Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is filled with classic quests that have stood the test of time, and Shield of Arrav is one of the oldest and most iconic. Originally released in 2001 and remaining largely unchanged, this quest is a staple for both new and veteran adventurers. It’s a relatively simple free-to-play (F2P) quest, but it introduces an important feature — it’s one of the few quests that requires cooperation with another player.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to start and complete Shield of Arrav, the quest’s lore, key items, and the exact steps you need to follow to claim your reward.

Quest Overview

Quest Name: Shield of Arrav

Difficulty: Novice

Length: Short

Quest Type: Free-to-Play

Requirements: None (besides a partner to complete it)

Reward: 600 Coins and 1 Quest Point

Quest Background

The city of Varrock has long been home to two notorious gangs: the Phoenix Gang and the Black Arm Gang. Both criminal organizations once vied for control of the city’s underworld, and in the process, a valuable artifact called the Shield of Arrav was stolen and split in two. Each gang holds one half of the shield, and your job is to infiltrate one of these gangs to recover a piece of it.

Since the quest requires another player to join the opposing gang and recover the other half, it introduces a unique multiplayer element to Old School RuneScape.

How to Start Shield of Arrav

Speak to Reldo in the Varrock Palace Library

To start the quest, head to Varrock Palace, located north of the central fountain. Enter the library on the east side of the palace and talk to Reldo, the palace historian.

Ask him for any interesting quests.

He’ll mention the Shield of Arrav and suggest you read a book on the subject.

Search the bookcases until you find ‘The Shield of Arrav’ book.

Read the book to learn about the shield and its connection to the two gangs.

Speak to Reldo again, and he’ll mention the Phoenix Gang.

Finding a Partner

Before continuing, you need to find another player to complete the quest with you. One of you will join the Phoenix Gang and the other the Black Arm Gang.

Most players find a partner through public chat in Varrock or community forums like the official Old School RuneScape forums, Reddit, or Discord groups.

Phoenix Gang Path

If you decide to join the Phoenix Gang:

1. Speak to Baraek

Find Baraek in Varrock’s marketplace, near the fur stall. Ask him about the Phoenix Gang, and he’ll offer information for 20 coins.

2. Go to the Phoenix Gang Hideout

Head southeast of Varrock’s central fountain, behind the weapon store. Climb down the trapdoor there to enter the Phoenix Gang hideout.

3. Speak to Straven

Inside, talk to Straven. He’ll give you a task: kill Jonny the Beard to prove your worth.

Find Jonny the Beard in the Blue Moon Inn just south of the fountain.

Kill him and pick up the Intel Report.

Return to Straven with the Intel Report. He’ll give you a key to the Phoenix Gang Weapon Store Room.

4. Retrieve the Shield Half

Use the key on the locked door in the southeast corner of the hideout. Inside, open the chest to obtain the Phoenix Gang’s half of the Shield of Arrav.

Black Arm Gang Path

If you choose the Black Arm Gang:

1. Speak to Katrine

Head to the Black Arm Gang hideout, located in the southwestern corner of Varrock, near the city wall. Talk to Katrine outside the building.

She’ll tell you about a task to prove your loyalty: steal two Phoenix crossbows from the Phoenix Gang.

2. Have Your Partner Help You

Since only Phoenix Gang members can enter the weapon store room, your partner needs to kill the guards in there and pick up the two Phoenix crossbows for you.

They should then leave the hideout and trade you the crossbows.

3. Return to Katrine

Bring the two Phoenix crossbows to Katrine. She’ll accept them and officially welcome you to the Black Arm Gang.

4. Retrieve the Shield Half

Go upstairs in the hideout and open the cupboard to get the Black Arm Gang’s half of the Shield of Arrav.

Completing the Quest

Once both players have their respective shield halves, head to Curator Haig Halen in the Varrock Museum, located east of the palace.

Speak to him, and he’ll take your shield half and give you a certificate half.

Trade your certificate half with your partner.

Combine both halves in your inventory to create the complete certificate.

Finally, take the certificate to King Roald in Varrock Palace. Speak to him to claim your 600 Coins and 1 Quest Point.

Quest Rewards

1 Quest Point

600 Coins

While the reward is modest, Shield of Arrav is an essential quest for free-to-play players working toward total Quest Points for later activities like Dragon Slayer or membership trials.

Final Tips

Always double-check your partner’s reliability, especially in F2P worlds where scamming attempts may occur.

Use public OSRS world 301 (F2P trading hub) to find a quick partner if you’re solo.

This quest is part of the Varrock Diary requirements and contributes to overall Quest Point totals.

Shield of Arrav remains one of the most nostalgic and cooperative quests in Old School RuneScape. Its requirement for teamwork adds a refreshing multiplayer twist and gives players a classic introduction to Varrock’s underworld lore. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a new player, completing this quest is a rite of passage in your RuneScape journey.

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