Crab Quest is one of the new members-only quests added to Old School RuneScape on September 8, 2026, alongside the Sailing update and A Ruff Situation. This short, medium-level quest requires 40 Sailing and 30 Fishing, but no combat. Instead, you'll help a musical crab complete its ritual and earn a unique shell collection that can be turned into playable instruments. If you're planning your next progression push, efficient resource management matters just as much as knowing when to buy OSRS gold.
Crab Quest Requirements
The requirements are straightforward:
40 Sailing
30 Fishing
Membership
No combat level requirement
No prerequisite quests
Around 9 free inventory spaces recommended
You'll also need a ship capable of reaching Dognose Island, located northwest of the Great Conch. You don't need to bring a Large Fishing Net beforehand, as the quest provides one when you need it.
How to Start Crab Quest
Sail to Dognose Island and head to the beach. The quest begins when you drink the mysterious bottle found there.
After the interaction, you'll meet the crab and learn that it needs an instrument to complete its musical ritual. From this point, follow the quest objectives and collect the materials required to construct the instrument.
Having enough inventory space is important because you'll be collecting several shells and other quest materials during the trip.
Crab Quest Walkthrough
The overall process is short but includes several small interactions:
1. Collect the Shells
Explore the island and gather the required shells. Keeping roughly nine open inventory slots makes this section much easier.
2. Get the Large Fishing Net
The quest provides the net you need, so there's no reason to prepare one in advance.
3. Gather Instrument Materials
Use the net around floating objects to collect materials needed for the musical instrument, including weathered wood, bowstring, and other components.
4. Build the Instrument
Combine the required materials to create the instrument, then give it to the crab and choose its name.
5. Find the Crabs
Search around the island's trees and bushes for the required crab encounters. Some interactions require you to use the sit emote before the crab appears.
Once all objectives are complete, return to the final interaction and claim your rewards.
You can buy game currency to level up faster and stay ahead.
Crab Quest Rewards
Completing the quest gives you:
1 Quest Point
10,000 Sailing XP
3,000 Fishing XP
A unique shell collection
The shell collection is the most unusual reward. It can be broken down into seven playable shells, representing C, D, E, F, G, A, and A#.
Each shell produces its own musical note, and nearby players can hear the sounds. That makes the reward particularly fun for clan gatherings, party worlds, or players who simply enjoy collecting unusual cheap OSRS items.
Who Should Complete Crab Quest?
Crab Quest is especially worthwhile for players who already have the required Sailing and Fishing levels. Sailing players get a useful 10,000 XP boost, while quest-point collectors can grab another point without completing a combat-heavy quest chain.
It's also a convenient option for Ironman players because the required fishing equipment is obtained during the quest rather than requiring expensive preparation.
For completionists and social players, however, the shell instruments are probably the biggest attraction. They're more than another inventory item—they give you a unique way to make music and interact with other players.
How Long Does Crab Quest Take?
Crab Quest is officially rated medium difficulty and short length. Once you can reach Dognose Island, the entire quest can generally be completed in a single trip.
The main time sink comes from locating shells and figuring out a few unusual interactions. If you're completing it during the launch period, keeping an OSRS Wiki quick guide nearby can help you avoid unnecessary backtracking.
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