OSRS Kraken Guide: Defeating the Deep Sea Horror

The Kraken is a popular Slayer boss residing in Kraken Cove, requiring level 87 Slayer and an active Cave Kraken task to defeat. It's the stronger version of the standard Cave Kraken Slayer monster and is the primary source of the valuable Trident of the seas and Kraken tentacle. Despite its high Slayer requirement, the Kraken boss is known for its relatively simple mechanics.

Location and Access

  • Location: Kraken Cove, north of the Piscatoris Fishing Colony.
  • Getting There:
    • Fairy Ring: Code AKQ, then run west.
    • Piscatoris Teleport Scroll / Western Banner 3/4: Teleport to Piscatoris Fishing Colony, run south-west.
  • Boss Room: Enter the Kraken Cove cave. The boss resides in a separate instance area to the north. A Slayer level of 87 is required to enter the boss lair.

Mechanics and Starting the Fight

The Kraken fight involves the main boss and four Enormous Tentacles.

  • Starting the Fight:
    1. Standard Method: Attack the four smaller whirlpools surrounding the large central one. Each disturbed pool spawns an Enormous Tentacle (Level 112). Once all four are disturbed, attack the large central whirlpool to awaken the Kraken boss.
    2. Fishing Explosive Method (Recommended): Use a Fishing Explosive (bought cheaply from Slayer Masters) on the large central whirlpool. This instantly awakens the Kraken and all four tentacles.
  • Kraken Boss (Level 291):
    • Attacks with Typeless Magic. Protect from Magic does not reduce damage.
    • Max hit: 28.
    • Accuracy: Very low (despite high max hit).
    • Attack Speed: 4 ticks (2.4 seconds).
  • Enormous Tentacles (Level 112):
    • Attack with Typeless Magic. Protect from Magic does not reduce damage.
    • Max hit: 2.
    • Accuracy: Very high.
    • Attack Speed: 4 ticks (2.4 seconds).
  • Combat Style: Magic is the only effective style. Ranged deals heavily reduced damage (1/7th), and Melee cannot reach the Kraken.

Strategy

The Kraken fight is straightforward:

  1. Awaken the Kraken: Use a Fishing Explosive on the central pool.
  2. Positioning: Stand slightly off-center to avoid being directly between tentacles if possible, though their low max hit makes this less critical.
  3. Targeting: Focus all attacks on the Kraken boss. Ignore the Enormous Tentacles; they have high HP and killing them is inefficient. Their damage is low and consistent.
  4. Prayer: Since attacks are typeless, Protect from Magic is useless. Use offensive Magic prayers like Augury (77 Prayer) or Mystic Might. If using an Imbued Heart, Preserve (55 Prayer) can maintain the boost longer.
  5. Auto-Retaliate: Turn OFF Auto-Retaliate. After the Kraken dies, the tentacles remain aggressive. Auto-retaliating against them wastes runes/charges.
  6. Healing: Damage taken is primarily from the tentacles (consistent small hits) and occasional hits from the Kraken. High Magic Defence gear minimizes Kraken hits. Food (Sharks, Karambwans) or Blood Barrage/Sanguinesti Staff can be used for sustain. The Kraken drops Sharks and Edible Seaweed.
  7. Instance: Using a private instance (25,000 GP) is highly recommended. It guarantees an empty world and increases item drop timers to 3 hours, making juggling food drops easier.
  • Weapon: Tumeken's Shadow > Sanguinesti Staff > Trident of the Swamp > Trident of the Seas > Harmonised Nightmare Staff (with Fire Surge/Tome of Fire) > Warped Sceptre / Slayer's Staff (e).
  • Armour: Prioritize Magic Damage % and Magic Attack bonus. Ancestral > Virtus > Ahrim's > Elite Void. Slayer Helmet (i) is essential.
  • Off-hand: Elidinis' Ward (f) > Arcane Spirit Shield > Mage's Book / Book of Darkness / Malediction Ward. Tome of Fire if using Fire Surge.
  • Other Slots: Occult Necklace, Imbued God Cape, Tormented Bracelet, Eternal Boots, Magus Ring / Seers Ring (i). Bracelet of Slaughter (optional switch for extending task).
  • Inventory: Fishing Explosive, Runes (if not using Trident/Sang), Magic Potion (Imbued/Saturated Heart best), Prayer Potions (if using Augury/Preserve), High-healing food, Emergency teleport, House tabs (for POH pool), Rune Pouch, Book of the Dead (for Thralls).

Notable Drops

  • Uniques: Trident of the seas (full) (1/512), Kraken tentacle (1/400).
  • Tertiary: Pet kraken (1/3,000), Jar of dirt (1/1,000), Elite Clue Scrolls (1/500).
  • Other: Mystic Staves (Water), Mystic Robes, Rune Warhammer/Longsword, various runes (Water, Chaos, Death, Blood), Battlestaves (noted), Sanfew Serums, Sharks.

(Drop rates are estimates based on the Wiki/Drop Rate Project data provided).

Conclusion

The Kraken is a relatively simple and popular Slayer boss, ideal for players seeking a relaxed bossing experience with valuable unique drops like the Trident of the Seas and Kraken Tentacle. Its Magic-only nature makes gear choices straightforward, and the mechanics are easy to learn. Remember your Slayer Helmet, focus the main body, and enjoy the consistent loot!

Need help reaching 87 Slayer or farming for that Trident? Check out our OSRS Skilling Services and OSRS PVM Services.