In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), Slayer is one of the most popular and rewarding skills, offering players valuable combat experience and access to exclusive drops. However, not all Slayer tasks are created equal. Some tasks are notorious for being slow, frustrating, or unprofitable, which can significantly slow your overall Slayer progress and reduce your enjoyment.

 

Thankfully, OSRS provides players the option to block Slayer tasks - effectively refusing certain monsters so they won't be assigned again. Properly managing your blocked tasks can optimize your Slayer efficiency, increase your profits for OSRS gold, and make your gameplay smoother and more enjoyable.

 

In this guide, we will explore the best tasks to block in OSRS, explaining why you should consider blocking them and offering advice on how to tailor your task list to your playstyle and goals.

 

Understanding Slayer Task Blocking

Before diving into specific tasks to block, it's important to understand how Slayer task blocking works:

 

Slayer Masters: When you receive a Slayer assignment from a Slayer Master, you can refuse the task without penalty (a "skip") or you can block the task using Slayer points (earned from completing tasks).

 

Blocking Tasks: Using Slayer points, you can block specific Slayer tasks permanently or temporarily, depending on the Slayer Master and the game mechanics.

 

Task Blocking Limits: You can block a limited number of tasks (usually up to 5), so it's important to choose wisely.

 

Benefits: Blocking undesirable tasks means you'll spend more time on tasks you find profitable or enjoyable, reducing downtime and increasing your overall Slayer efficiency.

 

Criteria for Blocking Tasks

Not every task deserves to be blocked. Consider blocking tasks based on:

 

Low Experience per hour

 

Slow kill speed

 

Dangerous or frustrating mechanics

 

Unprofitable drops

 

High travel time

 

Low task length or tedious requirements

 

Top Tasks to Consider Blocking in OSRS

Here's a list of some of the best tasks to block, widely agreed upon by the OSRS community and supported by experience and profit data.

 

1. Spiders

Why block? Spiders, especially Giant Spiders, are very low level with poor experience rates and almost no valuable drops.

 

Drawbacks: Very slow kills and tedious to kill in large quantities.

 

Better alternatives: Blocking spiders allows you to get higher-level tasks with better experience and loot.

 

2. Banshees

Why block? While Banshees offer decent Slayer experience, they require you to use earmuffs or a Slayer helmet with a muffler to block their deafening scream attack, which can be cumbersome.

 

Drawbacks: They have annoying mechanics, low drop value, and are generally slow.

 

Better alternatives: Block to focus on more efficient, safer tasks.

 

3. Kalphites (Workers and Soldiers)

Why block? Kalphite Workers and Soldiers have low Slayer experience and drop very little valuable loot.

 

Drawbacks: They are often slow kills and require trips into the Kalphite Hive, which can be time-consuming.

 

Better alternatives: Blocking them increases your chances of getting Kalphite Queens or other high-value tasks.

 

4. Cockatrice

Why block? Cockatrices require a special anti-poison or a Dragonfire shield and can be dangerous for lower-level players.

 

Drawbacks: Slow kills, some annoying mechanics, and little profit.

 

Better alternatives: Block to reduce dangerous or tedious tasks.

 

5. Spiritual Creatures (Spiritual Warriors, Mages, Rangers)

Why block? Spiritual Creatures, although sometimes profitable, have low experience rates and are slow to kill.

 

Drawbacks: They require special weapons (like the Leaf-bladed weapons) to efficiently kill, which many players prefer not to use.

 

Better alternatives: Blocking these tasks helps get faster, more profitable Slayer monsters.

 

6. Pyrefiends

Why block? Pyrefiends drop items that are mostly useless and provide low experience rates.

 

Drawbacks: Slow kills and their attacks can be annoying.

 

Better alternatives: Blocking these tasks helps you focus on higher XP or more profitable monsters.

 

7. Abyssal Demons

Why block? Despite Abyssal Demons being profitable and having decent Slayer XP, many players choose to block them because they want to avoid the dangerous Abyssal Area or have already farmed them extensively.

 

Drawbacks: Some players find them repetitive or prefer other tasks with better drops.

 

Better alternatives: This is more a personal choice; blocking Abyssal Demons can free up task slots for more enjoyable monsters.

 

8. Dust Devils

Why block? Dust Devils have relatively low XP and drops and require you to wear the Slayer helmet with an anti-dragonfire shield or use the Smoke Devil Horn.

 

Drawbacks: Their attacks can be annoying, and kills are slow for some players.

 

Better alternatives: Blocking Dust Devils can increase chances for better tasks like Gargoyles or Greater Demons.

 

9. Turoths and Kurasks

Why block? These tasks require the use of a Leaf-bladed weapon or special weapons, and drops are generally low in value.

 

Drawbacks: Their poison attacks can be a nuisance and kills are somewhat slow.

 

Better alternatives: Blocking these allows for more lucrative tasks.

 

10. Hellhounds

Why block? Hellhounds provide low XP and drops and are considered tedious by many players.

 

Drawbacks: They have low combat levels and do not provide efficient Slayer progress.

 

Better alternatives: Blocking Hellhounds makes room for higher-level and better-rewarding tasks.

 

Additional Tips for Blocking Tasks

Check Your Slayer Points and Goals

You earn Slayer points from completing tasks, which you spend to block tasks. If you're an efficient Slayer player who completes many tasks quickly, you'll accumulate points faster and can afford to block multiple undesirable tasks.

 

Use the Slayer Helmet (i)

The Slayer helmet (imbued) reduces damage and boosts accuracy against assigned tasks. This can make some "annoying" tasks more bearable, so consider your gear setup before deciding to block. You can also buy OSRS gold to increase your gear.

 

Consider Your Combat Level and Playstyle

Some tasks are best avoided if your combat level or gear is low. Blocking tasks that require special weapons or mechanics you dislike helps maintain a smooth gameplay experience.

 

Reevaluate Periodically

As you gain levels and unlock better gear, some tasks that were previously slow or difficult may become much easier and more profitable. Don't be afraid to unblock tasks if your preferences change.

 

How to Block Tasks in OSRS

Earn Slayer Points: Complete Slayer tasks assigned by Slayer Masters like Duradel, Nieve, or Konar.

 

Visit a Slayer Master: Use your Slayer points to block tasks by selecting the "Manage Slayer Tasks" option.

 

Select Tasks to Block: You can block up to 5 tasks per Slayer Master. Blocking a task costs 20 Slayer points.

 

Confirm Blocking: Once blocked, those tasks won't be assigned again until you unblock them.

 

Conclusion

Blocking the right Slayer tasks can significantly enhance your OSRS Slayer experience by removing slow, tedious, or unprofitable monsters from your task pool. This allows you to focus on faster, more rewarding tasks - increasing your Slayer XP per hour and your gold per hour.

 

While the list above highlights the most commonly blocked tasks, remember that blocking tasks is a personal choice based on your combat level, gear, goals, and preferences. Use Slayer points wisely, tailor your blocked list to your playstyle, and enjoy a more efficient and rewarding Slayer journey.