OSRS Nieve vs Konar Which Slayer Master Should You Choose

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), choosing the right Slayer Master can significantly impact your gameplay, experience points, and loot potential. Two of the most popular high-level Slayer Masters, Nieve and Konar quo Maten, often spark debates among players. Both offer unique advantages, but which one is better for your goals? This guide dives deep into Nieve and Konar, comparing their tasks, rewards, and strategies to help you decide.
Before we compare, let’s understand who these Slayer Masters are and what makes them stand out in OSRS.
Nieve The Cave-Dwelling Slayer Master
Nieve, located in the Tree Gnome Stronghold, is a fan-favorite Slayer Master available to players with at least 85 Combat. Known for her accessibility and straightforward task assignments, she’s a go-to for players focused on efficient Slayer training. Her tasks often take place in multi-combat areas like the Stronghold Slayer Cave, making them ideal for players with high combat stats and decent gear.
Konar quo Maten The Kahlith Warrior
Konar quo Maten, found on Mount Karuulm, requires 75 Combat to access. Introduced with the Kebos Lowlands update, she’s unique for assigning tasks with specific location requirements. This twist adds complexity but also boosts rewards, as Konar’s tasks come with a chance to earn Brimstone Keys and enhanced loot through her drop table.
Task Assignments and Variety
The tasks you receive from Nieve and Konar heavily influence which Slayer Master suits your playstyle. Let’s break down their differences.
Nieve’s Task List
Nieve assigns a wide range of tasks, focusing on creatures found in her Slayer Cave or other multi-combat zones. Her tasks are designed for efficiency, often allowing players to use cannons or burst spells. Common assignments include:
- Abyssal Demons
- Black Dragons
- Dust Devils
- Gargoyles
- Nechryaels
These tasks are great for players aiming to maximize Slayer XP per hour, as many can be completed quickly with the right setup.
Konar’s Location-Based Tasks
Konar’s tasks stand out because she specifies where you must kill the monsters. For example, she might assign “Kill 100 Fire Giants in the Brimhaven Dungeon.” This restriction can make tasks less flexible but adds variety. Her task list overlaps with Nieve’s but includes unique assignments like:
- Hydras
- Drakes
- Wyrms
The location requirement can be a hassle, but it forces players to explore diverse areas, which can feel refreshing compared to Nieve’s repetitive cave grinding.
Task Difficulty Comparison
Nieve’s tasks are generally easier to optimize for speed due to their multi-combat settings. Konar’s tasks, however, vary in difficulty depending on the location. For instance, killing Bloodvelds in the God Wars Dungeon is tougher than in Nieve’s Slayer Cave due to environmental hazards and higher-level monsters nearby.
Experience Rates and Efficiency
For many players, Slayer XP per hour is a key factor. Let’s compare how Nieve and Konar stack up.
Nieve’s XP Efficiency
Nieve is the queen of Slayer XP. Her tasks are tailored for high combat levels, and the Stronghold Slayer Cave is designed for fast clears. Using a cannon or magic burst spells, players can achieve 50,000–60,000 Slayer XP per hour on tasks like Dust Devils or Nechryaels. Her proximity to a bank (via Gnome Stronghold teleports) also minimizes downtime.
Konar’s XP Trade-Offs
Konar’s XP rates are slightly lower, averaging 40,000–50,000 Slayer XP per hour, due to location restrictions. Traveling to specific dungeons or areas like the Fremennik Slayer Dungeon can slow you down. However, Konar’s tasks shine for players who prioritize variety over raw efficiency, as the unique locations prevent burnout.
Which Is Faster for Leveling
If your goal is to hit 99 Slayer as fast as possible, Nieve is the better choice. Her tasks are streamlined, and you can chain them with minimal travel. Konar, while slower, offers a more engaging experience for players who enjoy exploring Gielinor.
Loot and Profit Potential
Slayer isn’t just about XP—loot can make or break your choice of Slayer Master. Here’s how Nieve and Konar compare financially.
Nieve’s Loot Table
Nieve’s tasks offer decent loot, especially from high-value monsters like Abyssal Demons (Abyssal Whip, ~2M GP) or Gargoyles (Granite Maul, ~200K GP). However, her drop table is standard, relying on monster-specific drops. On average, players can expect 200,000–500,000 GP per hour, depending on luck and task.
Konar’s Brimstone Key and Enhanced Drops
Konar’s unique selling point is her enhanced drop table. Every monster you kill on a Konar task has a chance to drop a Brimstone Key, which unlocks the Brimstone Chest for rewards like the Dragon Harpoon or Mystic Robes. Additionally, her tasks include boosted drops, such as extra ores or herbs. Profit varies widely but can hit 500,000–1M GP per hour on good tasks like Hydras or Black Dragons.
Profit Comparison Table
Slayer Master | Average Profit per Hour | High-Value Drops |
---|---|---|
Nieve | 200,000–500,000 GP | Abyssal Whip, Granite Maul |
Konar | 500,000–1,000,000 GP | Brimstone Key, Dragon Harpoon, Hydra Leather |
Konar generally offers higher profit potential, especially for players with access to Kebos Lowlands content. However, Nieve’s consistency makes her a safer bet for steady income.
Strategic Considerations for Choosing
Deciding between Nieve and Konar depends on your goals, gear, and playstyle. Let’s explore some strategic factors.
Playstyle and Preferences
If you love grinding for XP and prefer a predictable routine, Nieve’s your pick. Her tasks are repetitive but efficient, perfect for players who want to zone out while slaying. Konar suits adventurers who enjoy exploring new areas and tackling varied challenges, even if it means slower progress.
Gear and Combat Level Requirements
Both Slayer Masters require decent gear, but Konar’s tasks can demand more preparation. For example, her Hydra assignments need specific setups (e.g., anti-poison, high Ranged/Melee stats), while Nieve’s tasks are more forgiving with standard melee or magic gear. At 85+ Combat, Nieve is accessible, but Konar’s 75 Combat requirement makes her viable earlier, though her tasks scale in difficulty.
Slayer Point Farming
Both Nieve and Konar offer similar Slayer Point rewards per task (around 15–18 points for every 10th task). However, Nieve’s faster task completion makes her better for point farming if you’re saving for unlocks like the Slayer Helm. Konar’s points are harder-earned but worthwhile if you’re chasing her unique rewards.
When to Switch Between Them
You don’t have to stick to one Slayer Master forever. Many players use Nieve for early Slayer levels (85–95) to grind XP, then switch to Konar at higher levels (95+) for better loot. Alternatively, alternate between them based on mood—Nieve for efficiency, Konar for profit and variety.
Final Verdict: Neither Nieve nor Konar is objectively better—it comes down to your priorities. For pure XP and simplicity, choose Nieve. For higher profits and a dynamic experience, go with Konar. Experiment with both to find your sweet spot, and don’t forget to use Slayer reward points to skip tasks that don’t suit your goals.
Whether you’re slaying in the Stronghold Slayer Cave or trekking to Mount Karuulm’s dungeons, both Nieve and Konar offer rewarding paths to Slayer mastery. Share your favorite Slayer Master in the comments, and happy slaying!