If you’re diving into Deadman Annihilation in OSRS, starting off on the right foot can make all the difference. This guide outlines an optimised starter route that maximises early combat efficiency, Deadman points, and preparation for the first breach. It also includes some tips that are often overlooked in other guides, like securing the anti-dragon shield and acquiring the Eternal Belief sigil for unlimited prayer.

Step 1: Spawn and Early Setup

Start your journey in Verarac. Your first task should be completing the Stronghold of Security to earn 10k RuneScape gold. Once that’s done, use a Chronicle teleport to enter the Champions Guild and begin the Dragon Slayer 1 quest. On your way to Verox Centre, pick up key items: a soap from Dalia, a jug from the general store, and fill it with water at the nearby fountain. Be sure to grab a newspaper from Benny as well, which will be useful for diary tasks.

Next, head to the museum to complete the natural history quiz. Upstairs, talk to historian Minus to claim XP lamps. On your way back downstairs, speak with Helen for a diary step, and finally check in with the information clerk for some early mining experience.

Step 2: Unlock Sigils and Shortcuts

After initial quests, unlock the Sigil of Life and take it to the Gnome Stronghold via the spirit tree. Then head back to the Grand Exchange and use the shortcut west. At this point, speak with the emblem trader to acquire emblems and then check in with Osaic to continue Dragon Slayer 1. Using the lever south, make your way to Arty and then return through the wilderness.

As you continue, head east to Proita and activate the Thick Skin prayer. Visit Proida for a check-in, and restore your prayer at the nearby church altar. Sell your silk to the silk trader for 60 cheap Runescape gold, then withdraw your axe and tinderbox from the bank to start basic skilling. Cut a tree and complete the Monk’s Friend and Fight Arena quests to gain additional XP.

Step 3: Preparing Supplies and Quests

Next, make your way to Port Kazard to buy swamp paste and use the nearby fairy ring network. Codes A IR, C IR, B I S, D I S, A LS, and B LR will allow you to traverse efficiently. Cut and burn logs until you reach 30 Firemaking. Purchase a small fishing net from Witchhaven and complete the Sea Slug quest, making sure to catch a fish for a diary step. Afterwards, teleport via Chronicle, speak to the Guild Master, and then use a Home teleport. Check in with Hans, then visit Duke Curatio on the second floor to acquire the anti-dragon shield—essential for safe early dragon kills.

Step 4: Dragon Bone Grinding and Prayer Preparation

Choose your preferred dragon area carefully; Taverly Dungeon, Dragon’s Nest, or Isle of Souls are recommended because they’re outside the wilderness, reducing risk from other players. Use your starter sigil and XP lamps to gain 10k Deadman experience. If needed, you can apply XP lamps to Prayer to save dragon bones. With respawns set at just 5 seconds, having the anti-dragon shield ensures your survival while others who rush unprepared are at risk. Once you have around 14 dragon bones (or 8 if using lamps for prayer), head to the Chaos Altar and offer them to further boost experience. Restore Prayer for another diary step before continuing training.

Step 5: Optimal Training Spot – Scurius

For early training, Scurius is highly recommended. Even without full protection, this area is ideal because it grants 20% bonus XP in any combat style. Additionally, killing Scurius drops the Scurius Spine, giving 50k experience in any combat skill. Every kill also earns Deadman points, even without the MVP tag. Depending on your chosen combat style, you can train Melee, Ranged, or Magic here while accumulating both experience and points efficiently.

Melee: Use your starter sword initially and upgrade to a Dragon Scimitar as soon as possible.

Ranged: Buy a Doric bow from Verarac’s range shop if available.

Magic: Use your starter staff or strike spells until better equipment is accessible.

Step 6: Breach Preparation

Once training is underway, you’ll need to prepare for your first breach. For Mage or Ranged, consider unlocking the Elf questline to access an Iben Staff or Crystal Bow. Most players won’t have 70 Ranged initially, so spine drops from Scurius may help you reach that threshold faster. For Melee, stick with the Dragon Scimitar.

If funds are tight for supplies or weapons, consider using an alt to pickpocket wealthy citizens while training at Scurius. This method allows you to supplement your income without interrupting your main progression. Alternatively, for those who don’t want to swap or use an alt, you can purchase an Adamant sword for Melee, a Doric bow for Ranged, or the strongest affordable spell for Magic.

Final Notes and Community Support

At this point, your account should be well-prepared for both training and early Deadman Annihilation breaches. With the anti-dragon shield, Eternal Belief sigil, and optimal training spots, you’ll have an advantage over players who rush blindly into dragons. Don’t forget to monitor your Deadman points, which will help unlock additional benefits and boost your early progression.