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The Corsair Curse OSRS Quest Guide for Beginners

The Corsair Curse is a free-to-play quest in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) that takes players to the scenic Corsair Cove, a small port town in the southern Feldip Hills. Released on December 7, 2017, as a teaser for Dragon Slayer II, this novice-level quest is perfect for new players looking to explore a unique location and unlock valuable rewards like access to the Corsair Cove bank. This SEO-optimized guide will walk you through every step of the quest, provide tips for success, and highlight why Corsair Cove is a must-visit area in OSRS. With no skill requirements and minimal combat, it’s an accessible adventure for all.
The Corsair Curse revolves around helping Captain Tock and his crew in Corsair Cove, who believe they’re afflicted by a mysterious curse causing illness. Your job is to investigate the crew’s conflicting stories, debunk myths, and uncover the truth. The quest is notable for its engaging narrative, involving ogre relics, mermaids, and a shady navigator.
Quest Requirements
- No skill requirements: Perfect for new players.
- Combat: Ability to defeat a level 35 mage (Ithoi the Navigator).
- Items needed: Spade and tinderbox (both obtainable during the quest).
- Recommended: Combat level 20+, food, armor, and energy potions for low-level players.
Why Start The Corsair Curse?
This quest is a gateway to Corsair Cove, a free-to-play area with unique resources like maple trees and fishing spots, which are ideal for skilling. Completing the quest unlocks Yusuf’s bank, making it a convenient hub for free-to-play players. It’s also a quick quest, taking 15-30 minutes, and serves as a teaser for the broader Feldip Hills lore.
Step-by-Step Quest Walkthrough
Follow these detailed steps to complete The Corsair Curse efficiently. The quest involves speaking to NPCs, investigating clues, and a brief combat encounter. Ensure you have a spade and tinderbox (or grab them in Corsair Cove) before diving in.
Starting the Quest
- Head to the crossroads north of Port Sarim, just south of Falador farm.
- Speak to Captain Tock (Chat 2-1) to learn about his crew’s curse.
- Watch the cutscene showing the boat’s location at the western dock in Rimmington.
- Talk to Captain Tock again at the Rimmington dock (Chat 1) to sail to Corsair Cove.
Investigating the Crew’s Claims
Upon arriving at Corsair Cove, you’ll need to speak to four crew members: Ithoi the Navigator, Arsen the Thief, Cabin Boy Colin, and Gnocci the Cook. Their locations are:
NPC | Location |
---|---|
Ithoi the Navigator | Upstairs in the southernmost hut on the beach, southwest of the dock. |
Arsen the Thief | Upstairs in the large hut west of the dock. |
Cabin Boy Colin | Same room as Arsen, west of the dock. |
Gnocci the Cook | Upstairs in the smaller hut northwest of the large hut. |
Note: Start by speaking to Ithoi (Chat 1), as other NPCs’ dialogues may not trigger correctly otherwise. If you need items, grab a tinderbox next to Gnocci and a spade by the tropical tree south of his hut.
Debunking the Curse Theories
Each crew member believes they caused the curse. Investigate their claims in any order:
- Arsen’s Ogre Relic:
- Arsen thinks he stole a sacred ogre relic, angering shamans.
- Speak to Captain Tock on the ship to get the ogre artifact.
- Head west to the Corsair Cove Dungeon (hole between four pillars).
- Talk to Chief Tess (Chat 1), who reveals it’s just a toothpick, not a cursed relic.
- Return to Arsen to clear his fears.
- Gnocci’s Demonic Doll:
- Colin’s Mermaid Curse:
- Colin thinks he offended a mermaid via Ithoi’s telescope.
- Go to Ithoi’s hut, use the telescope upstairs, and discover the “mermaid” is an ogre named Bugs.
- Tell Colin (Chat 1) to dispel his worries.
Confronting Ithoi the Navigator
After debunking the crew’s theories, it’s time to deal with Ithoi, who’s hiding a secret.
- Speak to Captain Tock (Chat 1-1) to learn Ithoi might be faking the curse.
- Return to Ithoi’s hut, use the tinderbox on the driftwood under his hut, and speak to him again (Chat 1).
- Talk to Captain Tock (Chat 1-3) to plan the final confrontation.
- Head back to Ithoi’s hut, where he attacks (level 35, uses elemental bolts and Curse spell).
- Combat Tip: Use Protect from Magic to avoid damage. Low-level players should bring food and armor.
- After defeating Ithoi, return to Captain Tock (Chat 1) to explain his betrayal.
Congratulations, quest complete! Captain Tock grants access to Yusuf’s bank, and the crew begins to recover.
Rewards and Benefits
Completing The Corsair Curse offers practical rewards that enhance your OSRS experience, especially for free-to-play players.
Quest Rewards
- Access to Yusuf’s bank: A convenient banking option in Corsair Cove.
- Corsair Traitor: Unlocked as a Nightmare Zone boss.
- Travel access: Cabin Boy Colin replaces Captain Tock, offering free travel between Rimmington and Corsair Cove.
Post-Quest Benefits
Corsair Cove becomes a skilling hotspot after the quest:
- Fishing spots: Net/bait spots for shrimp, sardine, herring, and anchovies southwest of the town.
- Maple trees: Accessible after Dragon Slayer I, ideal for Woodcutting (level 45+).
- Corsair Cove Dungeon: Fight level 82 Ogress Warriors and Shamans for drops like rune full helms and limpwurt roots.
Tips for Success
To breeze through The Corsair Curse and make the most of Corsair Cove, keep these tips in mind:
Preparation Tips
- Combat gear: Equip basic armor and a weapon suitable for your level. A magic or ranged setup works well against Ithoi.
- Energy potions: Useful for running between NPCs in Corsair Cove.
- RuneLite: Use the Quest Helper plugin to highlight NPC locations and digging spots.
Navigation Tips
- Minimap awareness: The spade and tinderbox don’t appear as red dots, so check near Gnocci’s hut and the tropical tree.
- Shortcut access: After the quest, unlock the 10 Agility shortcut south of Feldip Hills or the 30 Agility shortcut to the Resource Area (requires Dragon Slayer I).
- Charter ships: Members can use charter ships to reach Corsair Cove for faster travel.
Why Corsair Cove Matters in OSRS
Corsair Cove is more than just a quest location—it’s a strategic hub for free-to-play and low-level players. Its isolation by cliffs makes it a unique destination, and its resources are a game-changer for skilling.
Skilling Opportunities
The Corsair Cove Resource Area, unlocked after Dragon Slayer I, offers:
- Fishing: Tuna, swordfish, and lobster spots near a deposit box for efficient banking.
- Woodcutting: Four maple trees and three yew trees, rare for free-to-play areas.
- Mining: Five coal, two mithril, and one adamantite rock in the dungeon.
Combat and Loot
The Corsair Cove Dungeon is a hotspot for fighting Ogress Warriors and Shamans, which drop valuable items like:
- Rune full helms
- Limpwurt roots
- Shaman masks
Pro Tip: Use a dwarf multicannon in the dungeon for faster kills, but note it’s not a multi-combat area.
Lore and Future Adventures
Corsair Cove ties into the broader Feldip Hills narrative, originally designed as a precursor to Oo’glog from RuneScape 2. It also teases the Myths’ Guild, accessible after Dragon Slayer II, making it a stepping stone for epic quests.
With this guide, you’re ready to tackle The Corsair Curse and unlock the full potential of Corsair Cove. Whether you’re skilling, fighting, or exploring, this quest is a fantastic introduction to OSRS’s rich world. Happy adventuring!