OSRS Slayer Guide: How to Reach Level 1-99 Efficiently in 2025
Slayer is one of the most popular yet challenging skills in Old School RuneScape (OSRS). It’s a unique blend of combat and exploration, where you’re tasked with slaying specific monsters assigned by Slayer Masters. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, this comprehensive Slayer guide will walk you through the fastest, most efficient, and profitable ways to reach level 99 in 2025. From choosing the right Slayer Master to optimizing your gear and tasks, we’ve got you covered!
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of leveling Slayer from 1 to 99, let’s explore why this skill is worth your time. Slayer isn’t just about grinding; it’s a gateway to some of the best content in OSRS.
Unlock High-Value Monsters and Bosses
Training Slayer unlocks access to unique monsters like Abyssal Demons, Cave Krakens, and bosses such as Cerberus and the Alchemical Hydra. These creatures drop valuable items like the Abyssal Whip, Trident of the Seas, and Hydra Leather, making Slayer one of the most profitable skills in the game.
Boost Combat Stats Alongside Slayer
Since Slayer involves combat, you’ll naturally level up your Attack, Strength, Defense, Ranged, and Magic stats while completing tasks. By the time you hit 99 Slayer, your combat stats will likely be near maxed, offering efficient multi-skill training.
Quest and Achievement Diary Requirements
Several quests, such as Monkey Madness II (69 Slayer) and Desert Treasure I (50 Slayer), require specific Slayer levels. Plus, achieving 95 Slayer is necessary for the Western Provinces Elite Diary, making it a must for completionists aiming for the Achievement Diary Cape.
Getting Started: Slayer Basics and Early Levels (1-30)
The journey to 99 Slayer begins with understanding the basics and getting through the early levels efficiently. Here’s how to kick things off.
How Slayer Works
Speak to a Slayer Master to receive a task—a specific monster and quantity to kill. Each kill grants Slayer XP based on the monster’s hitpoints, and completing tasks earns Slayer Points for unlocks and rewards. Start with Turael in Burthorpe, who has no combat or Slayer level requirements.
Boosting Early Levels with Quests
The early Slayer levels (1-30) are slow due to low XP rates, so use quests to skip the grind:
- Natural History Quiz (Varrock Museum): No requirements, 1,000 XP (Level 1 to 9).
- A Porcine of Interest: Combat Level 20+, 1,000 XP (Level 9 to 13).
- Recipe for Disaster (Freeing the Mountain Dwarf): Requires Fishing Contest, 1,000 XP.
Completing these can get you to Level 13-15 quickly, saving hours of low-level task grinding.
Early Task Strategy
Use Turael for quick, easy tasks like goblins, cows, and rats. At Combat Level 20, switch to Mazchna in Canifis (requires Priest in Peril) for slightly better XP and tasks like banshees and bats.
Slayer Masters and Task Progression (30-99)
As your Slayer and combat levels rise, you’ll unlock access to higher-tier Slayer Masters with better tasks. Here’s a breakdown of who to use and when.
Slayer Master Tier List
| Slayer Master | Location | Combat Req. | Slayer Req. | Points per Task | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turael | Burthorpe | None | None | 0 | Levels 1-20, Task Skipping |
| Mazchna | Canifis | 20 | None | 2 | Levels 20-50 |
| Chaeldar | Zanaris | 70 | None | 10 | Levels 50-75 |
| Nieve/Steve | Gnome Stronghold | 85 | None | 12 (15 with Elite Western Diary) | Levels 75-90 |
| Duradel | Shilo Village | 100 | 50 | 15 | Levels 90-99 |
| Konar quo Maten | Mount Karuulm | 75 | None | 18 (20 with Elite Kourend Diary) | Profit-Focused Tasks |
| Krystilia | Edgeville | None | None | 25 | Wilderness Tasks, Points |
Leveling Roadmap
- 30-50: Stick with Mazchna or Vannaka (Edgeville Dungeon) for tasks like cave crawlers and pyrefiends. Combat Level 50+ recommended.
- 50-70: Move to Chaeldar in Zanaris (requires Lost City). Tasks like dust devils and fire giants offer decent XP.
- 70-85: Use Nieve/Steve for faster XP with tasks like gargoyles and nechryaels. Unlock the Slayer Helmet at 400 points.
- 85-99: Switch to Duradel for the best XP rates with tasks like abyssal demons and dark beasts. At 99 Slayer, you can use any master regardless of combat level.
Special Mention: Konar and Krystilia
Konar assigns location-specific tasks with a chance for Brimstone Keys (89k loot value), ideal for profit. Krystilia’s Wilderness tasks yield 25 points each, great for early point farming, but beware of PKers.
Gear, Inventory, and Efficiency Tips
To maximize Slayer XP and profit, you’ll need the right gear and strategies. Here’s how to optimize your setup.
Essential Gear Progression
- Levels 1-50: Black Armor, Rune Scimitar, Amulet of Strength. Affordable and effective for early tasks.
- Levels 50-70: Slayer Helmet (after 400 points), Dragon Scimitar, Fighter Torso, Rune Defender.
- Levels 70-85: Bandos Armor, Abyssal Whip, Dragon Boots, Slayer Ring (300 points).
- Levels 85-99: Torva or Bandos Armor, Soulreaper Axe or Scythe of Vitur, Primordial Boots, Ferocious Gloves.
For Ranged or Magic, upgrade to Black D’hide or Ahrim’s, then Armadyl or Ancestral Robes for endgame tasks.
Inventory Setup
A typical inventory includes:
- Food: Sharks or better (Monkfish for mid-levels).
- Prayer Potions: 2-4 doses for Protection Prayers.
- Teleport: Slayer Ring or House Teleport.
- Special Gear: Earmuffs, Facemask, etc., for specific tasks.
- Dwarf Cannon: Post-Dwarf Cannon quest, speeds up multi-combat tasks.
Efficiency Boosters
- Dwarf Cannon: Use in multi-combat areas like dust devils for 50-70k XP/hour.
- Bursting/Barraging: At 70+ Magic, use Ice Burst or Barrage on tasks like dust devils or nechryaels for 100k+ XP/hour.
- Task Blocking: Spend 100 points per block (unlock slots with 50+ Quest Points) on slow tasks like suqahs or spiritual creatures.
- Task Extensions: Extend high-XP/profit tasks like dust devils or gargoyles for 100-250 points.
Fastest Path to 99 Slayer: Strategies and Milestones
Reaching 99 Slayer requires a mix of speed, profit, and endurance. Here’s the optimal path.
XP Rates and Task Priorities
Focus on these tasks for the fastest XP:
- Dust Devils (Level 65): 80-100k XP/hour with cannon and Bursting.
- Nechryaels (Level 80): 90-120k XP/hour with Barrage.
- Abyssal Demons (Level 85): 70-100k XP/hour, plus Whip drops.
- Dark Beasts (Level 90): 80-110k XP/hour, great with melee.
Milestones and Motivation
Break the grind into chunks:
- Level 70: Access to Nieve and better tasks.
- Level 85: Abyssal Demons and Duradel unlock.
- Level 95: Elite Diary requirement met.
- Level 99: Slayer Cape and mastery!
Profit Tips
Maximize gold with:
- Konar Tasks: Brimstone Keys for extra loot.
- Boss Tasks: Unlock “Like a Boss” (750 points) for Cerberus, Hydra, etc.
- Herb Sack/Drops: Pick up high-value herbs and uniques.
With this OSRS Slayer guide, you’re equipped to tackle the journey from 1 to 99 in 2025. Stick to the plan, optimize your tasks, and enjoy the rewards—both XP and gold. Happy slaying!