RS3 Archaeology Training Guide - 1-99/120 (2024)

RS3 Archaeology Training Guide - 1-99/120 (1)

Archaeology is a skill that players can train in Runescape 3, it is available in both free-to-play and pay-to-play, although it can only be trained to level 20 in F2P worlds. The skills involves the excavation and restoration of rare artefacts at seven main locations around Runescape. These Locations include; Kharid-et, Infernal Source, Everlight, Senntisten, Stormguard Citadel, Warforge and Orthen, although there is also various Archaeology Microsites. In this guide we will provide you the most optimal training methods to reach your Archaeology goals.

Table of Contents

Archaeology Training Methods

Below you will see a detailed list of all the best archaeology training methods in Runescape 3. Following this guide will provide you with some of the fastest archaeology experience rates and it is highly efficient. In each section you can see a breakdown of what to do at each level bracket, followed by information on where and how to train the skill with the assigned method.

Early Levels (1-60)

Tutorial: Level 1 – 5

Head to the Archaeology Guild (near the Dig Site quest area) and speak with Acting Guildmaster Reiniger to begin the Archaeology Tutorial. At the end of the tutorial, you will be level 5.

Kharid-et: Levels 5-12

Kharid-et is now accessible. You will need to talk with Dr. Nabanik to view the cutscene. Afterwards, walk down the slope and go to the Venator remains. The piles will have Venator light crossbow (damaged) and Venator dagger (damaged). You should stay at this pile until level 12. At level 10, you can upgrade your bronze mattock to an iron mattock.

Mattocks can be purchased at the Archaeology Guild or can be smithed at an anvil. Refer to the Mattock guide at the end of this document for more information about when to upgrade to the next level mattock.

Venator Remains
  • Venator light crossbow: 2; Soran and Varrock Museum
  • Venator dagger: 2; Soran and Varrock Museum

Kharid-et: Levels 12-20

At level 12, you can excavate the dirt pile blocking the doorway that leads into the rest of Kharid-et. Before you can complete the mystery ‘Breaking the Seal’, you need to speak with Dr. Nabanik to receive a Centurion Seal. With the seal, click on the excavated door frame to enter Kharid-et Barracks.

Head to the first building, on the west side, to the Legionary remains pile. As you are skilling at any of the excavation piles, you will randomly receive pages that are used for the ‘Prison Break’ mystery. There are a total of four pages. Once you have recovered four pages, speak with Liam, located by the prison door to receive a dial. Place the dial in the broken dial spot and press these buttons in the order of: Shadow, Blood, Smoke, and Ice to finish the ‘Prison Break’ mystery.

Legionary remains
  • Legionary gladius: Soran and Varrock Museum
  • Legionary square shield: Soran and Varrock Museum
  • Primis Elementis standard: Soran and Varrock Museum

At level level 17, move to the Castra debris located right in front of the sealed door.

Castra debris
  • Zaros Effigy: Soran and Varrock Museum
  • Zaroasian training dummy: Soran, Varrock Museum, and Katarina to unlock her as a researcher.

Infernal Source: Levels 20-25

At level 20, you will receive an invitation from Movario to uncover the mysteries at the Infernal Source. Upon using the lift, you will find yourself in the Lodge Bar. You will see a furnace missing three Crests of Dagon. They can be found in the Lodge art storage piles. While excavating in the area, you will come across pages needed for the ‘Eyes in Their Stars’ mystery. All four pages and the three Crests of Dagon are needed to complete the mystery. Once the pages are collected and the Crests of Dagon are inserted, the furnace will open up to the next area.

Lodge bar storage
  • Opulent wine goblet: Isaura, Varrock Museum, Chief Tess, and Dorian to unlock him as a researcher.
  • Hookah pipe: Isaura, Varrock Museum, and Chief Tess

At level 24, move to the Lodge art storage that is located on the north side of the area.

Lodge art storage
  • Crest of Dagon: Isaura, Varrock Museum, Chief Tess, Wise Old Man, and 3 for the ‘Eyes in Their Stars’ mystery
  • Disorder’ painting: Isaura, Varrock Museum, and Art Critic Jacques

Kharid-et: Levels 25-29

Head back to Kharid-et and go to the Administratum debris piles across the room.

Administratum debris
  • Legatus Maximus figurine: Soran, Varrock Museum, Chief Tess, and Wise Old Man
  • Solem in Umbra painting: Soran, Varrock Museum, and Art Critic Jacques

Infernal Source: Levels 29-42

Return to the Infernal Source and go to the new area unlocked from ‘Eyes in Their Stars’. Head down the path to the Cultist footlocker piles. While excavating these piles, you will accumulate journal pages for the ‘Embrace the Chaos’ mystery. You will need four pages to complete the mystery. Once you have collected all four pages, follow the path all the way down to the chalk circle. Grab the chalk from the box of chalk and a set of 3 candles from the boxes on the edges of the room.

You will need to draw the circle, place the candles, light the candles, and chant the incantation, starting at the west candle and moving clockwise: Ordo Animam Capit, Ceterum Aperuerit Ianuam, and Et Daemonium Renascitur. Upon finishing the last chant, ‘Embrace the Chaos’ will be complete. If you pass through the portal, you will be greeted by a gargoyle who will prompt the start of the mystery ‘Contract Claws’ (follow the guide for that).

Cultist footlocker
  • Greater demon mask: Isaura, Varrock Museum, and Wise Old Man
  • Lesser demon mask: Isaura, Varrock Museum, and Wise Old Man
  • Imp mask: Isaura, Varrock Museum, and Wise Old Man

At level 36, move to the Sacrificial altar pile. You will stay here until level 42.

Sacrificial altar pile
  • Order of Dis robes: Isaura and Varrock Museum
  • Ritual dagger: Isaura, Varrock Museum, and Wise Old Man

Everlight: Levels 42-45

At level 42, Vanescula Drakan will send you an invitation to help aid her at the Everlight dig site. After the cutscene, head to the Prodromoi remains. While excavating the pile, you will come across journal pages needed for the ‘Queen of the Icyene’ mystery. You will need a total of four pages to complete the mystery. Additionally, while excavating the Prodromoi remains, you will randomly find icyene remains. Take it with a repaired ‘Frying pan’ to the graveyard south of Vanescula Drakan and bury them to finish the ‘Fallen Angels’ mystery.

Prodromoi remains
  • Hallowed lanter: Sir Atcha, Varrock Museum, and Statue of Hebe
  • Frying pan: Sir Atcha, Varrock Museum, and ‘Queen of the Icyene’ mystery

Infernal Source: Levels 45-48

Head back to the Infernal Source and excavate the Dis dungeon debris pile.

Dis dungeon debris
  • Branding iron: Isaura and Varrock Museum
  • Manacles: Isaura and Varrock Museum

Everlight: Levels 48 – 57

Return to Everlight and head to the Monoceros remains.

Monoceros remains
  • Ceremonial unicorn ornament: Sir Atcha, Varrock Museum, Wise Old Man, and Eduardo to unlock him as a researcher
  • Ceremonial unicorn saddle: Sir Atcha and Varrock Museum

At level 51, switch to the Amphitheatre debris.

Amphitheatre debris
  • Everlight harp: Sir Atcha, Varrock Museum, Wise Old Man, and for the Statue of Mesomedes Amphitheatre (North).
  • Everlight trumpet: Sir Atcha, Varrock Museum, Wise Old Man, and Chief Tess
  • Everlight violin: Sir Atcha, Varrock Museum, and Wise Old Man

At level 56, move to the Ceramics studio debris.

Ceramics studio debris
  • Folded-arm figurine (female): Sir Atcha and Varrock Museum
  • Folded-arm figurine (male): Sir Atcha and Varrock Museum

Kharid-et: Levels 58 – 60

At level 58, head back to Kharid-et with your Legatus pendant. Go into the Prison and pass the red barrier. From the Carcerem debris pile, you will get a Pontifex signet ring. You will want to keep an extra one to pass the Pontifex barrier and for the ‘Forgotten Prisoner’ mystery. Additionally, the Incite Fear spell scroll is needed for ‘The Shadow Vault’ mystery.

Carcerem debris
  • Pontifex signet ring: Soran, Varrock Museum, Chief Tess, and keep an extra one for yourself for the barrier
  • Incite Fear spell scroll: Soran, Varrock Museum, Wise Old Man, and one for ‘The Vault of Shadows’

Early Levels (60-70)

Senntisten: Level 60 – 61

At level 60, you are able to access the micro dig site of Senntisten. This dig site spans across the ancient city of Senntisten and has 6 excavation spots. The first spot is the Ministry remains. While excavating the Ministry remains, you will have a chance to find a journal page for the ‘Secrets of the Inquisition’ mystery. Additionally, while excavating this spot, keep an extra Funerary urn of the Shadow for part of the ‘Secrets of the Inquisition’ mystery.

Ministry remains
  • Apex cap: Eblis and Varrock Museum
  • Curse tablet: Eblis and Varrock Museum
  • Funerary urn of shadow: Eblis and Varrock Museum

Everlight: Level 61

At level 61, return to Everlight. You will stay at the Stadio debris excavation pile until 62. While excavating, you will have a chance to find journal pages. You need five pages to turn in to complete the ‘Fall and Rise’ mystery.

Stadio debris
  • Dominion discus: Sir Atcha and Varrock Museum
  • Dominion javelin: Sir Atcha and Varrock Museum
  • Dominion pelte shield: Sir Atcha and Varrock Museum

Senntisten: Level 62

At level 62, head back to the Cathedral, in Senntisten, and excavate the Cathedral debris. While excavating, you will have a chance to find journal pages. You need to collect two pages for the ‘Night Theatre’ mystery and one page, initially, for the ‘Secrets of the Inquisition’ mystery. Lastly, keep an extra Funerary urn of smoke of the ‘Secrets of the Inquisition’ mystery.

Cathedral debris
  • Infula robes: Eblis and Varrock Museum
  • Funerary urn of smoke: Eblis and Varrock Museum
  • Had of the Ancients: Eblis and Varrock Museum

Senntisten: Level 63

At level 63, move to the Marketplace debris. There are two journal pages to collect- initially. You will have to backtrack to this site at 66 to get the last journal page. The journal pages count progress towards the mysteries ‘Empty Children’ and ‘Night Theatre’. Again, at this site, keep an extra Funerary urn of ice. It will be needed for the ‘Secrets of the Inquisitions’ mystery.

Marketplace debris
  • Decorative amphora: Eblis and Varrock Museum
  • Funerary urn of ice: Eblis and Varrock Museum
  • Loarnab rod: Eblis and Varrock Museum

Senntisten: Level 64

At level 64, move to the Inquisitor remains. There are three journal pages to collect. One page is for the mystery ‘Night Theatre’ and the other two pages are for the mystery ‘Secrets of the Inquisition’.

Inquisitor remains
  • Inquisitor’s seal: Eblis and Varrock Museum
  • Inquisitor’s ceremonial mask: Eblis and Varrock Museum
  • Inquisitor’s ceremonial armour: Eblis and Varrock Museum

Infernal Source: Level 65

At level 65, return to the Infernal Source and begin excavating at the Infernal art location.

Infernal art
  • Lust metal sculpture: Isaura, Varrock Museum, and Chief Tess
  • The Lake of Fire painting: Isaura, Varrock Museum, and Art Critic Jacques

Senntisten: Level 66

At level 66, return to Senntisten and begin excavating the Gladiator remains. Just enter the Colosseum in ‘Enter (non Combat)’. While excavating, keep an extra Funerary urn of blood. Additionally, you will have a chance to collect a journal page at this location. You can collect one page for the mystery ‘Empty Children’.

Gladiator remains
  • Gladiator sword: Eblis and Varrock Museum
  • Gladiator helmet: Eblis and Varrock Museum
  • Funerary urn of blood: Eblis and Varrock Museum

Senntisten: Level 67

At level 67, you will need to partially complete the mystery ‘Secrets of the Inquisition’ to gain access to this excavation spot. Additionally, at this level you will be able to complete all the mysteries for the Senntisten micro dig site. It is advised to do so at this point. Refer to our mysteries section on what to do to gain access and how to complete the three mysteries.

Citizen remains
  • ‘The Serpent’s Fall’: Eblis and Varrock Museum
  • Model chariot: Eblis and Varrock Museum
  • Funerary urn of miasma: Eblis and Varrock Museum

Infernal Source: Level 68

At level 68, return to the Infernal Source and head to the Shakroth remains. You will want to add a restored Chaos star to your toolbelt. If Contact Claws is complete, you can finish ‘Dagon Bye’ at this point to finish all the Infernal Source mysteries.

Shakroth Remains
  • Chaos star: Isaura, Varrock Museum, ‘Dagon Bye’ mystery, and one combined with a Chaotic gatestone to make the Abyssal Gatestone relic
  • Spiked dog collar: Isaura and Varrock Museum

Everlight: Levels 69

At level 69, return to Everlight and head to the Dominion games podium. You will be able to get a Dominion Torch at this dig site which is used for the Statue of Padosan and needs to be placed within the doorframe, under the Acropolis, to start Hallowed Be…

Dominion games podium
  • Bronze Dominion medal: Sir Atcha, Varrock Museum, and Chief Tess
  • Silver Dominion medal: Sir Atcha, Varrock Museum, and Chief Tess
  • Dominion torch: Sir Atcha, Varrock Museum, Chief Tess, Statue of Padosan, and doorframe for Hallowed Be…

Mid Levels (70-90)

Stormguard Citadel: Levels 70 – 72

At level 70 you will receive an invitation from Gee’ka to help discover the mysteries at Stormguard Citadel. Head to the location and begin excavating the Ikovian memorial piles. Once you have excavated an Ikovian gerege, restore it at the table next to you. You will want to add it to your toolbelt, ascend into the citadel, and continue excavating the Ikovian memorial piles. While excavating the piles, you will randomly receive an ‘Exile’s Vow’ page.

Speak to Gee’ka once you obtain it to finish the mystery ‘Atonement’. Additionally, while excavating the piles inside the citadel you will randomly get the ‘Boots of Flight’. With the boots, speak with Gee’ka, return to the citadel, and traverse the two agility gaps to complete the mystery ‘Leap of Faith’. Take this chance to go inside the house on the first island after traversing and grab the broken Wingsuit on the floor. You will be able to fix it at level 76, which will then be used for completion of the “Wings Out” mystery.

Ikovian memorial
  • Ikovian gerege: Lowse, Varrock Museum, Wise Old Man, and one for your toolbelt
  • Toy glider: Lowse and Varrock Museum
  • Toy war golem: Lowse and Varrock Museum

Everlight: Levels 72 – 74

At level 72, return to Everlight and head to the Oikos studio piles. While excavating you will be able to obtain a Kantharos cup. This is needed for ‘The Everlight’ mystery. You will be unable to finish the mystery until level 105, so just leave an extra one in your bank. Additionally, while excavating the piles, you may randomly receive journal pages for ‘The Dour of Bable’ mystery. You will need four total to turn into Vanescula Drakan to complete the mystery.

Oikos studio debris
  • Decorative vase: Sir Atcha and Varrock Museum
  • Patera bowl: Sir Atcha and Varrock Museum
  • Kantharos cup: Sir Atcha, Varrock Museum, and keep one for ‘The Everlight’ mystery

Kharid-et: Levels 74 – 76

At level 74, return to Kharid-et and excavate the Kharid-et chapel debris. While excavating, you may randomly receive journal pages for ‘The Cult of Orcus’. You will need to find three pages and turn them in to Dr. Nabanik to complete the mystery.

Kharid-et chapel debris
  • Ceremonial mace: Soran, Varrock Museum, and Chief Tess
  • Consensus ad Idem’ painting: Soran, Varrock Museum, and Art Critic Jacques
  • Pontifex Maximus figurine: Soran, Varrock Museum, and Chief Tess

Stormguard Citadel and Warforge!: Levels 76 – 81

At level 76, the focus will begin to be split between multiple sites for a while. At level 76, you will receive an invitation from Zanik to explore the Warforge! dig site. For the time being, you will put Zanik on hold and return to the Stormguard Citadel. Once you are at the Stormguard Citadel, first recover and repair the Wingsuit if you haven’t yet. Upgrade it twice to obtain ‘Wingsuit v3’ and fly through the electric barriers to complete the ‘Wing Out’ mystery. A map of all the locations will be at the end of the document. After finishing the achievement, head to the Keshik ger pile. While excavating, you may randomly receive journal pages for ‘The Spy Who Loved Metal’ mystery. Collect three pages and speak to Gee’ka.

Keshik ger
  • Avian song-egg player: Lowse, Varrock Museum, and Wise Old Man
  • Keshik drum: Lowse, Varrock Museum, and Wise Old Man
  • Morin khuur: Lowse, Varrock Museum, and Wise Old Man

After finishing ‘The Spy Who Loved Metal’, ‘Wing Out’, and the collection for the Keshik ger pile, head to the Warforge!. To address why you want to start with the Stormguard Citadel vs. Warforge! boils down to Imcando metal pieces and resources. Though the rate of obtaining the Imcando metal pieces has increased, it is still best to dedicate most of this leveling block to obtaining the pieces. Additionally, the material resources are much more expensive than other places. By excavating the piles for a longer duration of time, you will gain more of the resources passively while uncovering artefacts. At any rate, once you are at Warforge! speak with Zanik to begin a cutscene. After the cutscene, head to the Gladiatorial goblin remains. While excavating, you may randomly receive journal pages for ‘The First Commander’ mystery. Collect five journal pages and turn them in to Zanik to complete the mystery.

Gladiatorial goblin remains
  • Ekeleshuun blinder mask: General Wartface, Varrock Museum, and Wise Old Man
  • Narogoshuun ‘Hob-da-Gob’ ball: General Wartface and Varrock Museum
  • Rekeshuun war tether: General Wartface and Varrock Museum

Warforge!, Infernal Source, Kharid-et, and Stormguard Citadel: Levels 81 – 83

At level 81, you will unlock four excavation piles at four dig sites. Stay at Warforge! to start on the Crucible stands debris excavation piles. Once that collection is finished, hop around from dig site to dig site until all the collections are finished. If you finish all the collections before level 83, return to Warforge! if you haven’t gotten all four Imcando metal pieces yet.

Crucible stands debris (Warforge!)
  • Ork cleaver sword: General Bentnoze and Varrock Museum
  • Ogre kyzaj axe: General Bentnoze and Varrock Museum
Animal trophies (Infernal Source)
  • Lion trophy: Isaura and Varrock Museum
  • Larupia trophy: Isaura and Varrock Museum
  • She-wolf trophy: Isaura and Varrock Museum
Pontifex remains (Kharid-et)

You will need your Pontifex signet ring to be able to enter this location

  • Pontifex censer: Soran, Varrock Museum, and Chief Tess
  • Pontifex crozier: Soran, Varrock Museum, and Chief Tess
  • Pontifex mitre: Soran, Varrock Museum, and Wise Old Man
Tailory debris
  • Aviansie dreamcoat: Lowse and Varrock Museum
  • Ceremonial plume: Lowse, Varrock Museum, and Chief Tess
  • Peaco*cking parasol: Lowse and Varrock Museum

Warforge!: Level 83

At level 83, return to Warforge! and begin excavating the barricade at the bottom of the crucible. Ridding the barricade will finish the ‘Out of the Crucible’ mystery. While in the Tunnels area, you can begin the ‘Into the Forge’ mystery. When complete, it will allow you to unlock the ability to make an Imcando mattock. After completing the two mysteries, head to the Goblin dorm debris and excavate the pile.

Goblin dorm debris
  • Thorobshuun battle standard: General Wartface, Varrock Museum, and one is needed to unlock the Fury of the Small relic
  • Yurkolgokh stink grenade: General Wartface and Varrock Museum

Everlight: Level 84

At level 84, return to Everlight and excavate the Oikos fishing hut remains.

Oikos fishing hut remains
  • Dominarian device: Sir Atcha, Varrock Museum, and give one to Reldo for the Sticky Fingers relic
  • Fishing Trident: Sir Atcha, Varrock Museum, and Chief Tess

Stormguard Citadel: Level 85

At level 85, return to the Stormguard Citadel and excavate the Weapons research debris piles. While excavating the piles you may come across journal pages for the ‘A Study in Aether’ mystery. Once you have recovered all five journal pages, speak with Gee’ka to turn in the mystery. You can finish this mystery at any point as every excavation site beyond this one awards these pages, however, it is recommended that you finish it before going beyond the level 91 spot, as you can fully complete the Stormguard mysteries by 95, giving you a new researcher to add to your missions.

Weapons research debris piles
  • Hawkeye lens multi-vision scope: Lowse and Varrock Museum
  • Talon-3 razor wing: Lowse and Varrock Museum

Kharid-et: Levels 86-89

At level 86, return to Kharid-et and begin excavating the Orcus altar (you will need your Pontifex signet ring to be able to enter here). Be sure to keep an extra Exsanguinate Spell scroll as it is needed for ‘The Vault of Shadows’ mystery.

Orcus altar
  • Exsanguinate Spell scroll: Soran, Varrock Museum, Wise Old Man, and ‘The Vault of Shadows’ mystery
  • Necromantic focus: Soran, Varrock Museum, and Wise Old Man

Infernal Source and Warforge!: Level 89

At level 89, head to the Infernal Source first and excavate the Dis overspill piles until you finish your collections.

Dis overspill
  • Pandemonium tapestry: Isaura, Varrock Museum, and Art Critic Jacques
  • Torment metal sculpture: Isaura and Varrock Museum

After finishing the collections, head to the Warforge! dig site and excavate the Big high war god shrine piles. While excavating the piles, you may come across a journal page for ‘Forge War!’ mystery. Speak with Zanik once you have recovered the one journal page to finish the mystery.

Big high war god shrine
  • High priest crozier: General Wartface, Varrock Museum, and Chief Tess
  • High priest mitre: General Wartface, Varrock Museum, and 2x for Wise Old Man
  • High priest orb: General Wartface, Varrock Museum, and Chief Tess

High Levels (90-100)

Orthen: Level 90

At level 90, you will receive an invitation to explore the Orthen dig site. Head to the Anachronia lodestone and speak with Mr. Mordaut. Then, interact with the teleporter behind the dragonkin statue. (Do note, you must have 70 Runecrafting, Crafting, and Divination to repair the teleport notes). After interacting with the base teleporter, head to the Crypt of Varanus. Once there, interact with the second teleporter to unlock ‘Incomplete Portal Network I’ research. It is advised to return to the Archaeology guild to start the research and then return back to the Crypt (via the new teleport transportation system). Enter the Crypt and begin excavating the Varanusaur remains until you finish your collections. While excavating at this site, you may find journal pages that are needed to complete the mystery ‘Crypt o’ Zoology’.

Varanusaur remains
  • Ritual Bell: Sharrigan and Velucia
  • Pasaha: Sharrigan and Velucia

Stormguard Citadel: Level 91

At level 72, return to Everlight and head to the Oikos studio piles. While excavating you will be able to obtain a Kantharos cup. This is needed for ‘The Everlight’ mystery. You will be unable to finish the mystery until level 105, so just leave an extra one in your bank. Additionally, while excavating the piles, you may randomly receive journal pages for ‘The Dour of Bable’ mystery. You will need four total to turn into Vanescula Drakan to complete the mystery.

Oikos studio debris
  • Decorative vase: Sir Atcha and Varrock Museum
  • Patera bowl: Sir Atcha and Varrock Museum
  • Kantharos cup: Sir Atcha, Varrock Museum, and keep one for ‘The Everlight’ mystery

Everlight: Level 92

At level 92, return to Everlight and begin excavating the Acropolis debris. While excavating the piles, you may come across journal pages for ‘The Epic of Hebe’ mystery. Collect all five and speak with Vanescula Drakan to finish the mystery. Additionally, this pile has the last artefact to finish the four statues achievement, the ‘Rod of Asclepius’. Giving this artefact to the Statue of Tromple will award the player with an item that can be used to receive 50,000 archaeology experience.

Acropolis debris
  • Amphora: Sir Atcha and Varrock Museum
  • Rod of Asclepius: Sir Atcha, Varrock Museum, Chief Tess, and Statue of Tromple

Kharid-et: Level 93

At level 93, return to Kharid-et and excavate the Armarium debris.

Armarium debris
  • Zarosian ewer: Soran and Varrock Museum
  • Zarosian stein: Soran and Varrock Museum

Warforge!: Level 94

At level 94, return to Warforge! and excavate the Yu’biusk animal pen piles.

Yu’biusk animal pen
  • Beastkeeper helm: General Bentnoze, Wise Old Man, and Varrock Museum
  • Idithuun horn ring: General Wartface and Varrock Museum
  • Nosorog! Sculpture: General Bentnoze and Varrock Museum

Stormguard Citadel: Level 95

At level 95, return to Stormguard Citadel and head to the Keshik tower debris (Dayguard tower). Once you have found a Stormguard gerege, you can restore it to interact with the Graviton Core (after having made a ‘Wingsuit v3’). Howl’s Floating Workshop mystery can then be completed, giving you access to Ancient Invention. More info is found in the mystery section.

Keshik tower debris
  • Stormguard gerege: Lowse, Varrock Museum, and one for your toolbelt
  • Dayguard shield: Lowse and Varrock Museum

Orthen: Level 96

At level 96, return to the Crypt of Varanus in Orthen and excavate the Dragonkin reliquary.

Dragonkin reliquary
  • Vazara: Sharrigan and Velucia
  • Kilaya: Sharrigan and Velucia

Warforge!: Level 97

At level 97, return to Warforge! and begin excavating the Goblin trainee remains.

Goblin trainee remains
  • Garagorshuun anchor: General Wartface, Varrock Museum, and one for the Fury of the Small relic
  • Ourg megahitter: General Bentnoze and Varrock Museum
  • Ourg tower/goblin cower shield: General Bentnoze and Varrock Museum

Stormguard Citadel and Infernal Source: Level 98

At level 98, return to either the Stormguard Citadel or the Infernal Source. Upon completing one of the collections, switch to the other one. It is recommended to do the Infernal Source first, so you spend more time at Stormguard to collect more blueprint pages. Congratulations on achieving level 99! Note: 2 Hellfire Katar are required for a relic. Give the two to the demon at the very bottom.

Destroyed golem (Stormguard Citadel)
  • Golem Heart: Lowse and Varrock Museum
  • Golem instruction: Lowse, Varrock Museum, and Wise Old Man
Byzroth remains (Infernal Source)
  • Hellfire haladie: Isaura and Varrock Museum
  • Hellfire katar: Isaura and Varrock Museum
  • Hellfire zaghnal: Isaura and Varrock Museum

Orthen: Level 99

At level 99, return to the Crypt of Varanus in Orthen and excavate the Dragonkin coffin.

Dragonkin coffin
  • Death mask: Sharrigan and Velucia
  • Dragonkin calendar: Sharrigan and Velucia
  • Dragonkin staff: Sharrigan and Velucia

High Levels (100-110)

Warforge!, Kharid-et, and Everlight: Level 100

At level 100, send out the Special Mission ‘Power Behind the Throne’. Upon its completion, head to Warforge! and interact with the throne. You will discover that you need a Forged in War sculpture. While you are excavating the Kyzaj champions boudoir pile, recover and restore a Dorgeshuun Spear and a Forged in War sculpture as both items are needed to finish the ‘You Have Chosen…’ mystery. Use the sculpture on the throne, give the spear to Zanik, and watch the cutscene. Pass through the wall to finish the mystery.

Kyzaj champions boudoir (Warforge!)
  • Dorgeshuun spear: General Wartface, Varrock Museum, and one for ‘You Have Chosen’
  • Forged in War sculpture: General Bentnoze, Varrock Museum, and one for ‘You Have Chosen’

After completing ‘You Have Chosen…’ and the collections, feel free to go to either Kharid-et or Everlight. At Kharid-et be sure to keep an extra ‘Smoke Cloud’ spell scroll as it is needed for ‘The Vault of Shadows’ mystery.

Culinarum debris (Kharid-et)
  • Smoke Cloud spell scroll: Soran, Varrock Museum, Wise Old Man, and one for the ‘The Vault of Shadows’ mystery
  • Vigorem vial: Soran and Varrock Museum
Icyene weapon rack (Everlight)
  • Kopis dagger: Sir Atcha and Varrock Museum
  • Xiphos short sword: Sir Atcha and Varrock Museum

Orthen: Levels 100 – 102

At level 101, return to Orthen and head to the Observation outpost. Here you can find the 3rd teleport device to charge. This device requires 20 unnoted ancient vis. Upon activating the device, you will receive a message for ‘Incomplete Portal Network II’ research to do. After sending out the research, head inside and excavate at the Autopsy table. While excavating at this site, you may find journal pages that are needed to complete the mystery ‘Death Watch’.

Autopsy table
  • Dragon scalpel: Sharrigan and Velucia
  • Protective goggles: Sharrigan and Velucia

Upon hitting 102, move to the Experiment workbench to excavate.

Experiment workbench
  • Dragon burner: Sharrigan and Velucia
  • Orthenglass flask: Sharrigan and Velucia

Stormguard Citadel: Level 103

At level 103, return to Stormguard and excavate the Keshik weapon rack.

Keshik weapon rack
  • Blackfire lance: Lowse and Varrock Museum
  • Nightguard shield: Lowse and Varrock Museum

Infernal Source and Warforge!: Level 104

At level 104, return to either the Infernal Source or Warforge! and excavate either the Hellfire forge or Warforge! scrap pile.

Hellfire forge (Infernal Source)
  • Possession metal sculpture: Isaura and Varrock Museum
  • Trishula: Isaura and Varrock Museum
  • Tsutsaroth piercing: Isaura and Varrock Museum
Warforge! scrap pile (Warforge!)
  • Huzamogaarb chaos crown: General Wartface, Varrock Museum, and Wise Old Man
  • Saragorgak star crown: General Wartface, Varrock Museum, and Wise Old Man

Everlight: Level 105

At level 105, return to Everlight and begin excavating the Stockpiled art pile. While excavating, you will get between one and ten mosaic fragments. Use 300 mosaic fragments and the restored “Hallowed Be the Everlight” painting on the elevator (complete guide at the end) to finish the ‘Hallowed Be…’ mystery. Going up the elevator, use the four bucklers, found while excavating piles/caches on each island, on the statues to start a light puzzle. Complete the puzzle, use the elevator to go up again, and use a Kantharos cup on the light to complete ‘The Everlight’ mystery.

Stockpiled art
  • The Pride of Padosan painting: Sir Atcha, Varrock Museum, and Art Critic Jacques
  • Hallowed Be the Everlight painting: Sir Atcha, Varrock Museum, and Art Critic Jacques
  • The Lord of Light painting: Sir Atcha, Varrock Museum, and Art Critic Jacques

Orthen: Level 106

At level 106, return to Orthen and head to the excavation site southeast. You will need to complete the mystery ‘Fragmented Memories’ to access the Moksha area (refer to the Mysteries section). After completing the mystery, walk inside and activate the teleport device by using 20 unnoted orthenglass on it. You will then get the research ‘Incomplete Portal Network III’. After sending your research team out, begin excavating at the Aughra remains. While excavating at this site, you may find journal pages that are needed to complete the mystery ‘Free Your Mind’.

Aughra remains
  • Meditation pipe: Sharrigan and Velucia
  • Singing bowl: Sharrigan and Velucia
  • Personal totem: Sharrigan and Velucia

Kharid-et: Level 107

At level 107, return to Kharid-et and excavate the Ancient magick munitions piles. There are two items that will complete the two mysteries at Kharid-et: Animate Dead spell scroll for ‘The Vault of Shadows’ and Portable phylactery for the ‘Forgotten Prisoner’. Additionally, there are a total of eleven journal pages to be acquired to finish the ‘Decimation’ and ‘Shadow Fall’ mysteries.

Ancient magick munitions
  • Ancient magic tablet: Soran and Varrock Museum
  • Animate Dead spell scroll: Soran, Varrock Museum, Wise OId Man, and one for ‘Vault of Shadows’ mystery
  • Portable phylactery: Soran, Varrock Museum, Wise OId Man, and one for the ‘Forgotten Prisoner’ mystery

Orthen: Level 108

At level 108, return to Orthen and teleport to the Moksha excavation area. Once there, excavate the Moksha device.

Moksha device
  • Lingam stone: Sharrigan and Velucia
  • Master control: Sharrigan and Velucia

Everlight: Level 109

At level 109, return to Everlight and excavate the Bibliotheke debris.

Bibliotheke debris
  • The Enlightened Soul scroll: Sir Atcha, Varrock Museum, and Wise Old Man
  • The Eudoxian Elements tablet: Sir Atcha, Varrock Museum, and Wise Old Man

End Game Levels (110-120)

Warforge! and Infernal Source: Level 110

At level 110, return to the Warforge! and begin excavating the Warforge! weapon rack. While excavating you will have a chance to find journal pages. There are five journal pages to be turned in to Zanik to complete the final mystery, ‘Heart of the Forge.’

Warforge! weapon rack
  • Drogokishuun hook sword: General Wartface and Varrock Museum
  • Hobgoblin mansticker: General Bentnoze and Varrock Museum

After completing the mystery and collection at Warforge!, head to the Infernal Source to excavate the Chthonian trophies piles.

Chthonian trophies
  • Chaos Elemental trophy: Isaura and Varrock Museum
  • Virius trophy: Isaura and Varrock Museum

Stormguard Citadel: Levels 111 – 113

At level 111, return to Stormguard and begin excavating the Flight research debris.

Flight research debris
  • Flat cap: Lowse, Varrock Museum, and Wise Old Man
  • Night owl flight goggles: Lowse and Varrock Museum

At level 112, switch to the Aetherium forge piles.

Aetherium forge
  • Prototype godbow: Lowse and Varrock Museum
  • Prototype godstaff: Lowse and Varrock Museum
  • Prototype godsword: Lowse and Varrock Museum

Orthen: Level 113

At level 113, return to Orthen and head to the digsite close to Laniakea. Restore the teleport device by using 20 unnoted quintessence on it to complete the mystery ‘Teleport Node On’. After restoring the device, begin excavating the Xolo mine. To gain access to the digsite you will need to do the following:

  • Get a Master control from Moksha device excavation
  • Restore and use on the device in the center of the Moksha digsite
  • Solve the rune puzzle and watch the cutscene
    • Puzzle Solutions shown below
  • Get Singing bowl from the Aughra remains and restore it
  • Catch a yellow salamander with the Singing bowl in inventory
  • Go back to Moksha device for another cutscene
  • Excavate, restore, and bring Lingam stone to Site 4 (by Laniakea)
RS3 Archaeology Training Guide - 1-99/120 (2)
RS3 Archaeology Training Guide - 1-99/120 (3)
RS3 Archaeology Training Guide - 1-99/120 (4)
Xolo mine
  • Xolo pickaxe: Sharrigan and Velucia
  • Xolo hardhat: Sharrigan and Velucia

Kharid-et: Level 114

At level 114, return to Kharid-et and begin excavating the Praetorian remains.

Praetorian remains
  • Praetorian hood: Soran, Varrock Museum, and Wise Old Man
  • Praetorian robes: Soran and Varrock Museum
  • Praetorian staff: Soran and Varrock Museum

Warforge!: Level 115

At level 115, return to the Warforge! and begin excavating the Bandos sanctum debris piles.

Bandos sanctum debris
  • Kal-i-kran chieftain crown: General Bentnoze, Varrock Museum, and Wise Old Man
  • Kal-i-kran mace: General Bentnoze and Varrock Museum
  • Kal-i-kran warhorn: General Bentnoze and Varrock Museum

Infernal Source: Level 116

At level 116, return to the Infernal Source and begin excavating the Tsutsaroth remains.

Tsutsaroth remains
  • Tsutsaroth helm: Isaura, Varrock Museum, and Wise Old Man
  • Tsutsaroth pauldron: Isaura and Varrock Museum
  • Tsutsaroth urumi: Isaura and Varrock Museum

Everlight: Level 117

At level 117, return to Everlight and begin excavating the Optimatoi remains piles.

Optimatoi remains
  • Kontos lance: Sir Atcha and Varrock Museum
  • Doru spear: Sir Atcha and Varrock Museum

Kharid-et and Stormguard: Level 118

At level 118, you can go to either Kharid-et and excavate the War table debris or to the Stormguard Citadel to excavate Howl’s workshop debris. Once you have completed one of the collections, switch to the other.

War table debris
  • Ancient globe: Soran and Varrock Museum
  • Battle plans: Soran and Varrock Museum
  • Prima Legio painting: Soran, Varrock Museum, and Art Critic Jacques
Howl’s workshop debris
  • Chuluu stone: Lowse, Varrock Museum, and Wise Old Man
  • Quintessence counter: Lowse and Varrock Museum
  • Spherical astrolabe: Lowse and Varrock Museum

Warforge! and Orthen: Level 119

At level 119, you can go to either the Makeshift pie oven, located in Warforge!, or to Xolo remains, located in Orthen (excavation site near Laniakea).

Makeshift pie oven
  • Horogothgar cooking pot: General Wartface and Varrock Museum
  • Da Boss Man sculpture: General Bentnoze, General Wartface, Varrock Museum, and Wise Old Man
Xolo remains
  • Xolo spear: Sharrigan and Velucia
  • Xolo shield: Sharrigan and Velucia

Orthen: Level 120

At level 120, you can go to the final excavation spot- Saurthen debris at the excavation site near Laniakea. While here, interact with the Xolo Temple Pyramid and restore a Raksha idol and Gold dish for the ‘Mysterious City’ mystery. Congratulations on reaching level 120!

Saurthen debris
  • Raksha idol: Sharrigan and Velucia
  • Gold dish: Sharrigan and Velucia

Mysteries Overview

RS3 Archaeology Training Guide - 1-99/120 (5)

An Archaeological Mystery in Runescape is a type of short mini-quest styled activity that players can participate in for rewards. The completion times vary greatly, with some being completed in minutes and others taking hours or days. The rewards on offer include new areas, or unlocks such as ancient summoning and ancient invention, players can also expect to receive archaeology experience.

Players can find mysteries at all seven of the dig site location. The mysteries in each location can be seen below

Kharid-et Mysteries

  • Breaking the Seal (Level 12 Required)
  • Prison Break (Level 12 Required)
  • Time Served (Level 47 Required)
  • The Forgotten Prisoner (Level 107 Required)
  • The Cult of Orcus (Level 74 Required)
  • Decimation (Level 107 Required)
  • Shadow Fall (Level 107 Required)
  • The Vault of Shadows (Level 107 Required)

Orthen Mysteries

  • Crypt o’ Zoology (Level 90 Required)
  • Teleport Node On (Level 106 Required)
  • Death Watch (Level 101 Required)
  • Know Thy Measure (Level 106 Required)
  • Free Your Mind (Level 106 Required)
  • Fragmented Memories (Level 106 Required)
  • I Am Become Death (Level 113 Required)
  • Mysterious City (Level 120 Required)

Warforge! Mysteries

  • The First Commander (Level 76 Required)
  • Out of the Crucible (Level 83 Required)
  • Forge War! (Level 89 Required)
  • Into the Forge (Level 83 Required)
  • You Have Chosen… (Level 100 Required)
  • Heart of the Forge (Level 110 Required)

Stormguard Citadel Mysteries

  • Atonement (Level 70 Required)
  • Leap of Faith (Level 70 Required)
  • The Spy Who Loved Metal (Level 76 Required)
  • Wing Out (Level 76 Required)
  • A Study in Aether (Level 85 Required)
  • Howl’s Floating Workshop (Level 95 Required – Unlocks Ancient Invention)

Senntisten Mysteries

  • Empty Children (Level 63 Required)
  • Night Theatre (Level 67 Required)
  • Secrets of Inquisition (Level 67 Required)

Infernal Source Mysteries

  • Eyes in Their Stars (Level 20 Required)
  • Embrace the Chaos (Level 29 Required)
  • Contract Claws (Level 29 Required)
  • Dagon Bye (Level 68 Required and completion of ‘Contract Claws’ – Unlocks Ancient Summoning)

Everlight Mysteries

  • Fallen Angels (Level 42 Required)
  • Queen of the Icyene (Level 42 Required)
  • Fall and Rise (Level 61 Required)
  • The Dour of Bable (Level 72 Required)
  • The Epic of Hebe (Level 92 Required)
  • Hallowed Be… (Level 105 Required)
  • The Everlight (Level 105 Required and completion of ‘Hallowed Be…’)
RS3 Archaeology Training Guide - 1-99/120 (2024)
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