OSRS Ironman Hunter Rumours: Best Block Lists & XP
Hunter Rumours (46+ Hunter, Varlamore) are Slayer-like contracts with massive XP potential. Use block lists to narrow task pool: Teco Expert (72-91) for balanced XP + Herbiboar herbs (160-200k XP/hr), or Aco Expert for pure XP (235k XP/hr). Always block Sabre-toothed Kyatt first (slowest task). Earn guild hunter outfit, blessed bone shards for prayer, and Quetzin pet.
Hunter Rumours are a game-changing Slayer-like training method for Hunter introduced with Varlamore. With optimal block lists, you can achieve 160-250k XP/hour while earning valuable supplies for prayer, herblore, and exclusive rewards like the Quetzin pet.
At a glance:
- Requirements: 46 Hunter, access to Hunter Guild (Varlamore)
- Best XP: Aco Expert block list (235k XP/hr, 24 tasks/hr at 99)
- Best for ironmen: Teco Expert (160-200k XP/hr + Herbiboar herbs + prayer supplies)
- Essential unlock: Basic quetzal whistle at 10 rumours (guild teleport)
- Key rewards: Guild hunter outfit, blessed bone shards, Quetzin pet
What Are Hunter Rumours?
Hunter Rumours are a Slayer-like assignment system from the Hunter Guild in Varlamore’s Avium Savannah. Players receive assignments to track down specific creatures across Gielinor, hunt them until obtaining a rare creature part, then return to the guild for Hunter XP and loot sacks containing valuable supplies.
Requirements to Start
- Minimum: 46 Hunter (unboostable)
- Location: Hunter Guild, Avium Savannah, Varlamore
- Access: Children of the Sun quest completion, 30 Herblore, 27 Construction
- Unlock: Speak to Guild Scribe Verity in the Burrow (underneath main guild building)
How They Work
- Speak to a Guild Hunter in the Burrow to receive a rumour assignment
- Travel to the creature’s location across Gielinor
- Hunt the creature using the appropriate method (box trap, falconry, deadfall, tracking, etc.)
- Continue until you obtain the rare creature part (a jingle plays when received)
- Return to Hunter Guild to turn in the part for XP and a loot sack
Average completion time: 8-10 minutes per rumour
XP Formula: (Hunter Level + 5) × Tier Multiplier
Rumour Tiers and Unlock Levels
| Tier | Level Required | XP Multiplier | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Novice | 46 | 50 | None |
| Adept | 57 | 50 | None |
| Expert | 72 | 55 | None |
| Master | 91 | 60 | At First Light quest completion |
Example XP Calculation:
- Level 80 Hunter, Expert tier: (80 + 5) × 55 = 4,675 XP per rumour
- Level 99 Hunter, Master tier: (99 + 5) × 60 = 6,240 XP per rumour
Block Lists: The Key to Optimization
Block lists are the core mechanic that transforms Hunter Rumours from mediocre to exceptional training.
How Block Lists Work
Core Mechanic: Guild hunters will not assign a rumour that’s already assigned by another guild hunter.
Strategy: Accept unwanted rumours from different hunters and leave them incomplete. These “block” those tasks from being assigned by your primary hunter, narrowing their assignment pool to only high-value creatures.
How to Set Up a Block List
- Start with Huntmaster Gilman (Novice tier) - He has the largest rumour pool, giving the most flexibility
- Accept your first unwanted rumour (e.g., Sabre-toothed Kyatt - always block this first)
- Move to the next tier hunter and accept another unwanted rumour
- Continue until you’ve blocked all poor tasks
- Use your chosen primary hunter for active assignments
CRITICAL: Always start your block list with Gilman first. If you accept tasks from other hunters before Gilman, you reduce your blocking options.
Number of Blocks Available
You can have up to 5-6 block slots depending on your level:
| Guild Hunter | Tier | Level Req | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntmaster Gilman | Novice | 46 | First block (largest pool) |
| Guild Hunter Cervus | Adept | 57 | Second block |
| Guild Hunter Ornus | Adept | 57 | Third block |
| Guild Hunter Aco | Expert | 72 | Fourth block |
| Guild Hunter Teco | Expert | 72 | Fifth block |
| Guild Hunter Wolf | Master | 91 | Sixth block |
Optimal Block Lists by Level
Early Game (46-56 Hunter - Novice Tier)
At this stage, don’t worry about complex block lists. Focus on:
- Completing any rumours from Gilman
- Building to 10 completions for basic quetzal whistle (essential for teleports)
- Learning the system
Decent Novice creatures:
- Dashing Kebbit (69 Hunter) - Good food source
- Grey Chinchompa (53 Hunter) - Reasonable XP
- Orange Salamander (47 Hunter) - Accessible with 4 traps
Mid-Game (57-71 Hunter - Adept Tier)
Recommended setup:
- Primary Hunter: Guild Hunter Cervus (Adept)
- Blocks: Pyre Fox (via Ornus), Sabre-toothed Kebbit (via Gilman)
- Available tasks: 2 higher-value rumours
Focus: Build towards 72 Hunter for Expert tier, where block lists become highly impactful.
Late-Game Expert (72-90 Hunter) - BEST FOR IRONMEN
Teco Expert Block List (Balanced Approach):
| Guild Hunter | Assignment | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Gilman (Novice) | Sabre-toothed Kyatt | Block worst creature |
| Cervus (Adept) | Spotted Kebbit | Block slow falconry |
| Ornus (Adept) | Pyre Fox | Block slow deadfall |
| Aco (Expert) | Grey Chinchompa | Block Aco’s entire pool |
| Teco (Expert) | Active assignments | Your primary hunter |
Available from Teco:
- Herbiboar (80+ Hunter) - Herbs for Herblore
- Moonlight Moth (75+ Hunter) - Prayer restoration (22 Prayer per moth)
- Sunlight Moth (65+ Hunter) - Fast completion, good XP
- Red Chinchompa (63+ Hunter) - High XP
- Dashing Kebbit (69+ Hunter) - High-healing food
- Tecu Salamander (79+ Hunter) - Good XP
Expected rates: 160-200k XP/hour + valuable herb and prayer supplies
Why this is best for ironmen:
- Access to Herbiboar for herb supply (herbs scale with Herblore level)
- Moonlight moths for prayer restoration during PvM
- High XP rates (only slightly lower than pure XP focus)
- Expert loot sacks with noted herbs (4 per roll at 1/15 chance) and blessed bone shards
Late-Game Expert (72-90 Hunter) - PURE XP FOCUS
Aco Expert Block List:
| Guild Hunter | Assignment | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Gilman (Novice) | Sabre-toothed Kyatt | Block worst creature |
| Cervus (Adept) | Spotted Kebbit | Block slow task |
| Ornus (Adept) | Pyre Fox | Block slow task |
| Teco (Expert) | Herbiboar | Block Teco’s entire pool |
| Aco (Expert) | Active assignments | Your primary hunter |
| Wolf (Master) | Sunlight Antelope | Block slow pitfall (if 91+) |
Available from Aco:
- Red Chinchompa (63+ Hunter) - Highest XP per task
- Orange Salamander (47+ Hunter) - Fast completion
- Sunlight Moth, Moonlight Moth, other high-XP creatures
Expected rates: 235,000 XP/hour and 24 rumour completions/hour at 99 Hunter
Why this is fastest:
- Narrowest pool (7 rumours) means frequent Red Chinchompa assignments
- Red chinchompas are fastest to complete with box traps
- No slow pitfall/deadfall/tracking tasks
- Maximum tasks per hour
Endgame Master (91-99 Hunter)
Wolf Master Block List (Supplies + Great XP):
| Guild Hunter | Assignment | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Gilman (Novice) | Sabre-toothed Kyatt | Block worst creature |
| Aco (Expert) | Grey Chinchompa | Block Aco’s pool |
| Teco (Expert) | Sunlight Moth | Block Teco’s pool |
| Wolf (Master) | Active assignments | Your primary hunter |
Available from Wolf (3 tasks only):
- Red Chinchompa - Highest XP
- Moonlight Moth - Prayer restoration
- Tecu Salamander - High XP
- Moonlight Antelope - Best hunter food
- Dashing Kebbit - Food + run energy
- Sunlight Antelope (if not blocked)
Expected rates: 240,000+ XP/hour + Master loot sacks
Why Wolf is endgame choice:
- Master loot sacks - Best supplies (noted herbs at 1/15 for 4 herbs, sun-kissed bones worth 225-270 Prayer XP each)
- Still excellent XP rates
- Access to Moonlight Moth for prayer restoration
- Sun-kissed bones from sacks for prayer training
Creatures to Always Block
If you can block these, you should (prioritized):
1. Sabre-toothed Kyatt (55 Hunter)
- Method: Pitfall trapping
- Why block: Slowest task in the game, requires knife/logs/rope inventory, terrible XP/time
- Always block first via Gilman
2. Spotted Kebbit (43 Hunter)
- Method: Falconry
- Why block: Requires travelling to falconer, renting falcon (500 GP), slow completion, inconvenient
3. Pyre Fox (57 Hunter)
- Method: Deadfall trap
- Why block: Slowest Adept tier task, poor XP, annoying inventory requirements
4. Sunlight Antelope (72 Hunter)
- Method: Pitfall trapping
- Why block: Slowest Expert/Master tier task, only useful for hunters’ sunlight crossbow upgrades (niche item)
5. Sabre-toothed Kebbit (51 Hunter)
- Method: Deadfall trap
- Why block: Slow completion, poor rewards
High-Value Creatures (Don’t Block)
Red Chinchompa (63 Hunter)
- Tiers: All (Novice, Adept, Expert, Master)
- Method: Box trap
- Why hunt: Best XP rates, useful chinchompas for Ranged training, Baby chinchompa pet chance (1/95,898)
- Why never block: Fastest completion, highest XP/hour
Herbiboar (80 Hunter)
- Tiers: Novice, Expert (Teco only)
- Method: Tracking (Fossil Island)
- XP Rate: 115-128k Hunter XP/hr, 3,300 Herblore XP/hr with magic secateurs
- Why hunt: Best herb source for ironmen, herbs scale with Herblore level (up to torstols), Herbi pet chance (1/6,500)
- Why block: Only if pure XP-focused using Aco Expert
Moonlight Moth (75 Hunter)
- Tiers: Novice, Expert, Master
- Method: Butterfly net + jar (barehanded at 85)
- Why hunt: Restores 22 Prayer points on catch/release, moonlight moth mix ingredients (2-dose, 22 Prayer/dose)
- Special: Extremely valuable for ironmen - prayer restoration without prayer potions
Tecu Salamander (79 Hunter)
- Tiers: Novice, Expert, Master
- Method: Net trap
- XP Rate: 150k XP/hr at 99 Hunter
- Why hunt: Very high XP, fast completion, rare tecu salamanders worth 200K+ GP
Dashing Kebbit (69 Hunter)
- Tiers: Novice, Expert, Master
- Method: Tracking with hunter pouch
- Why hunt: Dashing kebbit meat is 3rd highest healing food (heals 16 HP), restores 10 run energy
- Useful for: Ironmen needing food sources
Rewards and Loot Sacks
Hunters’ Loot Sacks
Each completed rumour rewards a tier-specific loot sack:
| Sack Tier | Average Value | Key Contents |
|---|---|---|
| Basic (Novice) | 5,567 GP | Hunter meats, logs, basic herbs |
| Adept | 17,374 GP | Improved herbs, furs |
| Expert | 22,774 GP | Noted herbs (4 per roll, 1/15), blessed bone shards |
| Master | 27,512 GP | High-tier noted herbs, sun-kissed bones, blessed bone shards |
Rare drops from loot sacks:
- Guild hunter outfit pieces (1/50 from Adept+ sacks)
- Huntsman’s kit (stores 32 different hunter equipment types)
- Enhanced/Perfected quetzal whistle blueprints
- Quetzin pet (Expert+ sacks only, 15x more common at 200m Hunter XP)
Guild Hunter Outfit
How to obtain: 1/50 from hunters’ loot sacks (Adept tier or higher)
Pieces: Headwear, top, legs, boots (received in order)
Benefits:
- Full set: +2.5% catch rate for all Hunter creatures
- Full set: +5% chance of receiving rare creature parts from rumours
- Full set: -5% pity threshold for rare parts
Pity system: Rare creature parts become guaranteed after going twice the base drop rate (e.g., 1/20 becomes guaranteed at 40). Full outfit reduces this to 38 attempts.
Blessed Bone Shards
Obtained from: Expert and Master loot sacks
Prayer XP:
- 5 Prayer XP with blessed wine
- 6 Prayer XP with blessed sunfire wine
Accumulation rate: 20,000-30,000 banked Prayer XP per hour when combined with mining calcified rocks
Where to use: Libation Bowl in Civitas illa Fortis (Varlamore)
Why valuable for ironmen:
- Alternative to gilded altar (no dragon bones needed)
- Safer than Wilderness Chaos altar
- More AFK than traditional prayer training
- Excellent for mid-level prayer (43-70) before consistent dragon bone sources
See: Prayer training guide for blessed bone shards usage
Milestone Unlocks
| Rumours Completed | Reward |
|---|---|
| 10 | Basic quetzal whistle blueprint (free from Soar Leader Pitri) |
| 25 | Cooking unlocks (graahk, kyatt, pyre fox meats) |
| 50 | Additional cooking unlocks, tattered request note |
| 100 | Enhanced quetzal whistle blueprint (torn if not received) |
| 150 | Special chest key |
| 250 | Perfected quetzal whistle blueprint (torn if not received) |
Priority: Get basic quetzal whistle at 10 rumours ASAP. Unlimited teleports to Hunter Guild entrance makes all future rumours much faster.
Strategic Optimization
XP-Focused Approach (Pure Speed)
Best Setup: Aco Expert block list (72-91 Hunter)
Strategy:
- Block Teco’s pool + Sunlight Antelope + slow creatures
- Available tasks: Red Chinchompa, Orange Salamander, high-XP moths
- Expected: 235,000 XP/hour, 24 rumour completions/hour at 99
When to use: Racing to 99 Hunter, don’t need supplies
Supplies-Focused Approach (Ironman Recommended)
Best Setup: Teco Expert block list (72-91 Hunter)
Strategy:
- Block Aco’s pool + Sunlight Antelope + slow creatures
- Available tasks: Herbiboar (herbs), Moonlight Moth (prayer), Red Chinchompa (XP)
- Expected: 160-200k XP/hour + valuable herb/prayer supplies
Why best for ironmen:
- Herbs from Herbiboar scale with Herblore level (ranarr, snapdragon, torstol at high levels)
- Moonlight moths provide prayer restoration for PvM (better than prayer potions early-mid game)
- Still excellent XP rates (only 15-20% slower than pure XP setup)
- Expert loot sacks with noted herbs and blessed bone shards
Balanced Approach
Best Setup: Wolf Master block list (91+ Hunter)
Strategy:
- Block Aco and Teco pools to narrow Wolf to 3 high-value tasks
- Available tasks: Red Chinchompa, Moonlight Moth, Tecu Salamander
- Expected: 240,000+ XP/hour + Master loot sacks
Why balanced:
- Highest XP rates at endgame
- Best loot sacks (noted herbs, sun-kissed bones worth 225-270 Prayer XP each)
- Access to moonlight moths for prayer restoration
Comparisons
Hunter Rumours vs Regular Hunting
| Method | XP/Hour | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunter Rumours (Aco Expert) | 235,000 | Fastest safe XP, loot sacks, variety | Requires block list setup |
| Hunter Rumours (Teco Expert) | 160-200,000 | Herbiboar herbs, prayer supplies, good XP | Slightly lower XP than Aco |
| Red Chinchompas (regular) | 130-180,000 | Chinchompas for Ranged, safe | No loot sacks, repetitive |
| Black Chinchompas (Wilderness) | 140-250,000 | Highest XP | Dangerous (PKers), high risk |
| Herbiboar (regular) | 115-128,000 | Herbs, Herblore XP, safe | Lower XP than rumours/chins |
Verdict: With optimal block lists, Hunter Rumours provide the best XP rates in safe areas (only black chins in Wilderness are faster, but risky). For ironmen, Teco Expert rumours are strictly better than regular Herbiboar (same herbs + loot sacks + higher XP).
Hunter Rumours vs Birdhouses
| Aspect | Hunter Rumours | Birdhouses |
|---|---|---|
| XP rates | 160-250k XP/hr (active) | ~5-6k XP per run (90 seconds per 50 minutes) |
| Effort | High (active hunting) | Very low (90 seconds every 50 minutes) |
| Rewards | Loot sacks, herbs, prayer supplies, outfit | Bird nests (seeds, crushed nests for brews) |
| Best for | Active training, supplies, pet hunting | Passive XP alongside other activities |
Verdict: Do both. Birdhouses are passive and essential for bird nests (Saradomin brews). Hunter Rumours are the best active method at 72+.
Integration with Other Content
Blessed Bone Shards for Prayer Training
The Prayer Training Loop:
- Complete Expert/Master Hunter Rumours (160-250k Hunter XP/hr)
- Open loot sacks → blessed bone shards + sun-kissed bones
- Mine calcified rocks at Libation Pool (11-20k banked Prayer XP/hr)
- Sacrifice shards at Libation Bowl (5-6 XP/shard, 225-270 XP/sun-kissed bone)
- Result: Efficient Hunter + Prayer training simultaneously
Comparison to traditional prayer:
- Gilded altar: 1.5-2m Prayer XP/hr (requires dragon bones)
- Wilderness Chaos altar: 3.5x bones (high PK risk)
- Blessed bone shards: 1.2m XP/hr (passive gathering, zero risk, AFK-friendly)
Best for: Mid-level prayer (43-70) on ironmen before consistent dragon bone sources
Moonlight Moths for Prayer Restoration
Uses:
- Catching: 22 Prayer points restored (no jar needed)
- Releasing jarred moth: 22 Prayer points restored
- Moonlight moth mix: 2-dose potion, 22 Prayer/dose (made with any hunter meat + pestle/mortar)
Ironman value:
- Alternative to prayer potions (especially early-mid game)
- PvM trips (mix in inventory for 44 Prayer restoration per item)
- Slayer tasks (cheap prayer restoration)
- Superior to prayer potions at low Herblore levels
Strategy: Save moonlight moths from rumour loot sacks, combine with hunter meats for maximum efficiency
Herbiboar for Herbs
Doing Herbiboar via Hunter Rumours (Teco Expert):
- Same XP rates as regular Herbiboar (115-128k Hunter XP/hr)
- Same herb gains (1-3 herbs per catch, 2-4 with magic secateurs)
- Bonus: Loot sacks with extra herbs, blessed bone shards, guild outfit pieces
- Bonus: Chance at both Herbi pet AND Quetzin pet
Verdict: Doing Herbiboar via Hunter Rumours is strictly better than regular Herbiboar. Only downside: requires block list setup.
Quetzal Transport System
Quetzal Whistle Tiers:
| Whistle | Unlock | Capacity | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 10 rumours (free from Pitri) | 1 passenger | Teleport to Hunter Guild, essential |
| Enhanced | 100 rumours (blueprint) | 2 passengers | Improved transport |
| Perfected | 250 rumours (blueprint) | 3 passengers | Best transport, collection log |
Ironman priority: Basic whistle (10 rumours) is ESSENTIAL. Get this immediately - dramatically improves rumour efficiency. Enhanced/Perfected are optional.
Recommended Progression for Ironmen
Levels 46-56 (Novice Tier)
Strategy:
- Complete any rumours from Huntmaster Gilman
- Goal: 10 rumours for basic quetzal whistle
- Start collecting guild hunter outfit pieces
Don’t worry about: Complex block lists yet
Levels 57-71 (Adept Tier)
Strategy:
- Use Guild Hunter Cervus (Adept)
- Block: Pyre Fox (via Ornus), Sabre-toothed Kebbit (via Gilman)
- Continue collecting guild hunter outfit pieces
- Push to 72 for Expert tier
Levels 72-90 (Expert Tier - THE GRIND)
Recommended: Teco Expert Block List
Setup:
- Block Aco’s pool + Sunlight Antelope + slow creatures
- Primary hunter: Guild Hunter Teco
Why:
- Access to Herbiboar at 80 (herbs for Herblore)
- Moonlight moths for prayer restoration
- Red chinchompas for high XP
- 160-200k XP/hour + valuable supplies
Goal: Complete 100 rumours for enhanced quetzal whistle
Levels 91-99 (Master Tier - ENDGAME)
Option 1: Continue Teco Expert (if still need herbs)
Option 2: Switch to Wolf Master (recommended)
Wolf Setup:
- Block Aco and Teco pools
- Available: Red Chinchompa, Moonlight Moth, Tecu Salamander
- 240,000+ XP/hour + Master loot sacks
Why Wolf:
- Best loot sacks (noted herbs, sun-kissed bones)
- Still excellent XP rates
- Moonlight moths for prayer restoration
Goal: Reach 99, collect Quetzin pet (15x more common at 200m XP)
Efficiency Tips
- Hunter cape (99 Hunter): Unlimited teleports to Hunter Guild after speaking to Guildmaster Apatura
- Stamina potions: Essential for pitfall/tracking tasks (Herbiboar, antelopes)
- Magic secateurs: Required for full Herbiboar herb yield
- Full guild hunter outfit: 2.5% catch rate + 5% rare part chance + 5% lower pity threshold
- Inventory space: Always keep 1-2 open spots for rare creature parts (pity drops destroyed if inventory full)
- Block list maintenance: Don’t complete blocked tasks unless intentionally changing setup
Common Mistakes
- Not getting quetzal whistle at 10 rumours - Dramatically slows down all future rumours
- Skipping guild hunter outfit - 2.5% catch rate adds up over thousands of catches
- Blocking Herbiboar as an ironman - Herbs are too valuable, only block if pure XP racing
- Using wrong block list order - Always start with Gilman (largest pool) first
- Completing blocked tasks - This removes your block, ruining your setup
- Full inventory when pity proc - Rare parts destroyed if no space, keep 1-2 slots open
- Not using Teco Expert as ironman - Best balanced approach for supplies + XP
FAQ
What are Hunter Rumours and how do they work?
Hunter Rumours are Slayer-like contracts from Hunter Guild (Varlamore, 46+ Hunter). Accept assignments, hunt creatures until you get rare parts, return for XP and loot sacks. Takes 8-10 minutes per rumour.
How do I create a block list for Hunter Rumours?
Accept unwanted tasks from different guild hunters and leave incomplete. This blocks them from your primary hunter’s pool. Start with Huntmaster Gilman first, block Sabre-toothed Kyatt (worst task). You can block 5-6 total.
What’s the best Hunter Rumours block list for ironmen?
Teco Expert (72-91 Hunter). Block Aco’s pool + Sunlight Antelope. Gives Herbiboar (herbs), Moonlight Moth (prayer), Red Chinchompa (XP). Expected: 160-200k XP/hr + supplies. Switch to Wolf Master at 91+ for best loot sacks.
What creatures should I always block in Hunter Rumours?
Always block: Sabre-toothed Kyatt (slowest), Spotted Kebbit (falconry), Pyre Fox (slow deadfall), Sunlight Antelope (slow pitfall). These have terrible XP rates and annoying requirements.
Are Hunter Rumours better than regular chinchompa hunting?
Yes, with optimal block lists. Aco Expert gives 235k XP/hr (vs 140-180k from regular red chins) plus loot sacks. For ironmen, Teco Expert gives same Herbiboar herbs PLUS loot sacks and better XP.
What are blessed bone shards and how do I get them from Hunter Rumours?
Blessed bone shards are prayer training items (5-6 Prayer XP each). Expert/Master loot sacks contain them. Accumulate 20-30k banked Prayer XP/hr combined with mining. Excellent for mid-level prayer without dragon bones.
Should I do Hunter Rumours or regular Herbiboar?
If you have 72+ Hunter, do Herbiboar via Hunter Rumours (Teco Expert assignment). Same herbs, same XP, but PLUS loot sacks and Quetzin pet chance. Strictly better than regular Herbiboar.
Related Guides
- Hunter Guide - General Hunter training 1-99, birdhouses, chinchompas
- Herblore Guide - Use herbs from Herbiboar
- Prayer Guide - Blessed bone shards usage, Varlamore prayer training
- Varlamore Guide - Hunter Guild access, quetzal transport, Colosseum