If you're new to OSRS or just starting to explore Barrows, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to efficiently run the Barrows minigame - from preparation, combat tactics, puzzle tips, to maximizing your OSRS gold rewards.

What is the Barrows Minigame?

Barrows is a combat-oriented minigame located in the southwestern part of Morytania. Players delve into the crypts of six legendary Barrows brothers - powerful undead warriors who guard some of the most sought-after armor sets in the game. The goal is to defeat all six brothers and then solve a crypt puzzle to reach the treasure chamber, where you can earn unique Barrows equipment and other valuable rewards.

The minigame combines combat, resource management, and puzzle-solving, offering a thrilling experience for players who enjoy strategy and risk versus reward gameplay.

Why Do Barrows?

Barrows is a popular activity for several reasons:

Unique and Powerful Gear: The Barrows sets, including items like the Dharok's, Verac's, Ahrim's, and Torag's armor, are highly valued for their combat bonuses and unique effects.

Good Profit Potential: Beyond the armor, the chest loot can include valuable runes, bolt racks, and other rare items.

Combat Training: Barrows offers excellent combat XP, especially in Magic and Melee, thanks to the variety of enemies and bosses.

Exciting Challenge: The crypt puzzles and different combat styles of each brother keep gameplay engaging.

Preparing for the Barrows Minigame

Required Skills

You don't need extremely high levels to start Barrows, but some skill recommendations will improve your success rate:

Combat stats around 50+ for Attack, Strength, Defence, Ranged, and Magic.

Prayer level 43+ to use Protect from Melee, Ranged, or Magic prayers.

Some quest completions can help, such as Priest in Peril to access Morytania.

Recommended Gear and Inventory

Barrows is combat-heavy, so your equipment and inventory setup matter:

Armor: Wear gear that boosts your combat style. Many players prefer ranged or magic because some Barrows brothers are vulnerable to those styles.

Weapons: Use a strong melee weapon like a whip or godsword, a ranged weapon like a blowpipe or crossbow, and a magic weapon such as a Trident or Ancient Staff.

Inventory Setup:

Food: Sharks, manta rays, or better.

Prayer potions or super restore potions to maintain prayers.

Teleport tablets or runes for quick escape.

Spade: Essential for digging on Barrows mounds.

Energy potions for stamina boosts.

Recommended Prayers

Prayer plays a critical role in surviving Barrows fights. Here are commonly used prayers:

Protect from Melee: Use against melee-based brothers like Dharok and Verac.

Protect from Missiles (Ranged): Use against ranged attackers like Karil.

Protect from Magic: Use against magic attackers like Ahrim.

Piety / Rigour / Augury: Boosts your combat stats, depending on your style.

Starting the Minigame: Entering the Barrows

Head to the Barrows area southwest of Morytania. When you arrive, you'll see six distinct Barrows mounds, each corresponding to a brother.

Digging and Fighting

Use your spade to dig at each mound. Doing so will either:

Start a fight with the Barrows brother inside the crypt, or

Reward you with some loot if the brother was already defeated that day.

The goal is to defeat all six brothers. Each brother uses different combat styles and special attacks, requiring you to adapt your strategy.

The Barrows Brothers and Their Combat Styles

Ahrim the Blighted (Magic)

Uses powerful magic attacks and ranged spells. Use Protect from Magic or strong melee/ranged attacks to counter him.

Dharok the Wretched (Melee)

Deadly melee fighter whose damage increases the lower his HP. Protect from Melee is essential here.

Guthan the Infested (Melee)

Uses melee attacks and heals himself with a special attack. Use Protect from Melee and high DPS to finish quickly.

Karil the Tainted (Ranged)

Uses ranged attacks and poisonous bolts. Protect from Missiles prayer is recommended.

Torag the Corrupted (Melee)

Melee attacker with a high defense. Protect from Melee and patience are key.

Verac the Defiled (Melee)

Notable for ignoring your armor and prayers. This makes Verac one of the toughest brothers. Use constant high damage and good food to survive.

Navigating the Barrows Crypt Puzzle

After defeating the brothers, you'll need to solve a puzzle in the crypts below the mounds to reach the treasure chest.

The Puzzle

Each crypt room has multiple doors, but only one leads forward while others loop you back or spawn monsters. The correct path is semi-randomized each run, so memorization alone won't help.

Tips for Solving the Puzzle:

Bring a method to deal with the monsters inside the crypt, like ranged or magic.

Use trial and error, noting which doors lead forward.

Be patient and ready to fight extra monsters on wrong paths.

Some players use guide videos or external maps to speed up the process.

Loot and Rewards

The treasure chest in the crypt rewards players with a randomized selection of:

Barrows equipment (armor pieces and weapons)

Runite ore and bars

Bolt racks and runes

Coins and seeds

Other miscellaneous loot like jewelery

Barrows Set Pieces

The most coveted rewards are the Barrows sets, each with unique combat bonuses. Here's a quick overview:

Dharok's Set: High damage with low health synergy.

Verac's Set: Ignores armor and prayers.

Ahrim's Set: Magic-based set with offensive spells.

Karil's Set: Ranged-focused with poison effects.

Guthan's Set: Healing abilities during combat.

Torag's Set: Defensive set with high armor bonuses.

Efficient Strategies for Barrows

1. Use Ranged or Magic to Start

Many players start fights with ranged or magic attacks from the stairs leading down to the crypt to minimize damage from brothers.

2. Pray Protectively

Always use the right protection prayer according to the brother's attack style to reduce damage.

3. Manage Resources

Bring enough food and prayer potions. Prayer drains quickly, especially with protection prayers active.

4. Keep an Eye on Your Health

Verac's special attacks ignore armor and prayers, so always have high-healing food ready.

5. Quick Runs

Experienced players aim to run Barrows in under 10 minutes for optimal profit/hour.

Tips for New Players

Start with low-risk gear to get used to mechanics.

Watch tutorial videos to learn the brothers' attack patterns.

Consider joining clans or groups for help.

Don't worry about OSRS gold buy on early runs; focus on mastering the process.

Conclusion

The Barrows minigame in OSRS offers a rewarding mix of combat, strategy, and puzzle-solving that remains popular years after its introduction. By preparing adequately, learning the brothers' weaknesses, and understanding the crypt puzzles, you can efficiently farm Barrows equipment and enjoy some of the game's best combat challenges.

Whether you're a new player stepping into the crypts for the first time or a veteran aiming to optimize your loot runs, mastering Barrows is a rewarding achievement that combines skill, strategy, and patience.