RuneScape Slayer Guide, Strykewyrms

The February 8^th, 2010 RuneScape update introduced Strykewyrms into RuneScape. Continuing the trend for new content for high level players, this update gives high level slayers three new slayer creatures, two new masks, and a new weapon.

There are three types of Strykewyrms; Jungle Strykewyrms, Desert Strykewyrms, and Ice Strykewyrms. Each has their separate location, required slayer level, and location. Refer to RuneScape Strykewyrm Slideshow for a slideshow of the strykewyrms in action.

Jungle Strykewyrms are found north of Mobilizing Armies. They appear as mounds in the ground and RuneScape players with the required slayer level or assignment can search the mound to find and attack the Jungle Strykewyrm. Jungle Strykewyrms require level 73 slayer to kill and are level 110 combat.

Desert Strykewyrms are found east of Al Kharid. Bring waterskins; do not go through Shantay pass. Instead, hop the style east of Al Kharid palace and walk east. Yellow dots on the map will indicate the strykewyrms, visible as mounds in the sand. Desert Strykewyrms are level 130 combat and require level 77 slayer to kill.

Ice Strykewyrms are the hardest of all strykewyrms and are an assignment unique to Kuradal. Ice Strykewyrms can only be killed if they are a RuneScape player's current slayer assignment. According to other RuneScape players, Ice Strykewyrms are accessed by entering the cave discovered during Tale of the Muspah quest (quest completion required) and heading east. It is unclear what requirements are needed for the RuneScape player to actually see the cave.

All strykewyrms attack with weak melee and magic attacks. Strykewyrms use a special attack that the RuneScape player has to watch out for; the strykewyrm will burrow underground and come up underneath the RuneScape player, dealing 30 damage to the player and any other player in the immediate vicinity. To avoid the special attack entirely, remain a few squares away from other RuneScape players and when the Strykewyrm burrows into the ground during an attack, run quickly a few squares away to dodge the attack.

All Strykewyrms drop summoning charms, runes, herb seeds, and noted herbs and items. By adding noted drops of items, notably herbs and herblore secondaries, Jagex seeks to create supply to meet the increased demand and the notes allow RuneScape players to obtain more of the items.

There are three items that are dropped. Jungle Strykewyrms drop Hexcrest which boosts the RuneScape player's magic strength vs. slayer monsters. Desert Strykewyrms drop Focus sight, which boosts the RuneScape player's ranged. Hexcrest and Focus Sight can both be added to a slayer helm to make a full slayer helm.

Ice Strykewyrms drop as a rare drop the Staff of Light. Staff of light, currently worth ten million on the Grand Exchange, has a one out of eight chance of saving runes used to cast a spell. Staff of light has melee stats comparable to a dragon weapon and a special attack that reduces melee damage done to RuneScape player by half for a minute. Level 75 attack and magic are required to wield staff of light. Due to the rarity of staff of light (Can only be obtained during slayer assignments) expect wealthy RuneScape players to merchant the item as a rare and drive up the price.

Sources: RuneScape high level slayer update; Strykewyrm guide, RuneScape slayer monster, Jungle Strykewyrm, RuneScape slayer monster, Desert Strykewyrm, and RuneScape slayer monster, Ice Strykewyrmby Hartford RuneScape Examiner.