Hunter’s Rumours is a content update in Old School RuneScape that adds optional bonus objectives to your Hunter training. Each rumour task asks you to catch a specific creature — sometimes with particular methods or location requirements — and returning to the NPC who gave it grants bonus rewards on top of normal XP. This guide covers every rumour source, the best rumours for XP and profit, the Huntsman’s Kit contents, and how to weave rumours into your regular Hunter grind without wasting time.
Note: Verified as of July 2026. Mechanic details are based on the official OSRS Wiki and patch history. Always check patch notes for updates after this date.
What Are Hunter’s Rumours?
Hunter’s Rumours are short-term NPC-issued tasks in Old School RuneScape. An NPC gives you a rumour directing you to catch a certain creature, often with a specific method or location constraint. When the catch requirement is fulfilled, you speak back to the same NPC to receive your reward. You do not receive the reward automatically, and you must return to claim it.
The core loop is simple:
- Find a rumour-giving Hunter NPC.
- Accept a rumour task.
- Hunt the target creature using the specified method.
- Return to the same NPC to collect your reward.
The update was designed to add side objectives to Hunter training so players have extra reasons to revisit locations and mix up their routines. It does not replace standard Hunter training — you still gain normal skill XP from every catch.
Where to Find Rumour NPCs
There are three main rumour-giving NPCs in OSRS, each tied to a region and offering different creature pools:
Zooknock — Nardah Hunter Arena Zooknock is located in the desert hunter arena south of Nardah. He offers beginner to mid-tier rumours covering common wildlife like Kebbits, swifts, and Wagtails. He is the most accessible starting point for low-level Hunters.
Piscatoris Hunter Guild NPC Inside the Piscatoris Fishing and Hunter Guild, one of the guild instructors offers higher-level rumours focused on chinchompas and amphibians found in the Piscatoris area. This is the go-to source for players training between levels 40 and 80.
Hunter Guild NPC — Fishing Platform The Hunter Guild on the Fishing Platform provides access to some of the strongest rumours in the game, including wilderness-targeting tasks. Completing Hunter Guild tasks is a prerequisite to accessing this NPC, so reach 60 Hunter and complete the related quest chain first.
You can hold one active rumour per NPC. This means you can run three parallel rumours at once by talking to each different NPC and accepting one task from each.
Hunter Level Requirements for Rumours
Each NPC filters their available rumours by your current Hunter level. Below is a summary of what to expect at each bracket:
| Level Range | Recommended NPC | Example Target Creatures |
|---|---|---|
| 1–20 | Zooknock (Nardah) | Common kebbit, crimson swift, tropical wagtail |
| 20–40 | Zooknock (Nardah) | Polar kebbit, ferret, spotted kebbit |
| 40–60 | Piscatoris Guild | Red salamander, swamp lizard, prickly kebbit |
| 60–80 | Piscatoris / Hunter Guild | Red chinchompa, black chinchompa, dark kebbit |
| 80–99 | Hunter Guild (Fishing Platform) | Black chinchompa, maniacal monkey, wilderness targets |
Accepting a rumour above your level will not work — the game blocks the task if you cannot catch the required creature. Always check your level before accepting.
Rewards: Huntsman’s Kit and Bonus XP
Completing a Hunter rumour gives two categories of reward:
Bonus Skill XP Every completed rumour grants a flat bonus Hunter XP reward. The amount scales with the difficulty tier of the rumour. Elite-tier rumours give significantly more bonus XP than beginner ones.
Huntsman’s Kit The primary tangible reward is a Huntsman’s Kit. This is a tradeable inventory item. When opened, it gives a random selection of Hunter-related supplies. Typical contents include:
- Hunter potions (unlimited use, temporary +3 Hunter level)
- Chinchompas (red, black, or both depending on kit tier)
- Kebbit fur sets
- Uncut gems
- Occasionally cosmetic or special hunter-themed items
The kit is particularly valuable because Hunter potions are useful for short bursts of boosting during other Hunter routes, and chinchompas from the kit can supplement your ranged training supply chain.
Rumour Points Shop Certain rumour tiers also grant Rumour Points. These points are spent at the Hunter Rewards Shop, which is accessible through the Hunter Guild interface. The shop stock changes between game updates, so consult the OSRS Wiki for current inventory.
Best Rumours for Fast XP
The most efficient approach is to accept rumours that match the creature you are already grinding. This adds bonus XP and potential loot on top of your normal session without changing your route at all.
Levels 1–20: Kebbit and Bird Rumours (Zooknock) Early rumours target common kebbits and swifts. These are low XP per catch but also low time investment. Good for filler while you reach level 20.
Levels 20–40: Ferret and Polar Kebbit Rumours (Zooknock) These rumour targets overlap with profitable trap-based routes near Rellekka and the Fishing Platform. A solid bridge to mid-game.
Levels 40–60: Red Salamander Rumours (Piscatoris) Red salamanders are fast to net near Ourania Altar and Piscatoris. The rumour bonus XP stacks nicely on a route that already yields decent hourly rates.
Levels 60–80: Red Chinchompa Rumours (Piscatoris) Red chinchompas are one of the strongest XP sources in this bracket. The Piscatoris Hunting Grounds offer high catch rates with box traps. Taking the red chinchompa rumour while already training there is essentially free bonus XP.
Levels 80–99: Black Chinchompa and Maniacal Monkey (Hunter Guild) Black chinchompas in the Wilderness give the highest XP rate but carry real PvP risk. Maniacal monkeys on Ape Atoll are the safer alternative at similar level ranges. Choose based on your comfort with the Wilderness.
Profitability Breakdown
Some Hunter routines generate direct GP income through tradeable caught creatures. Chinchompas are the main source here.
| Creature | Hunter Level Required | Approx. GP/hr (GE-dependent) | Rumour Overlay Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Chinchompa | 63 | 150,000–300,000 | High — bonus XP + kit rewards |
| Black Chinchompa | 73 | 500,000–800,000+ | Very High — but Wilderness PvP risk |
| Maniacal Monkey | 74 | 200,000–400,000 | High — safe alternative to Wilderness |
| Red Salamander | 40 | Low direct profit | Medium — bonus XP only |
Grand Exchange prices fluctuate. Check current market data before committing large time investments to chinchompa routes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Forgetting to return to the NPC This is the single most common error. Completing the catch requirement does not auto-claim rewards. You must travel back and talk to the same NPC who gave the rumour. If you die or leave the area, the rumour stays active but the reward is still pending.
Using the wrong trap or method Some rumours specify a particular method, such as box trap versus net trap. Using the wrong method will not count toward the rumour progress. Read the full rumour description before setting up your equipment.
Accepting above your level Attempting a rumour that requires a creature beyond your Hunter level results in immediate failure or an unreadable task state. Always verify the level requirement before clicking accept.
Ignoring rumour availability during grinding If you are already doing a profitable route, check whether any active rumours match your current target. Taking a matching rumour costs nothing extra and adds free value to every session.
Pro Tips for Efficient Rumour Farming
- Stack parallel rumours. Run one rumour from each of the three NPCs at the same time. This maximizes the chance that one completes during any given hunting trip.
- Sync rumours to your route. Always check the rumour board before starting a session. If a rumour matches your planned location, take it. If not, skip it and come back later.
- Save Hunter potions from Huntsman’s Kits. Keep them for emergency boosts when a high-level rumour target is just out of reach.
- Time rumours with Double XP weekends. Bonus XP from rumours stacks on top of the weekend multiplier, giving you the maximum possible return per session.
- Trade excess chinchompas. If yourGE prices are favourable, sell surplus black or red chinchompas rather than hoarding them for future rumour tasks.
Hunter’s Rumours are not mandatory for reaching 99 Hunter, but they add meaningful variety, bonus income, and a light progression layer to a skill that otherwise relies on repetitive single-method grinding. Running even one rumour alongside your regular route improves both enjoyment and efficiency.
FAQ
How many active Hunter rumours can I have at once? You can hold one active rumour per NPC. Since there are three main rumour-giving NPCs, you can run up to three simultaneous rumours.
Do rumours expire? No. Hunter rumours do not have a time limit. You can complete them whenever you are ready.
Can I complete a rumour at a different location than shown? Only if the rumour does not specify a location. Some rumours restrict the catch to a specific area. Check the full task description before traveling.
Is the Huntsman’s Kit tradeable? Yes. The Huntsman’s Kit is a tradeable inventory item and can be sold on the Grand Exchange.
Do rumour bonus XP stack with Double XP weekends? Yes. Bonus XP from completed rumours is added on top of the Double XP weekend multiplier.
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