Brace Yourselves, Gielinor: Yama, Master of Pacts, Is HERE!

The wait is over, adventurers! Today, May 14th, 2025, marks a monumental day in Old School RuneScape with the arrival of Yama, the Master of Pacts! This sweltering update drags us deep into the Chasm of Fire to face a brand new, endgame duo-focused boss, alongside a host of new rewards, skilling opportunities, and system changes.

Jagex has even released a handy video summary, so be sure to check that out on their official channels! For now, let's dive into the fiery details of what this massive update brings.

What's New? The Yama Update Changelog

This update is packed, with Yama himself being the main event, but there's more to uncover!

Yama, the Master of Pacts, Has Arrived!

  • New Boss: Yama is now live! Find the Voice of Yama in the Chasm of Fire to begin.
  • Powerful Rewards: Defeating Yama can yield:
    • Oathplate Armour pieces
    • Diabolic Worms
    • Aether Catalysts and Aether Runes
    • Demonic Tallow (for Surge Potions)
    • Surge Potions
    • Rite of Vile Transference (Death Charge upgrade)
    • Soulflame Horn
  • Group Ironmen: Be warned! Duoing Yama with a player outside your GIM group will result in Prestige loss.

New Skilling: Infernal Shale & Oathplate Crafting

  • A new skilling area has opened in the north-west of the Chasm of Fire's bottom floor.
  • Mine Infernal Shale: A new minable resource.
  • Smith Oathplate Armour: Combine Infernal Shale with Oathplate Shards (from Yama) via a new Smithing activity to craft pieces of the new Oathplate Armour set. For general smithing tips, see our OSRS Smithing Guide.

Other Key Changes in This Update

  • Combination Runes Enhanced: Combination runes (like Lava Runes) can now substitute for their respective elemental runes when charging items, creating items, or making portals (similar to how new Aether Runes work).
  • Mark of Darkness: Can now be re-cast before it expires (with a delay to prevent excessive XP rates).
  • Mort Myre Snails: These slimy critters can once again deal damage. Watch out!
  • Frost Nagua: Now have a slightly increased aggression range and a bug fix preventing multiple from attacking on a special.
  • ToA Dung: A new sound effect plays when obtaining Dung from the Tombs of Amascut rewards chest.
  • Clue Scroll Fix: The Medium Clue step involving the Ardougne Zoo zookeeper's animal count has been fixed.

Known Issues (As of Release)

Jagex is aware of and investigating/working on a few issues:

  • Powered staves (e.g., vs. Great Olm in the Chambers of Xeric) not consistently 'dragging' players from outside range (Investigating).
  • Oathplate Shards on Collection Log but not under Yama section (Will be fixed).
  • Contract for 2000x Aether Catalysts incorrectly reads 'Cosmic Soul catalyst' (To be coldfixed).
  • Hotfixed issues already addressed: Drops not de-spawning in Infernal Shale area, GIM Solo Instance prestige-loss warning message, Bryophyta Staff alch issue, Ancient Mace prayer boost on PoH dummy.

Deep Dive: Yama, Master of Pacts

Let's delve deeper into the main attraction – Yama himself!

Getting to Yama's Lair (Chasm of Fire)

Yama makes his domain within the Chasm of Fire in Kourend. For a general overview of the region, check out our Kourend Guide.

  • Travel: The quickest way is using Fairy Ring code DJR. Alternatively, the Shayzien teleport from Kharedst's Memoirs or the Book of the Dead works.
  • Requirement: You must have completed the A Kingdom Divided quest to access Yama.
  • Navigating the Chasm:
    • Level 83 Agility: A long, spiked chain offers a quick zip from top to bottom. Improving your Agility can be beneficial, see our Agility training guide.
    • Level 73 Agility: A slower, more scenic route north involves ledge-dangling, gap-jumping, and demon-dodging.
  • The Voice of Yama: Found in the centre of the bottom floor. This entity will teleport you to Yama's domain after a sassy chat.

Facing Yama: The Encounter

Yama, perched on an oversized throne, offers "deals" which translate to challenging him in combat. He even claims to inhibit his own power for you!

  • Duo Mechanics & Important Notes:
    • Joining a Partner: After speaking to the Voice of Yama, use the 'Join' option and enter a player's name (must be on your Friends List) to join their instance. The fight starts by interacting with Yama inside the arena.
    • HCIM/HCGIM: Yama is a dangerous death.
    • Teleporting: Conventional teleports or Escape Crystals work.
    • Loot: Iron and non-Iron accounts can fight together. Loot and unique chances are based on contribution.
    • Monster Examine: Enabled immediately.
    • Death Fees: Reduced by 75% for your first 10 Killcount.
    • New Tradeables: Blacklisted from Death's Coffer initially.
    • Chasm Logout: If you logged out in the Chasm before the update, you'll be moved outside due to terrain changes.
    • Dedicated Worlds: Worlds 325 (UK), 339 (US West), 343 (EU), 394 (US East) are tagged 'Yama' for finding partners.
  • Difficulty Expectations: Jagex's internal tests suggest Yama is "one step beyond the Desert Treasure II bosses." It's aimed to be a fun, masterable fight for skilled players.

Yama's Contracts: The Ultimate Challenge

For those seeking an even greater test (and specific rewards), Yama offers Contracts.

  • What Are Contracts?
    • Tradeable items you bring to Yama. Signing one initiates a more challenging version of the fight.
    • Guaranteed Reward: If successful, you receive a specific, predetermined reward for that contract.
    • There are at least seven bespoke Contracts, each fundamentally changing the fight.
    • The base Yama fight is the "intended" experience; Contracts are an optional layer of spice.
  • How to Obtain Contracts:
    • Yama Drops: A good number will drop from Yama himself.
    • Demon Farming: Target-farm certain Contracts by killing demons in the Chasm of Fire in specific ways (indicated by glyphs - more on this later). This can be a good Slayer-like activity.
    • Some high-value contracts (especially those with guaranteed tradeable rewards) are exclusive to Yama.
    • Contracts for Radiant Oathplate (cosmetic armour upgrade) can be obtained from Chasm demons.
  • Contract Activation & Solo Play:
    • Important: Contracts must be completed SOLO. This is to avoid complexities with duo mechanics and item distribution.
    • Contracts are obtainable now, and their potential rewards are visible. However, the specific challenging terms of the contracts are currently "illegible."
    • Contracts will be fully enabled on Friday, May 23rd. This allows players to stock up and gives Jagex time to address any core fight bugs.

The Spoils of Victory: Yama's Rewards

Defeating Yama comes with a range of enticing new rewards:

Diabolic Worms (Faster Anglerfish)

These fiery critters are a new high-level bait for Anglerfish, used in Piscarilius.

  • Usage: Used before Sandworms if both are present.
  • Effect: Significantly increases Anglerfish catch rate (e.g., at 99 Fishing, from 14% to ~40% success).
  • Bonus: Once a worm is consumed, your next 'catch' roll has a 50% chance to occur one tick faster.
  • XP: XP gain is reduced due to the easier catching.
  • Overall: Expect roughly a 2-3x increase in Anglerfish per hour.

Aether Catalysts & Aether Runes (New Catalytic Rune)

A new Runecraft resource and combination rune.

  • Aether Catalysts: Stackable, tradeable resource.
  • Aether Runes: Combine the powers of Cosmic and Soul Runes.
  • Crafting (90 Runecraft): Bring Aether Catalysts, Pure/Daeyalt Essence, Soul Runes, and a Binding Necklace to the Cosmic Altar. Use Magic Imbue (Lunar spellbook), then use Soul Runes on the altar. Learn more about the skill in our OSRS Runecrafting Guide.
  • Benefits: Tradeable, craftable in Guardians of the Rift (boosted by Raiments/Extracts). Saves inventory space for Arceuus spellbook users.
  • Charging: Can be used to charge items requiring Soul Runes (Tumeken's Shadow, Elidinis' Ward (f), etc.) and PoH Portals.

Rite of Vile Transference (Death Charge Upgrade)

An untradeable scroll dropped by Yama.

  • Effect: Upgrades your Death Charge spell to convert two souls from slain enemies into Special Attack energy.
  • Cooldown: Starts on spell cast, not on enemy kill.
  • Rarity: Fairly common with a pity drop mechanic.

Demonic Tallow & Surge Potions (Special Attack Restore)

A new potion for restoring Special Attack energy.

  • Demonic Tallow: Tradeable material from Yama.
  • Surge Potions (81 Herblore): Untradeable. Combine Demonic Tallow, an unfinished Torstol potion, and "a drop of your own blood" (handled by the game). Prescription Goggles & Alchemist's Amulet help. Check our Herblore Guide for training tips.
  • Effect: 4-dose potion. Restores 25% of Special Attack energy per sip.
  • Cooldown: 5-minute cooldown per sip, persists through logout. Resets on Ornate Pool use, raid/Colosseum exit, or death.
  • Restrictions: Cooldown does not tick down between waves (Inferno, Colosseum) or rooms (ToB, ToA).

Soulflame Horn (Group Accuracy Buff)

A unique weapon with a Special Attack designed for group play.

  • Special Attack: "Boiling Blood" (example name, real name TBD/in-game).
    • Configure radius and maximum number of players to affect.
    • Consumes 25% Special Attack energy per player affected.
    • Boosts the accuracy of their next hitsplat by 100% (guarantees accuracy roll in PvM) within 10 ticks (6 seconds). Affects regular and special attacks.
  • Ironman Usage:
    • GIM can benefit if used by a group member.
    • Ironmen can buff others. Can only receive the buff in: Nightmare, Nex, Tombs of Amascut, Theatre of Blood, Chambers of Xeric, Royal Titans, and Yama.
  • Requirement: Players must have "Accept Aid" ON to receive the buff.

Oathplate Armour & Shards (New Slash Gear)

An endgame, slash-focused armour set.

  • Stats: Boasts higher Slash accuracy than Torva armour, at the cost of some Melee strength. Ideal against high Slash defence enemies.
  • Obtaining:
    • Direct Drop: Full pieces can drop from Yama.
    • Crafting: Use Oathplate Shards (common, stackable drop from Yama) with Infernal Shale (mined in Chasm) via a new Smithing process (details below). The OSRS Smithing Guide has general information on the skill.
  • Shard Economy: Shards aim to provide consistent profit. Jagex expects that by the time you get drops for two pieces, you'll have enough shards to craft a third.
  • Visuals: A survey is planned regarding Oathplate's appearance.
  • Radiant Oathplate: A cosmetic upgrade variant obtainable via specific Contracts.

Beyond the Boss: Chasm of Fire Amenities

The Chasm isn't just about Yama; there are other activities!

Farming Contracts: A Guide to Demon Slaying Glyphs

You can earn Contracts by killing demons in the Chasm of Fire in specific ways. This might remind some players of efficient Slayer task completion.

  • When you engage a demon, a glyph appears above it. Its color indicates the method Yama desires for a chance at a Contract.
  • The Voice of Yama or the Cultist at the Chasm entrance can refresh your memory on glyph meanings.
  • The Voice of Yama will also indicate the "active" contract method for the best odds at a given time.
  • Glyph Colors & Methods:
    • Purple: Kill with a Heavy Ranged weapon (Crossbow, Ballista).
    • Green: Kill with a Magic spell (not a powered staff).
    • Blue: Kill with a two-handed Melee weapon.
    • Yellow: Kill the demon whilst it is bound, or with damage from a binding spell.
    • Red: Kill with a Special Attack (better odds for a Contract).

The Infernal Forge: Mining Shale & Smithing Oathplate

The north-western section of the Chasm's bottom floor is a new skilling hub. An imp will offer to "help" if you sign its paper...

Mining Infernal Shale (78 Mining, boostable)

  • Low-intensity: Similar to Shooting Stars but less AFK.
  • Active: Like mining Mithril or Coal.
  • Very Active: Tick manipulation, further enhanced by chiselling shale (requires a special cloth from the imp).

Crafting Oathplate Armour (83 Smithing, boostable)

  1. Smelt Infernal Chunks: Combine crushed Infernal Shale and Oathplate Shards. Use the furnace (heat) and pool of ichor (cool) – timed clicks speed this up.
  2. Smith Oathplate Bars: Hammer the chunks into bars at the anvil, maintaining a steady rhythm.
  3. Create Armour: Use the bars to smith Oathplate Armour pieces at the Chasm's anvil.

PvP World Rotation Update

The PvP rota has shifted to Period A:

  • 539 (US): PvP World
  • 318 (UK): Bounty Hunter World
  • 548 (Germany): High-Risk PvP World
  • 577 (US): Free-to-Play PvP World
  • 559 (UK): LMS Competitive
  • World 390 (AUS) for LMS Competitive has been activated.
  • World 569 (AUS) for Bounty Hunter has been activated. The PvP Arena is featuring '1 Def Pure' loadouts in Ranked Duels and Tournaments this week.

This is a colossal update, Scapers! Yama brings a new endgame challenge, fantastic rewards, and deeper skilling options. It's time to gear up, find a partner (or brave the Contracts solo!), and delve into the Chasm of Fire. Good luck, and may your drops be plentiful!

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