Ultimate Guide to Mort Myre Swamp in OSRS

Mort Myre Swamp is one of the most iconic and treacherous areas in Old School RuneScape (OSRS). Located in western Morytania, this eerie swampland offers unique challenges, rewarding activities, and a haunting atmosphere that draws adventurers seeking both lore and loot. Whether you’re navigating its dangers for quests, training skills, or gathering resources, this guide covers everything you need to know about Mort Myre Swamp, optimized for your journey in Gielinor.
Once a lush forest called Humblethorn, Mort Myre Swamp is now a decayed, ghast-infested region in OSRS. It’s a hotspot for players tackling quests like Nature Spirit or hunting for specific items like swamp tar. The swamp’s dark ambiance, combined with its practical uses, makes it a must-visit for mid- to high-level players.
Location and Access
Mort Myre Swamp sits west of Canifis in Morytania. You can access it via several methods:
- Gate near Canifis: Unlocked during or after starting Nature Spirit.
- Fairy Rings: Use codes like ALQ (Haunted Woods), CKS (near Canifis gate), or BKR (inside the swamp).
- Barrows Teleport: A quick option for those with the spell or tablets.
- Mort’ton Teleport Scrolls: Direct access to the southern path.
Each route has its perks, but the fairy ring BKR is often the fastest for central swamp access.
Lore and Atmosphere
The swamp’s transformation from Humblethorn to a rotting mire is tied to Morytania’s dark history. Ghasts, the souls of the dead, roam here, adding a layer of danger and intrigue. The area’s music track, “Morytania,” enhances the spooky vibe, making exploration feel like a journey through a cursed land.
Navigating the Dangers of Mort Myre Swamp
The swamp isn’t just a pretty (or creepy) backdrop—it’s a hazardous zone that tests your preparation. From ghasts to navigation challenges, here’s what to watch out for.
Dealing with Ghasts
Ghasts are the swamp’s primary threat. These invisible spirits can rot your food, making survival tricky without the right gear.
- Druid Pouch: Obtained during Nature Spirit, this item uses Mort Myre fungi to make ghasts visible and attackable. Always carry one!
- Food Protection: Without a druid pouch, ghasts will spoil any food in your inventory, so avoid carrying high-value items like sharks.
- Combat Option: If you’re fighting ghasts, they drop decent loot like herbs and seeds, but their 139 Hitpoints make them time-consuming for low-level players.
Environmental Hazards
Beyond ghasts, the swamp’s layout can be disorienting. Twisted paths and dead ends slow travel, and some areas require specific quests to access shortcuts. For example:
- Rope Bridge: Repair it during In Search of the Myreque to connect the eastern and western swamp halves.
- Swamp Boaty: Unlocked post-Nature Spirit, this boat ride to Mort’ton saves time.
Activities and Skilling in Mort Myre Swamp
Mort Myre Swamp isn’t just about survival—it’s a goldmine for skillers and questers. Here’s how to make the most of its resources.
Fishing for Slimy Eels
The swamp has five fishing spots where you can catch slimy eels and cave eels, ideal for training Fishing.
Fish | Fishing Level | Experience | Use |
---|---|---|---|
Slimy Eel | 28 | 65 | Cooking or bait |
Cave Eel | 38 | 80 | Cooking |
Bring a fishing rod and bait, and expect moderate XP rates. These spots are quiet, making them great for relaxed skilling.
Hunting Swamp Lizards
For Hunter enthusiasts, the swamp offers swamp lizards at level 29. You’ll need ropes and nets to set traps.
- XP: 152 per catch.
- Loot: Swamp lizards are used in Herblore or sold for profit (around 100-200 GP each).
- Tip: Wear lightweight gear to avoid sinking into the swamp, which reduces run energy.
Gathering Swamp Tar and Fungi
The swamp is a prime spot for collecting swamp tar and Mort Myre fungi.
- Swamp Tar: Found in piles across the swamp, it’s used for crafting lanterns or ammunition. Stackable and sellable (~50 GP each).
- Mort Myre Fungi: Harvested by casting Bloom with a blessed silver sickle near dead logs. Requires Nature Spirit. Used in Herblore for potions like super energy.
Both are low-effort and profitable for early-game players.
Quests and Shortcuts in Mort Myre Swamp
Several quests tie directly to the swamp, unlocking shortcuts and rewards that make navigation easier.
Nature Spirit Quest
This quest is your gateway to Mort Myre Swamp. You’ll unlock:
- Druid Pouch: Essential for ghast protection.
- Swamp Boaty: A quick route to Mort’ton.
- Nature Grotto Access: A peaceful altar for prayer recharges.
Completing Nature Spirit also grants 2,000 Prayer XP and access to the blessed silver sickle.
In Search of the Myreque
This quest opens the Myreque Hideout and its shortcuts:
- Rope Bridge: Links the swamp’s eastern and western halves.
- Hideout Tunnel: Connects to Canifis, reducing ghast encounters.
The hideout is also a hub for later Morytania quests.
Other Shortcuts
Post-quest, you can use:
- Fairy Ring BIP: Leads to an island near the Nature Grotto.
- Grouping Teleport: If you’ve completed Shades of Mort’ton, teleport to Mort’ton via the minigame interface.
These shortcuts save time and reduce the risk of ghast attacks.
Tips for Success in Mort Myre Swamp
To thrive in Mort Myre Swamp, preparation is key. Here’s a rundown of pro tips to keep you safe and efficient.
Essential Gear and Inventory
Your loadout can make or break your swamp adventure. Recommended items include:
- Druid Pouch: At least 3-5 charges to handle ghasts.
- Blessed Silver Sickle: For casting Bloom to gather fungi.
- Fairy Ring Staff: If using fairy rings for quick access.
- Light Armor: Avoid heavy gear to maintain run energy.
- Teleport Method: A Canifis portal, Barrows tab, or fairy ring code for emergencies.
Profit and Efficiency Tips
Maximize your time in the swamp with these strategies:
- Combine Skilling: Fish slimy eels while collecting swamp tar to multitask.
- Use Shortcuts: The Myreque Hideout tunnel cuts travel time significantly.
- Bank Fungi: Mort Myre fungi stack in noted form, so gather in bulk for Herblore or profit (~1,000 GP each).
- Avoid Peak Hours: The swamp is quieter during off-peak server times, reducing lag or competition for resources.
Safety Precautions
Stay alive and efficient with these precautions:
- Low Food, High Prayer: Use prayer potions over food, as ghasts can’t rot them.
- Watch Run Energy: The swamp drains energy fast, so bring stamina potions if skilling for long periods.
- Quest First: Complete Nature Spirit before exploring to avoid ghast-related headaches.
Mort Myre Swamp is a cornerstone of Morytania’s allure in OSRS. Whether you’re chasing quest rewards, training skills, or soaking in the lore, this swamp offers something for every adventurer. With the right gear and knowledge, you’ll turn its dangers into opportunities. So grab your druid pouch, watch out for ghasts, and dive into the murky depths of Mort Myre!