with higher prayer bonuses).
• Defence 70+ (reduces damage from Death Spawns).

Gear and Inventory Setup

Your gear and inventory are critical for maximizing XP and trip length. Greater Nechryaels have zero Magic defense, so prioritize Magic damage bonuses over accuracy and Prayer bonuses to conserve potions.

Recommended Gear

Focus on equipment that boosts Magic damage and Prayer efficiency. Here’s a sample setup for different budgets:

Slot	High-End Gear	Budget Gear
Head	Slayer Helmet (i)	Mystic Hat
Neck	Occult Necklace	Amulet of Glory
Body	Virtus Robe Top	Proselyte Platebody
Legs	Virtus Robe Bottom	Proselyte Platelegs
Weapon	Kodai Wand	Ancient Staff
Shield	Arcane Spirit Shield	Book of Darkness
Hands	Tormented Bracelet	Combat Bracelet
Boots	Eternal Boots	Mystic Boots
Ring	Seers Ring (i)	Ring of Wealth
Cape	Imbued God Cape	Ardougne Cloak

Notes:

• Slayer Helmet (i): Essential on task for the 15% Magic damage boost.
• Occult Necklace: Adds 10% Magic damage, a must-have for efficiency.
• Proselyte Armor: Great for Prayer bonus if you can’t afford Virtus or Ancestral.

Inventory Setup

Your inventory should balance runes, potions, and utility items. A typical setup includes:

• Rune Pouch (Ice Burst/Barrage runes: Water, Chaos, Death).
• Rune Pouch (Blood Burst/Barrage runes: Blood, Chaos, Death).
• 10–12 Prayer Potions (4).
• 1 Super Defence Potion (4).
• Xeric’s Talisman (for Kourend Castle teleport).
• Ring of Dueling (for Ferox Enclave to restore stats).
• 100–200 Darts (to aggro Nechryaels).
• 1–2 House Teleport Tablets (for ornate pool restore).
• Optional: Gem Bag, Explorer’s Ring (for high alchemy).

Tips for Gear and Inventory

• Use a Kodai Wand if possible—it provides infinite Water runes, reducing inventory strain.
• Bring Blood Burst/Barrage runes to heal off Death Spawn damage, saving food slots.
• Sip a Super Defence dose before leaving the bank to reduce damage taken.

Bursting Strategy in the Catacombs of Kourend

The key to bursting Nechryaels is stacking them tightly in a multi-combat area to hit multiple targets with each spell. The Catacombs of Kourend is the best location due to its layout and Greater Nechryael spawns.

Getting to the Catacombs

1. Teleport to Kourend Castle using Xeric’s Talisman (Xeric’s Heart).
2. Run northwest to the Catacombs entrance (near the Kourend Castle bank).
3. Navigate to the Greater Nechryael area (southwest section).

Alternatively, use a Kourend Castle teleport spell (69 Magic) or a house portal if you have a Kourend teleport in your POH.

Stacking and Bursting Nechryaels

Follow these steps to stack and burst efficiently:

1. Activate Protect from Melee: This negates most damage from Greater Nechryaels.
2. Aggro the Nechryaels: Use cheap darts or a fast ranged weapon (e.g., steel knives) to tag all Nechryaels in the room. Alternatively, drink a dose of a Goading Potion for instant aggression.
3. Stack Them: Run to a corner with two adjacent walls (check the minimap for a U-shaped spot). Move back and forth between two tiles to clump the Nechryaels into a tight pile.
4. Cast Spells: Autocast Ice Burst (or Ice Barrage at 94 Magic) to hit up to nine Nechryaels at once. Switch to Blood Burst/Barrage if your HP drops below 50% to heal off Death Spawns.
5. Monitor Superiors: Watch for Nechryarch spawns (superior Nechryaels). They summon Chaotic Death Spawns that hit harder. Either Blood Barrage to out-heal, safespot with Ice spells, or run briefly to lose aggro.

Maximizing Efficiency

• Goading Potions: These lure Nechryaels instantly, saving time over manual tagging.
• Prayer Management: Use Prayer Potions sparingly; Proselyte or high Prayer bonus gear extends doses.
• Loot Key Items: Pick up rune items, seeds, and alchables to offset costs. Ignore low-value drops unless using an alt for banking.

XP Rates, Loot, and Profitability

Bursting Nechryaels is rewarding in both XP and gold, but outcomes depend on your setup, focus, and RNG.

Expected XP Rates

• Ice Burst (Level 70): ~200,000–250,000 Magic XP/hour; 50,000–60,000 Slayer XP/hour.
• Ice Barrage (Level 94): ~250,000–300,000 Magic XP/hour; 60,000–70,000 Slayer XP/hour.

These rates assume consistent stacking and minimal downtime. Higher Magic levels and better gear push you toward the upper end.

Loot and Profitability

Greater Nechryaels drop valuable items that often cover rune costs:

• Common Drops: Rune boots, rune chainbody, rune axe, rune sq shield.
• Notable Drops: Snapdragon seeds, ranarr seeds, mystic air staff.
• Other: Death runes, blood runes, alchable rune items.

With Ice Burst, you’re likely to break even or make a small profit (50,000–100,000 GP/hour). Ice Barrage costs more but yields faster kills, balancing out with good RNG. High-alching drops (using Explorer’s Ring) boosts profit further.

Dealing with Death Spawns and Nechryarchs

Nechryaels summon up to two Death Spawns, which hit through Protect from Melee for 1–2 damage. These add up, so:

• Cast Blood Burst/Barrage every 5–10 casts to heal 20–40 HP.
• Watch for Nechryarchs (superior spawns). Their Chaotic Death Spawns hit harder and can drain your HP fast.
• If overwhelmed, run a few rooms away to reset aggro, then return.

Final Tips for Success

• Use an Alt: A low-level alt can bank alchables or ferry supplies, extending trips.
• Bank Efficiently: Use Kourend Castle’s bank (2nd floor) and teleport back with Xeric’s Talisman.
• Stay Focused: Distractions lower XP rates. Keep an eye on your stack to avoid spreading Nechryaels.
• Experiment: Test Ice Burst vs. Barrage to find your balance of cost and speed.

Bursting Greater Nechryaels is a fantastic way to grind Magic and Slayer while earning decent loot. With the right setup and strategy, you’ll blaze through tasks and hit your level goals in no time. Grab your runes, stack those demons, and enjoy the XP drops!