Last Updated: March 19, 2026
Overview
If you’re an Ironman looking to pick up a Rune Scimitar early, Zamorak Warriors are the fastest way to get one.
Fire giants are the method you’ll see recommended most often, but they’re actually a much slower option. Zamorak Warriors have a similar combat level but less than half the Hitpoints at just 45 HP. The drop rate is 1/50 compared to 1/128 for fire giants, and Zamorak Warriors can be safespotted — meaning you can kill them with zero supplies once you’re in position.
Requirements
There are no hard requirements for this method. You just need to be able to deal magic or ranged damage and reach the ZMI altar cave south of Ardougne.
Recommended stats:
- 17+ Magic (for bolt spells)
- Some food for the initial pull
Location
Zamorak Warriors are located inside the cave on the path to the ZMI (Ourania) altar, south of Ardougne.
Getting there:
- Fastest: Ourania Teleport on the Lunar spellbook (72 Magic + Lunar Diplomacy)
- Alternative: Spirit tree to Khazard Battlefield, then walk south
- Budget: Walk from Ardougne or the Monastery (closer if you’ve completed any Ardougne diary tier)
Once you arrive at the altar entrance, head down the ladder and into the cave.
Strategy
Gear Setup
Since you’ll be safespotting, bring your best magic or ranged gear. Magic is the better option at lower levels because it generally hits harder against the Zamorak Warrior’s low defences.
What to bring:
- Amulet of magic
- Basic mage robes or whatever magic bonus gear you have
- Runes for a bolt spell (or best available spell)
- A few pieces of food for the initial pull
- A weapon to autocast with if available
The Safespot
Once you climb down the ladder, there is an NPC here that acts as a bank which costs runes to use, but it’s there if you need it.
Head south until you find a Zamorak Warrior. Attack him and drag him over to the lava crater. He may hit you a few times while you’re pulling him into position, which is why you brought some food.
Once he’s positioned on the other side of the lava, you can safely attack him from across the crater until he dies. He can’t reach you and will just stand there taking damage.
The warrior respawns in about 20 seconds in the same spot. Just repeat the process: pull, safespot, kill.
With a 1/50 drop rate and kills taking under a minute each, most players will have their Rune Scimitar within 30–60 minutes.
FAQ
Is this better than fire giants for a Rune Scimitar?
Yes. Zamorak Warriors have a 1/50 drop rate compared to 1/128 for fire giants, less than half the Hitpoints, and can be safespotted. It’s faster by a wide margin.
What level should I be before trying this?
You can do it with fairly low stats since you’re safespotting, but 50+ Magic will make kills fast enough that it’s worth your time. Any lower and kills may be slow.
Can I use ranged instead of magic?
Yes, ranged works fine. Magic tends to be slightly better at low levels because of how accuracy works against the Zamorak Warrior’s defences, but either method will get the job done.
How long does it take to get the drop?
With a 1/50 drop rate and kills taking well under a minute, expect to spend around 30–60 minutes on average. Some players get lucky earlier, some go a bit dry.
Do I need to complete any quests?
No quests are required. You just need to be able to reach the ZMI cave. The Ourania Teleport is convenient but completely optional.
