In the vast world of Old School RuneScape (OSRS), finding reliable and profitable money-making methods can be a challenge, especially if you’re looking for something that stands out from the usual grinding. Today, I’m diving into a Runescape money-making method that is both rewarding and a bit unconventional: hunting Crystal Implings in Prifddinas.

Requirements

Before we jump into the details, it’s important to note that this method isn’t accessible to everyone. It requires mid to high-level skills and the completion of the challenging quest, Song of the Elves. This quest itself comes with a laundry list of prerequisites, so make sure you’re prepared. Additionally, you’ll need a Hunter level of 80 to catch Crystal Implings, although you can get away with 77 if you’re using Hunter Potions.

Why Hunt Crystal Implings?

You might be wondering, “Why go through all this trouble to catch Crystal Implings?” The answer is simple: profit. These elusive creatures have an average loot value of around 66k GP according to the OSRS Wiki. However, this estimate doesn’t include the value of untradeable Crystal Shards or Crystal Acorns that you can obtain. When you factor these in, particularly by using the shards to enhance potions, the average loot per impling can shoot up to around 76k GP.

The Method

Covering Ground Efficiently

My first approach to hunting Crystal Implings was to cover as much ground as possible in the shortest amount of time. By running a lap of the inner path around Prifddinas, I could scan about 50% of the city in roughly 40 seconds. The idea was to catch as many of these implings as possible before they could despawn or be caught by someone else.

To optimize this method, you’ll need a good supply of Stamina Potions, plenty of Impling Jars, a Butterfly Net, and some weight-reducing clothing like Graceful gear. If your Hunter level is below 80, don’t forget to bring some Hunter Potions as well.

During my first run, I noticed a significant number of Crystal Implings on the west side of the map compared to the east. However, it’s hard to say whether this was a coincidence or a pattern. Nevertheless, I was able to catch 14 Crystal Implings on my first run, netting me a profit of 1.06 million GP. Not bad, but I felt there was potential for more.

World Hopping at Bottlenecks

Next, I decided to try world hopping in a specific area. Drawing on my experience with Dragon Implings, I knew that the best places to hunt were bottlenecks—narrow paths where the implings could get stuck, making them easier to catch. I focused on the west side of Prifddinas, which features a semi-circle path with numerous dead ends and obstacles like trees and shops.

This method proved to be more efficient. In one hour of hopping between worlds, I caught 18 Crystal Implings, earning 1.36 million GP. I noticed a pattern where I would have a streak of good catches followed by a dry spell. This inconsistency piqued my curiosity about the spawning mechanics of these implings.

Understanding Crystal Impling Spawns

Unlike other implings, Crystal Implings seem to follow a different set of rules. Typically, implings spawn for 15 minutes and are invisible for the first two minutes to prevent players from camping their exact spawn locations. However, Crystal Implings appear to behave differently.

To investigate, I spent time in various sections of Prifddinas, moving every few minutes to test if certain areas had higher spawn rates. The results were intriguing:

  • Northeast Corner: No Crystal Implings
  • Southeast Corner: Only two Crystal Implings
  • Northwest Corner: Five Crystal Implings
  • Southwest Corner: A whopping 12 Crystal Implings

These results led me to conclude that the southwest corner was the most promising area for hunting. I decided to focus my world hopping there, using a spot recommended by other players. Despite the lack of obvious bottlenecks, this location consistently yielded Crystal Implings, confirming that a global spawn timer might be at play.

Global Spawns and Purple Patches

Through further testing, I discovered that Crystal Implings seem to spawn globally across all worlds at roughly the same time, with a reset occurring approximately every 50 to 70 minutes. While this isn’t an exact science, it explains why I found multiple implings in quick succession during certain periods, followed by long stretches of inactivity.

By focusing on the southwest corner during these “purple patches,” I was able to maximize my catches. Over 30 minutes, I caught 15 Crystal Implings, which could have translated to 30 in an hour if the streak had continued. This would have netted me around 2.28 million GP. However, given the variability of spawns, a more realistic expectation is about 25 implings per hour, resulting in a profit of 1.9 million GP.

Conclusion: Is It Worth It?

So, is hunting Crystal Implings in Prifddinas worth your time? If you meet the high requirements and have a decent Hunter level, the answer is a resounding yes. While this method might not be the absolute best money-maker in OSRS, it is certainly competitive, especially considering the relatively low competition and the opportunity to earn valuable Crystal Shards.

Moreover, this method offers a fresh alternative to more traditional money-making strategies. The unpredictability of impling spawns adds an element of excitement, and the potential for high profits makes it well worth the effort.

In the coming weeks, I’ll be exploring other money-making methods in the Prifddinas area, so stay tuned for more guides. If you’re looking to diversify your OSRS income streams or buy OSRS gold at an online store, Crystal Implings is a fantastic option to consider. Happy hunting!