Blast Furnace

The most efficient ore-processing machine in RuneScape is how the Blast Furnace is described by Jagex. This is instantly appealing to all people who enjoy the smithing skill, although a lot of effort is required to fully reap the benefits of this mini game.

Obviously, the blast furnace mini game is a member only game. The main benefit is that is uses half the amount of coal normally required when smelting ores in the traditional way. You will need to have started The Giant Dwarf quest to access the city of Keldagrim, where the mini game takes place.

All players working together on the furnace will receive some smithing experience in addition to other experience for performing the respective job.

A brief outline:
1. Speak to the foreman to find out about the jobs required in order to make the blast furnace work correctly. All jobs need to be performed correctly in order to use the furnace.

2. Furnace Stoker - Level 30 firemaking required to keep the furnace lit. The person will need to use a spade with the coke holder and then hit the refuel stove button. Stoking the furnace once gives 5 firemaking experience.

3. Heat Pump Operator - Level 30 strength is required to pump the heated air between the stove and the furnace. Whoever is reading the gauge should instruct the heat pump operator when to pump and when to relax. Food should be in your inventory as damage can be taken if overheated.

4. Conveyor belt operator - 30 agility required to operate this. A small amount of agility experience is gained every 30 seconds or for every percent of energy used. Energy or super energy potions can be used while operating the conveyor belt and this will help prolong your time here. The conveyor belt transports the ores to be smelted.

5. Gauge Reader - Simply needs to communicate to the correct person what is required. It may be something needs repaired or more heat needs to be pumped into the system.

6. Repairman - Level 30 crafting is required as a repairman. 50 crafting experience is given each time a repair is carried out. More than one mechanic is suggested as the furnace may break down a lot - and it is essential the furnace remains in full working order for people to get smelting their ores.

7. Cool down bars using a bucket of water.

Fishing Trawler Mini Game

The fishing trawler mini game has been about for some time now on runescape. However, Jagex have made some improvements to it since it was first released and now mantra ray and sea turtles are easier to catch - although a team of people is still required.

The basic overview of the trawler fishing game is to work together as a team, ensuring that you don't sink and catch as many fish as you can. The longer you keep the boat from sinking, the more fish will be caught.

At the end all the fish are divided up among the people who helped keep it afloat.

The basic method on how to play the fishing trawler is:

• Use rope to repair the trawlers net
• Use swamp paste to repair leaks in the trawlers hull
• Use buckets to bail out water if all else fails

A further, more detailed guide to the fishing trawler is available at numerous fan sites. The guide I looked at was the runecrypt fishing trawler guide.

Runescape Barbarian Assault

Barbarian Assault mini game in runescape is another team focussed game Jagex introduced as a means of appeasing groups of people who enjoy playing the game together. I am not sure if it is how Jagex will handle all future requests for runescape clan support, although given they have had several requests over the years and so far no strong clan support features have been implemented, it stands to reason that group games are likely to be as much as Jagex will do for bringing clan support into runescape.

The barbarian assault has various roles that need filled by each team member:

• Attacker Role
• Defender Role
• Healer Role
• Collector Role

Attacker Role Outlined:
The attacker will rely on the collector for information on which style of fighting should be used to successfully defeat the Penance. The role simply requires the attacker to slay the Penance using the correct method given to them by the collector.

Defender Role Outlined:
The defender aim is to eliminate Penance runners by luring them on to traps at the east and west side of the assault cavern. The defender will be told what food is needed for bait by the healer as well as having to repair traps when required.

Healer Role Outlined:
The role of the healer in the barbarian assault mini game on runescape is a duel role. The first role is to ensure that nobody dies from their team and secondly to poison the Penance healers. The healer should also communicate with the defender by using their horn to relay the required information to enable the defender to eliminate Penance runners effectively.

Collector Role Outlined:
The collector on the runescape barbarian assault mini game performs the role of collecting eggs left by the Penance as they are slain. The attacker should communicate with the collector to ensure the correct eggs are collected up as well as telling the attacker what method of attack is required for each Penance.

As players reach the 10th wave, they will face the Penance Queen. The egg launcher loaded with Omega Eggs should be used. Healers will be required as the Queen can do large amounts of damage. At least one level 5 healer is suggested.

Rewards:

To get your rewards for playing the game, talk to Commander Connad and select 'get-rewards'. Here will be a list of the things that you can achieve with your 'honour points'. Honour Points are rewarded at the end of each wave. The more effort you and your team puts into the game, the more honour points you and your team will receive.

Levels can be gained by trading in the honour points in exchange for better levels. This will enable a team to become more effective as they gain experience and it will lead to defeating the queen with more ease.

In addition to levels, there are various pieces of armour available as well that also cost points. Again this will help improve the overall efficiency of the team as they become more experienced.

Gambling

It is also possible to gamble your points. You can win anything - from bronze arrows to a dragon chainmail (which is extremely rare).

• Low item gamble - 200 points
• Medium item gamble - 400 points
• High item gamble - 500 points and Kill Queen

Overall, the barbarian assault mini game in runescape is just OK in my opinion. There are many things that could be done to improve it or extend it. Hopefully Jagex do consider clan support rather than only adding additional mini games as team mini games can become very limiting for players who struggle to get specific numbers of friends online at the same time and want to take part in the game.

On top of that, there is no need to make mini games have any degree of complexity. It would be good for more mini games to reward specific skill experience that reduced the time required to raise levels. However, if Jagex are intent on increasing and expanding the playability of runescape, they are simply looking at introducing more mini games that will try and tempt players away from levelling skills in order to prolong that players lifetime objective of achieving maximum skill levels.

Runescape TzHaar Fight Cave

The Tzhaar Fight Cave mini game in runescape has been a good introduction as far as many people are concerned. However, it has its frustrastions in the sense of the amount of time it can take people to claim the highly desired Flame Cape.

The Flame Cape is not the only reward as Tokkul will be given out for any failed attempts at claiming the cape or for any subsequent success of defeating TzTok-Jad. There are some tricks to being able to defeat TzTok-Jad and make the game a little bit easier, although I have never really bothered with doing this mini game apart from when it was initially introduced into the game.

I have researched on some strategies but never quite found the time to tackle it as I do not play runescape for the pixels, I simply play it when I have a few moments of spare time. In this case, I feel that too much time may be needed for me to be successful - as friends informed me it can take over 1 hour to reach TzTok-Jad.

Anyway, some basic tips for those players who feel up to this runescape challenge:

• Play with the sound on to hear attack style changes
• Prayer pots will be required
• Watch out for the healers undoing your work
• If fighting TzTok-Jad in melee ALWAYS have prayer on for his melee attacks

In essence, this runescape mini game is a test of endurance as each wave of monster gradually gets stronger the longer you survive. It is definately a test of skill to survive and then defeat TzTok-Jad. It is possible to achieve this at low levels. I have seen a level 41 with a Fire Cape and since the capes are not tradeable, it means he managed to defeat TzTok-Jad. However, I do not know how many attempts were taken and the exact strategy used to achieve the feat.

Players who complete this mini game can have some sense of achievement as it will normally involve several attempts before you find a strategy that works for you. All I can say is good luck in your adventures and hopefully one day I will find the time to get my own Fire Cape.

Tears of Guthix

Runescape mini game Tears of Guthix is a game that can help players gradually build up some experience in their least preferred skill. Well, I say least preferred as it is generally the lowest skill is a persons least preferred. In truth then, the tears of guthix mini game will enable players to earn some experience in their lowest skill.

Players wishing to do this mini game will have to complete the tears of guthix quest. The bowl that is made will be kept by Juna, so players do not need to remake it - maybe Jagex seeing some sense here as players would likely be very unwilling to make the bowl each week.

Anyway, Jagex have introduced this mini game as more a reward for players who are active in runescape. I say this due to the fact there are some requirements needed for people to be able to take part in the game weekly.

The requirements:

• 100k experience earned during the week
• or a new quest completed during the week

Juna will prevent players from entering if they have not met the requirements. Consequently tears of guthix is aimed at rewarding those players who generally work on their accounts regularly.

The simple objective in tears of guthix is to collect tears in a bowl. The tears will be collected from the blue streams - as any tears collected from the green stream will reduce the total number in the bowl. All players will have a time limit imposed on them and the streams can randomly switch between blue and green. So be attentive to get maximum results.

The time limit is closely related to the number of quest points you have - the more quest points in total, the more time you can spend in the cave each week. Although it doesn't help with the random changes in stream colours.

Overall, the reward for collecting tears in this runescape mini game will directly reward players with experience in their lowest skill (provided that skill is at least level 30). Each tear collected translates into 60 experience points - so 10 tears is equal to 600 experience. It isn't much - but over time it can add up, especially on a skill that you don't like training up much anyway. It can get you to a better skill level that you may then be able to do something in it that you enjoy.

Runescape Gnome Ball

Runescape Gnome Ball is one of the earlier mini games that Jagex introduced to runescape. It has some basic rules and is member only. The game itself will reward players by increasing their range and agility skills. However, it is only a very minimum amount of experience and shouldn't be considered a good way to train. It can be fun though, when played with a friend anywhere in the game.

The basic rules of Gnome Ball are explained by the game referee. He will also explain how to play the game. These rules are:

• Throw the ball into the net at the opposite side of the field
• Dodge gnomes trying to tackle you
• Scores can be seen in the box at the top right of the game
• Scoring a goal will give some range and agility experience
• You need 5 goals to win and leave the game field

Overall, the rules are pretty simple and players should note they need their hands free so cannot take any weapons or items like flowers that are held.

The game will start when you are in possession of the gnomeball and you will have 3 options to decide what to do:

• Pass - can pass to team mates in green
  
• Tackle - can tackle opponents (other gnomes)
  
• Shoot - you will try to score when choosing this option
  

The simple objective is running to the other end and shooting. However, gnomes will try and tackle you - so be on the boil and don't let them tackle all the time. This runescape mini game can be fun for a while but there is little reward and is seldom played. At one stage there was a gnomeball league - but I haven't read anything recently and don't know whether it still exists.

Runescape Barrows

The runescape barrows mini game has proven to be one of the better games introduced by Jagex. The initial popularity of barrows may have subsided a bit, however, many experienced players still actively do barrow runs to help pass their game playing time.

Their are many different strategies that can be used while doing barrow runs. Many people will find that most strategies are useful and they will naturally find themselves being drawn into a combination of methods - in effect making their own strategy.

Some tips for barrows should always be heeded. This will help players make more efficient use of their time - and therefore enable them to get doing more runs and potentially receiving the desired barrows item as a reward.

Some requirements and strong suggestions are:

• Must have completed the Priest in Peril Quest
• Should have started the Nature Spirit Quest
• Should have 43 prayer
  
• Combat level of 70 or higher
• Magic level of 53 or higher
• Range level of 50 or higher

In addition to this, in order for runescape members to be able to travel efficiently, additional quests should be completed. These quests are:

• In Search of the Myreque
• Ghost Ahoy
• Desert Treasure Quest

If any player meets all the above requirements and suggestions, they should also consider having the resources required to do plenty of barrow runs ie. 500k+ coins, plenty of food, sufficient runes or arrows etc.

Rewards can be considerable if you get lucky and regularly pick up actual barrow items. However, be prepared to get a lot of runes stocking up if you barrow run often. The following list gives an example of some of the items players can expect to receive:

• Mind, Chaos, Death or Blood runes
• Cash
• Bolt Racks
• Half Key
• Dragon Medium Helmet
• Barrows Items

Overall, popularity of this mini game has dampened somewhat as the price of items has dropped over time. Although plenty of people still make a considerable amount of virtual wealth through regularly doing runescape barrows. It is one of the few mini games that players still seek to find out more information on and whether or not any cheat exists for it. I will say that no cheat exists but there are plenty of ways to help improve efficiency in doing the runs that can vastly improve overall chances of gaining more items.

Runescape Treasure Trails Expanded

Runescape creators Jagex will bring many additional treasure trails into the game during the month of december. The behind the scenes for december states that in total there will be more than 100 rewards available, featuring composite bows, high level prayer gear and new high quality versions of old favourites, such as glory amulets.

In addition to this, heraldic helms to go with the existing heraldic armour along with some glorious looking posh and emote-improving gear are also planned for release. This should help runescape players achieve the authentic 'heraldic look' to their ingame characters they desire.

Achievment capes for level 99 skills has shown a possible insight into how the emote-improving gear will operate, however it is too early just yet to see the full impact (the update is expected either today or tomorrow but could be delayed to next week if their have been any production problems that runescape players are not aware of).

December runescape updates do hold some interesting concepts for mini game expansion and maintaining interest to certain sections of game players. Although the 3rd age runescape items are likely to grab more attention from players as they will likely require level 71 hunter skill to be able to get them from imps - initially the prices are likely to be extremely high while supply is low and demand overwhelming.

Pyramid Plunder

The Pyramid Plunder is the latest mini game to be released by Jagex into the ever popular MMORPG RuneScape.

Players should note this is a 'Dangerous' minigame. If you die during this minigame, you will lose your items.

The basic requirements are:
1.Pyramid plunder is a member only mini-game.
2.You must have started Icthlarin's Little Helper to gain access to Pyramid Plunder.
3.You must have a Thieving level of 21 to enter the Pyramid of Jalsavrah.
4.Each chamber requires successively greater thieving levels, so to enter the second treasure chamber you will need 31 Thieving, the third chamber require 41 Thieving, and so on. The eigth chamber requires a Thieving level of 91 to enter.

The following items are suggested to ensure maximum safety:
1.Some food - may not be necessary but always better safe than sorry.
2.An antipoison potion - just in case it is needed.
3.Some Urns contain snakes, so snake charming equipment may be considered.
4.A lockpick will also prove useful for picking the locks on the doors between chambers.

The rewards:
The figures to the right of the items represent the value in coins of the respective item.
Again with this new mini game, there are more items now in circulation within Runescape to add to the already vast number currently in the game. Some players may once again need to resort to clearing their banks and making ample space available if they wish to stock any of these items.
These items though are mainly the lower level rewards. There has been a further item introduced that will be of some use to many players - especially those members who like to change their magic or train their agility at the Agility Pyramid.
The main prize or reward in this mini game is therefore going to be the Pyramid Plunder Sceptre:

The Sceptre provides the following teleportation within runescape:
1.Jalsavrah is the tomb in which you found the sceptre, and this teleport will take you directly into the Guardian Mummy's presence.

2.Jaleustrophos is the Agility Pyramid, and will deposit you near Simon Templeton's camp.

3.Jaldroacht is the pyramid that you must go to if you wish to change your spellbook to Ancient Magicks - provided you have already completed Desert Treasure.

Castle Wars

The Castle Wars mini game in Runescape has been one of the more popular games to be released by Jagex. It enables all players to choose to fight for Saradomin or Zamorak. Depending on which side a player chooses, they will be able to fight players in the opposing team. Any player who chooses to follow Guthix will be allocated automatically to either the Zamorak side or the Saradomin side depending on the balance of both teams.

The easiest way for players to get to the Castle Wars area is to rub an enchanted emerald ring (a Duelling Ring), and choose to go directly to the Castle Wars Arena. The arena is located west from the town of Yanille and North West from Gu'Tanoth - as shown in the map below.

The object of the game is simple - to capture your opponents flag (or standard as it is known in runescape). Each successful attempt to capture the flag will give your team a point. The team with the most points at the end of the game will win and therefore receive some castle wars tickets.

The tickets can be stocked up and later traded in for some unique decorative armour available only through playing the castle wars mini game. The more tickets that are collected, the better the rewards. The picture below shows the full list of rewards available to players who collect enough tickets.

Castle Wars is available only to members and is very popular among the low and middle combat range of players. It offers ideal training and preparation for the wilderness as it enables players to compete against each other without risking the loss of any items.

Trouble Brewing

The latest introduction to the Mini Games is the Trouble Brewing game. The basic advice is to travel light as there is a considerable amount of running around and constant energy using to complete this game.

The items needed to participate in this game can all be found lying on the tool store table. When the supply has depleted, players will need to craft more supplies by using logs on the workbench located in the tool store.



When players have completed a game and successfully brewed bottles for their team, or carried out tasks successfully, they will be rewarded with pieces of eight. The pieces of eight can then be traded at Honest Jimmy's shop in exchange for various game items as shown in the picture below:



Once again, this brings more items into the Runescape member world and adds another playing aspect to the game. Only time will tell on how successful this mini-game turns out to be.

In my opinion, it may be fun and popular for a while, but after the novelty wears off then it may become an infrequently played game. At this stage I have not tested out if using this mini game is a viable means of gaining experience in some other skills. Until then, the novelty factor will be the main reason why runescape members will play this mini-game.

Pest Control - Clan Controlled

Last month Jagex released Player Owned Houses and made some changes to the Pest Control game.

Initially a lot of people concentrated solely on construction and their own house. However, the clan world started shifting their attention to the Pest Control mini-game and soon it became quite organised and a favourite way to gain combat experience.

There are not many drawbacks associated with this mini-game although having to constantly track down the current Pest Control world can be annoying at times. The world changes often and normally is changed when the people joining in the games start to have far too many low level players who cannot do any portal damage. This slows down the rate of taking out the portals and consequently experience starts to get slower.

The problem is not simply low level players, but idle high level players as well. Players who are a high level and successfully gain the 50 Zeal points required and simply stop attacking anything. These player are a potential problem to continually gaining quick experience and do not help at all when some lower level players do find the Clan Pest Control World.

Overall, experience can be gained very quick even though there are many frustrations associated with rapidly changing worlds, an infestation of low level players and a lazy attitude by some higher level players.