Today, we're diving deep into one of the most lucrative activities in Old School RuneScape (OSRS)—killing Zulrah. Known as the "money snake" for a reason, Zulrah is a consistent source of over 100,000 GP per kill. Whether you're a seasoned player or an Ironman looking to stack up on supplies, Zulrah remains a staple in the OSRS community.
In this article, I'll walk you through my 10-hour Zulrah grind, showcasing the loot I gathered and the setups I used. I'll also discuss two popular methods for killing Zulrah: the hybrid Magic and Range setup and the Bofa (Bow of Faerdhinen) ranged-only method. Let's get into the details!
Why Zulrah?
Zulrah is one of OSRS's most accessible bosses, offering consistent profits regardless of your method or setup. The unique drops, such as Zulrah's scales and various rare items, are valuable for both main accounts and Ironmen. Additionally, Zulrah's diverse drop table, including supply drops, makes it an ideal boss for anyone looking to make consistent OSRS gold or stock up on crucial supplies.
Magic and Range Setup
For most of my 10-hour session, I opted for a hybrid Magic and Range setup, which is versatile and effective against Zulrah's various phases.
Gear Setup
• Helmet: Serpentine Helm or Tanzanite Helm (provides venom protection and strong defensive stats).
•Magic Armor: Ahrim's Robes, Eternal Boots, Occult Necklace, and a Tormented Bracelet for boosting magic damage.
•Magic Weapon: Trident of the Swamp with a Mage's book or Arcane Spirit Shield.
•Range Armor: Karil's Leather Top, Ancient Chaps (as a substitute for Karil's Skirt), Necklace of Anguish, Armadyl Boots, and Barrow gloves.
•Range Weapon: Bow of Faerdhinen (Bofa). If you don't have Bofa, a Blowpipe or a Rune Crossbow can work as budget alternatives.
Inventory Setup
•Ranged gear at the top for easy access.
•Ranging potion and a few prayer potions.
•Teleports: Zulrah Teleport or a Fairy Ring (Code: BJS).
•Manta Rays and Karambwans for healing and combo eating during tough phases.
Zulrah Fight Breakdown
1. Getting to Zulrah: The most efficient way to reach Zulrah is by using Zulrah teleports, which you accumulate over time by killing the boss. Alternatively, use the Fairy Ring code BJS (remember it as "Big Juicy Snake") and run east.
2. Starting the Fight: Upon entering the arena, activate your Augury prayer for a magic bonus and prepare for the initial phase. My setup involves starting with magic gear equipped to deal with Zulrah's green form, which is vulnerable to magic attacks.
3. Phase Rotation: As the fight progresses, Zulrah will switch between its various forms (green, blue, and red). Each form requires different prayers and gear switches:
•Green Form: Attack with Magic and pray against Ranged.
•Blue Form: Switch to Range and pray against Magic.
•Red Form: This is the melee form, where you need to be cautious. Switch back to Magic and continue attacking, but be ready to move quickly to avoid taking damage.
4. Tips and Tricks:
•Tile Markers: These help in positioning yourself optimally to avoid damage from the toxic clouds and in anticipating Zulrah's movements.
•Ring of Suffering: Its recoil effect is crucial for dealing with Zulrah's minions (snakelings) without wasting time switching targets.
•Combo Eating: Utilize Karambwans with Manta Rays to double-eat and minimize the risk of being overwhelmed during tough phases.
Bofa-Only Method
For those who prefer a more laid-back approach, the Bofa-only method is a great alternative. This method is simpler as it doesn't require constant gear switches, making it more beginner-friendly.
Gear Setup
•Helmet: Full Crystal Armor (Crystal Helm, Crystal Body, and Crystal Legs) paired with the Bow of Faerdhinen.
•Cape: Ava's Assembler or Ranging Cape.
•Ring: Ring of Suffering for recoil damage and extra defense.
•Boots: Armadyl Boots for extra Ranged strength.
•Amulet: Necklace of Anguish for maxing out your Ranged damage.
Inventory Setup
•Antivenom+ to negate poison and venom damage.
•Ranging potion to boost your Ranged attack.
•A few prayer potions to maintain protection prayers and offensive prayers like Rigor.
•Teleports and food (Karambwans and Manta Rays) for healing.
Bofa-Only Fight Breakdown
1. Pre-fight Preparation: Drink your Antivenom+ and Ranging potion before entering the arena. Keep Rigor prayer activated throughout the fight.
2. Engaging Zulrah: The beauty of this method is its simplicity. You'll use the Bofa to attack Zulrah regardless of its phase. This method is less intensive because you don't need to switch between Magic and Ranged, nor do you need to change prayers as frequently.
3. Efficiency: While Bofa-only can feel slower during Zulrah's melee phase, it excels during the Ranged and Magic phases. The Bow of Faerdhinen hits hard and consistently, making the fight relatively quick and smooth.
4. Simplicity: This method is perfect for players who want a more relaxed experience. It's also great for learning Zulrah, as you can focus on movement and positioning without worrying about constant gear switches.
Results: 10 Hours of Zulrah
After 10 hours of killing Zulrah, here's a breakdown of my results:
•Total Kills: 216 kills, averaging around 21.6 kills per hour.
•Total GP Earned: 30.7 million GP from all drops combined.
•Unique Drops: 1 unique item (consistent with Zulrah's drop rate).
•Zulrah Scales: Approximately 50,000 scales were gathered, with around 10-12K used during the grind for recharging the Serpentine Helm and Trident of the Swamp.
Final Thoughts
Zulrah remains one of the most profitable and consistent money-making methods in OSRS. Whether you opt for the Magic and Range hybrid setup or the Bofa-only method, the boss offers valuable drops and consistent GP. For Ironmen, the supplies from Zulrah are invaluable, helping you progress in various aspects of the game, from herblore to construction.
If you're looking to maximize your profit, mastering Zulrah is a skill well worth your time. Not only will you make a substantial amount of GP, but you'll also improve your gear-switching and positioning skills—crucial for many other bosses in OSRS.
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RSorder Team