Shield of Arrav OSRS Quest Guide

The Shield of Arrav quest in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a classic adventure that immerses players in the lore-rich city of Varrock. This beginner-friendly quest is notable for its unique requirement of teamwork, making it a memorable experience for both new and seasoned players. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step to complete the quest, including requirements, gang choices, and tips for finding a partner. Whether you’re aiming for quest points or diving into Varrock’s history, this guide ensures you’ll retrieve the fabled Shield of Arrav with ease.

The Shield of Arrav is a free-to-play quest centered around recovering a stolen artifact split between two rival gangs: the Phoenix Gang and the Black Arm Gang. Unlike most OSRS quests, it requires collaboration with another player, adding a social element to the experience. The quest is accessible to all players, with minimal requirements, making it ideal for those early in their RuneScape journey.

Quest Requirements

• Skills: None
• Items: 20 coins (for Phoenix Gang) or 2 Phoenix crossbows (obtained during the quest for Black Arm Gang)
• Partner: Another player to trade certificates with
• Recommended: Combat level 10+ for easier combat encounters

Why Choose This Quest?

Completing Shield of Arrav grants 1 Quest Point, 600 coins, and 5 Kudos if you speak to Historian Minas in the Varrock Museum. It’s a quick way to progress toward the Quest Point Cape and unlock Varrock’s rich storyline. The teamwork aspect also introduces players to OSRS’s community-driven gameplay.

Starting the Shield of Arrav Quest

To begin, head to Varrock Castle and speak to Reldo, the librarian, located in the library on the ground floor. He’ll inform you about the stolen Shield of Arrav and the gangs involved. This conversation triggers the quest, setting you on a path to join either the Phoenix Gang or Black Arm Gang.

Finding a Partner

Since the quest requires trading certificates with a player from the opposing gang, finding a partner is crucial. Join the official OSRS SOA clan chat to connect with others looking to complete the quest. Alternatively, ask friends or use the OSRS forums or Discord servers. Ensure your partner hasn’t already completed the quest, as they won’t be able to retrieve their gang’s shield half if they have.

Using the Quest Helper Plugin

For a smoother experience, install the Quest Helper Plugin via RuneLite’s Plugin Hub. This tool highlights item requirements, tracks progress, and marks key locations, making navigation easier, especially for first-time questers.

Choosing Your Gang

A critical decision in the Shield of Arrav quest is choosing between the Phoenix Gang or Black Arm Gang. This choice is permanent, as you cannot switch sides later. Each gang has different tasks and combat requirements, so pick based on your combat level and preferences.

Phoenix Gang Path

Recommended for: Low-level players (combat level 2 enemy).

• Step 1: Speak to Baraek at the fur stall in Varrock’s center (marked by a bear fur icon). Pay 20 coins to learn the Phoenix Gang hideout’s location in southeast Varrock.
• Step 2: Head to the hideout (near the Blue Moon Inn) and climb the ladder. Speak to Straven, who tasks you with killing Jonny the Beard (level 2) at the Blue Moon Inn.
• Step 3: Kill Jonny to obtain an intelligence report. Return it to Straven to join the Phoenix Gang and receive a Weapon Store key.
• Step 4: Open the chest in the southwest corner of the hideout to retrieve the right half of the Shield of Arrav.

Black Arm Gang Path

Recommended for: Higher-level players (combat level 23 enemy).

• Step 1: Speak to Katrine in the Black Arm Gang hideout behind the pub in southern Varrock (near the South Varrock gate).
• Step 2: Katrine tasks you with stealing 2 Phoenix crossbows from the Phoenix Gang hideout. Head to the Phoenix Gang’s weapon store (southeast Varrock) and kill the Weaponsmaster (level 23) to access the weapons rack.
• Step 3: Take 2 Phoenix crossbows and return them to Katrine to join the Black Arm Gang.
• Step 4: Go upstairs in the Black Arm Gang hideout and search the cupboard to find the left half of the Shield of Arrav.

Gang Choice Considerations

Factor	Phoenix Gang	Black Arm Gang
Combat Level	Level 2 (Jonny the Beard)	Level 23 (Weaponsmaster)
Items Needed	20 coins	2 Phoenix crossbows (obtained in quest)
Partner Availability	Easier to find partners	Fewer players choose this
Combat XP	Minimal	Higher (avoid if training specific skills)

Tip: Low-level players should opt for the Phoenix Gang due to the easier combat. If avoiding combat XP (e.g., for a pure account), consider the Black Arm Gang and enlist help to defeat the Weaponsmaster.

Completing the Quest

Once you have your gang’s half of the Shield of Arrav, the final steps involve trading with your partner and returning the shield to its rightful place.

Trading Certificates

Take your shield half to Curator Haig Halen in the Varrock Museum (east of Varrock Castle). He’ll give you two copies of half a certificate in exchange. Trade one copy to your partner, who should trade you their half certificate. Combine the two halves to form a complete certificate.

Returning the Shield

Return to Curator Haig Halen with the complete certificate to finish the quest. You’ll receive 1 Quest Point and 600 coins. For extra rewards, speak to Historian Minas in the museum to claim 5 Kudos, useful for unlocking Fossil Island content later.

Tips and Tricks for Success

To ensure a smooth Shield of Arrav experience, consider these strategies to avoid common pitfalls and streamline your progress.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

• Partner Issues: Verify your partner hasn’t completed the quest, as they can’t retrieve their shield half again.
• Combat Preparedness: Bring a weapon and food, especially for the Black Arm Gang path, as the Weaponsmaster can hit hard for low levels.
• Certificate Trading: Double-check you’re trading the correct certificate half to avoid delays.

Soloing with a Second Account

If you can’t find a partner, create a second OSRS account to join the opposite gang. Progress both accounts through their respective gang paths, trade certificates between them, and complete the quest. This method requires more time but guarantees completion without relying on others.

Optimizing for Future Quests

Shield of Arrav is a prerequisite for quests like Heroes’ Quest, which also involves gang affiliation. Choose your gang strategically if planning ahead, as your Shield of Arrav gang choice affects Heroes’ Quest requirements (e.g., Black Arm Gang members need 55 Quest Points for Heroes’ Quest).

By following this guide, you’ll conquer the Shield of Arrav quest efficiently, earning rewards and diving deeper into OSRS’s engaging world. Whether you’re teaming up with a friend or tackling it solo, the journey through Varrock’s gang rivalry is a rewarding adventure. Good luck, and happy questing!