OSRS Ruins of Camdozaal A Comprehensive Guide to the Underground City
The Ruins of Camdozaal in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a captivating underground city steeped in lore and packed with unique activities for free-to-play (F2P) and pay-to-play (P2P) players alike. Located beneath Ice Mountain, this ruined settlement offers a blend of skilling, combat, and exploration opportunities. In this guide, we’ll dive into the history, activities, rewards, and strategies to make the most of your time in Camdozaal, optimized for both new and seasoned players.
The Ruins of Camdozaal hold a rich backstory that ties into the broader OSRS narrative. Once a Zarosian fortress named Lassar, the city was overtaken by Saradominist forces led by Yonrith Lovakengj, who granted the ruins to the Imcando dwarves after their homeland, Imcandoria, fell. The dwarves transformed it into Camdozaal, powered by the Sacred Forge and a mysterious material called barronite. However, the city met its demise during the Runecrafting Crusades, when barbarians, fearing the dwarves’ magical practices, brought ruin to the settlement. Today, Ramarno, the last surviving Imcando dwarf, tends to the Sacred Forge, offering players a glimpse into this tragic history.
Zarosian Origins and Saradomin’s Influence
Before the Imcando dwarves, Lassar was a key Zarosian stronghold. Ghosts in the ruins lament the loss of contact with their capital and the impending Saradominist siege, hinting at the city’s strategic importance. Saradomin’s promise to the Imcando dwarves reshaped the ruins into a new home, but traces of Lassar’s architecture and artifacts still linger, adding depth to exploration.
The Fall of Camdozaal
Ramarno recounts the city’s collapse during the barbarian invasion, driven by their hatred of magic. The dwarves’ reliance on the Sacred Forge and spells like superheating ore made them targets. Most perished as the city crumbled, leaving Ramarno as the sole survivor until the ruins were rediscovered in the Below Ice Mountain quest.
Accessing the Ruins of Camdozaal
To enter the Ruins of Camdozaal, players must complete the Below Ice Mountain quest, which unlocks the entrance on the western side of Ice Mountain. The ruins are accessible to both F2P and P2P players, making it a versatile hub for early-game content.
Travel Methods to Camdozaal
Getting to Camdozaal is straightforward, with several teleportation and travel options:
- Mind Altar Teleport: Using the Arceuus Spellbook, this is the fastest method, placing you near the entrance.
- Lassar Teleport: Available via Ancient Magicks, this teleports you to the top of Ice Mountain. A level 68 Agility shortcut speeds up descent to the entrance.
- Combat Bracelet: Teleports to Edgeville Monastery, followed by a short run west around Ice Mountain.
- Walking from Falador: A longer but viable option for F2P players without teleportation access.
Quest Requirements
The Below Ice Mountain quest is relatively easy, requiring minimal combat and skilling levels (e.g., level 7 Fishing, level 17 Mining). Completing it grants access to the ruins and introduces players to Ramarno and the Sacred Forge.
Activities in the Ruins of Camdozaal
Camdozaal offers a variety of low-level skilling and combat activities, tailored for F2P players and early-game P2P accounts. While the experience rates are modest compared to other training methods, the self-contained nature of the ruins makes it ideal for Ultimate Ironman (UIM) or Hardcore Ironman (HCIM) accounts.
Mining and Smithing
Players can mine barronite deposits to gather barronite shards, which are used to power the Sacred Forge and unlock rewards. The mining process is semi-AFK, offering around 30-40k XP per hour at low levels, though it’s outclassed by power mining for higher levels. Smithing involves crushing barronite deposits (level 14 Smithing required) and smelting barronite bars at the Sacred Forge.
Fishing and Cooking
The underground pool in Camdozaal allows fishing for cave eels (P2P) and other fish, starting at level 7 Fishing. Cooking these fish at nearby fires provides low but safe XP, suitable for F2P players or UIM accounts avoiding dangerous areas.
Combat and Runecrafting
Golems (Mind, Body, and Chaos for P2P) inhabit the ruins, dropping rune cores that offer Runecrafting XP. These enemies are ideal for low-level combat training, especially with the barronite mace’s golembane effect, which boosts damage against them. The XP rates are modest but valuable for F2P Ironmen seeking early Runecrafting levels.
The Camdozaal Vault
The Camdozaal Vault is a timed minigame where players navigate a maze to open lockboxes for rewards. It costs 750 barronite shards per entry and requires quick navigation within 60 seconds. Rewards include talismans, barronite items, and skilling supplies, making it a niche activity for F2P Ironmen.
| Activity | Level Requirement | XP Rates (Approx.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mining Barronite | 17 | 30-40k/hr | F2P, UIM, HCIM |
| Smithing Barronite | 14 | 10-15k/hr | F2P, UIM |
| Fishing Cave Eels | 7 | 5-10k/hr | P2P, UIM |
| Combat (Golems) | 20+ | 20-30k/hr | F2P Ironmen |
| Camdozaal Vault | None | N/A | F2P Ironmen |
Rewards and Items from Camdozaal
While Camdozaal’s XP rates are modest, its rewards are valuable for F2P players, particularly Ironmen seeking best-in-slot (BIS) gear or skilling tools.
Barronite Mace
The barronite mace is a standout reward, serving as the second-best F2P melee weapon behind the rune scimitar. Its golembane effect makes it BIS for training on golems in the ruins, offering a strong early-game weapon for Ironmen.
Imcando Hammer
The Imcando hammer is a wieldable tool that saves an inventory slot when smithing, a boon for UIM and HCIM players. It’s especially useful in P2P for anvil-based smithing outside Camdozaal.
Other Rewards
The Camdozaal Vault offers talismans, barronite shards, and skilling supplies. While not game-changing, these are useful for F2P players completing clue scrolls or building early-game banks.
Why Visit the Ruins of Camdozaal?
Camdozaal is often criticized for its low XP rates, with some calling it “dead content” post-release nerfs. However, it shines for specific player types and scenarios. Here’s why you should consider visiting:
- F2P Accessibility: Offers safe, self-contained skilling and combat for F2P players.
- Ironman Utility: The barronite mace and Imcando hammer are BIS or near-BIS for F2P Ironmen.
- Lore and Immersion: The ruins’ Zarosian and Imcando history ties into major quests like Desert Treasure II.
- AFK Training: Mining and fishing are semi-AFK, ideal for casual players or multitasking.
Community Feedback and Future Potential
Reddit discussions highlight mixed feelings about Camdozaal. Players praise its design and quest but lament the low XP rates, with some suggesting a high-level expansion or a group boss to revitalize the area. A Jagex developer in 2021 hinted at deeper levels with new golems, potentially introducing higher-tier content in the future.
Conclusion: The Ruins of Camdozaal may not be the most efficient training spot, but its unique lore, F2P-friendly activities, and Ironman rewards make it a worthwhile destination. Whether you’re mining barronite, battling golems, or exploring the vault, Camdozaal offers a nostalgic OSRS experience with room for future growth. Visit the ruins to uncover its secrets and gear up for your next adventure!