The New Slayer Update and How to Build the Best Block List

The long-awaited Slayer update has finally landed in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), and with it comes one of the most significant overhauls to the skill in years. From slayer point cost reductions to a fully revamped block list system, players now have more flexibility than ever to tailor their Slayer experience. Whether you’re grinding for experience, hunting boss pets, looking to buy OSRS gold for faster upgrades, or maximizing efficiency, understanding these changes is key to making the most of your time. This guide will walk you through the update’s highlights, explain how block lists now work, and give practical advice on setting up your own list for maximum efficiency.

Major Changes to Slayer Rewards

One of the first things you’ll notice after the update is that reward costs have been dramatically reduced. Unlocks such as “Reptile Freezer,” which once cost 100 points, now only cost 10. Many other perks also dropped in price, and if you had previously purchased them, your account was refunded the difference. This means many players logged in to find hundreds-if not thousands-of points refunded, along with a completely cleared block list.

Another huge change is that task storage now costs only 500 points instead of 1,000. This makes saving boss tasks more accessible, especially for players who want to bank Slayer bosses for later without losing their streak. While not mandatory, this is a strong early investment if you’re planning a long grind.

Using Turael for Task Manipulation

Turael, the easiest Slayer master, now plays a much larger role in efficient Slayer training. Players commonly use him for two main strategies:

1. Point Boosting: Complete nine tasks with Turael, then switch to your main Slayer master for the 10th task, which yields extra points.

2. Task Cancelling: If you’re assigned a task you dislike, you can switch it to a simple Turael task. This resets your streak, but with the new block list options, it’s far easier to control which tasks he can assign.

This makes Turael a key tool for shaping your Slayer grind, especially if you’re focused on efficiency or looking to stockpile points for unlocks.

Building an Efficient Block List

The new system allows each Slayer master to have a unique block list, giving you the ability to customize your strategy. The best approach is to block tasks that are either slow, inefficient, or extremely common, while keeping high-XP and fast tasks unblocked.

Common Early Blocks with Turael:

· Lizards - Slow, inconvenient, and require ice coolers unless you choose sulfur lizards. Block these immediately.

· Dogs - Low spawn density and poor XP rates make this a time-waster.

· Skeletons - Even with cannon strategies, they’re slow and tedious.

· Cows (Kalphites) - Blocking these is crucial if you intend to cancel large Kalphite tasks from other masters.

Other tasks such as bats, dwarves, and wolves can be considered optional blocks depending on how many slots you have available.

High Priority Blocks for Main Slayer Masters:

· Metal Dragons - Now grouped into a single task with a weight of 14, the highest of any assignment. These are extremely common and very slow. Always block them.

· Greater Demons / Black Demons - Decent XP in some setups, but usually too long to be efficient.

· Drakes, Wyrms, and Gargoyles - Lengthy tasks that can significantly reduce your overall XP/hour.

· Hellhounds & Kraken - Good if you want the pet, but block them if you’re focusing strictly on XP.

On the flip side, you’ll want to keep Abyssal Demons, Nechryaels, and Dust Devils since they offer some of the best experience rates, especially when bursting in multi-combat zones.

Slayer Master Choices

While Steve/Nieve was once the default master, the update has shifted the meta. Duradel (or “Cardell”) is now considered the best Slayer master for XP, offering superior task lists and fewer “bad” assignments compared to Steve. Conar is only worth using for Hydra tasks or if you specifically want the increased loot variety. Steve still has a niche for Inferno or Fight Caves prep, but for general XP grinding, Duradel is the clear winner.

The Slayer Spreadsheet Tool

To make the most of these changes, players have created a customizable Slayer spreadsheet. This tool allows you to input your preferences (e.g., whether you’re chasing a pet, training specific combat styles, or using alternate accounts) and generates the most efficient block list for your goals. The spreadsheet even calculates your expected Slayer points per task to ensure you’re staying neutral on points while maximizing XP.

By experimenting with different toggles, you can fine-tune your list-ensuring every task you get contributes toward your long-term goals.

Final Thoughts

The Slayer update has made the skill more flexible, rewarding, and efficient than ever before. With lower unlock costs, customizable block lists, and improved interfaces, it’s now easier to avoid the tasks you dread and focus on the ones that deliver real value. Whether you’re an Ironman preparing for bosses, a pet hunter grinding long-term goals, or simply chasing the fastest 99 possible, learning to manage your block list is now the most important part of Slayer. For those looking to speed up progress, using tools like the Slayer spreadsheet alongside investments such as cheap RuneScape gold can help you shape your grind to fit your playstyle. Slayer has never felt smoother-time to get back out there and start slaying!