OSRS Chambers of Xeric Challenge Mode (CoX CM) Guide

Q: How much harder is CoX Challenge Mode compared to normal CoX?

Significantly harder, especially for teams aiming to beat the timer for unique rewards. Mobs hit harder, have more HP (max scaled), bosses gain damage over time (enrage), and rooms have stricter mechanics or faster cycles (like Vespula portals). Mistakes are punished more severely due to the timer pressure. It requires better gear, higher stats, and much cleaner execution than regular raids. Check our standard CoX Guide for baseline comparison.

Q: What is the Metamorphic Dust used for in CoX CM?

Metamorphic Dust is a rare, untradeable reward dropped only from completing a CoX Challenge Mode raid within the time limit. Using the dust on an Olmlet pet allows you to change the pet's appearance to look like one of the other bosses found within the Chambers of Xeric (like Tekton, Vasa Nistirio, Vanguards, etc.). It's purely a cosmetic flex reward.

Q: Can you get regular unique drops (like Twisted Bow) in CoX Challenge Mode?

Yes! You still roll for the regular CoX unique items (Ancestral Robes, Twisted Bow, Dragon Claws, etc.) just like in a normal raid. Completing CM efficiently (high points, under time) gives a slightly higher chance per player of receiving a unique drop compared to a regular max-point raid, in addition to the chance at the CM-exclusive cosmetic rewards (Dust/Kit). See our guide on the CoX Points System .

Thinking about CoX Challenge Mode? This guide explains the CoX CM differences (timers, scaling), rewards (Dust, Kit), gear needed & tips for beating the clock in OSRS Raids 1 Hard Mode.

Published on: May 4, 2025 by Tons of XP Team

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Chambers of Xeric Challenge Mode (CoX CM) Explained – OSRS Raids 1 Hard Mode Guide

Challenge Mode (CM) amps up the difficulty of Chambers of Xeric (CoX / Raids 1), turning it into a timed race against tougher monsters and harder mechanics. Why do it? For the challenge, slightly better unique chances per hour (if your team is fast), and exclusive cosmetic rewards! This guide covers the key differences from normal CoX, the special rewards, timer goals, and tips for tackling your first successful CM clears.

Looking for the regular CoX guide? Check our OSRS Chambers of Xeric Prep Guide.

1. How to Start CoX Challenge Mode

Go into the normal Chambers of Xeric lobby area (on Mount Quidamortem).
The party leader needs to inspect the noticeboard/chart on the wall inside the lobby.
Choose the “Challenge Mode” option.
The raid layout is always the same fixed, full-length path in CM. No scouting needed – you know what rooms are coming!

2. What Makes Challenge Mode Different?

CM isn't just harder stats; specific things change:

Feature	Normal CoX	Challenge Mode (CM) CoX
Monster/Boss Stats	Scale with team size/levels	Scale higher & are locked at maximum HP/Defence scaling regardless of team size
Boss Enrage Timers	None	Yes! Bosses get stronger (more damage/accuracy) the longer the fight drags on
Global Time Limit	None (for loot)	Yes! This determines if you get a roll for CM-specific loot
CM-Specific Rewards?	No	Yes! Chance at Metamorphic Dust & Twisted Kit only if under the time limit
Layout	Randomized (needs scouting)	Always the same fixed path (all main rooms)
Points Value	Standard	Points generally worth slightly more towards uniques (See Points Guide)

Beating the timer is the main goal beyond just completion if you want the special CM rewards.

3. Challenge Mode Unique Rewards (Cosmetics Only)

These items only drop from CM chests completed under the specified time limit (which varies by team size - check wiki, ~40-60 mins depending):

Metamorphic Dust: An untradeable item. Use it on your Olmlet pet to change its look to mimic other CoX bosses (Tekton, Vasa, Vespula, Vanguards, Muttadile). It's a cosmetic flex to show CM skill.
Twisted Ancestral Colour Kit: A tradeable ornament kit. Attach it to pieces of Ancestral Robes (Hat, Top, or Bottom) to give them a cool teal and gold trim. Also purely cosmetic. Adds no stats.

Plus, successful CM runs generally offer a slightly better chance per person to receive any purple unique compared to regular CoX, on top of the Dust/Kit chance.

4. Recommended Stats & Gear for CMs

CM demands higher stats and better gear than normal CoX due to the increased difficulty and timer pressure.

Stat	Suggested CM Level	Reason
Ranged	94+	Need high accuracy & DPS (Masori best)
Magic	94+	Crucial for Olm, Ice Demon (Ancestral best)
Melee (Atk/Str)	92+	For Tekton, Vangs, Olm melee hand faster kills
Prayer	77+	Rigour/Augury highly recommended
Hitpoints	95+	Higher HP buffer helps survive mistakes

Key Gear Items:

Weapons: Twisted Bow or Bowfa (almost required for speed), Tumeken's Shadow (massive help), Dragon Hunter Lance / Osmumten's Fang, Dragon Warhammer, Dragon Claws (or Voidwaker spec swap).
Armour: Fortified Masori / Armadyl for Range, Ancestral Robes for Magic, Bandos / Torva for Melee strength (or Elite Void for swaps). You'll need solid gear from our Gear Progression Guide.

5. Tips for Beating the CM Timer

Efficiency is everything. Aiming for sub-40 minutes is a common goal for consistent Dust/Kit rolls (timer depends on team size, check wiki).

Ice Demon: Prep kindling while fighting adds; efficient teams chop ~450+ logs total. Use Rapid Heal prayer flick during downtime to save prayer pot sips.
Vasa Nistirio: Maximize Ruby bolt (e) specs early. Dodge crystal attacks perfectly; getting hit wastes time. Heal portal ASAP.
Tightrope (Crabs): One clear shot-caller for crystal colors is vital. Good teams use 4-person rotation cycles for max point efficiency without time loss.
Vespula: A dedicated player using Bandos Godsword or Dragon Warhammer specs on the portals before they fully activate prevents extra spawns, saving lots of time/supplies.
Guardians: Coordinated specs and quick kills prevent healing and save time.
Olm Fight: Assign roles (head runner, melee hand DPS, mage hand DPS). "Head runner" (using Shadow/Tbow) drags head back/forth to control attacks. Skilled teams skip crystal phases by perfect positioning/timing (1:0, 4:1 methods). Learn proper prayer flicking for head phases.

6. Combat Achievement Tasks in CM

Completing CoX Challenge Mode, especially under the timer, knocks out several difficult Elite and Master tier tasks in the Combat Achievements diary. This is great for unlocking Ghommal's Hilt teleports and better Thrall effects.

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Frequently Asked Questions

+How much harder is CoX Challenge Mode compared to normal CoX?

Significantly harder, especially for teams aiming to beat the timer for unique rewards. Mobs hit harder, have more HP (max scaled), bosses gain damage over time (enrage), and rooms have stricter mechanics or faster cycles (like Vespula portals). Mistakes are punished more severely due to the timer pressure. It requires better gear, higher stats, and much cleaner execution than regular raids. Check our standard CoX Guide for baseline comparison.

+What is the Metamorphic Dust used for in CoX CM?

Metamorphic Dust is a rare, untradeable reward dropped only from completing a CoX Challenge Mode raid within the time limit. Using the dust on an Olmlet pet allows you to change the pet's appearance to look like one of the other bosses found within the Chambers of Xeric (like Tekton, Vasa Nistirio, Vanguards, etc.). It's purely a cosmetic flex reward.

+Can you get regular unique drops (like Twisted Bow) in CoX Challenge Mode?

Yes! You still roll for the regular CoX unique items (Ancestral Robes, Twisted Bow, Dragon Claws, etc.) just like in a normal raid. Completing CM efficiently (high points, under time) gives a slightly higher chance per player of receiving a unique drop compared to a regular max-point raid, in addition to the chance at the CM-exclusive cosmetic rewards (Dust/Kit). See our guide on the CoX Points System.