With the release of Varlamore Part 3, Old School RuneScape players have gained access to one of the most innovative skilling activities ever introduced: Veil Totems. While technically classed as a “minigame,” this content feels more like a true open-world activity — one that reshapes the way players will train Fletching moving forward.

Whether you're a low-level player curious about the basics or a maxed main chasing 400k+ XP per hour, this guide will break down everything you need to know. We'll cover requirements, routes, efficiency tips, rewards, and even the AFK-friendly methods that tie into Woodcutting and Forestry.

Requirements to Start Veil Totems

One of the best things about this activity is how accessible it is:

· Skill requirements: Only 20 Fletching is needed to craft your first totem.

· Area access: You just need to unlock the Varlamore Part 3 region.

· Useful items:

  · Log Basket (from Forestry) – lets you carry more logs and extend routes.

  · Pendant of Atez – enables teleport banking at the convenient statue mid-loop.

Low-level players without these items can still participate, though the AFK version of the activity (covered later) may be a better starting point.

How to Get There

The fastest way to reach the activity is via the fairy ring code AIS, then run northwest until you find the Veil Totem Tutor. They'll introduce you to the loop and you're ready to begin.

How Veil Totems Work

The gameplay loop is simple but surprisingly engaging:

1. Build a Totem – Use a single log at one of the eight totem spots.

2. Carve Animals – Each totem is carved with three animals in the correct order. (Tip: memorize animal size from largest to smallest — buffalo is #1, scorpion is #5).

3. Decorate the Totem – Add four fletched items (usually bows or shields).

4. Move On – Continue clockwise to the next totem.

Every totem attracts ants that deliver offerings. Offerings both reward you and slowly wear down the totem's durability (shown by leaf icons). Higher-tier logs mean more durable totems, with redwoods being the strongest.

You can collect offerings as they come in or let them stack up for efficiency. Totems can hold thousands of offerings, making “big collection moments” especially satisfying.

Routes and Strategies

The standard loop involves all eight totems, starting near the bank:

· Inventory setup: Fill with logs and carry a log basket or Pendant of Atez.

· Movement: Head east, build your first totem, then rotate clockwise.

· Banking: If you run out of logs mid-route, teleport with the pendant and refill.

· Fletching: Craft bows (longbows preferred) between totem runs to stock decorations.

Tip: Avoid making shields for most logs, since they require two logs but don't give extra decoration value. The exception is redwoods, where shields become essential for maximum XP (explained below).

XP Rates and Log Choices

The activity offers competitive — even best-in-slot — Fletching experience rates:

· Yew logs: ~200k XP/hr

· Magic logs: 300–330k XP/hr

· Redwood logs (walking staff): ~300k XP/hr (similar to magics)

· Redwood logs (shields method): ~410k XP/hr (top-tier)

Why Redwood Shields Work

Normally, shields are inefficient since they require two logs. But with redwoods, the walking staff option gives poor XP, so crafting shields becomes the optimal method. With proper timing, both the log basket and pendant, and banking twice per loop, you can consistently hit 400k+ XP/hr.

AFK Veil Totems

Not every player wants to run full loops. Fortunately, Veil Totems also offer an AFK-friendly option tied to Woodcutting and Forestry:

· Park at a tree (willows, maples, magics, or redwoods).

· Chop logs as normal.

· Feed some into the nearby totem for passive Fletching XP and offerings.

This hybrid method is perfect for early-game players or anyone looking to train both Woodcutting and Fletching simultaneously with less effort. Expect steady gains and plenty of OSRS gold rewards over time.

Rewards

The Veil Totems reward shop is surprisingly valuable. Key unlocks include:

· Fletching Knife – Speeds up fletching actions, especially useful for shield runs.

· Bowstring Spool – Holds large amounts of bowstring, streamlining bow-stringing training. It can be upgraded to hold more.

· Flax Packs – Open into 25 flax each. When combined with the spool, these allow near-bankless stringing methods.

· Ant Branches – Used to craft Atal Darts with Slayer drops.

· Dirty Arrow Tips – Can be cleaned into high-tier tips, including dragon arrow tips.

· Bird's Nests – A great side benefit, especially for Ironmen needing tree seeds or Saradomin brews.

Expect to unlock the key rewards in just 5–10 hours of grinding.

Why Veil Totems Stand Out

Unlike traditional minigames such as Guardians of the Rift or Mastering Mixology, Veil Totems aren't round-based or instanced. They exist in an open forest, blending naturally into other activities.

This makes them feel more like a core skill activity than a minigame. The mix of efficiency routes, AFK potential, and rewarding progression means players of all levels will find value here.

Final Thoughts

Jagex hit the mark with Veil Totems. The activity offers:

· Accessibility for low-level accounts.

· High XP rates for mains chasing max efficiency.

· Integration with Forestry and Woodcutting for hybrid training.

· Valuable rewards that enhance Fletching long after the grind.

· Atmosphere and immersion that make it feel like part of the world, not just another minigame lobby.

Whether you're AFKing at a willow tree or pushing 400k XP/hr with redwood shields, Veil Totems will likely become a staple of Fletching training in OSRS for years to come.

RSorder Team