Before we dive into the fastest methods of obtaining fossils, it’s essential to understand what they are and why they’re valuable in the game. Fossils are ancient remnants of creatures from Gielinor’s past, and they play a crucial role in the game’s Volcanic Mine and the Fossil Island activities. These activities can reward you with invaluable items, such as the Volcanic Mine’s lucrative rewards and access to the powerful prayer, Preserve.
Unlocking Fossil Island
To embark on your fossil-collecting journey, you must first unlock Fossil Island. This can be achieved by starting the Bone Voyage quest, which can be initiated by speaking to Curator Haig Halen at the Varrock Museum. Completing this quest will grant you access to Fossil Island, where you can begin collecting fossils.
Digging for Fossils
Once you’re on Fossil Island, you can start collecting fossils by digging in the soil. To do this, obtain some trowels, which can be found in the House on the Hill on the island. Then, head to one of the dig sites, such as the north-eastern part of the island, and start digging. Each dig has a chance of yielding fossils, making this an essential step in the process.
Cleaning Fossils
After acquiring a collection of fossils, your next step is to clean them. You can find the Fossil Cleaning Station at the House on the Hill. Cleaning fossils is a slow but necessary process, as it turns the dirty, unidentifiable fossils into clean, usable ones. Remember that cleaning fossils consumes a significant amount of time and effort.
Trading Numulites for Fossils
If you’re looking for a quicker way to obtain fossils, you can purchase them using Numulites – a currency native to Fossil Island. Numulites can be obtained by participating in activities on Fossil Island, such as the Volcanic Mine. The Volcanic Mine, in particular, is an efficient way to accumulate Numulites while also gaining Mining experience.
Activities that Reward Fossils
Apart from digging and cleaning, several activities on Fossil Island can yield fossils directly as rewards. These activities include bird house trapping, chipping rocks in the Volcanic Mine, and participating in the Volcanic Forge. Engaging in these activities not only grants fossils but also provides various other benefits and rewards.
Using the Prayer Method
Once you’ve collected enough fossils, you can use them to unlock the powerful Preserve prayer. To do this, speak to the Odd Old Man, also found on Fossil Island. The Preserve prayer is highly sought after for its ability to extend the duration of various boosts, making it invaluable for efficient skilling.