OSRS Pest Control XP Per Hour Guide for Efficient Training
Pest Control in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a fan-favorite minigame, blending cooperative combat with rewarding experience gains. Whether you’re chasing Void Knight armor or looking to boost your combat stats, understanding the XP per hour from Pest Control is key to optimizing your time. This guide dives into how much experience you can expect, strategies to maximize efficiency, and tips for different combat levels. Let’s break down everything you need to know to make the most of this minigame.
Pest Control is a members-only, combat-based minigame set on the Void Knights’ Outpost. Players team up to protect the Void Knight from waves of monsters while destroying four portals that spawn them. It’s a cooperative activity requiring at least 5–25 players, with games typically lasting 2–7 minutes. The rewards include commendation points, which can be traded for combat XP, Void Knight equipment, or resource packs.
Why Choose Pest Control for XP?
Pest Control stands out for its scalability. The XP you gain from commendation points increases with your skill level, making it more rewarding at higher levels. It’s also a safe activity—dying doesn’t cost you items—and offers a fun, team-based alternative to solo grinding.
Accessing Pest Control
To join, you need a minimum combat level of 40 for the novice lander, 70 for intermediate, or 100 for veteran. The fastest way to reach the Void Knights’ Outpost is via the Grouping teleport (20-minute cooldown) or Pest Control teleports from Treasure Trails. Alternatively, travel from Port Sarim by speaking to the Squire. World 344 is the official Pest Control world, ensuring quick games with full boats.
How XP Works in Pest Control
XP in Pest Control comes from two sources: combat during the minigame and commendation points traded afterward. The amount you earn depends on your combat level, the lander you use, and your activity level in-game. Let’s explore both aspects.
Combat XP During Games
While fighting monsters or damaging portals, you earn standard combat XP based on the damage dealt. Since 2014, Pest Control grants full XP for all damage (previously halved for non-portal hits). For example, dealing 4 damage to a monster yields 16 XP in your chosen combat stat (e.g., Attack, Strength, or Ranged), assuming you’re using that style.
Commendation Points and XP Rewards
Points are awarded for winning games: 3 for novice, 4 for intermediate, and 5 for veteran landers. Combat Achievement tiers add bonuses (e.g., +1 point for Easy tier). You can trade points for XP in Attack, Strength, Defence, Hitpoints, Ranged, Magic, or Prayer, but only for skills level 25 or higher.
The XP per point scales with your level. The formula is:
Trading in bulk gives bonuses: +1% XP for 10 points, +10% for 100 points. For example, at level 90 Strength, 1 point yields 360 XP. Trading 100 points at once gives 39,600 XP (360 × 100 × 1.1).
Activity Bar Requirements
To earn points, your activity bar must stay above 25%. Attack portals or Spinners for the fastest boosts, or repair barricades (requires a hammer) for non-combat XP. Falling to 0% means no points, so stay engaged.
XP Per Hour Breakdown by Lander
The XP you can achieve varies by lander, your combat level, and how efficiently you play. Below is a detailed look at potential XP rates, assuming you’re on World 344 with a competent team.
Novice Lander (Combat Level 40+)
The novice lander is accessible but offers the lowest points (3 per win). Games are slower due to less experienced players, averaging 15–20 wins per hour.
| Skill Level | XP per Point | Points per Hour (18 wins) | XP per Hour (100-point trade) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 200 | 54 | 11,880 |
| 70 | 280 | 54 | 16,632 |
Combat XP from fighting adds roughly 10–20k XP/hour, depending on your gear and damage output. Total XP is modest, making novice less efficient for high-level players.
Intermediate Lander (Combat Level 70+)
The intermediate lander balances accessibility and rewards, granting 4 points per win. Games are faster, with 18–22 wins per hour possible.
| Skill Level | XP per Point | Points per Hour (20 wins) | XP per Hour (100-point trade) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | 280 | 80 | 24,640 |
| 85 | 340 | 80 | 29,920 |
Add 20–30k combat XP/hour from gameplay, and intermediate can yield 45–60k total XP/hour at higher levels.
Veteran Lander (Combat Level 100+)
The veteran lander is the most efficient, offering 5 points per win and faster games (20–25 wins/hour) due to skilled players. With Combat Achievement bonuses, you can earn 6–8 points per win.
| Skill Level | XP per Point | Points per Hour (22 wins, +1 bonus) | XP per Hour (100-point trade) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90 | 360 | 132 | 52,272 |
| 99 | 396 | 132 | 57,475 |
Combat XP adds 30–50k/hour with high-end gear, pushing total rates to 80–100k XP/hour or more at level 90+. This makes veteran the go-to for serious grinders.
Strategies to Maximize XP Per Hour
Boosting your XP rates requires smart gameplay and preparation. Here are proven strategies to get the most out of Pest Control.
Optimize Your Role
Focus on one of two key roles:
- Portal Killers: Attack portals as soon as shields drop. Prioritize Spinners, as they heal portals. Use weapons matching portal weaknesses (e.g., crush for purple portal).
- Defenders: Protect the Void Knight by killing or luring pests like Defilers. Stand near the Knight to intercept monsters.
Portal killing is faster for activity and wins, ideal for XP-focused players.
Gear and Inventory Setup
Your gear impacts combat XP and game speed. Recommended setups include:
- Melee: Abyssal whip, Dragon scimitar, or better. Wear Rune or Dragon armor for budget setups.
- Ranged: Magic shortbow or Rune crossbow with broad bolts. Black d’hide or Armadyl for accuracy.
- Mage: Trident of the Seas or Iban’s Blast. Mystic robes or Ahrim’s for damage boosts.
Bring a hammer for repairs, logs if repairing barricades, and no food (it’s a safe minigame). Avoid potions, as boosts reset each game.
Team Coordination
On World 344, boats fill fast, but coordination varies. Call out portal statuses in chat and close gates to slow monsters. If games fail often, consider joining a Pest Control clan for organized runs, which can boost win rates to 25+/hour.
Save Points for Bulk Trades
Always trade 100 points at once for the +10% XP bonus. At level 98, this can yield over 83k XP/hour from points alone, plus combat XP. Avoid trading smaller amounts unless you’re desperate for a level.
Is Pest Control Worth It for XP?
Pest Control shines at higher levels (90+) on the veteran lander, where XP rates rival other training methods like Slayer or Nightmare Zone. For example, at level 90 Strength, you can hit 80–100k XP/hour, competitive with bursting tasks or AFK training. However, it’s less efficient at lower levels or on novice boats, where rates drop to 20–40k/hour.
Pros of Pest Control for XP
- Scales with level: Higher levels mean more XP per point.
- Safe and social: No risk, fun team play.
- Void armor bonus: Earn gear while training.
Cons to Consider
- Not AFK: Requires constant attention.
- Team dependency: Bad teams can slow wins.
- Lower early-game rates: Less viable below level 70.
When to Skip Pest Control
If you’re below combat level 70 or skill level 60, other methods like Sand Crabs or Slayer may offer better XP. Pest Control is best for high-level players or those needing Void gear alongside XP.
Pest Control is a solid choice for combat training in OSRS, especially if you’re combat level 100+ and aiming for 80–100k XP per hour. By focusing on the veteran lander, using optimal gear, and trading points in bulk, you can maximize efficiency. Whether you’re grinding for 99 or just want a break from solo skilling, this minigame delivers. Hop on World 344, grab your weapon, and start racking up those commendation points!