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OSRS Best Slayer Guide: Tasks, Blocks, Unlocks, and XP Rates

Slayer is the skill that turns “random combat grinding” into real account progression. Instead of killing whatever is nearby, you get assigned a target, you learn the fastest way to clear it, and you get rewarded with points that let you shape your future tasks. Done right, Slayer becomes a loop that builds everything at once: combat levels, profit, useful unlocks, and access to monsters that you can’t even damage without the Slayer skill. But most players hit the same wall: they’re doing slow tasks too often, they spend points on the wrong unlocks, and their block list doesn’t match their actual goal (XP, money, or points). This guide fixes that. You’ll learn how tasks are chosen, what to block and why, which unlocks matter first, how task extensions work, and what XP rates are realistically possible as you level up.

May 18, 202613 min read

How Slayer XP Really Works


Slayer XP is awarded when you kill the assigned monsters, and your XP per hour is basically a math problem:

  • XP per kill (based on the monster) × kills per hour = Slayer XP per hour
  • Then your real XP/hour gets adjusted by how much time you lose to:
  • traveling
  • banking
  • repositioning
  • slow spawns or competition
  • using the “wrong” combat style for the task

That’s why two players on the same task can have totally different results. The fastest Slayer training is not just “pick good tasks.” It’s build a task list where you frequently get fast tasks,

and then run each task in the fastest practical way you can maintain


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Pick a Goal First: XP, Profit, or Points


Every Slayer setup is a tradeoff. Before you touch your points, decide which of these you care about most right now:

  • Fast XP: You want to level Slayer quickly, even if it costs money or skips profitable options.
  • Profit: You’re okay with slower XP if the tasks build your bank and upgrade your account.
  • Points: You want points for unlocks, skipping, extending, and shaping your task list long-term.

Most accounts rotate between goals:

  • early game: points + unlocks
  • mid game: fast XP
  • late game: profit + bosses (or fast XP if you’re chasing 99)

If you try to do all three at once, you end up with a confused block list that doesn’t excel at anything.



Slayer Masters and When to Switch


Slayer Masters matter because they determine:

  • which tasks you can be assigned
  • how often you get certain tasks (weighting)
  • how many points you receive

The general progression is:

  • Low combat: use early Masters to build the first streak and unlock basics
  • Mid combat: move up as soon as you can handle tougher tasks comfortably
  • High combat: stick to the Masters that best match your goal (XP vs profit vs points)

A simple rule that keeps you safe and efficient:

  • If a Master regularly assigns tasks that are too hard, too slow, or too annoying for your current gear and stats, you are not “behind” for switching—you’re being smart.



Slayer Points and Streak Strategy


Slayer points are earned through completing tasks, and you only start receiving points after completing your first five tasks. Bonus points are awarded at streak milestones (like every 10th, 50th, 100th, etc.), and higher-level Slayer Masters award more points.

This creates a huge strategy opportunity:

  • Streaks are valuable, because milestone tasks are where points spike.
  • Skipping wisely is often better than suffering through slow tasks, because slow tasks waste hours and reduce your long-term progression.


Skip vs Block: The difference that changes everything

  • Skipping a task removes your current assignment for a points cost, and you move on.
  • Blocking a task permanently removes that task from your assignment pool (until you unblock it), also for a points cost, but with additional requirements.

Skipping is for “sometimes annoying.”

Blocking is for “this task ruins my Slayer.”



How Blocking Works (Requirements and Limits)


Blocking is powerful, but it isn’t free.

Key rules you should know:

  • You must have 50 quest points and 100 Slayer points, and you must be assigned the task you want to block.
  • Block slots scale with your quest points:
  • Up to 5 blocks through quest points (one per 50 quest points up to 250)
  • A 6th block slot becomes available after completing the Lumbridge & Draynor elite diary (which requires a quest point cape)

If you’re early in your account, don’t panic that you “only” have a few blocks. A smart early Slayer plan is:

  • block the biggest pain tasks first
  • use skips for the rest until your block capacity grows



The Best Unlock Order (Points Spending Roadmap)


This is the biggest mistake most players make: spending points on “cool” unlocks instead of the unlocks that multiply XP and quality-of-life.

Below is a safe, practical unlock order that works for most players.


Step 1: Unlock Superiors early

Bigger and Badder (150 points) unlocks superior Slayer monsters, which can spawn while on task. This matters because superiors give a large chunk of Slayer XP and are tied to valuable rare drops over time.

For most accounts, this is one of the best early purchases because it adds value to many tasks without changing your routing.


Step 2: Unlock the Slayer helmet

Malevolent masquerade (400 points) lets you assemble a Slayer helmet (requires 55 Crafting, boosts work). On-task, it provides a 16.67% melee accuracy and damage boost. If you create the imbued version, it also provides a 15% accuracy and damage boost for magic and ranged on task.

This is one of the strongest “Slayer speed” upgrades in the entire skill because it improves nearly every task you do.


Step 3: Unlock task-shaping tools

Once you have the core power upgrades, your next priority is shaping tasks:

  • Build blocks for your worst tasks (100 points each)
  • Keep points available for skipping (30 points per skip)

A Slayer account that can freely skip and block will progress faster than an account that “tanks every assignment.”


Step 4: Unlock broader fletching only if you need it

Broader fletching (300 points) unlocks broad ammo crafting options. This is useful for certain Slayer monsters that require specific damage methods, but it isn’t always your first priority if you’re focused purely on XP.


Step 5: Unlock “Like a boss” when you’re ready

Like a boss (200 points) allows boss tasks from specific high-level Masters (excluding certain bosses). This is a profit and variety unlock more than a pure XP unlock. Buy it when:

  • you have the gear, stats, and confidence to boss consistently
  • you actually want bossing as part of your Slayer identity


Step 6: Avoid “task unlock” traps unless you truly want them

Some unlocks exist mainly to add tasks to your pool (example: unlocking certain dragons or special creatures). These can be great if you love those tasks, but they can also dilute your assignment pool and reduce your average XP/hour.

If your goal is fast Slayer XP, you should be cautious about adding slow tasks to your list.



Task Extensions: What to Extend (And What Not To)


Task extensions increase the number of monsters you’re assigned for specific tasks. Extensions are only good when the task is good for your goal.

Extend tasks when:

  • they’re among your fastest XP tasks
  • they’re your best profit tasks
  • they’re your favorite AFK tasks

Do not extend tasks when:

  • you frequently skip them
  • they’re annoying to travel to
  • they’re slow and you only do them to protect your streak

Examples of extension unlocks include:

  • extending certain classic mid/high-level tasks (like dust devils, bloodvelds, nechryaels, abyssal demons, and more)
  • extending niche tasks you only want if you’re profit-focused

The mindset is simple: extensions make good tasks show up “bigger.” That’s great if you love the task. It’s a nightmare if you don’t.



The Two Bracelets That Quietly Improve Slayer


These two items are small upgrades that add up massively over hundreds of tasks:

  • Expeditious bracelet: 25% chance for a kill to count as two kills toward your assignment (no extra Slayer XP from the “extra” count). Great for speeding up tasks you don’t like.
  • Bracelet of slaughter: 25% chance for a kill to not count toward your assignment while still giving Slayer XP. Great for extending tasks you do like.

They both only need to be worn at the moment the monster dies, which is useful because you can keep your preferred gloves on for most of the fight.

If you’re serious about Slayer efficiency, these bracelets are one of the most practical “skill-shaping” tools you can use.



Skips, Blocks, and the Best Way to Build Your Block List


A perfect block list is different for every account because it depends on:

  • which Slayer Master you use
  • whether you use magic for multi-target tasks
  • whether you want profit or XP
  • whether you have specific unlocks or quest access

So instead of copying a random list, use this rule-based method:


Block Rule #1: Block high-weight tasks that are slow for you

Task weighting means “how often a Master assigns a task.” If a task is slow and shows up constantly, it kills your average XP/hour.


Block Rule #2: Block tasks that you refuse to do

If you always skip it anyway, block it and save points long-term.


Block Rule #3: Block tasks that have bad travel time

A “fine” task becomes terrible if it takes forever to reach.


Block Rule #4: Use skips for everything else

Skips are your flexible tool. Blocks are your permanent tool.



Example Block Lists (Practical Starting Points)


These are not “the only correct answers.” They’re templates you can adapt based on your Master and your goals.

XP-Focused Block List Template

If you want fast XP, you typically block tasks that are:

  • slow kills per hour
  • awkward mechanics
  • bad spawn density
  • consistently low XP/hour

Common XP-focused blocks and skips often include slower dragon tasks, slow specialty monsters, and clunky “annoying” assignments—especially when they show up frequently.


Profit-Focused Block List Template

If your goal is money, you block tasks that are:

  • bad loot
  • high supply drain with weak drops
  • time-consuming for little return

You may keep slower tasks if they’re consistent profit or unlock profitable boss variants.


Points-Focused Block List Template

If you are farming points (for upgrades or future skipping freedom), you prioritize:

  • fast task completion
  • minimal travel
  • minimal supply drain

This strategy often pairs with using a low requirement Master for quick tasks and a higher point Master at key streak milestones.



Realistic XP Rates: What You Can Expect


XP rates depend heavily on your stats, gear, and how you run each task. But it’s still useful to have a realistic range, because Slayer is a slow skill unless you set it up correctly.

Below are example XP/hour numbers from a high-level task analysis, which shows how huge the gap is between “fast tasks” and “slow tasks.”

Top-tier XP tasks (when using optimized multi-target methods)

  • Smoke devils: up to around 120k Slayer XP/hour with high-efficiency magic methods
  • Dust devils: around 75k Slayer XP/hour with high-efficiency magic methods
  • Dagannoths: around 80k Slayer XP/hour in optimized setups
  • Kalphites: around 65k Slayer XP/hour in optimized setups
  • Suqahs: around 55k Slayer XP/hour in optimized setups
  • Trolls: around 50k Slayer XP/hour in optimized setups

These are the tasks that often become “extend-worthy” for XP-focused players because they pull your average up dramatically.


Solid mid-tier XP tasks

  • Bloodvelds: around 45k Slayer XP/hour
  • Fire giants: around 43k Slayer XP/hour
  • Greater demons: around 38k Slayer XP/hour
  • Aberrant spectres: around 35k Slayer XP/hour
  • Gargoyles: around 31k Slayer XP/hour (often chosen for profit more than speed)

These are “fine” tasks, but they don’t carry your XP rate the way the best tasks do.


Common low XP tasks (often skipped for speed)

  • Cave kraken: around 15k Slayer XP/hour
  • Skeletal wyverns: around 10k Slayer XP/hour
  • Certain metal dragon tasks often show low XP/hour results (commonly listed around the mid-20k range in the same analysis)

This is why blocks matter. If your Master assigns low XP tasks frequently, your average Slayer XP/hour collapses.



Fast Slayer Strategy by Level (Simple Roadmap)


Slayer feels very different at different points in the skill.

Early Slayer (1–50): Build points and unlock basics

Your focus should be:

  • get a streak going
  • unlock the core upgrades that speed up the skill
  • avoid getting trapped into slow tasks you can’t handle

Early Slayer is not about perfect XP/hour. It’s about building a system.


Mid Slayer (50–80): Start shaping your task list

This is where your block list starts to matter a lot. You should be:

  • blocking your worst high-weight tasks
  • learning which tasks you can clear quickly
  • building a consistent points buffer so you can skip without stress


High Slayer (80–99): Specialize into XP or profit

At high Slayer, you should commit to one of these identities:

  • fast XP Slayer: extend the best XP tasks, skip slow ones aggressively
  • profit Slayer: prioritize valuable tasks and boss variants, accept lower XP/hour
  • boss Slayer: use boss-task unlocks and pursue long-term rare drops and upgrades

A strong high Slayer account can also rotate between these styles depending on mood and goals.



How to Get More Points Without Hating Slayer


Points are the fuel for everything: blocks, skips, extensions, and unlocks. If you feel “stuck” because you’re always broke on points, use a points-focused phase.

Two popular points strategies are:

  • Streak milestone focusing: rushing easy tasks until your 10th task, then completing a high-level assignment for the bonus
  • High-point task styles: choosing a Master or method that’s known for stronger point income

You don’t need to do points methods forever. Do it until:

  • your block list is built
  • your key unlocks are bought
  • you have a comfortable points buffer for skipping

Then switch back to XP or profit.



Profitable Slayer: How to Make Money Without Killing Your XP


Profit Slayer is best when you choose tasks that offer:

  • consistent valuable drops
  • efficient kill speed
  • reasonable supply cost

A common profitable strategy is:

  • keep your “money maker tasks”
  • skip or block tasks that are both slow and low loot
  • consider boss variants only when you can do them smoothly (because slow bossing can destroy your real GP/hour and XP/hour)

The smartest profit players keep a simple rule:

If a task feels like a chore and doesn’t pay well, it doesn’t belong in your task pool.



Convenience Upgrades That Save Hours


Some Slayer upgrades aren’t “damage upgrades.” They’re time upgrades, and time is your real resource.

Examples of convenience upgrades that can be worth it:

  • ways to check tasks and manage them more easily
  • teleport and routing upgrades that reduce travel time
  • inventory upgrades that reduce banking (especially for seed and herb collection)

Even if an upgrade doesn’t increase your XP/hour directly, reducing travel and banking often improves your real results more than you expect.



Ironman Notes (What Changes for Self-Sufficient Accounts)


Ironman Slayer is still Slayer, but the priorities shift:

  • You care more about unlocks that reduce annoying mechanics and consolidate gear needs.
  • You care more about supply drain and restocking time.
  • You often prefer consistent, sustainable tasks instead of the most expensive speed methods.

A strong Ironman Slayer approach is:

  • unlock superiors early (long-term value)
  • build a sensible block list to avoid resource-draining tasks
  • prioritize tasks that feed your account (supplies, seeds, useful drops)



BoostRoom: Build the Perfect Slayer Setup for Your Account


If you want Slayer to feel simple and fast instead of messy and random, BoostRoom can help you build a clear Slayer plan based on your exact stats, quests, and goals.

With BoostRoom, you can get:

  • A personalized task strategy (XP vs profit vs points)
  • A Master choice plan that fits your combat level and unlocks
  • A clean block + skip list designed around task weighting and your preferred playstyle
  • An efficient unlock order so you stop wasting points
  • A realistic XP roadmap that tells you what to prioritize next

The result is a Slayer setup that feels controlled: fewer bad tasks, more good tasks, and steady progress every session.



FAQ


What should I spend my first Slayer points on?

Most players get the best long-term results by prioritizing superiors first, then the Slayer helmet unlock, then building blocks and maintaining a skip buffer.


How many points does it cost to skip or block a task?

Skipping typically costs 30 points, and blocking typically costs 100 points.


How many tasks can I block?

You can block up to five tasks through quest point milestones (up to 250 quest points), and a sixth block slot becomes available after completing the Lumbridge & Draynor elite diary.


What’s the fastest Slayer XP method overall?

The fastest Slayer XP generally comes from tasks that allow high-efficiency multi-target combat, especially with advanced magic methods on specific monsters.


Should I extend tasks?

Extend tasks only if you consistently do them and they match your goal (fast XP, profit, or AFK comfort). Extending a task you often skip is wasted points.


Are superiors worth unlocking early?

Yes. After unlocking Bigger and Badder, superior Slayer monsters can spawn on task and provide large Slayer XP and valuable long-term drop potential.


Do I need the Slayer helmet to train efficiently?

It’s one of the most impactful upgrades for Slayer speed because it provides a strong on-task accuracy and damage boost and combines multiple Slayer protections.


How do I stop getting “bad tasks” so often?

Use a block list built around high-weight slow tasks, and keep enough points to skip tasks that slip through. Your average Slayer XP/hour is mainly controlled by task selection.


Is Slayer better for money or XP?

Slayer can be excellent for both, but not at the same time. XP-focused Slayer often sacrifices profit, and profit-focused Slayer often sacrifices XP. The best approach is to specialize in phases.

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