One of the enduring quests in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) that has captured the attention of both newcomers and seasoned adventurers alike is the Shield of Arrav quest. This quest is not only intriguing due to its narrative involving the infamous thief, Tristan Penrose, but also because of the unique mechanics and teamwork required to complete it. In this in-depth guide, we will explore five secrets to master this quest, making your journey through Varrock and beyond more efficient and enjoyable.
Secret 1: Understanding the Quest Basics
Before diving into the intricacies of the Shield of Arrav quest, it's essential to understand its basic mechanics:
- Quest Start: Speak to Reldo in the Varrock Castle library to initiate the quest.
- Objective: Recover the shield of Arrav, split into two halves, from the Black Arm Gang and Phoenix Gang.
Steps to Follow:
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Choose Your Side: You will need to join either the Black Arm Gang or the Phoenix Gang.
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Black Arm Gang:
- Go to the south entrance of Varrock and speak with Charlie the Tramp outside the Phoenix Gang's hideout.
- He'll give you directions to the Black Arm Gang base.
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Phoenix Gang:
- Head to Varrock Square, talk to Straven to join the gang.
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Infiltrate the Rival Gang:
- Black Arm Gang Members: Get the help of a Phoenix Gang member to recover the second half.
- Phoenix Gang Members: Steal the intelligence report from the Black Arm Gang and disrupt their plans.
Tips for Choosing Your Side:
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Pro Tip: Joining the Phoenix Gang can be slightly easier for solo players as it requires less teamwork.
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Note: Make sure to trade with a member of the opposite gang to get the other half of the shield. Use forums or in-game chat to find a partner.
Secret 2: Teamwork and Communication
Shield of Arrav stands out because it's not a quest you can complete entirely by yourself:
- Finding a Partner: Utilize the game's chat system, forums, or quest partners to find someone who has chosen the opposite gang.
- Trade Items: After obtaining your half of the shield, trade with your partner to get the other half.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls:
- Lack of Communication: Regularly communicate with your partner to ensure neither of you gets stuck.
- Wrong Items Traded: Ensure you are both clear about what items are needed to avoid confusion.
Pro Tip:
<p class="pro-note">๐ Pro Tip: Add your quest partner to your friends list for easy communication and future trading.</p>
Secret 3: Efficient Exploration
Navigating through the cities of Varrock, Lumbridge, and Edgeville can be daunting for new players:
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Know the Layouts:
- Varrock: Understand where key locations like the library, the hideouts, and the armour shop are located.
- Lumbridge: Be aware of the castle where you can find useful quest items.
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Teleportation:
- Use Varrock Teleport spells or teleports from the Varrock Stone to minimize travel time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Missing Key Areas: Overlook the importance of exploring places like the Varrock Sewers or the Thieves' Guild.
Pro Tip:
<p class="pro-note">๐ฃ Pro Tip: For faster travel, use the lodestones once you've activated them in each city.</p>
Secret 4: Combat Strategies
While the Shield of Arrav quest doesn't focus heavily on combat, there are still moments where it's unavoidable:
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Gear Up: Ensure you have adequate weapons, food, and potions. Low-level players might want to bring a friend to handle any unexpected foes.
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NPC Interactions: Some quest interactions might require you to lure or evade NPCs.
Key Points:
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Stalling NPCs: Use techniques like ranged attacks from afar or distractions to keep NPCs away from your path.
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Fight or Flight: Know when to engage in combat and when to escape or hide.
Pro Tip:
<p class="pro-note">โ๏ธ Pro Tip: If you're struggling, consider upgrading your combat gear through crafting or smithing skills for a better chance against enemies.</p>
Secret 5: Completion Rewards and Beyond
Completing the Shield of Arrav quest unlocks several benefits:
- Quest Points: Add to your total for eventual completion of all OSRS quests.
- Shield: Display the shield as a symbol of your success.
Additional Benefits:
- Rune Mysteries Quest: This quest is a prerequisite for furthering your exploration in RuneScape.
Pro Tip:
<p class="pro-note">๐น Pro Tip: Keep the shield, as it might become part of future collections or achievements.</p>
Recapitulation:
Mastering the Shield of Arrav quest involves not just understanding the steps but also embracing the teamwork, exploration, and strategic gameplay that OSRS demands. With these secrets in hand, your journey through Varrock to uncover the shield's mystery will be smoother, more enjoyable, and enriched with the lore of RuneScape.
As you delve into these secrets and unlock the wonders of the Shield of Arrav, remember that OSRS is a game of community and exploration. Your adventure doesn't end here. There are countless other quests, skills, and secrets waiting to be discovered.
<p class="pro-note">๐ฏ Pro Tip: Don't forget to check out related tutorials on player forums for additional strategies and partnerships for future quests!</p>
<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I complete the quest without joining a gang?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>No, joining either the Black Arm Gang or the Phoenix Gang is essential as the quest mechanics require you to work with or against these groups.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What if I can't find anyone to trade with for the other half of the shield?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Use the Old School RuneScape community boards, in-game chat, or forums to find a player willing to trade their half of the shield.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Do I need to have any specific combat levels to complete the quest?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>While combat is minimal, it's wise to have some combat experience or gear to handle low-level enemies if you need to engage in combat.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Is there anything I can do with the shield after the quest?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>The Shield of Arrav can be displayed in your Player Owned House as a decoration and is part of certain achievement collections.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I start the Shield of Arrav quest if I've not completed Rune Mysteries?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can start this quest regardless of your progress with Rune Mysteries, but completing it will unlock further quests.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>