OSRS Treasure Trails & Clue Scrolls Guide

Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a game brimming with rich content, and one of the most beloved features among players is Treasure Trails. These are unique, rewarding, and often challenging quests where players solve a series of clues to uncover valuable loot, including some of the game's most coveted cosmetic items and powerful equipment. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Treasure Trails and Clue Scrolls in OSRS, from how to start them to the different types of clues and the OSRS gold you can expect.

What are Treasure Trails and Clue Scrolls?

Treasure Trails are a type of random event in OSRS, where players complete a series of clues that lead them to hidden treasures. The clues are given to players in the form of Clue Scrolls, which come in different tiers. Completing these Clue Scrolls can reward players with various treasures, including gold, experience, rare items, and unique cosmetic gear. The items obtained from Treasure Trails range from cosmetic items such as cosmetic armor sets, pets, and unique outfits to valuable and rare items such as 3rd Age equipment and Gilded armor.

The process of completing a Treasure Trail involves a mix of puzzles, riddles, and map reading, which can sometimes be difficult but are rewarding when solved. Players can tackle these challenges alone or work together with others by utilizing guides and online communities.

How to Start Treasure Trails

To begin your Treasure Trails journey, you first need to obtain a Clue Scroll. There are several ways to acquire Clue Scrolls in OSRS, and they come in varying difficulty levels, referred to as Easy, Medium, Hard, and Elite clues.

1. Earning Clue Scrolls

Killing Monsters: Many low-level to high-level monsters drop Clue Scrolls as loot. For example, monsters like Cave Crawlers, Hill Giants, and Maniacal Monkeys can drop Easy and Medium Clue Scrolls. More difficult monsters like Kree'arra or ZGS can drop Elite and Hard Clue Scrolls.

Treasure Trail Rewards from Quests: Some quests, like The Tale of the Righteous or Perils of Treasure, reward you with Clue Scrolls for progressing through the story.

Thieving: Players who are adept in thieving can also obtain Clue Scrolls by pickpocketing NPCs, often from Master-level NPCs in cities like Ardougne.

Purchasing from Other Players: Players who have completed Treasure Trails and don’t wish to continue may sell their Clue Scrolls in the market. This provides an avenue for players who want to take on specific difficulty levels.

Chests and Caskets: After completing specific objectives, you can receive Caskets from completing clues.

2. Opening a Clue Scroll

Once you’ve obtained a Clue Scroll, it will begin your Treasure Trail. To begin the journey, simply open the scroll to reveal your first clue, which could involve anything from deciphering riddles to solving puzzles. The clues in the scroll will often point to a specific location, NPC, or item, requiring exploration.

Types of Clue Scrolls

Clue Scrolls come in different difficulty tiers, each offering unique rewards. The tiers range from Easy to Elite, and each has its own set of clues and reward potential.

Easy Clue Scrolls

Difficulty: The easiest level of Clue Scrolls, suited for beginner players.

Clue Types: These clues are often based on simple riddles or item retrieval and may involve navigating around basic areas like Lumbridge, Varrock, or Falador. For example, a clue might say, "Climb the ladder in the Lumbridge Swamp," or "Speak to Shantay in the Desert."

Rewards: Easy Clue Scrolls offer modest rewards, typically consisting of coins, low-level armor, runes, and cosmetic items such as gold-trimmed armor. There is a chance to obtain rare treasure like Rune items and Pet items.

Medium Clue Scrolls

Difficulty: Medium Clue Scrolls are a step up from the Easy ones, requiring more exploration and puzzle-solving.

Clue Types: The clues are often more involved and may require items from specific quests or locations like Karamja or Seers’ Village. You may be required to decipher complicated riddles or coordinate your movements with a more precise location or NPC.

Rewards: Medium Clue Scrolls have better rewards than the Easy ones, including Rune items, Gilded armor, cosmetic rewards, and a chance at better-quality pet rewards.

Hard Clue Scrolls

Difficulty: These clues require advanced knowledge of the game’s geography, as well as solving puzzles and interacting with higher-level NPCs.

Clue Types: These clues may ask players to locate rare NPCs, use special items, or interact with specific locations that may be harder to access. Hard clues might involve complicated puzzles like cipher text, where players must use their skills to interpret riddles and codes.

Rewards: Hard Clue Scrolls have much higher-quality rewards, including 3rd Age items, Gilded Armor, Ranger Boots, Pet rewards, and rare Treasure Trails items.

Elite Clue Scrolls

Difficulty: The most challenging tier, designed for experienced players with a high level of skill and game knowledge.

Clue Types: Elite clues often involve advanced puzzles, difficult riddles, and boss fights. These clues may also require you to tackle multi-step tasks that involve navigating through dangerous areas, performing complicated puzzles, or completing endgame content.

Rewards: Elite rewards include the rarest items in the game, such as 3rd Age items, Rare cosmetic armor, Gold-trimmed armor sets, and special exclusive pets. Elite Clue Scrolls also grant access to high-tier items like Ranger Boots and Armadyl gear.

Clue Scroll Puzzles and Challenges

There are several types of puzzles and challenges you’ll encounter when solving Clue Scrolls. Some of the most common ones are:

Riddles

These require you to solve riddles that direct you to a specific location or NPC. For example, a riddle may ask you to find a certain NPC based on clues like "The one who guards the farm east of Varrock" (leading you to Farmer Fred in Varrock).

Anagram

This puzzle requires unscrambling letters to form the name of a location or NPC. For example, "ACIREX" could be an anagram of "Exirec", referring to a specific area in the fishing area.

Map Clues

Some Clue Scrolls will provide a map that leads you to a specific location in OSRS. You’ll need to carefully follow the map’s landmarks and directions to find the hidden chest or treasure.

Cryptic Clues

These involve puzzles that require advanced game knowledge or some outside help, often involving decoding clues that may require more in-depth exploration.

Coordinate Clues

Some Clue Scrolls will give coordinates (i.e., X, Y) on a world map. You’ll need to use the coordinates and figure out where the clue leads. You may be tasked with locating a specific NPC or solving a puzzle at a given spot.

Rewards from Treasure Trails

Completing a Treasure Trail and opening a Casket can reward you with various items. The rewards vary greatly depending on the difficulty level of the Clue Scroll and the rarity of the item dropped. Below are some of the common rewards from each tier:

Easy Clue Scroll Rewards

Gold-trimmed armor

Cosmetic items like Hat or Cape

Coins, Runes, or Low-level Rune items

Medium Clue Scroll Rewards

Gilded armor

Rune items (Rune Platebody, Rune boots, etc.)

Pets, including Baby chinchompas

Cosmetic outfits

Hard Clue Scroll Rewards

3rd Age Armor and Weapons (One of the rarest cosmetic items)

Ranger Boots (One of the best items for Ranged builds)

Gilded armor

High-value consumables

Elite Clue Scroll Rewards

3rd Age equipment

Gilded armor

Pets

Exclusive treasure, including Amulet of the Damned

Tips for Completing Clue Scrolls

Use Guides: If you’re stuck, don’t hesitate to consult guides. The OSRS community offers extensive resources, including guides, calculators, and videos to help you.

Maximize Rewards: Some players use methods like alchemy to convert extra materials or buy rare resources.

Preparation: Always ensure you have the necessary gear, potions, and supplies for completing your Clue Scrolls efficiently.

Work in Teams: If you're facing a difficult or dangerous location, consider teaming up with other players to share the load.

Conclusion

Treasure Trails and Clue Scrolls are one of the most rewarding and engaging features in Old School RuneScape. From solving riddles to uncovering 3rd Age gear, rare cosmetics, and exclusive pets, Clue Scrolls are a thrilling way to buy RuneScape gold and earn unique rewards in the game. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced veteran, the world of Treasure Trails offers endless opportunities for adventure and profit.

By following this guide and improving your skills in puzzle-solving and game exploration, you can become a master of Clue Scrolls and enjoy all the rewards that come with it. Happy adventuring!