OSRS Task-Only Kalphite Cave: Your Ultimate Slayer Guide

OSRS Task-Only Kalphite Cave: Your Ultimate Slayer Guide


Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers a variety of exciting locations for players to explore, and the Kalphite Cave stands out as a unique, task-only dungeon perfect for Slayer enthusiasts. Located just east of the Shantay Pass in the Kharidian Desert, this cave is home to kalphites—formidable insectoid creatures that can only be attacked while on an active Slayer task. Whether you’re grinding Slayer points, chasing experience, or simply looking to tackle something different, the Kalphite Cave provides a rewarding challenge. In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the task-only Kalphite Cave, from its location and inhabitants to optimal strategies and gear setups.

The Kalphite Cave is a Slayer-specific dungeon introduced to OSRS to give players a dedicated space for kalphite tasks. Unlike the nearby Kalphite Lair, which houses the Kalphite Queen and is open to all, the Kalphite Cave enforces a strict rule: you can only attack its inhabitants if you’ve been assigned a kalphite Slayer task by a Slayer master. This makes it a hotspot for players looking to efficiently complete their assignments without interference from non-task players.

Location and How to Get There

Getting to the Kalphite Cave is straightforward. It’s situated just east of the Shantay Pass, south of Al Kharid in the Kharidian Desert. Here are some of the best ways to reach it:

  • Amulet of Glory: Teleport to Al Kharid, head south through the Shantay Pass (bring 200 coins or a Shantay Pass), and walk east to the cave entrance.
  • Desert Amulet 4: If you’ve completed the Elite Desert Diary, this teleports you directly to the Shantay Pass, saving time.
  • Fairy Ring BIQ: Teleport to the Kalphite Lair, then head northeast to reach the cave.
  • House Teleport: If your player-owned house is in Pollnivneach, teleport there and take the carpet ride to Shantay Pass.

Once you’re at the cave entrance, you won’t need a rope—unlike the Kalphite Lair—making access quick and hassle-free.

Unique Features of the Cave

The Kalphite Cave is a multi-combat area, meaning you can fight multiple kalphites at once—a boon for cannon users. It’s also free from desert heat effects, so you won’t need waterskins or desert gear inside. At the center of the cave, you’ll find harmless kalphite larvae, which can’t be attacked except by cats, adding a quirky touch to the environment.

Kalphite Types and Combat Basics

The Kalphite Cave hosts three main types of kalphites, each with distinct combat stats and mechanics. Knowing their strengths and weaknesses is key to mastering your Slayer task.

Kalphite Workers

Combat Level: 28 | Hitpoints: 40 | Slayer XP: 40

Workers are the weakest kalphites in the cave. They use melee attacks exclusively and don’t inflict poison, making them ideal for quick kills, especially with a cannon. They’re perfect for low-level players or those prioritizing speed over experience.

Kalphite Soldiers

Combat Level: 85 | Hitpoints: 90 | Slayer XP: 90

Soldiers step up the challenge with higher stats and the ability to poison, starting at 4 damage per tick. They’re still melee-only attackers, but their poison can stack up if you’re not careful. These are a great middle-ground option for decent XP and manageable difficulty.

Kalphite Guardians

Combat Level: 141 | Hitpoints: 170 | Slayer XP: 170

Guardians are the toughest regular kalphites in the cave. They hit harder, have more health, and inflict poison starting at 6 damage—bypassing even Protect from Melee prayers. Their high defense makes them less efficient to kill, but they offer the best XP per kill for those willing to tackle them.

Optimal Gear and Inventory Setup

To succeed in the Kalphite Cave, your gear and inventory need to match your combat style and the kalphites you’re targeting. Here’s a breakdown of what to bring.

Melee Setup

Kalphites are weakest to crush attacks, making melee the go-to choice. Here’s a recommended setup:

  • Weapon: Keris Partisan (post-Beneath Cursed Sands) for its 33% damage boost and crush accuracy against kalphites; otherwise, an Abyssal Bludgeon or Inquisitor’s Mace.
  • Helm: Slayer Helm (on task) or Neitiznot Faceguard.
  • Body/Legs: Bandos Chestplate and Tassets, or Torva if you’re splashing cash.
  • Boots: Primordial Boots for strength bonuses.
  • Prayer: Protect from Melee + Piety.

Inventory: Antipoison (essential for Soldiers and Guardians), prayer potions, a cannon with cannonballs, and food (sharks or better).

Ranged Setup

If you prefer safespotting, ranged works well thanks to the cave’s layout. Try this:

  • Weapon: Toxic Blowpipe or Twisted Bow.
  • Ammo: Amethyst Darts or Dragon Arrows.
  • Armor: Armadyl or Black D’hide.
  • Prayer: Eagle Eye.

Inventory: Ranging potions, antipoison, and food. Skip the cannon if safespotting.

Cannon Placement Tips

The multi-combat nature of the cave makes the dwarf multicannon a game-changer. Place it in open chambers—northeast or southeast corners work best for Soldiers—to maximize hits on multiple targets. Avoid Guardians unless you’re prepared for slower kills due to their high defense.

Strategies for Efficient Slayer Tasks

Completing a kalphite task in the cave efficiently requires a mix of preparation and tactics. Here’s how to optimize your time and gains.

Focusing on Workers for Speed

For a lightning-fast task, target Workers. Set up a cannon near clusters of them, wear basic melee gear, and let the cannon do most of the work. Bring a few pieces of food and skip antipoison since they don’t poison. This method shines for players with low combat stats or those rushing for Slayer points.

Balancing XP with Soldiers

Soldiers offer a sweet spot between speed and experience. Use a cannon in the northeastern chamber, where they spawn densely, and pair it with a crush weapon like the Keris Partisan. Keep antipoison handy and sip prayer potions to maintain Piety. This setup nets solid XP without bogging you down.

Tackling Guardians for Max XP

If you’re chasing the highest Slayer XP per kill, Guardians are your target. Their poison and defense demand a stronger setup—think high-end melee gear and plenty of supplies. Position your cannon carefully to hit multiple Guardians, use safespots if ranging, and watch your health closely. This is slower but rewarding for high-level players.

Loot and Rewards from Kalphite Cave

While kalphites aren’t known for jaw-dropping loot, they drop enough to make your trip worthwhile, especially on Konar tasks. Here’s what to expect:

Common Drops

Kalphite Type Notable Drops Average Value (GP)
Workers Waterskins, herbs, low-tier runes ~100-200
Soldiers Mithril items, herbs, gems ~200-300
Guardians Rune items, noted herbs, ensouled heads ~800-900

All kalphites have access to the gem drop table, with a small chance at rares like the uncut dragonstone.

Konar-Specific Rewards

If assigned kalphites by Konar quo Maten, you might score a Brimstone Key from Soldiers or Guardians. These keys unlock the Brimstone Chest in Mor Ul Rek, offering loot worth 50k-100k GP on average—enough to offset supply costs.

Why It’s Worth It

The real reward here is Slayer XP and points. Workers are a breeze for quick tasks, Soldiers balance effort and gain, and Guardians cater to XP grinders. Plus, the cave’s task-only nature keeps it less crowded than the Kalphite Lair, giving you breathing room to focus.

The OSRS Kalphite Cave is a gem for Slayer fans, blending accessibility with a satisfying challenge. Whether you’re cannoning Workers for speed, slicing Soldiers for XP, or braving Guardians for glory, this task-only dungeon adapts to your goals. Pack your gear, grab a task, and dive into the desert sands—your next Slayer milestone awaits!