Hey there, fellow Old School RuneScape (OSRS) adventurers! Are you guys looking to dive into the wild and dangerous Wilderness, eager to take on the fearsome Ankou? Well, you've come to the right place! This guide is all about OSRS Ankou Wilderness safe spots, strategies, and tips to help you survive and thrive while slaying these spooky creatures. The Wilderness is known for its dangers, from PKers (player killers) to unpredictable monsters, so having a solid plan and knowing the right spots is crucial. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newcomer to the wild, this guide will arm you with the knowledge you need to conquer the Ankou and claim those sweet, sweet rewards. So, grab your gear, sharpen your weapons, and let's get started on your journey to becoming an Ankou-slaying pro!

Understanding the Ankou in OSRS

Before we jump into safe spots, let's get to know our target: the Ankou. These undead monstrosities are found primarily in the Wilderness, making them a popular choice for players seeking high-risk, high-reward combat. Ankous are known for their high attack and special attacks that can quickly overwhelm unprepared players. They wield both melee and magic attacks, so it's essential to have a balanced defense. They drop valuable items, including the coveted Dragonstone, making them a lucrative target for those willing to brave the Wilderness. You'll find them roaming the multi-combat areas, meaning you could be fighting multiple Ankous simultaneously, or getting swarmed by other monsters. This is one of the main reasons why finding safe spots and knowing how to use them is so important for your survival. You need to know how to maximize your damage output while minimizing the risk of getting piled by multiple Ankous or a PKer.

Ankou Stats and Attacks

• Hitpoints: Ankous have a decent amount of hitpoints, making each kill a bit of a grind. Be prepared for a longer fight, and make sure to bring enough supplies.
• Combat Level: Ankous are a challenging foe, so make sure your combat stats are up to par.
• Attacks: Ankous use both melee and magic attacks. They can hit through your melee armor, so you must always be ready to switch prayers. They can deal significant damage quickly if you are not careful.

Why Fight Ankous?

• High-Value Drops: The primary reason to fight Ankous is the potential for valuable drops. The Dragonstone is the most sought-after drop, but you can also get other valuable items that can significantly boost your bank.
• Wilderness Experience: Fighting in the Wilderness provides excellent experience rates, as the danger comes with an XP boost.
• Variety of Combat: Ankous are a fun and engaging monster to fight due to the range of combat strategies needed to defeat them safely.

Essential Gear and Preparation for Ankou Hunting

Alright, before you head into the Wilderness, let's talk about gear. Having the right equipment can be the difference between a successful trip and a swift death. You should always prepare for the worst. This includes PKers and multiple Ankous. Here's a breakdown of what you'll need:

Armor and Weapons

• Armor: Since Ankous use both melee and magic attacks, a hybrid armor setup is the way to go. Consider using armor with decent melee and magic defense bonuses, such as Black d'hide or Mystic robes. If you're feeling confident, you could opt for slightly better options like Karil's or Ahrim's gear (with Protect from Melee active), which will help mitigate damage.
• Weapons: For your primary weapon, consider a high DPS option like a Rune Scimitar or a Dragon Scimitar. If you're on a budget, a Rune Crossbow with Broad Bolts is a viable alternative. Remember, you want to kill the Ankous as quickly as possible to minimize your exposure to danger. For those with higher stats, a Whip or Abyssal Dagger is recommended.

Inventory Essentials

• Food: Bring a generous supply of high-healing food, like Sharks or Anglerfish. You want to be able to heal up quickly if you get hit hard or have to deal with multiple Ankous at once.
• Potions: Super Defence and Super Attack potions can boost your stats for higher DPS and damage reduction. Prayer potions are essential if you're using Protect prayers.
• Prayer: The most crucial prayer for this activity is Protect from Melee, which will significantly reduce damage from their melee attacks. If you're fighting multiple Ankous, always be ready to switch prayers if they start using magic attacks.
• Teleportation: Always bring a way to teleport out of the Wilderness if things go south. Teleport tabs to Edgeville or a Royal Seed Pod are lifesavers. A Games Necklace is also an excellent option.
• Other Items: Consider bringing an antipoison potion, as the Wilderness can have other monsters that poison you. Also, a Rune pouch can store your runes. The inventory setup should be balanced between offense, defense, and escape.

Top Ankou Wilderness Safe Spots & Strategies

Now, let's get to the good stuff: the safe spots. These spots allow you to attack the Ankous without them being able to hit you, giving you a safe way to train your combat skills and get those sweet drops. Remember that while these spots are safe from the Ankous, they don't protect you from PKers. You always need to be aware of your surroundings and ready to teleport out at any moment. Your first priority in any Wilderness encounter is to survive. Having a good escape plan is just as important as your combat strategy.

The Obelisk Spot

• Location: The Ankou Obelisk is in the Wilderness level 40. This spot is a classic, thanks to the way the environment is shaped. You can often find a safe spot by positioning yourself correctly, which allows you to attack the Ankous while they can't reach you. You can often find other players here, so stay vigilant.
• Strategy: The trick is to stand in a specific location that the Ankous can't path to. Experiment with different angles and positions, keeping an eye on your character to ensure they are not getting hit. If the Ankou is hitting you, move a step or two, and try again. Watch out for multiple Ankous spawning around you. Having multiple targets means a higher chance of being hit.
• Tips: Be aware of PKers who often patrol around the Obelisk. Stay alert, and be ready to teleport out immediately if you see any signs of danger. Try to find a world that's less crowded to minimize the risk of PKers.

The Rock Method

• Location: Certain areas in the Wilderness have rocks and other environmental obstacles. If you're lucky enough to find Ankous near these features, you can position yourself behind the rocks to create a safe spot.
• Strategy: The idea is to position yourself on one side of the rock and have the Ankou on the other. This prevents them from being able to attack you directly. Make sure you can still attack the Ankou. This often requires some precise movements to get the correct angles.
• Tips: This method is less reliable, as the terrain isn't always favorable. But if you find a good rock, it's a great way to stay safe while farming Ankous.

Lure the Ankou Behind a Wall

• Location: Some areas of the Wilderness have walls that can be used to your advantage. Finding an area where the Ankou can't navigate past is a great place to start.
• Strategy: Lure the Ankou behind a wall or obstacle. Keep an eye on it to ensure that it cannot get to you. This is an excellent method for using the environment to your advantage.
• Tips: The success of this method depends on the area. It can also be very useful in minimizing damage from the Ankou.

Advanced Wilderness Survival Tips for Ankous

Beyond safe spots, here are some advanced tips to help you survive in the Wilderness:

Watch Out for PKers

• Scout: Always scout your surroundings before engaging in combat with Ankous. Use your camera to scan for players. The longer you stay in the Wilderness, the higher the chances of running into a PKer. Take note of any players that approach you, and be prepared to act quickly.
• Teleport Out: Have a hotkey ready to teleport. Practice teleporting out quickly when you see danger approaching. A split second can make a massive difference in whether you survive. Make sure you know where your teleport tabs are, or keep a Royal Seed Pod in your inventory.
• Gear: Keep your gear relatively cheap and affordable. If you lose your gear, you can get back in the fight quickly. Don't take anything you're not prepared to lose.

Optimize Your Combat

• Efficient Attacks: Choose weapons that deal high damage to minimize the time you spend fighting Ankous. The quicker you can kill them, the less exposure you will have to the dangers of the Wilderness.
• Prayer Management: Constantly manage your prayers. Keep Protect from Melee active at all times. If you face multiple Ankous, switch between Protect from Melee and Magic as needed.
• Potion Timing: Use your potions at the right time. Drink your Super Attack and Defence potions early, so you have the buffs active as long as possible. Save your Prayer potions for when you need to maintain your prayers.

Using the Wilderness Lever

• Location: The Wilderness Lever is near the edge of the Wilderness, and it's an excellent way to escape and to travel to different parts of the Wilderness.
• Strategy: If you get into trouble, the lever can teleport you out of the Wilderness. Be careful of PKers camping near the lever, waiting for players to use it. This adds an extra layer of danger that you must be aware of.
• Tips: Be ready to teleport out, and always have a plan to get away. The Wilderness lever is a great way to escape, but it can also be a high-risk location.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ankou Hunting

Let's clear up some common questions to help you out.

Is the Ankou Wilderness Safe?

The Ankou Wilderness isn't technically safe, but if you're using safe spots and preparing, you can minimize your risk. However, it's vital to stay vigilant and have an escape plan.

What Level is Best to Fight Ankous?

It depends on your goals and playstyle. Players with lower combat levels can fight Ankous, but you may have to rely more on safe spots or low-risk gear. For maximum efficiency and the ability to handle multiple Ankous, it's best to have level 70+ combat stats.

What are the Best Drops from Ankous?

The most valuable drop is the Dragonstone, but you can also get other valuable items that can significantly boost your bank. These items add extra value to your adventure.

How Can I Avoid PKers?

Be aware of your surroundings, scout your area, and be ready to teleport out. The Wilderness is inherently dangerous, so these are the best ways to avoid PKers.

Conclusion: Conquer the Wilderness

There you have it, guys! This guide covers everything you need to know about OSRS Ankou Wilderness safe spots, gear, and strategies to make you a successful Ankou hunter. Remember, the Wilderness can be a dangerous place. But with the proper preparation and these tips, you can greatly increase your chances of survival. Always be aware of your surroundings, use safe spots whenever possible, and be ready to teleport out. Good luck, and happy hunting! And if you see me in the Wilderness, feel free to say hi... or better yet, run!