The Barracuda Trials in Old School RuneScape have evolved with the 2025 updates, introducing enhanced underwater mechanics, elite spawn adjustments, and new rare drops. This walkthrough provides a step-by-step guide, including gear recommendations, combat strategies, and tips to maximize efficiency for both PvE and profit.

1. Overview of the Barracuda Trials

The Barracuda Trials are a challenging mid-to-late game underwater dungeon, located on Fossil Island. Players face:

Multiple waves of aquatic enemies

Environmental hazards such as electric eels and limited oxygen

A final boss: the Deep Barracuda with unique mechanics

2025 Updates Include:

Improved AI for aquatic mobs

Adjusted drop rates for Barracuda Fins and Hydrodynamic Components

Minor tweaks to underwater stamina and oxygen management

Rewards remain valuable for crafting, combat training, and unique cosmetic items.

2. Requirements and Recommended Stats

Minimum Requirements

Completion of Bone Voyage quest

Diving apparatus and Fishbowl Helmet

Combat: 40 Attack / 40 Defence

43 Prayer (for protection prayers)

Basic underwater breathing items

Recommended Stats for Optimal Efficiency

80+ Attack / Strength / Defence

70–75 Ranged or Magic

70+ Prayer

70+ Hitpoints

Higher stats ensure faster wave OSRS gold clearing and safer boss fights.

3. Accessing the Trials

Travel to Fossil Island via the Museum Camp

Use the rowboat to reach the Underwater Tunnel

Equip the diving apparatus and Fishbowl Helmet

Speak with the Mariner Spirit to start the trial

Players begin with a limited oxygen supply, which must be managed carefully.

4. Recommended Gear Setups

Melee Setup (High DPS)

Abyssal Whip or Tentacle Whip

Fighter Torso or Proselyte Plate

Dragon Defender

Barrows Gloves

God D’hide Cape or Ardougne Cloak

Pros: High single-target DPS for boss fights.

Cons: Requires careful positioning to avoid AoE attacks.

Ranged Setup

Magic Shortbow (i) or Blowpipe

Black D’hide Armor

Archer’s Ring

God Cape

Pros: Safe kiting of hatchlings and Sirens.

Cons: Slower boss DPS than melee.

Magic Setup

Trident of the Seas or Mystic Staff

Mystic / Ahrim’s Set

Occult Necklace

Pros: Excellent AoE control.

Cons: Requires mana management, especially in longer fights.

5. Inventory and Consumables

8–12 sharks or superior food

2–3 Prayer potions

1–2 Stamina potions

Air Bladder refills

Glow Kelp Torch (for visibility)

Weight reduction gear (optional)

6. Trial Structure

Stage 1: Kelp Maze

Navigate a labyrinth with electric eels and shifting kelp walls

Tip: Use Glow Kelp Torch; memorize four maze patterns to save time

Avoid unnecessary combat to conserve food and stamina

Stage 2: Sunken Arena

Waves of aquatic monsters:

Barracuda Hatchlings (weak)

Saltwater Brutes (high defence)

Ripcurrent Sirens (magic stuns)

Strategy: Use Protect from Magic for Wave 3; focus Sirens first

Checkpoint after clearing the arena OSRS gold for sale restores oxygen.

Stage 3: Deep Barracuda Boss

Mechanics:

Sonic Charge – linear dash; sidestep to avoid

Whirlpool Trap – pulls players; move diagonally

Feeding Frenzy – summons hatchlings at 50% HP

Tips:

Melee: Use Piety / Chivalry; move during Sonic Charge

Ranged: Kite boss and hatchlings; conserve stamina

Magic: Use Trident AoE; bind hatchlings when summoned

7. Efficiency Tips for 2025

Keep Air Bladders and Salty Flint ready

Memorize the maze for faster completion

Use Bonecrusher for hatchlings to regain Prayer

Position against walls for safer boss mechanics

Carry high-heal food such as Manta Rays or Anglerfish

8. Rewards

Rare Drops:

Barracuda Scale Cloak

Hydrodynamic Stabilizer

Tide-Forged Ring

Uncommon Drops:

Barracuda Fins

Seaweed bundles

Fossilized Coral

Raw Anglerfish

Guaranteed Rewards:

Combat XP

Agility XP

Unique underwater crafting components

9. Is the Barracuda Trial Worth Doing?

Yes. The trials offer:

High GP/hour potential

Valuable crafting materials

Unique drops for cosmetic or endgame gear

Challenging combat for practice

Efficiency and preparation make the difference between a smooth run and wasted resources.

10. Final Tips

Travel with a balanced team for faster waves

Stock extra air and food for safety

Use lightweight gear for oxygen efficiency

Focus on AoE control for waves

Prioritize high-value drops when deciding which enemies to kill

Mastering the Barracuda Trials in 2025 requires preparation, skill, and attention to environmental hazards. With the right gear, strategy, and consumables, you can maximize your efficiency, secure rare drops, and conquer the Deep Barracuda with confidence.