Cave slimes are an early-game Slayer assignment in Old School RuneScape that require 17 Slayer to kill. They are mechanically simple, low-risk with proper preparation, and located close to Lumbridge. However, two environmental mechanics-darkness and poison-make this task slightly more technical than its combat level suggests. While the task itself offers minimal profit, some players who want to save time or supplies might consider alternatives such as buy OSRS gold to supplement their resources. This guide covers requirements, optimal preparation, location routing, combat considerations, and realistic profit expectations.

Requirements & Preparation

Mandatory Requirements

· 17 Slayer

· Access to the Lumbridge Swamp Caves

Recommended Items

1. Light source (mandatory)

 o Best option: Candle lantern (cheap and reliable).

 o Alternative: Regular candle (not recommended due to cost if purchased on-site).

 o Bring a tinderbox to relight if extinguished.

2. Antipoison (mandatory)

 o Cave slimes can poison you even if they deal 0 damage.

 o Any antipoison works (regular, super, or mix).

 o You can pre-dose before combat or cure after infection.

3. Rope (first-time entry only)

 o Required the first time you enter the cave.

4. Basic combat gear appropriate to your level.

If you forget a light source, a vendor outside the cave sells a candle for a very high price (10,000 GP). This is a last-resort option only.

Location & How to Get There

Start in Lumbridge. From Lumbridge Castle:

1. Head south through the graveyard.

2. Continue toward the Lumbridge Swamp.

3. Locate the small hole in the ground (Lumbridge Swamp Caves entrance).

4. Use a rope if entering for the first time.

The caves are extremely dark. Without a light source in your inventory, you will continuously take environmental damage and struggle to navigate.

Inside the Cave

There are two primary rooms where cave slimes spawn. Once inside:

· You do not need to wield the lantern-just carry it.

· Be prepared to relight if it extinguishes.

· Expect immediate poison application during combat.

Cave slimes are low-combat, low-defense monsters. Even mid-level players will dispatch them quickly. However, lower-level accounts should monitor poison ticks carefully, as poison damage can accumulate faster than expected.

Combat Strategy

For Low-Level Players

· Pre-pot antipoison before engaging.

· Bring a small amount of food as backup.

· Fight near the cave entrance if unsure about deeper navigation.

For Mid/High-Level Players

· This task is extremely fast.

· Overhead prayers are unnecessary.

· Minimal food required if poison is managed properly.

Cave slimes have low HP and weak offensive stats. The only meaningful threat is poison management.

Drops & Loot Analysis

Cave slimes are not a profit-focused task. Their drop table is modest and primarily early-game oriented.

Notable Drops

· Swamp tar (guaranteed average of ~3.5 per kill)

· Water runes

· Earth runes

· Bronze full helm

· Bronze axe

· Iron sword

· Iron kiteshield

· Iron boots

The guaranteed swamp tar drop makes this assignment mildly useful for Ironman accounts needing tar for Herblore or niche uses. For standard accounts, it has minimal economic impact.

Profit Breakdown (Sample: 15 Kills)

In a recent sample of 15 cave slimes:

· Total value: ~360 GP

· Average per kill: ~20–25 GP

This confirms that cave slimes are a progression task, not a money-maker.

If your focus is gold efficiency rather than task completion, you may prefer to complete the task quickly and move on rather than maximize loot.

Efficiency Tips

· Bring only essential gear to reduce risk if you disconnect.

· Keep your light source protected-darkness damage is unnecessary overhead.

· Cure poison immediately to avoid cumulative HP loss.

· Consider Slayer Helm (if unlocked later in progression) for faster clears.

When Is This Task Worth Doing?

Cave slimes are ideal for:

· Early Slayer progression.

· Ironman accounts needing swamp tar.

· Players completing a full Slayer guide progression.

· Low-risk task streak maintenance.

They are not ideal for:

· GP farming.

· Combat XP optimization.

· Rare drop hunting.

Final Assessment

Cave slimes represent a foundational Slayer task in Old School RuneScape. Mechanically simple but environmentally gated, they introduce players to poison management and light-source requirements inside dungeon environments. With proper preparation-light source, tinderbox, antipoison, and rope (if needed)-this assignment becomes straightforward and quick to complete. Profit margins are minimal, so some players prefer to save their resources for higher-yield activities later rather than focusing on tasks like this purely for gold, even when thinking about options like cheap OSRS gold. Experience gains and steady Slayer progression are the real value here for early accounts. Complete it efficiently, manage poison carefully, and move on to more lucrative assignments as your Slayer level advances.