Top 10 Hardest Quests in Old School RuneScape
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a game that has captivated millions with its rich lore, challenging gameplay, and rewarding progression. Among the many features that make OSRS so engaging, quests stand out as some of the most thrilling and difficult challenges players can face. Whether you're an Ironman grinding through the content solo or a seasoned adventurer looking to test your skills, the quests in OSRS demand a blend of strategy, skill, patience, and sometimes a bit of luck.
In this article, we explore the top 10 hardest quests in OSRS, ranked based on three key factors: the skill and quest requirements, the difficulty of boss fights (especially for players with little to no PvM experience), and the total time investment required to start and finish them, particularly for Ironman accounts. This list highlights some of the toughest challenges in the game, featuring brutal boss fights, extensive quest prerequisites, and demanding skill grinds.
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10. Beneath Cursed Sands
Kicking off the list at number ten is Beneath Cursed Sands. This quest is notorious for its difficult boss fight against the menacing Menaphite Akh. What makes this boss particularly challenging is the high damage output that can easily combo players for over 60 damage with low ping, making the fight unforgiving for newcomers.
Aside from the intense combat, this quest is essential for anyone looking to access the Tombs of Amascut, an area filled with further challenges and rewards. The combination of tricky mechanics and the necessity to complete this quest to progress deeper into OSRS content earns it a solid place on the list.
9. Recipe for Disaster
At number nine, we have the legendary Recipe for Disaster. While the stat requirements aren’t overwhelmingly high (apart from the 70 Cooking needed), the sheer scale of this quest sets it apart. It demands a staggering 175 quest points to complete, making it one of the most quest-heavy challenges in the game.
The boss fights here aren’t the hardest on the list, but the time and effort to unlock and finish the quest are substantial. The reward? The coveted Barrows Gloves, which for a long time were the best-in-slot gloves, making the grind worthwhile.
8. Secrets of the North
Coming in at eighth place is Secrets of the North. This quest demands 69 Agility and a hefty list of other quest prerequisites. However, the real challenge lies in the boss fight against the Phantom Muspah.
For players with little PvM experience, this fight can be a steep learning curve. The boss has a unique shield phase where it activates a Soul Split–style mechanic, healing itself every time it successfully hits you. To counter this, players must switch to Smite prayer and use enchanted sapphire bolts, requiring quick and precise prayer and gear switches under pressure.
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7. Sins of the Father
At number seven, we find Sins of the Father, a quest known for its challenging final boss: Vanstrom Klause. This fight is particularly brutal, as Vanstrom can combo players for massive damage in seconds.
Without decent gear and supplies, defeating Vanstrom Klaus is a formidable task and often requires multiple attempts to learn the mechanics. For those new to PvM, this quest represents a significant hurdle, demanding both preparation and skill.
6. A Night at the Theatre
A Night at the Theatre is a unique quest that essentially serves as a solo/story-mode run of the Theatre of Blood, interspersed with lore elements. The reason this quest ranks so high is due to the sheer difficulty of ToB for inexperienced players.
If you’re attempting this quest solo, brace yourself for a grueling challenge. The bosses and mechanics here require precise timing, strong gear, and a deep understanding of the fight patterns. However, with a team or experienced friends, the quest becomes significantly easier.
5. Monkey Madness II
Monkey Madness II sits at number five, combining demanding skill requirements and a long quest length. With a 69 Slayer and 70 Crafting requirement, the grind to even start this quest can be tedious, especially for Ironman players.
The final boss fight introduces mechanics that were groundbreaking at the time of release. Players must perform both prayer and gear switches, while also adapting to Demonic Gorillas, who became iconic mid- to high-level PvM enemies.
4. While Guthix Sleeps
While Guthix Sleeps is one of the longest and most ambitious quests in OSRS, requiring a hefty 180 quest points just to begin. The skill and quest requirements alone make it a daunting undertaking.
The quest features several unique boss encounters, including Surok Magis and the Balance Elemental, both of which demand intense focus, prayer switching, and strong gear setups. For many, this quest stands out as one of the most epic and punishing journeys in the game, both in terms of length and difficulty.
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3. Dragon Slayer II
Ranking third is the epic Dragon Slayer II. This quest is notorious for its high skill requirements, including 75 Magic, 70 Smithing, and 68 Mining, as well as 200 quest points needed to begin.
The quest takes you across Gielinor in a sweeping storyline. The final boss, Galvek, is infamous for being unforgiving—one mistake can result in instant death, especially for Hardcore Ironmen. This brutal finale, combined with the quest’s length and requirements, cements DS2’s reputation as one of the hardest quests in OSRS.
2. Song of the Elves
Song of the Elves is often regarded as the most difficult quest to even start, especially for Ironman players. The skill requirements are staggering, demanding almost every combat and support skill at high levels.
This quest concludes the legendary elf questline and ranks among the longest in OSRS. The final boss, Seren, is considered one of the most difficult quest bosses, requiring expert knowledge of mechanics, precise timing, and high-end gear.
Although some players use the phoenix necklace method to reduce the difficulty, for most, this quest remains a colossal challenge.
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1. Desert Treasure II
Claiming the crown as the hardest quest in OSRS is Desert Treasure II. This Grandmaster quest combines extensive skill and quest requirements with a gauntlet of some of the toughest bosses in the game.
The bosses you face in this quest are:
Vardorvis
The Leviathan
Duke Sucellus
The Whisperer
Each fight demands mastery of mechanics, rapid prayer and gear switching, and excellent resource management. Combined with the quest’s length and complexity, Desert Treasure II is widely regarded as the ultimate test of skill and endurance in OSRS questing.
FAQs About OSRS Quests
Q: Which quest has the highest skill requirements in OSRS?
A: Song of the Elves holds the record for the highest skill requirements, demanding almost every skill at a high level.
Q: What makes Desert Treasure II the hardest quest?
A: The combination of extreme requirements and its four brutal boss fights makes DT2 the hardest quest in OSRS.
Q: Are these quests especially tough for Ironman accounts?
A: Yes. Limited access to supplies and gear makes these quests even more challenging for Ironmen.
Q: Can I complete A Night at the Theatre solo?
A: It’s possible, but very difficult. Having a team makes it much more manageable.
Q: What rewards are worth the effort?
A: Recipe for Disaster gives Barrows Gloves, Desert Treasure II unlocks Ancient Magicks upgrades, and other quests grant access to new areas, gear, and lore.
Final Thoughts
These quests represent the pinnacle of challenge in Old School RuneScape. From grueling skill requirements and lengthy quest chains to punishing boss fights, they push players to their limits. Whether you’re an Ironman grinding solo or a veteran adventurer chasing achievements, conquering these quests is one of the greatest accomplishments in OSRS.
“ GameBoost - Kristina joined GameBoost in 2024 as an SEO specialist and quickly became the go-to writer for third-person shooter and competitive games. She covers titles like Fortnite, Valorant, FC 25, League of Legends, GTA 5, and Roblox, focusing on how-to guides, practical tips, and updates.”
