OSRS Hunter Training Guide 2026: Best Methods, XP Rates & Costs

Hunter Training Overview

The August 19 Summer Sweep Up brought significant changes to Hunter training. Birdhouse XP was reduced by 40-60% depending on log type, but the nest rate was tripled. Deadfall traps are now much faster (8 ticks vs 15) with 75% log preservation and 2 traps allowed. Aerial fishing got a larger quick-catch area (7×7, up from 5×5) and +50% Molch Pearl chance. Falconry no longer holds you in place.

The best training path from 1-99 now includes: birdhouses for passive XP at any level, deadfall traps for active training at 15-43, aerial fishing at 43-73, and black chinchompas at 73-99. The Hunter Guild in Varlamore also offers a rumour-based training system for variety.

Birdhouse Method (Passive, All Levels)

Birdhouses remain the best passive Hunter training method. The August 19 changes reduced XP per roll by 40-60% but tripled the success rate, resulting in more consistent nests. The net effect is approximately 50% more nests per run but less XP. Birdhouses are still worth doing daily for the passive XP and nests.

The optimal birdhouse path: start with regular birdhouses at level 5, upgrade to oak at 14, willow at 25, teak at 34, maple at 44, mahogany at 54, yew at 59, magic at 66, and redwood at 74. Redwood birdhouses were unchanged by the update.

Deadfall Traps (Active, 15-43)

Deadfall traps received the biggest buff in the update. The catch time dropped from 15 ticks (9 seconds) to 8 ticks (4.8 seconds), nearly doubling the catch rate. The trap limit increased from 1 to 2 (Maniacal Monkeys remain at 1). There's a 75% chance to preserve the log when placing a trap. The XP per catch was reduced by 20-27%, but the faster catch rate means overall XP/hr is significantly increased.

The best deadfall training path: wild kebbits at level 15, barbed kebbits at 33, and prickly kebbits at 46. The prickly kebbit catch rate was significantly increased, making them a strong option for the 46-73 range.

Aerial Fishing (Active, 43-73)

Aerial fishing is now more accessible with the 7×7 quick-catch area (up from 5×5). The Molch Pearl chance was increased by approximately 50%, making the reward shop more accessible. The new Shark lure pack (100 lures for 1 Molch Pearl) provides a cheap lure option. The cost of the Fishing Sack was reduced from 1,000 to 500 pearls, and Angler's Outfit pieces from 100 to 50 pearls.

Optimal 1-99 Training Path

1-15: Birdhouses and Chompy bird kills (30 XP each). 15-43: Deadfall traps (wild kebbits at 15, barbed at 33). 43-73: Aerial fishing for Hunter XP and Molch Pearls. 73-99: Black chinchompas at the Feldip Hills (requires 73 Hunter, best XP/hr). Alternatively, use the Hunter Guild in Varlamore for rumour-based training for variety. The Hunter Guild offers a task-based system with bonus XP and guild points for rewards.