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The Ultimate Guide to the King Black Dragon Pet in OSRS
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is packed with exciting challenges and rewards, and one of the most coveted prizes for players is the King Black Dragon pet, officially known as the Prince Black Dragon. This adorable, three-headed companion is a rare drop from the King Black Dragon (KBD), a classic boss that has been a staple of the game since its early days. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer looking to snag this prestigious pet, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining and enjoying the King Black Dragon pet in OSRS. From drop rates to strategies, we’ve got you covered!
The Prince Black Dragon is a miniature version of the fearsome King Black Dragon, a three-headed beast that resides deep in the Wilderness. As a boss pet, it’s a status symbol for players who’ve taken on one of OSRS’s oldest and most iconic bosses. With its tiny wings and triple heads, this pet is both a charming companion and a testament to your dedication in the game.
How Do You Get the Prince Black Dragon?
The Prince Black Dragon is exclusively dropped by the King Black Dragon. When you defeat the KBD, there’s a small chance you’ll receive this pet as a reward. Upon obtaining it, you’ll see a message in your chatbox: “You have a funny feeling like you’re being followed.” If your inventory is full or you already have a follower, it’ll sneak into your backpack instead, with the message: “You feel something weird sneaking into your backpack.”
Why Is the KBD Pet So Special?
Beyond its adorable appearance, the Prince Black Dragon holds a special place in OSRS history. The KBD was the first boss ever added to RuneScape, making its pet a nostalgic nod to the game’s roots. Plus, showing off this pet at the Grand Exchange or in a busy world lets everyone know you’ve braved the Wilderness and conquered a legendary foe.
King Black Dragon Pet Drop Rate and Mechanics
One of the biggest questions players have is: How rare is the King Black Dragon pet? Let’s break down the numbers and mechanics behind this elusive drop.
What’s the Drop Rate?
The base drop rate for the Prince Black Dragon is 1/3,000. This means that, on average, you’d need to kill the King Black Dragon 3,000 times to have a high chance of getting the pet. However, OSRS uses a threshold system for boss pets, which slightly improves your odds as you rack up kills. For the KBD, the threshold is 600 kills. After reaching this point, your chance of receiving the pet increases slightly with each additional kill, though exact details on the boost aren’t publicly specified by Jagex.
How Does the Threshold System Work?
In OSRS, the pet drop threshold system ensures that dedicated players aren’t entirely at the mercy of RNG (random number generation). Once you hit 600 KBD kills, your drop rate improves incrementally. While it’s still a grind, this mechanic rewards persistence, making the Prince Black Dragon a realistic goal for pet hunters.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Base Drop Rate | 1/3,000 |
| Threshold | 600 kills |
| Pet Name | Prince Black Dragon |
How to Kill the King Black Dragon Efficiently
To get the Prince Black Dragon, you’ll need to take down the King Black Dragon repeatedly. The KBD is a level 276 boss located in his lair, accessible via the Wilderness. Here’s how to tackle him efficiently and maximize your chances of snagging that pet.
Getting to the KBD Lair
The King Black Dragon’s lair is reached through the Wilderness, near the Lava Maze at around level 42 Wilderness. Here are the fastest routes:
- Burning Amulet: Teleports you to the Lava Maze, just southeast of the lair entrance.
- Ghorrock Teleport: With the Ancient Magicks spellbook, teleport to Ghorrock and run southeast.
- Waka Canoe: From Edgeville, craft a canoe (57 Woodcutting required) and paddle to the Wilderness, then trek west past the Lava Maze.
Warning: The path to the lair is in the Wilderness, so watch out for PKers (player killers). Travel light and avoid bringing items you’re not willing to lose.
Recommended Gear and Inventory
The KBD uses powerful dragonfire attacks and melee, so preparation is key. Here’s a setup for efficient kills:
- Weapons: Dragon Hunter Lance (melee) or Dragon Hunter Crossbow (ranged) for bonus damage against dragons.
- Shield: Anti-dragon shield or Dragonfire shield to mitigate dragonfire damage.
- Armor: Proselyte (prayer bonus) or Bandos gear (melee strength).
- Inventory: Antifire potion, super restore potions, high-healing food (sharks or better), and a teleport (e.g., Games Necklace).
KBD Combat Strategy
The King Black Dragon has four attack types: regular dragonfire, poison breath, shock breath, and freeze breath. Here’s how to handle them:
- Stay in Melee Range: This reduces the frequency of special dragonfire attacks, as the KBD will prioritize melee.
- Use Protect from Melee: Combined with an antifire potion and shield, this minimizes damage taken.
- Watch Your Health: Special breaths can hit up to 10 damage even with protection, so keep your HP topped up.
For faster kills, consider a private instance (50,000 coins via the lever) to avoid competition from other players.
Tips for Hunting the Prince Black Dragon Pet
Pet hunting is a marathon, not a sprint. Here are some pro tips to make your King Black Dragon pet grind more manageable and enjoyable.
Track Your Kills
Use the in-game Beasts tab to monitor your KBD kill count. This helps you gauge your progress toward the 600-kill threshold and beyond. Some players even keep a spreadsheet to track loot and kills—perfect for the data-driven adventurer!
Combine with Slayer Tasks
The KBD counts as a black dragon for Slayer tasks (except those from Krystilia). If you get a black dragon task, camp the KBD instead of regular black dragons for a shot at the pet while earning Slayer XP.
Bring a Looting Bag
Since you’re in the Wilderness to enter the lair, a looting bag can extend your trips by storing extra hides and bones. Just step outside the lair to bank them via the lever, but beware of PKers waiting to ambush.
Stay Motivated
With a 1/3,000 drop rate, dry streaks are common. Join a clan or chat with friends while grinding to keep your spirits high. Celebrate milestones like 100, 500, or 1,000 kills to stay motivated.
Why the King Black Dragon Pet Is Worth the Grind
So, why put in all this effort for a tiny three-headed dragon? Let’s explore the rewards—both tangible and intangible—of owning the Prince Black Dragon.
Bragging Rights
In OSRS, pets are a flex. The Prince Black Dragon isn’t the rarest pet (looking at you, Skotos), but its connection to the game’s first boss gives it a unique prestige. Walking around with it trailing behind you is a subtle way to say, “I’ve conquered the KBD, and I’ve got the pet to prove it.”
Loot Along the Way
While hunting for the pet, you’ll amass loot from the KBD. Notable drops include:
- Dragon Pickaxe: A rare and valuable tool worth millions.
- KBD Heads: Can be used to recolor your Slayer helmet black or mounted in your player-owned house.
- Dragon Bones and Black Dragonhide: Steady profit for skilling or banking.
Even without the pet, a long grind can net you 1-2M GP per hour, making it a decent money-maker.
A Piece of OSRS History
The King Black Dragon debuted in RuneScape Classic, and its pet ties you to that legacy. For veteran players, it’s a nostalgic reward; for newcomers, it’s a chance to own a piece of the game’s storied past.
Whether you’re after the Prince Black Dragon for its looks, its rarity, or the loot that comes with the grind, this pet is a worthy goal in OSRS. Arm yourself with an anti-dragon shield, stock up on supplies, and head into the Wilderness to take on the King Black Dragon. With patience and strategy, you might just see that little three-headed buddy following you home. Happy hunting!