OSRS Noted Dragon Bones Diary: Boosting Prayer with Wilderness Tasks

Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers players a variety of ways to train skills, and one of the most efficient methods for leveling Prayer involves the use of noted dragon bones, especially when tied to the Wilderness Diary. Dragon bones are a staple for Prayer training due to their high experience yield, and the Wilderness Diary perk of receiving them in noted form from dragons in the Wilderness adds a unique twist. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into how the Wilderness Diary enhances the use of noted dragon bones, why it’s a game-changer for Prayer training, and how you can make the most of this feature. Whether you’re an Ironman, a casual player, or a PvP enthusiast, this guide will help you optimize your OSRS experience.
In OSRS, dragon bones are dropped by most adult dragons and provide 72 Prayer experience when buried. However, their value skyrockets when used with altars or other methods, making them a sought-after resource. Normally, these bones drop as individual items, requiring players to pick them up one by one. The “noted” form, where bones stack in your inventory as a single item, simplifies collection and banking—especially in high-risk areas like the Wilderness.
How Noted Dragon Bones Work
Noted dragon bones function like any other noted item in OSRS: they stack, allowing you to carry hundreds in one inventory slot. This is particularly useful when killing dragons in bulk, as it saves time and reduces the need for frequent bank trips. The Wilderness Diary perk specifically applies to dragons within the Wilderness, such as green dragons or lava dragons, turning their bone drops into noted stacks.
Why Noted Drops Matter
Without noted drops, gathering dragon bones in the Wilderness can be a logistical nightmare. You’d need to juggle inventory space, food, and teleports while dodging player killers (PKers). Noted dragon bones streamline this process, letting you focus on slaying dragons and surviving rather than micromanaging your loot.
The Wilderness Diary and Noted Dragon Bones
The Wilderness Diary is a set of achievement tasks exclusive to the Wilderness, offering rewards that enhance gameplay in this dangerous region. One of its standout perks is the automatic noting of dragon bone drops from Wilderness dragons, unlocked upon completing specific diary tiers. This feature transforms Prayer training and resource gathering into a more efficient and rewarding endeavor.
Unlocking the Noted Dragon Bones Perk
To get dragon bones in noted form, you need to complete the Hard Wilderness Diary. This tier requires a variety of tasks, such as:
- Mining a runite ore in the Wilderness (level 85 Mining).
- Killing a lava dragon on Lava Dragon Isle.
- Completing a Wilderness Agility Course lap (level 52 Agility).
Once completed, all dragon bones dropped by Wilderness dragons (excluding the King Black Dragon, whose lair isn’t technically in the Wilderness) will be noted. You can toggle this perk off by speaking to Lesser Fanatic in Edgeville if you prefer unnoted drops.
Which Dragons Drop Noted Bones?
The perk applies to the following Wilderness dragons:
- Green Dragons: Found in various Wilderness locations like west of the Dark Warriors’ Fortress or near the Graveyard of Shadows.
- Lava Dragons: Exclusive to Lava Dragon Isle, deep in the Wilderness.
These dragons become prime targets for players leveraging the diary perk, as their bones stack up quickly.
Training Prayer with Noted Dragon Bones
Prayer is one of the most expensive and time-consuming skills to train in OSRS, but noted dragon bones from the Wilderness Diary can make it more manageable. With 72 base XP per bone when buried, and up to 252 XP when used on a gilded altar with both burners lit, dragon bones are a top-tier option for Prayer training.
Best Methods for Using Dragon Bones
Here’s how you can maximize your Prayer XP with noted dragon bones:
- Gilded Altar: Offers 252 XP per bone with two lit burners. Pair with a player-owned house (POH) altar for the best rates.
- Ectofuntus: Grants 288 XP per bone but requires grinding bones into bonemeal and using slime, making it slower but more XP-efficient.
- Chaos Altar: Located in the Wilderness, this unnoted-only altar provides 252 XP per bone with a 50% chance to save the bone, doubling efficiency if you’re lucky.
Prayer XP Rates Comparison
Here’s a quick table comparing XP rates for dragon bones:
Method | XP per Bone | Notes |
---|---|---|
Burying | 72 | Fast but low XP |
Gilded Altar (2 burners) | 252 | Best balance of speed and XP |
Ectofuntus | 288 | Highest XP, slowest method |
Chaos Altar | 252 (50% save chance) | Risky, Wilderness-based |
Strategies for Farming Noted Dragon Bones
Farming noted dragon bones in the Wilderness requires preparation, especially given the risk of PKers. With the right setup, you can turn this into a profitable and efficient grind.
Gear and Inventory Setup
For green or lava dragons, consider this setup:
- Weapon: Dragon hunter crossbow or Toxic blowpipe for high DPS.
- Armor: Black d’hide or Karil’s for decent defense and low risk.
- Inventory: Anti-dragon shield, food (sharks or better), emergency teleport (e.g., royal seed pod), and space for noted bones.
Prioritize mobility and survival over expensive gear—don’t bring what you’re not willing to lose.
Dealing with PKers
The Wilderness is PvP territory, so expect interruptions. Tips to survive:
- Scout Worlds: Hop to low-population worlds to reduce PKer encounters.
- Bank Often: Deposit your noted bones regularly to minimize losses.
- Stay Alert: Watch for white dots on the minimap and be ready to teleport.
Benefits and Drawbacks of the Noted Dragon Bones Perk
While the Wilderness Diary’s noted dragon bones perk is powerful, it’s not without its trade-offs. Let’s break down the pros and cons.
Advantages of Noted Dragon Bones
- Efficiency: Stackable bones mean fewer bank trips and faster farming.
- Profit: Dragon bones sell for a decent price on the Grand Exchange, making this a money-maker too.
- Ironman-Friendly: Ironmen can stockpile bones without relying on trading.
Challenges and Risks
- Wilderness Danger: PKers can disrupt your grind and kill you, costing time and potentially gear.
- Diary Requirements: The Hard Diary takes effort to unlock, requiring decent stats and Wilderness knowledge.
- Location Limits: Only Wilderness dragons drop noted bones, excluding popular spots like the Myths’ Guild.
In conclusion, the OSRS Wilderness Diary’s noted dragon bones perk is a fantastic tool for Prayer training and resource gathering. It combines the thrill of the Wilderness with practical benefits, making it a must-have for dedicated players. Whether you’re chasing 99 Prayer or just looking to profit, mastering this perk can elevate your gameplay. Grab your gear, complete the diary, and start stacking those bones—just watch your back out there!