OSRS Pest Control Experience Guide for Maximum Rewards

OSRS Pest Control Experience Guide for Maximum Rewards

Pest Control in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a thrilling, cooperative minigame that offers players a chance to earn experience, coins, and unique rewards while battling waves of monsters. Whether you’re aiming to level up your combat skills or save up for the coveted Void Knight equipment, understanding how to maximize your Pest Control experience is key. This guide dives into everything you need to know about Pest Control XP, strategies, and rewards to help you make the most of this minigame.

Pest Control is a members-only minigame located on Void Knight Outpost, accessible via the boat in Port Sarim. Players team up to defend the Void Knight from hordes of monsters spawning from four portals, all while destroying those portals to win the game. Success grants experience in combat skills, commendation points, and other rewards, making it a popular activity for players looking to train efficiently.

Why Play Pest Control?

Pest Control offers several benefits:

  • Combat Experience: Gain XP in Attack, Strength, Defence, Magic, or Ranged, scaled to your level.
  • Commendation Points: Earn points to spend on rewards like Void Knight gear or XP boosts.
  • Teamwork: Work with other players, making it a social and engaging activity.
  • Low Risk: No penalty for dying, so you can focus on the fight.

Accessing Pest Control

To join, head to Port Sarim and board the boat to Void Knight Outpost. You’ll need at least 40 Combat to play the Novice lander, 70 for Intermediate, or 100 for Veteran. Higher combat levels unlock tougher boats, which offer better rewards.

Pest Control Experience Rates Explained

OSRS Pest Control Guide for Beginners Probemas

The XP you earn in Pest Control depends on your combat level, the boat you choose, and your activity during the game. Experience is awarded at the end of a successful round, based on the skill you select (Attack, Strength, Defence, Magic, or Ranged).

XP Formula

The experience per game follows this formula:

  • Novice: (Combat Level × 2.5) XP per point, minimum 100 XP.
  • Intermediate: (Combat Level × 3.5) XP per point, minimum 200 XP.
  • Veteran: (Combat Level × 4.5) XP per point, minimum 300 XP.

For example, a level 100 player on the Veteran boat earns 450 XP per point in their chosen skill, with a cap based on game activity (more on this below).

Activity Requirements

To earn full XP and points, you must deal at least 50 damage to monsters or portals per game. Inconsistent activity may reduce rewards, so stay engaged by attacking portals, repairing barricades, or killing monsters.

Experience Per Hour

With efficient play, here are approximate XP rates per hour:

Boat Combat Level XP/Hour (Approx.)
Novice 40–70 20k–35k
Intermediate 70–100 35k–60k
Veteran 100+ 60k–100k

These rates assume you’re winning most games and maintaining activity. Veteran boats with high-level teams can push XP rates toward the higher end.

Strategies for Maximizing Pest Control XP

To optimize your experience gains, focus on efficient gameplay and teamwork. Here’s how to dominate Pest Control rounds.

Choose the Right Boat

Select a boat matching your combat level:

  • Novice: Best for levels 40–70, slower but easier.
  • Intermediate: Ideal for levels 70–100, balanced difficulty and rewards.
  • Veteran: For 100+, offers the highest XP and points.

Joining a higher-tier boat too early can lead to losses, so stick to what your stats can handle.

Gear and Inventory Setup

Your gear depends on the skill you’re training:

  • Melee: Wear high-strength gear like Dragon Scimitar, Rune armor, and a Berserker Helm.
  • Ranged: Use a Magic Shortbow or Toxic Blowpipe with Rune arrows and Black D’hide armor.
  • Magic: Equip Mystic robes and a Slayer Staff or Trident for high-damage spells like Fire Bolt.

Bring 10–15 Prayer potions for Protect from Melee, food (like Sharks), and a Special Attack weapon (e.g., Dragon Dagger) for bursts of damage.

Gameplay Tips

Follow these steps for success:

  1. Attack Portals: Prioritize portals over random monsters to end the game faster.
  2. Protect the Void Knight: Repair barricades or kill monsters near the Knight if portals are under control.
  3. Use Special Attacks: Save your spec for high-HP targets like Spinners or Brawlers.
  4. Stay Active: Constantly deal damage to meet the 50-damage requirement.

Pest Control Rewards and Commendation Points

Besides XP, Pest Control offers commendation points, which you can spend on various rewards. Points are earned based on the boat and game outcome.

Points Per Game

Here’s how points are awarded:

  • Novice: 2 points per win (minimum 6 damage dealt).
  • Intermediate: 3 points per win.
  • Veteran: 4 points per win.

Winning consistently on Veteran boats yields the fastest point accumulation.

Reward Options

Spend points at the Void Knight Outpost exchange. Popular rewards include:

Reward Cost (Points) Details
Void Knight Armor 200–250 per piece Elite Void requires 400 additional points.
XP Boost (2x) 2–10 per skill Doubles XP in Attack, Strength, etc., for one game.
Herb Pack 30 Contains high-level herbs for Herblore.
Mineral Pack 15 Ores for Smithing or Mining training.

Pro Tip: Save for Void Knight Armor if you plan to use it for other activities like Slayer or bossing—it’s versatile and saves inventory space.

Is Void Knight Armor Worth It?

The Void Knight set boosts damage and accuracy by 10% (20% for Elite Void), making it ideal for hybrid combat setups. At 850–1250 points total, it’s a grind but worth it for players who multitask combat styles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Pest Control

Maximize your efficiency by steering clear of these pitfalls.

Ignoring Portals

Focusing only on monsters instead of portals drags out games, lowering XP per hour. Always prioritize portal destruction unless the Void Knight needs urgent help.

Undergearing

Low-tier gear reduces your damage output, slowing games and risking losses. Invest in at least mid-level equipment suited to your combat style.

Inactivity

Failing to deal 50 damage per game cuts your rewards. Even if you’re repairing or supporting, chip in with attacks to stay eligible.

Joining the Wrong Boat

Low-level players in Veteran boats often struggle, leading to team losses. Stick to Novice or Intermediate until you’re ready for Veteran.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle Pest Control in OSRS, racking up experience and rewards efficiently. Whether you’re chasing XP gains or saving for that shiny Void Knight set, consistent wins and smart strategies will get you there. Grab your gear, hop on the boat, and start defending the Void Knight today!