The Easiest Way to Get to Sand Crabs in OSRS
Sand crabs are one of the most popular combat training spots in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), beloved by both low-level and mid-level players. These docile-yet-reliable monsters offer consistent experience with minimal effort, thanks to their high hitpoints, low defense, and aggressive nature. However, reaching their coastal habitats-primarily in the Kingdom of Great Kourend-can seem confusing for new or casual players. This will require a large amount of OSRS gold.
Fortunately, there are multiple ways to reach sand crabs, each tailored to different account progress levels, quest completions, and available resources. Whether you're a new member without advanced teleportation items or a seasoned player with access to endgame tools, this guide will walk you through every viable method to reach these iconic training crabs.
First: Understand Sand Crab Locations
Before setting off, it's important to know where sand crabs spawn. They are primarily found along the southern coast of Hosidius (one of Great Kourend's five houses), on Crab Claw Isle, in Crab Claw Caves, and on the Isle of Souls. The most accessible and popular spot is the Hosidius coastline, where hundreds of sand crabs spawn in clusters, making it perfect for AFK training.
Note that all sand crab locations are members-only-free-to-play players cannot access these areas. Additionally, Crab Claw Isle requires a 10,000-coin fee to enter, though this fee is reduced to 5,000 coins if you've completed the Easy Kourend & Kebos Achievement Diary, and waived entirely for those with the Medium Diary complete.
Method 1: Port Sarim to Port Piscarilius (Lowest Requirements)
This is the most accessible method for new members, as it requires no advanced items or high quest completions-only the short, beginner-friendly quest "X Marks the Spot." This quest introduces clue scroll mechanics and takes just 10-15 minutes to finish, with no stat requirements.
Start by traveling to Port Sarim, located south of Falador. Once there, head to the northeastern docks to find Veos, a sailor who offers rides to Great Kourend. Speak to Veos, and he will sail you to Port Piscarilius for free (after completing "X Marks the Spot").
Upon arriving in Port Piscarilius, exit the dock and run west, then south all the way to the Hosidius coastline. The journey takes about 5-7 minutes on foot, so consider bringing energy potions or wearing weight-reducing gear to speed things up. You'll spot sand crabs scuttling along the beach once you reach the southern tip.
Method 2: Fairy Rings (Fast for Quest-Completed Players)
If you've completed "Fairy Tale Part II: Cure a Queen" (and its prerequisite "Fairy Tale Part I: Growing Pains"), you can use the fairy ring network for a quick trip to sand crabs. This method cuts down travel time significantly and is ideal for players who train at sand crabs regularly.
To use this method, find any fairy ring (such as the one in Zanaris or near Camelot) and enter the code "DJR." This will teleport you near the Chasm of Fire on Great Kourend.
From the Chasm of Fire, head east along the shoreline, then south until you reach the Hosidius beaches. If you have 40 Agility, you can take a stepping stone shortcut east of the Shayzien Infirmary to save even more time. This route gets you to sand crabs in under 2 minutes after teleporting.
Method 3: Xeric's Talisman (Quick for Lizardman Hunters)
Xeric's Talisman is a useful item that offers fast teleports around Great Kourend, making it a top choice for players who frequent sand crabs. To get one, you'll need to kill lizardman variants (found throughout Kourend) until you get the talisman as an uncommon drop.
Once you have the talisman, charge it with lizardman fangs (dropped by the same lizardmen) to activate its teleports. Use the talisman to teleport to Xeric's Glade, a location just north of Hosidius.
From Xeric's Glade, simply walk south for 1-2 minutes to reach the Hosidius coastline, where sand crabs are abundant. This method is quick and convenient, though obtaining the talisman may take some time depending on your luck.
Method 4: Skills Necklace (Straightforward for Most Players)
A enchanted Skills Necklace is another easy way to reach sand crabs, as it teleports you directly to the Woodcutting Guild-located just a short run from the Hosidius beaches. This method requires no quests beyond starting "The Depths of Despair," a simple quest with minimal requirements.
You can craft a Skills Necklace using a gold bar, a sapphire, and level 50 Crafting, then enchant it with Lvl-3 Enchant (level 49 Magic). Alternatively, you can buy an enchanted Skills Necklace from the Grand Exchange for a low price.
Teleport to the Woodcutting Guild using the necklace, then head east until you reach the Hosidius coastline. The run takes about 3 minutes, and the necklace can be recharged with a Charging Orb if it runs out of charges.
Other Useful Methods
For players with more progress in Great Kourend, there are additional methods to reach sand crabs quickly. If you have 100% favor with the Hosidius house, you can use the Tithe Farm minigame teleport, then run south to the beaches.
Players with 65% favor with the Lovakengj house can use the Lovakengj Minecart Network to travel to Shayzien, then head south to Hosidius. Additionally, if you have level 69 Magic and the required runes, you can cast the Kourend Teleport spell (unlocked from the "Transportation Incantations" book in the Arceuus Library) and run south.
If you have a Player-Owned House (POH) in Hosidius, you can use a House Teleport spell or tablet to reach your house, then run south to the sand crabs-this is one of the fastest methods for players who have invested in their POH.
Final Tips for Your Journey
No matter which method you choose, there are a few tips to make your trip smoother. First, bring food and basic armor-while sand crabs have a max hit of 1, they can still chip away at your health over time, especially if you're AFK training.
Also, remember that sand crabs become unaggressive after 10 minutes if you don't leave the area. To reset their aggression, simply walk a short distance (about the diameter of your minimap) and return. This ensures you can keep training without interruptions.
Finally, consider using a world with few other players to avoid overcrowding-sand crabs are popular, so busy worlds may have limited spawns. Check the world list for members-only worlds with low player counts to maximize your training efficiency. Purchasing cheap RS gold on rsorder can give you more gaming experience.
Reaching sand crabs in OSRS is simple once you know the right methods. Whether you're a new player using Veos' boat or a seasoned veteran teleporting with Xeric's Talisman, these routes will get you to your training spot quickly and easily. With their consistent experience rates and low effort requirements, sand crabs are the perfect choice for leveling up your combat skills-so grab your gear and head to the beaches!