The Ancient Shard is an item obtained as a rare drop from monsters found exclusively inside the Catacombs of Kourend. They are also dropped at a common rate from Skotizo, the boss found below the Catacombs.
Uses for the Ancient Shard
The most popular function of the Ancient Shard is to upgrade the darklight to the Arclight. This can be done at the altar in the centre of the Catacombs. A darklight is combined with three ancient shards to form the Arclight. Every three additional shards added to the Arclight adds 1,000 charges up to a maximum of 20,000 charges.
Ancient Shards can also be used on the altar in the centre of the Catacombs for teleportation to several areas of the Catacombs such as:
- Demons Run: North-east corner.
- Dragons Den: North-west corner.
- Reeking Cove: Southern area.
- The Shallows: South-east corner.
Fastest way to obtain Ancient Shards
The drop rate of ancient shards is directly correlated to the hitpoints of the monster. So, time-to-kill has to be considered when evaluating the most efficient methods to obtain ancient shards. Since the area is entirely multi-combat, monsters that allow for effective chinchompa or barraging usage are usually the best.
Examples of viable monsters to farm shards include:
Hill Giants in the Giants’ Den will also drop ancient shards. This can be a comparable method due to the fact a dwarf multicannon can be used in this area.
Furthermore, It can be efficient to just complete your slayer tasks in the Catacombs. If it does not compromise the efficiency of the task too much.
Additionally, collecting Totem pieces as you are in the Catacombs and using them to kill Skotizo will greatly increase the speed at which you can obtain shards. As Skotizo drops them at a common rate.