🔍 OSRS: Basilisk Guide - Slayer Tasks, Drops & Tips!
Are you ready to delve into the depths of Gielinor's most challenging encounters? Then prepare yourself, as the world of Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers a unique, thrilling, and rewarding combat experience especially for those brave enough to confront the elusive Basilisk Knights!
The journey to master the art of slaying in OSRS is a long and winding one, but the rewards are immeasurable. Among the many creatures that populate this vast, ever-evolving world, the Basilisk Knight stands out as a particularly formidable foe. These creatures, found lurking within the Jormungand's Prison, beneath the Island of Stone, are a true test of a player's skill and preparation. Before even thinking about engaging, you must meet certain requirements, and, like many of the game's challenges, the journey to overcome the Basilisk Knight is as important as the victory itself.
Let's start by exploring the basics. Basilisk Knights are, first and foremost, a Slayer creature. This immediately introduces a layer of complexity, as it means a player must be assigned a task by a Slayer Master before they can even begin to fight them. This ensures that only those who have demonstrated a certain level of commitment and skill are able to take on these challenges. To get a task for Basilisk Knights, you'll need to reach level 60 Slayer, a feat that will take many hours of grinding and dedication. The slayer skill is a skill which combines combat, exploration, and the pursuit of specific tasks.
Beyond the Slayer level requirement, there's a quest completion requirement, adding further depth. Players must complete the Fremennik Exiles quest, before being able to engage with Basilisk Knights. This quest serves as a gatekeeper, forcing players to explore more of the game and experience other challenges before even attempting this particular one. Completing the Fremennik Exiles will open up a new area in the game, along with the chance to fight the Basilisk Knights.
But what of the fight itself? Much like other creatures in OSRS, the Basilisk Knights have specific mechanics players must understand and prepare for. Similar to Cockatrices and Basilisks, players must equip a Mirror Shield or the V's Shield during combat. Failing to do so will result in significant damage and a draining of your stats. The threat doesn't end there: These creatures also have a special attack. This can be prevented by equipping a Mirror Shield, Sunglasses, Mask of Reflection, Helm of Little Kings, Mask of Stone, or Helm of Petrification. Without the correct gear, players will find themselves swiftly overwhelmed.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Creature Name | Basilisk Knight |
Slayer Requirement | Level 60 Slayer |
Quest Requirement | Completion of the Fremennik Exiles |
Location | Jormungand's Prison, beneath the Island of Stone |
Required Equipment | Mirror Shield or V's Shield |
Additional Protection | Sunglasses, Mask of Reflection, Helm of Little Kings, Mask of Stone, or Helm of Petrification to prevent special attack |
Notable Drops | Basilisk Jaw (for Helm of Neitiznot upgrade), Basilisk Head |
Combat Style | Melee |
Other Details | Immune to Poison and Cannon attacks |
Superior Variant | Monstrous Basilisk (requires "Bigger and Badder" unlock) |
Reference | Old School RuneScape Wiki |
The lower-level cousin of the Basilisk Knight is the Basilisk. They require a Slayer level of 40 to be killed. Like their knightly brethren, they also require the use of a mirror shield. A player also needs a defense level of 20 to be assigned Basilisk slayer tasks, as this is needed to wield the shield. The Monstrous Basilisk is a superior variant of the Basilisk. The Monstrous Basilisk has a chance of spawning after purchasing the "Bigger and Badder" unlock for 150 Slayer reward points from any Slayer Master. Like their standard variant, a mirror shield or V's shield is required to safely engage them.
Players face the challenges of the game, and many seek the best way to maximize their experience and rewards. Many OSRS players, have reported frustration in obtaining Basilisk tasks. Despite purchasing unlocks and attempting to get tasks from various Slayer Masters, they still haven't been able to receive Basilisk assignments. The weighted system of tasks and random chance can, at times, make what should be a simple task, feel like a major undertaking. Still, the potential rewards make the wait worth it.
One of the main reasons for the popularity of the Basilisk Knight task is the potential to obtain the Basilisk Jaw, a rare drop that can be used to upgrade the Helm of Neitiznot into the Neitiznot Faceguard. The Jaw is a valuable and sought-after item. This upgrade significantly enhances the Helm of Neitiznot's defensive capabilities, making it a desirable item for many players, especially those engaged in high-level combat activities. It should be noted that the basilisk jaw drops at an extremely low rate (1/5000) when not on a basilisk slayer task. The Basilisk Knights offer not just combat challenges but also the potential to acquire valuable items.
The Basilisk Knights, introduced with the Fremennik Exiles quest, reside in Jormungands Prison. These fearsome foes, level 204 and require a Slayer level of 60 to engage. They are more than just a roadblock: they are an opportunity to advance your character. The drop table of a Basilisk Knight is better than that of a regular Basilisk. However, be prepared for the grind. Given the low drop rates, it's very possible to spend a significant amount of time fighting Basilisk Knights before seeing the desired drop.
Aside from the jaw, Basilisks and Basilisk Knights also have a chance to drop a Basilisk Head. The Basilisk Head is a rare drop that can be stuffed at the taxidermist in Canifis by using the item on her and paying 4,000 coins, returning a stuffed Basilisk Head. This makes for a nice bit of wall dcor. All of this information makes it clear that the Basilisk Knight is a creature not to be trifled with.
The Basilisk Knight is an advanced variant of the common basilisks. The creature boasts a very powerful attack, great stats, a very imposing superior variant, will require specific items for the player to fight, will also require the player to complete certain quests, and most importantly, this creature has the potential to drop one of the most expensive items in the game.
The keys to success in any Slayer task, including the Basilisk Knight, are preparation and knowledge. Understanding the mechanics of the fight is crucial:
- Gear Selection: As mentioned previously, the mirror shield (or V's Shield) is non-negotiable. You need to take a shield with you into the fight. The shield will protect you from their devastating special attack, which can quickly drain your stats and deal significant damage. Beyond that, the best gear will depend on your combat style and available resources. Consider gear that increases your attack and defense stats to help you survive and deal the most damage possible.
- Inventory Management: Make sure to bring a healthy supply of food, potions, and any other items you may need. This depends on your level, the length of the task, and your combat style. Having a sufficient supply will allow you to stay in the fight longer and potentially increase your chances of getting the drop you desire.
- Combat Strategy: Basilisk Knights are melee fighters. You will have to use your Melee skills to take down the creatures. You can use protection prayers, to assist you in the fight.
- Location: The Island of Stone and the Jormungand's Prison are the location where the Knight is found.
Ultimately, defeating the Basilisk Knight is not just about killing a monster. It's about a complete understanding of the game. The Basilisk Knight offers a great opportunity to hone your skills.


