Table of Contents
Why Waterfall Quest is Crucial for Ironmen
For any OSRS player, especially an Ironman, the Waterfall Quest is a rite of passage. It grants a significant chunk of experience in both Attack and Strength, which is invaluable for early-game progression. This XP boost can often help you skip lower-level combat training, allowing you to jump straight into more demanding content or achieve higher combat stats much faster. For speedrunners, it’s one of the first major quests that can be completed efficiently and offers a substantial reward that impacts your early game. Getting this done quickly sets the stage for faster questing and combat training down the line.Pre-Quest Preparation: Gear and Stats
Before you even think about clicking on the quest start, proper preparation is key to any successful speedrun. For an Ironman attempting Waterfall Quest, this means optimizing your gear and ensuring you meet the minimal stat requirements.- Stats: While there are no strict level requirements, having at least 20-30 Attack and Strength will make combat encounters significantly faster and easier. Defense is less critical for this specific run, but higher is always better.
- Gear:
- Weapon: The best one-handed slash weapon you can wield. A Rune Scimitar is ideal if you have the stats and ability to acquire one.
- Shield: If you opt for a slash weapon, a shield isn't strictly necessary but can help if you misclick or get unlucky with combat.
- Amulet: An Amulet of Power or Strength will provide a small boost.
- Food: Bring a few low-healing items like Sardines or Trout. You won't need much if your combat stats are decent.
- Runes: If you have access to the "Superheat Item" spell and an inventory slot to spare, it *can* sometimes be faster to superheat ores for early smithing, but for a pure quest speedrun, focus on combat gear.
- Quest Items: You'll need to acquire the Fishingexplosive and Greegree before starting. These are obtained during the quest itself, but knowing you need them is part of the prep.
For an Ironman, acquiring these items efficiently is part of the challenge. Always check the Grand Exchange or your bank first to avoid unnecessary trips.
The Speedrun Strategy: Step-by-Step
Now, let's break down the actual quest run. The goal here is to minimize travel time and downtime. Every second spent walking or waiting is time lost.- Starting the Quest:
- Head directly to Jossik in the Tzhaar City library (east of the Grand Exchange).
- Speak to him to initiate the quest. He will tell you to speak to Narnie the Wizard.
- Narnie and the G Mujer-Axe:
- Teleport to Varrock or run south to the Mining camp and head east towards the Wizard's Tower.
- Find Narnie north of the Wizard's Tower. She'll give you the G Mujer-Axe.
- Equip the G Mujer-Axe immediately.
- The Waterfall and the Quest Items:
- Travel to the Waterfall. The quickest route is often teleporting to Castle Wars, running south, and then heading east. Alternatively, use a Gnomecopter to Feldip Hills and run north.
- Navigate through the caves to the Waterfall's summit.
- You'll need to defeat the two Jungle Spiders. These are relatively weak.
- Once defeated, collect the Fishingexplosive and the Greegree (which you'll use later).
- Dealing with the Djinn:
- With the Fishingexplosive in hand, return to the base of the Waterfall.
- Use the Fishingexplosive on the rocks blocking the cave entrance.
- Enter the cave and defeat the Djinn. It's a relatively simple fight.
- Loot the Djinn's main element.
- Monkey Madness Prep (for the Greegree):
- Now, head to Ape Atoll. The fastest way is often via a Fairy Ring (code DKP) or by using a G Mujer Ball to teleport to the G Mujer Village and running across the bridge.
- On Ape Atoll, you'll need to use the Greegree you acquired earlier to transform into a monkey. This bypasses the need to fight the guards.
- Find the Waterfall Temple ruins on Ape Atoll.
- Speak to the Monkey Chef to get the final item.
- Returning to Jossik:
- With all items collected, make your way back to Jossik in Tzhaar City.
- Hand over the Djinn's main element.
- Quest Complete!
Remember, the order of operations is crucial. Don't get the Fishingexplosive if you haven't spoken to Narnie yet, as it might take up valuable inventory space.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Even with a solid strategy, OSRS speedruns can go awry. Here are some common mistakes and how to sidestep them:- Inventory Management: Running out of space for quest items is a classic mistake. Always prioritize quest items and only bring the absolute minimum food.
- Getting Lost: Familiarize yourself with the routes. Knowing the quickest paths to the Waterfall, Wizard's Tower, and Ape Atoll can save you minutes.
- Combat Failures: Dying to the spiders or the Djinn will cost you significant time. Ensure your combat stats are adequate, or bring a few extra high-healing food items if you're struggling.
- Forgetting the Greegree: Trying to get to Ape Atoll without the Greegree transformation will lead to a frustrating encounter with the guards, costing valuable time.
- Teleport Cooldowns: If you're relying on teleports, be mindful of their cooldowns. Plan your route to minimize backtracking and waiting.
Optimizing Further: Advanced Tips
For those aiming for the absolute top times, here are some advanced strategies:- Pre-Farming Items: If you can acquire the Fishingexplosive or have early access to specific teleports (like a direct ring to the Elf City, though unlikely for an Ironman), you can save time.
- Efficient Movement: Master run energy management. Use the "walk here" function sparingly and only when necessary.
- World Hopping (if applicable): For specific item spawns or to avoid crowded areas, strategic world hopping can sometimes be beneficial, though it's less common for quest speedruns.
- Keybinds and Hotkeys: For PC players, using efficient hotkeys for gear switching, inventory access, and spellcasting can shave off crucial milliseconds.
The OSRS speedrunning community is always innovating. Check platforms like Speedrun.com for the latest world records and strategies for Waterfall Quest and other challenges.
Preguntas Frecuentes
Q1: What is the fastest way to get to the Waterfall for the quest?
A1: For an Ironman, the most consistent methods involve teleporting to Castle Wars and running east, or using a Gnomecopter to Feldip Hills and running north. Advanced players might use specific fairy rings if available.
Q2: Do I need any specific quest items before starting Waterfall Quest?
A2: No, you acquire the necessary items like the Fishingexplosive and Greegree *during* the quest. However, ensure you have enough inventory space.
Q3: What combat level is recommended for an Ironman doing Waterfall Quest?
A3: While technically doable at a very low level, having at least 20-30 Attack and Strength will make the combat encounters much smoother and faster. Higher is always better.
Q4: How long does a typical Waterfall Quest speedrun take for an Ironman?
A4: For experienced players aiming for a PB, a Waterfall Quest speedrun can range from under 10 minutes to around 15 minutes, depending on efficiency and RNG.
Q5: Is there an easier way to get to Ape Atoll?
A5: Using the Greegree to transform into a monkey is the intended and easiest way for speedrunners. Without it, you'll face heavy resistance from guards.