Ratcatchers - OSRS Money Making Guide

The Ratcatchers Quest is a unique and engaging quest in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) that immerses players in the world of pest control. Players take on the role of a rat catcher, tasked with solving the mystery of the missing rats in the town of Ardougne. This quest combines elements of puzzle-solving and exploration, as players must navigate through various challenges to uncover the truth behind the rat crisis. With its intriguing storyline and a mix of humor and lore, Ratcatchers Quest is a must-do for any aspiring adventurer in Gielinor. As players progress through the quest, they will encounter a variety of characters and obstacles, including enigmatic NPCs and tricky mini-games. The quest not only rewards players with experience and items but also opens up new opportunities for future adventures in the game. With its blend of charm and challenge, Ratcatchers Quest stands out as a memorable experience in the rich tapestry of OSRS quests, making it a beloved choice among the game’s community.

Quest Requirements

Before embarking on the Ratcatchers Quest in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), players must meet certain requirements to ensure a smooth progression through the quest. Below are the prerequisites and recommendations for this quest:

Skills Requirements

Agility: Level 30 Agility is required to navigate some of the obstacles encountered throughout the quest.
Thieving: A minimum of Level 25 Thieving is necessary to pickpocket certain NPCs that play a crucial role in the quest.

Quest Requirements

Frog Slayer: You must have completed the Frog Slayer quest to begin Ratcatchers.

Items Required

Before starting the quest, ensure you have the following items in your inventory:

Rat Poison: This is essential for the quest and can be obtained from various sources or purchased from the Grand Exchange.
Cat: You need a cat or kitten to help you throughout the quest. If you do not have one, you can obtain a kitten from the Cat Lady in the Meowgical Cat Kingdom.

Starting the Quest

To begin the Ratcatchers Quest in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), you must first meet certain prerequisites and gather the necessary items. Follow these steps to get started:

Prerequisites

You must have completed the Animal Magnetism quest.
You need to have at least level 10 in Agility.
It is recommended to have a few levels in Thieving for certain parts of the quest.

Items Needed

Before you embark on your quest, make sure you have the following items:

Cat (either a kitten or a fully grown cat)
Rat Poison
Spade
Some food (optional, for healing during encounters)

The Starting Point

To initiate the quest, travel to Varrock and locate the Rat Pits, which can be found in the eastern part of the city, just south of the Varrock Castle. You will see a small building with a sign indicating the Rat Pits.

Meeting the Quest Giver

Upon entering the Rat Pits, you will find Gertrude, who is your quest giver. Speak to her to learn about the situation with the rats in the area. She will explain that her cat has gone missing, and she suspects that the rats are involved.

Accepting the Quest

Once you have talked to Gertrude and gathered all the necessary information, you will have the option to accept the quest. After accepting, you will receive a Ratcatchers Quest Journal that will help you keep track of your objectives throughout the quest.

Next Steps

After starting the quest, your first task is to explore the surrounding area for clues about the missing cat. You will need to investigate the Rat Pits and interact with various NPCs to gather more information, as well as prepare for tackling the rat problem head-on.

Good luck on your quest to catch the rats and find Gertrude’s beloved cat!

Finding the Missing Rats

In the Ratcatchers Quest in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), one of your primary objectives is to locate and capture the missing rats that have been causing trouble in the village of Burthorpe. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through this part of the quest.

The quest begins with you speaking to Graham, who will inform you of the unfortunate rat disappearance. He mentions that a total of 20 rats have gone missing from the town’s old sewer system.

Locating the Rats

To start your search, you will need to equip yourself with a rat cage. You can obtain a rat cage from Graham or find one at the nearby Rat Pit. Once you have your rat cage, it’s time to venture out into the streets of Burthorpe and the surrounding areas.

The missing rats are scattered throughout various locations. Here’s a list of areas where you can find these pesky critters:

Burthorpe: Check around the streets and alleys. Look behind buildings and other structures.
Rat Pits: The Rat Pit is a prime location for finding rats. Be sure to explore all corners.
Near the Well: Look around the well area; rats often gather here.
Nearby Fields: Venture into the fields surrounding Burthorpe, as rats can sometimes wander far from their home.

Capturing the Rats

Once you’ve located a rat, approach it carefully. Make sure you’re not running, as this may scare it away. To capture a rat, right-click on it and select the option to use your rat cage. If done correctly, the rat will be caught inside the cage.

Be aware that not all attempts will be successful. If a rat escapes, you’ll need to try again. Patience is key, so keep your eyes peeled for any movement that indicates a rat is nearby.

Returning the Rats

After you’ve captured a sufficient number of rats (at least 20), return to Graham in Burthorpe. He will be pleased to see the rats and reward you for your efforts. Make sure to show him all the captured rats to complete this part of the quest.

Once you hand over the rats, you will receive valuable quest experience and continue on your journey in the Ratcatchers Quest.

Good luck, and may your rat-catching endeavors be fruitful!

Solving the Rat Problems

The Ratcatchers Quest in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) revolves around eliminating the pesky rat infestation plaguing the town of Canifis. As you embark on this quest, you will encounter various challenges that require clever problem-solving and a keen sense of exploration.

To begin the quest, speak to the Ratcatcher located in the southeastern part of Canifis. He will inform you about the surge of aggressive rats and the mysterious disappearance of his pet rat, Ratch. Your primary objective is to locate Ratch and help the Ratcatcher solve the ongoing rat crisis.

Gathering Information

Before you can tackle the rat problem, it’s vital to gather information from the townsfolk. Speak to the residents of Canifis, particularly those near the pub and general store. They may provide you with hints about the rat infestation and where to find Ratch. Pay close attention to their dialogue, as they might mention specific locations or events that can guide you on your quest.

Finding Ratch

Your next step is to locate Ratch. To do this, you will need to explore various areas around Canifis and beyond. One of the key locations to check is the Rat Pits, found just south of the town. Here, you will encounter numerous rats, and by searching through the piles of crates and debris, you may uncover clues leading you to Ratch’s whereabouts.

Utilizing the Rat Poison

To further aid in solving the rat problem, you will need to acquire rat poison. This can be obtained by searching the chemist’s shop in Canifis. Once you have the poison, use it strategically to eliminate larger groups of rats that block your path or pose a significant threat. Be cautious, as some rats are more aggressive than others and will retaliate if provoked.

Confronting the Rat King

As you progress through the quest, you will eventually confront the Rat King, the source of the rat infestation. The Rat King is a formidable foe, requiring you to employ all your skills and knowledge acquired throughout the quest. Prepare for battle by equipping appropriate gear and stocking up on supplies such as food and potions.

During the battle, pay attention to the Rat King’s attack patterns and weaknesses. Use the environment to your advantage, dodging attacks and striking when the opportunity arises. Once defeated, the Rat King will drop a key item essential for completing the quest.

Returning to the Ratcatcher

With Ratch rescued and the Rat King defeated, return to the Ratcatcher to report your success. He will reward you for your efforts, providing you with experience points, a unique item, and perhaps even some valuable tips for future quests.

Completing the Ratcatchers Quest not only helps rid Canifis of its rat problems but also enhances your problem-solving skills and expands your questing knowledge in OSRS. Embrace the adventure, and may your journey be filled with excitement and discovery!

Encountering the NPCs

During your journey through the Ratcatchers Quest in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), you will encounter several key NPCs that play crucial roles in advancing the storyline and guiding you through the quest. Each character brings their unique personality and challenges that will test your skills and knowledge of the game.

1. Charlie the Tramp

Charlie is the first NPC you will meet in this quest. He can be found wandering around the outskirts of Varrock. Upon speaking to him, you will learn about the troubles he faces with the rat infestation in the area. Charlie provides you with essential background information about the quest and sets the stage for your adventure. He may also give you tips on how to deal with the rats you will encounter later.

2. Rat Pits

As you progress, you will visit the Rat Pits, where several NPCs are involved in the rat-catching business. Here, you will meet:

Ratso: A key character in the quest, Ratso offers guidance on how to catch the elusive giant rats. He shares insights about their behavior and weaknesses, helping you prepare for the challenges ahead.
Rats: While they are not NPCs in the traditional sense, the various types of rats you encounter will pose a significant challenge. Some rats are more aggressive than others, and learning how to handle them is crucial for your success.

3. The Main Boss: The Rat Catcher

As you delve deeper into the quest, you will eventually encounter the Rat Catcher himself. This formidable NPC will test your skills and strategy as you attempt to capture the giant rat causing chaos in the area. Be prepared for a challenging encounter, as you will need to use all the knowledge and tools you’ve acquired throughout your journey.

4. The Grand Exchange NPCs

Throughout your quest, you may find yourself returning to the Grand Exchange to purchase necessary items or trade with other players. NPCs here can provide valuable resources to aid in your rat-catching endeavors, including:

Shops: Various shops offer items that can assist you in capturing rats, such as traps and bait.
Other Players: Engaging with fellow players can lead to helpful tips and potential trades that may enhance your quest experience.

5. The Rat King’s Minions

As you near the conclusion of the quest, you will face off against the Rat King’s minions. These NPCs act as guardians of the Rat King and must be defeated before you can confront the main antagonist. Each minion has its own set of abilities and requires a different strategy to overcome.

Interacting with these NPCs not only provides valuable information and support but also enriches the storyline of the Ratcatchers Quest. As you navigate through the challenges they present, you will gain a deeper understanding of the quest’s lore and the world of Gielinor.

Completion Challenges

The Ratcatchers Quest in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers players a unique blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat challenges. As you navigate through the quest, you will encounter several completion challenges that test your skills and resourcefulness. Here’s a detailed breakdown of these challenges:

1. Collecting the Rat Pits

During the quest, players must collect various types of rats from different locations. Each rat type has specific characteristics and requires different strategies to capture. Players will need to:

Utilize the rat poison effectively to weaken certain rats.
Employ the rat cages at strategic locations to trap the rats.
Complete the collection of all 5 types of rats: the normal rat, giant rat, black rat, brown rat, and the aggressive rat.

2. Navigating the Sewers

The sewers are a labyrinthine challenge filled with aggressive monsters and environmental hazards. To complete this challenge, players must:

Learn the layout of the sewer system to avoid getting lost.
Defeat various sewer monsters, including giant rats and cockroaches.
Utilize the light source to navigate the dark areas.
Identify and unlock hidden passages that may contain valuable items or shortcuts.

3. Solving the Puzzle

As part of the quest, players must solve a series of puzzles related to the rat pits. This includes:

Aligning the rat cages correctly to capture specific rat types.
Understanding the clues provided by NPCs to figure out the correct sequence of actions.
Using items like the rat whistle to lure out elusive rats.

4. Combat Challenges

Players will face various combat challenges throughout the quest, including:

Fighting against the Ratcatcher boss, which requires strategic timing and combat skills.
Defeating elite rats that may drop unique loot.
Managing health and resources effectively during encounters with multiple enemies.

5. Time Trials

Some challenges may involve completing tasks within a set time limit, testing players’ efficiency and decision-making skills. Players may need to:

Capture a certain number of rats in a limited time.
Navigate through the sewers quickly while avoiding unnecessary combat.

6. Collecting Rewards

Upon completing all challenges, players are rewarded with various items, XP, and the satisfaction of having completed the Ratcatchers Quest. Key rewards include:

Experience Points in skills such as Agility, Thieving, and Combat.
Unique items related to rat-catching, including the Ratcatcher’s cape.
Access to new areas and further quests related to the Ratcatcher storyline.

Completing these challenges not only furthers your progression in the Ratcatchers Quest but also enhances your overall gameplay experience in OSRS. Happy rat hunting!

Quest Rewards

Upon successfully completing the Ratcatchers quest in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), players are rewarded with a variety of valuable items and benefits that can enhance their gameplay experience. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the rewards you can expect:

Experience Points: Players receive a total of 1,500 Agility experience and 1,500 Thieving experience upon completion of the quest. This can help boost your skills significantly, especially if you’re working towards higher levels in these areas.
Access to the Rat Pits: Completing this quest grants players access to the Rat Pits, a new minigame located in the city of Canifis. Here, players can train their Summoning and participate in rat-catching competitions for additional rewards.
Ratcatcher’s Cloak: Players receive the Ratcatcher’s Cloak, which provides a small bonus of +2 Agility when worn. This item is not only fashionable but also useful for improving your Agility skill during training.
Ability to Catch Rats: Completing the quest allows players to catch Rats for use in the Rat Pits minigame. Successfully catching these rats can yield additional experience and rewards.
Access to the Ratcatcher’s Outfit: After completing the quest, players can obtain the Ratcatcher’s Outfit, which provides a set bonus when worn. This outfit is not only stylish but also enhances the player’s abilities in rat-catching activities.
Quest Points: Completing the Ratcatchers quest awards players with 2 Quest Points. Quest Points are essential for unlocking further quests and content within the game.
Unlocks Additional Quests: Completing the Ratcatchers quest may also unlock further quests in the game, enabling players to continue their adventure and explore new storylines and challenges.

In summary, the Ratcatchers quest provides a combination of experience, unique items, and access to new gameplay features that can enhance the player’s journey in OSRS. It is a worthwhile quest for players looking to improve their skills and enjoy the additional content offered within the world of Gielinor.

Tips and Tricks

Embarking on the Ratcatchers Quest in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) can be quite an adventure. Here are some tips and tricks to help you navigate through this quest smoothly and efficiently:

Preparation is Key: Make sure to gather all necessary items before starting the quest. You will need items like a rat‘s tail, pestle and mortar, and some food for healing. Having these items ready can save you a lot of time.
Know Your Locations: Familiarize yourself with the locations involved in the quest. Key areas include Varrock, the Rat Pits, and the underground city of Dorgesh-Kaan. Having a map handy or using a teleportation method can expedite your travel.
Use the Right Gear: Equip gear that increases your agility and speed. Items like the Graceful outfit can help you maneuver through the quest quickly, especially during the rat-catching segments.
Be Patient with Rat Catching: When catching rats, it’s important to be patient. Use the rat traps effectively by placing them in areas where rats frequently appear. You may need to reset traps if they don’t catch a rat on the first try.
Utilize the Agility Shortcut: If you have a high Agility level, take advantage of the Agility shortcuts available in the quest. This can help you avoid unnecessary fights and save time during your travels.
Plan Your Inventory Space: Make sure you have enough inventory space for quest items. If your inventory is full, it may hinder your progress. Consider dropping non-essential items or banking before continuing.
Interact with NPCs: Talk to all relevant NPCs carefully. They often provide hints or information that can make your questing experience easier. Make sure to listen to their dialogues for helpful clues.
Use Your Familiar: If you’re using summoning, a familiar can be beneficial. A Spirit Terrorbird can help you with extra inventory space and energy restoration, allowing for quicker movement during the quest.
Stay Aware of Combat Levels: Some areas may have aggressive monsters. Ensure your combat stats are sufficient to handle any unexpected encounters, or bring food for healing.
Keep an Eye on the Time: The quest can take a while, so be mindful of in-game time. If you’re on a strict timeline, consider breaking the quest into sections or planning for a longer session.
Join a Community: If you’re struggling with any part of the quest, consider joining a community or forum. Other players can offer valuable advice or assistance, and you might find quest helpers who can guide you through tougher sections.

By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to completing the Ratcatchers Quest efficiently and without unnecessary frustration. Happy questing!

9. Post-Quest Activities

After completing the Ratcatchers quest in Old School RuneScape, players unlock a variety of activities and benefits that enhance their gameplay experience. Here are some of the key post-quest activities you can engage in:

1. Access to the Rat Pits

One of the primary rewards of the Ratcatchers quest is the ability to participate in the Rat Pits minigame. Located in the city of Ardougne, this activity allows players to train their Hunter skill by catching and training different types of rats. The Rat Pits also provide unique rewards and opportunities to compete against other players.

2. Obtaining the Ratcatcher Outfit

Completing the quest grants players the ability to obtain the Ratcatcher outfit. This outfit is not only a stylish addition to your wardrobe but also provides a 10% experience boost when training the Hunter skill. Players can collect pieces of the outfit by engaging in various Hunter-related activities.

3. Training Hunter and Agility

Following the quest, players may want to focus on training their Hunter and Agility skills further. The knowledge and experience gained during the quest can help streamline your training process. Consider hunting for different species of rats or engaging in other Hunter activities such as tracking and catching birds or chinchompas.

4. Exploring the Underground

The quest provides valuable insight into the various underground pathways within the city of Ardougne. Players can explore these hidden areas for unique resources, treasures, and potential encounters with other NPCs that may offer additional side quests or rewards.

5. Completing Other Quests

With the skills and knowledge gained from Ratcatchers, players may find it easier to tackle other quests that involve similar mechanics or challenges. Some quests that may be of interest include “The Feud,” “Animal Magnetism,” and “Plague City.” These quests often reward players with valuable items and experience in various skills.

6. Participating in Events and Competitions

Keep an eye out for in-game events and competitions that may be related to the Ratcatchers theme. These events often offer exclusive rewards, such as unique cosmetic items or experience boosts, allowing players to further enhance their gameplay experience.

7. Engaging with the Community

After completing Ratcatchers, consider joining forums or community events focused on Hunter training or minigames. Engaging with other players can provide valuable insights, tips, and strategies that can help improve your skills and enjoyment of the game.

8. Additional Skill Training

With many skills intertwined in the quest, players may wish to focus on training other relevant skills, such as Thieving or Farming. This can open up new opportunities for quests and activities, enriching your overall gaming experience.

Overall, the Ratcatchers quest is just the beginning of a variety of engaging activities and opportunities within Old School RuneScape. Take advantage of the rewards and new access points to fully immerse yourself in the game’s vast world.