Many players of RuneScape are likely to have been thrilled when they learned that a brand new skill is set to be introduced into the world of RuneScape. What was thought to be one of the worst kept secrets amongst the community, a brand new skill was announced to be arriving in early 2020. The new skill is RuneScape Archaeology. It will open up an array of new adventures for players.

There are 5 dig sites which each dig sites has excavation hotspots that offer research, mystery rewards, as well as artifacts exclusive to the dig site. These vary in difficulty from the point where the dig site is locked until level 118/119. For instance, Kharid-et situated in the Al-Kharid desert which is the primary dig location, is locked at level 5. The first plot is the Venator. The second plot is Venator is still at level 5, while the most prestigious plot of excavation can be found in the War table remains that is level 118. You'll then be moving through all five dig sites throughout your leveling of Archaeology.

Things that are useful

Let's look at some of the most useful items to help optimize those gains.

Waterfiend Familiar

Waterfiend Familiar is available right from the Grand Exchange. They are quite cheap currently at around 120K RS3 gold per pouch. The waterfiend comes with a 5% chance to double the gain from material and artifacts gain. If you're not able to buy the waterfiend, begin making them at the level 68 archaeology.

Auto-screener v1.080

Auto-screener will be disabled at level 70 Archaeology , after you've completed the relevant qualification. It's a great idea since it automatically screens the soil that you dig as you dig. It runs on divine charges and does not degrade.

Mattock Upgrades

You'll also want to get Mattock upgrade every 10 levels until you move up until the Mattock of Time and Space at level 99, which will require two dragon mattocks. That's why it can be quite expensive in the event that you're not taking your own Big Game Hunter and getting the mattocks yourself. Also, you can smith smithable variants at level 60 70, 70, and 90, but they cannot be improved. Make sure you're buying the advanced upgrades for precision at the Archaeology guild once you have mastered them by earning the right qualifications.

Skilling/Elite Skilling Outfit

Lastly, Skilling/Elite Skilling Outfit provides a very nice XP boost, and the later version gives unlimited teleports and teleports to dig sites and collectors.

1-99 Archaeology

Stages 1- 5: Varrock Digsite Tutorial

From the first level to the level 5 you'll do the Varrock Digsite tutorial. Once you hit level 5, you will be teleported to Kharid-et in Al-Kharid

Five to 12 levels Venator Is Still (Kharid-et)

In the 10th level, you can start digging out the debris that is blocking the entranceway leading into Kharid-et's dig site. You'll need to contact Dr. Nabanik when you attempt to unlock the door, and he'll hand you a jewel. Go back to the door, finish excavating it, then go back to fix the jewel, and put it on the door. It should take you to level 12, but if it doesn't, you can dig outside for a few more minutes until you get to level 12, then continue.

Level 12-17 Legionary Remains (Kharid-et)

Once inside, you'll be able to go to The Legionary Remains and dig there until level 17. Before you begin it, make sure to talk to Liam to begin collecting the journal pages. You need 4 to unlock that prison door that is next to him, and you'll need to unlock it for the next excavation plots. In short, you'll get four pages. Talk to Liam again, and you'll receive a broken dial, place the broken dial in the third slot which is empty Then on the left side, you'll hit with the order of Shadow, Smoke, Shadow, Smoke, then Ice. The prison door will lift and you'll be into the next part of the prison.

Levels 17-20: Castra Debris (Kharid-et)

At levels 17 to 20 At levels 17 to 20, you'll have to go to levels 17 to 20, you'll want to dig for Castra Debris which is just across the level 12 location towards the left. When you've reached level 20, you'll gain access to the Infernal Source.

Stages 20-24 Lodge Bar Storage (Infernal Source)

After the cutsceneis over, go down the lift to dig to the Lodge Bar Storage, it'll be to your left. Don't forget to explore all the chests within the room to find several XP books as well as some Goldrune, a damaged dagon crest as well as, a fixed dagon crest. Keep exploring the Lodge bar until you reach you reach level 24.

Levels 24-25: Lodge Art Storage (Infernal Source)

From level 24 to 25, you are going to dig in level 25. You will find the Lodge Art storage just to the left of where you were digging previously.

Levels 25-29: Administratum debris (Kharid-et)

If you're lucky at level 24 and snared the fourth dagoncrest you can go to the Administratum ruins at Al-Khraid from level 25 to level 29. You'll need 4 dagoncrests to be placed on the fireplace. Then, climb inside the fireplace at infernal source which is an answer to the Eyes in Their Stars mystery and also access to the Level 29 infernal source. If you're lucky and you kept getting the disorder painting, keep digging until you find the final dagon crest or up to the level 29. However, keep in mind that you'll need return to the Administratum Debris at an earlier time to obtain the related artifacts to the collection's logs.

Levels 29-36 Cultist Footlocker (Infernal Source)

When you reach level 29, climb down into the fire place to reach the second level and then dig up this Cultist Footlocker until level 36.

Levels 36-42: Sacrificial Altar (Infernal Source

Go to the Sacrificial altar, which is near where you first entered inside the fireplace. Between levels 29 and 42, you'll have received four Cultist diary journal pages for the"Embrace" the Chaos mystery. You'll have to travel to the north of the Cultist footlocker and you'll see the ritual circle. Pick up some chalk and candles from the edge of the room. Then, draw the circle around the middle and place the candles. Lighting the candles and performing the chant. The east candle can be chanted as No. 3, the north candle chant is No. 2, and the west candle chant is No. 1. This will open a portal for excavation plots to be constructed at a future date. Thus, this should be completed.

Assistant Qualification

At the point you are at, you must have 25 artifacts uncovered and repaired, have completed one mystery, and a collection log. Having all these done will unlock the Assistant Qualification. Once you have the Assistant Qualification, you can unlock researchers, which you can use on research missions similar to ports owned by players. You can also begin to study specific objects at dig sites in research missions specific to your needs that yield higher XP as well as certain objects and artifacts once completed.

Levels 42-45: Prodomoi Remains (Everlight)

At level 42, you can unlock at level 42, you will be able to access the Everlight Dig Site. You will then dig out the Prodromoi remains until level 45.

The levels 45 and 47: Dis Dungeon Debris (Infernal Source)

From the point of level 45 until level 47, you go back to the source of infernal fire and dig at the Dis Dungeon Debris.

The levels 47 and 48: Praesidio Remains (Kharid-et)

When you reach level 47 if you have the prison door locked, or if you do not you haven't, now is the perfect time to unlock it. I've mentioned it earlier. Just dig out from the prison door until you have received four Custodian's logs. You'll have to dig up the Praesidio Remains at Kharid-et for 1 level. Keep an extra pendant since you'll need it to pass through the red barrier to your south at level 58.

Levels 48-51: Monoceros Remains (Everlight)

When you reach level 48, head back to Everlight and start digging at Monkeyceros Remains until level 51.

Range 51-56 Amphitheatre Debris (Everlight)

When you reach the level 51 mark, you'll be at the point that it will feel like grinding. Then you'll have to sift out Amphitheatre Debris plot until 56.

Levels 56-58: Ceramics Studio Debris (Everlight)

You will head next door to your Ceramics Studio plot, and you'll stay there until level 58.

Levels Between 58 and 61: Carcerem Debris (Kharid-et)

You'll return to Kharid-et and begin digging up your Carcerem Debris. You can enter the site with the pendant that you have in your possession or equipped. Take a spare signet band from this area since you'll need it in the future to enter the 74 dig area.

The levels 61 and 65: Stadio Desbris (Everlight)

You'll be back in the Everlight for the Stadio Debris. You'll be there until you reach level 65.

Between Levels 65-68 Infernal Art (Infernal Quelle)

Retrace your steps back to Infernal Source and begin digging at it's Infernal Art plot, which is inside that portal we opened earlier. just hit three on the lift of the entrance of Infernal Source.

Levels 68-69: Shakroth remains (Infernal Source)

You'll find yourself in Shakroth's remains. Shakroth remains, which are east of the last plot in the Infernal Source.

Levels 69-70: Dominion Games Podium (Everlight)

Go back to Everlight and dig around your Dominion Games Podium until level 70. When you reach this level, you should have found and repaired 250 artifacts. Do not worry if you aren't, you can just head back to the Venator's Remains - the level 5 location in Kharid-et and dig as many times as you want to get to this level.

Associate Qualification

Also, you should have conducted 24 hours of research that sending your researchers to missions. It is recommended that you have completed 10 mystery and completed 5 logs. When you've done all that and completed, you'll be able to unlock an Associate Qualification, which will give you access to Archaeology outfit, Autoscreener, and the other buffs at Ezreal at the Archaeology Guild.

Levels 70-72: Ikovian Memorial (Stormguard)

At level 70, you unlock Stormguard Citadel. In other words, from 70 to 72, you'll be at the Ikovian Memorial in Stormguard. The plot is located around the portal. You'll need an additional Ikovian gerege. Put it in your toolbelt . You will then get access inside Stormguard. Inside, search through the portal and look for the pair of Boots of Flight. When you have them, you can put them into your tool belt. They are essential to get more deeply into Stormguard.

The levels 72 and 74 are Oikos Studio Debris (Everlight)

Retrace your steps back to Everlight and begin digging for the Oikos Studio Debris.

Levels 74-76: Kharid-et chapel Debris (Kharid-et)

Return to Kharid-et and dig outside the chapel on the Kharid-et chapel debris site.

76 until all artifacts: Keshik Ger Remains (Stormguard)

At level 76, you have gained access to Warforge. However, before you go there you have to go back into the Stormguard Citadel to the Keshik Ger Remains. Within the building, to the in the northeast corner of the remains, is the Wingsuit. You can pick it up and place it in your toolbelt , too since you'll need it for further travel within Stormguard. Once you've got the artifacts needed from Keshik Ger for your collection logs, it's time to go to Warforge.

Levels 76-81: Gladiatorial Goblin Remains (Warforge)

You will dig through your Gladiatorial Goblin Remains up to level 81 . Then, pray to RNGesus to get the Imcando metal pieces and a key during this time.

Levels 81-83: Pontifex Remains (Kharid-et)

At level 8, you'll have two options. You can boost with soil tea, which is an iced tea that contains all five different soils that are added. It grants you a visible boost of 2 points, which gives you the level 83 as well as the ability to unearth the barriers within Warforge for entry into the remainder of Warforge.

It's important to note this since once inside, you will find 10 more keys that will create your Imcando mattock. You can also hit three different areas for collection logs at 81, and I personally would do this. I would go to the Warforge in the Crucible Stands Debris for the items needed, then head to Stormguard for the Tailory Debris to find artifacts needed for the collection log. Then, end with the Pontifex Remains where you'll require the ring of your signet for. All three of these locations are level 81. The reason I'd do this is the cost of items needed to repair artifacts. And also the Kharid-et dig site is better because you gain batteries, which is extra XP. Also, with the Pylons being active, you'll gain additional XP.

Levels 83-84 Goblin Dorm Remains (Warforge)

Either way you choose once you've reached level 83 you'll arrive in Warforge once more for Goblin Dorm Remains until you reach level 84.

Levels 84-85: Oikos Fishing Hut Remnants (Everlight)

At level 84, go to Everlight and the Oikos Fischer Hut Remnants are available for 1 level.

The levels 85 and 86 are Weapons Research (Stormguard)

You go back the Stormguard Citadel and begin digging up the Weapons Research debris. When you dig through the piles, you might find journal pages from A Study in Aether mystery. Once you have all five pages, talk Gee'ka, who is the author of the mystery.

Levels 86-89: Orcus Altar (Kharid-et)

Return to Kharid-et and begin excavating for the Orcus Altar. You'll need your Pontifex signet rings once more to enter. Make sure to save an extra spell scroll that you find to use to solve The Vault of Shadows mystery.

Levels 85-91 Big High War God Shrine (Warforge)

At level 89, you're heading to the Infernal Source in the beginning and excavate Dis overspill piles until you finish your collection. After you've completed the collection, you go to Warforge and dig up piles of the Big High War God Shrine piles. While you dig through the piles you may come across the journal page of the Forge War! mystery. Contact Zanik after you have rediscovered that to finish the mystery.

Professor Qualifying

At this point, you'll be at 90 and you've cleaned and restored 500 artifacts. You've also completed 15 mystery puzzles twenty collection logs as well as 72 hours of study with your research team. Once you've finished you'll earn your Professor Qualification.

Levels 90-92 Gravitron Research (Stormguard)

When you have reached level 91, head back in Stormguard Citadel and excavate the Gravitron Research debris. It is strongly recommended to complete the pages of the Spy Who Loved Metal mystery to be able to finish Stormguard mysteries by the level 95.

Levels 1992-93 Acropolis Decay (Everlight)

Return to Everlight and begin digging out The Acropolis Debris. While excavating the piles, you'll find journal pages from The Epic of Hebe mystery. Collect all five and speak to Vanescula to finish that mystery.

Levels 93-94: Armarium Debris (Kharid-et)

Return to Kharid-et and remove the Armarium debris.

Levels 94-95: Yu'Buisk Animal Pen (Warforge)

You return to Warforge and take the Yu'biusk animal pen heaps.

Levels 95-97: Keshik Tower Debris (Stormguard)

Return to Stormguard once more and make your way to the Keshik debris from the towers in the guard tower during the daytime. Be aware that you're going to need to upgrade your flight suit before you arrive there otherwise you'll be electrocuted while you're on the journey. From level 95 to 97, you'll need to sit at Keshik Tower. Keshik tower debris.

Levels 97 and 98: Goblin Trainer Remains (Warforge)

You'll return to Warforge and begin excavating The Goblin Trainee Remains, and you'll be doing this for 1 level.

Levels 98 and 99: Byzroth Remains (Infernal Source)

Return to either Stormguard Citadel or the Infernal Source. When you've completed one of your collections, switch over to the other. It is recommended to do your Infernal Source first to ensure that you are able to spend more time in Stormguard to gather many more pages of blueprint.

If you're not able to accumulate a significant amount of RuneScape gold to play the skill, I would suggest starting at the level 93 level and camping the Armarium Debris in Kharid-et. The material costs are low, and the batteries you get can really add up. For instance I had 900 batteries totalling around 380,000 stored XP that sufficed to get me towards level 99. As you progress, at level 94, 95, the 97 and 98 levels Return to these other dig sites for collections but return to Kharid-et when you're done with the collection and then continue grinding there. The XP cost difference between repairing and repairing is not significant and much cheaper at Kharid-et.

Guildmaster Training

Then, you've recovered and reconstructed 1,000 artifacts. You've also solved 20 mysteries, 25 collections along with having 168 hours study completed. Once you've finished, you'll earn an Guildmaster Qualification that will give access to an elite Archaeology outfit that has unlimited teleports and the necessary item to open the Mattock of Time and Space and a better upgrade to you mattock.