Beneath Cursed Sands is the second quest in the Desert Treasure II storyline, unlocking the path to the powerful Scarabas region and giving players access to new training methods and OSRS gold. But beyond its storyline, this quest offers something extremely valuable for early and mid-level players: an efficient source of early Prayer XP.

If you're looking to speed up early Prayer levels without expensive bones or long grind sessions, this guide explains exactly how Beneath Cursed Sands helps—and how to take advantage of it as soon as you complete the quest.

1. Why This Quest Is Great for Early Prayer Training

Although Beneath Cursed Sands is designed for mid-level players (requirements around Combat 60+), it gives access to:

New monster drops with strong Prayer XP value

An early-game prayer training method through "Sarcophagi"

Easy-to-access burial remains from Scarab-based enemies

Increased efficiency for Ironman players

Unlike traditional prayer training, which requires expensive bones or Wilderness risk, the content unlocked by this quest is safe and resource-friendly.

2. Complete Beneath Cursed Sands as Early as Possible

To benefit from early Prayer XP, complete the quest as soon as you meet the requirements:

Minimum Stats to Get It Done

Strength: 55

Agility: 55

Crafting: 30

Firemaking: 55

Magic: 60

Ability to defeat enemies around Combat Level 100

Once completed, you unlock:

The Entrance to the Ruins of Ullek

Scarab-filled chambers with renewable Prayer XP

Access to the "Sarcophagi Offering" method

This is where the Prayer training begins.

3. Method 1: Sarcophagus Offering — Fast, Safe, Early Prayer XP

Inside the Ruins of Ullek, you’ll find Sarcophagi that grant Prayer XP when you place burial remains or relic items inside them.

How It Works

Collect Burial Remains from monsters in the area

Use them on the Sarcophagi

Receive Prayer XP based on type of remains

XP Rates

Depending on your level and kill speed, you can expect around:

15,000–25,000 Prayer XP per hour (low gear)

30,000–40,000+ XP per hour (stronger gear + higher DPS)

Why It’s Great for Early Prayer

No GP cost

No prayer potion requirement

No Wilderness risk

Ironman-friendly

XP scales with your combat level

This method bridges the gap between early bones-on-altar methods and high-level Gilded Altar training.

4. Method 2: Killing Scarab Swarmers & Warriors for Burial Remains

After the quest, the desert dungeons become populated with Scarabas enemies:

Key Drops (Ironmen Love These)

Sullied Burial Remains

Sullied Ancient Artefacts

Occasional noted bones

All of these can be purified or offered for Prayer XP.

Best Monsters to Kill

MonsterCombat LevelNotes

Scarab Swarmers~70High drop rate, low risk

Warrior Scarabs~110Better remains → more XP

Sarcophagus Guardians~140Slower kills but best XP per artefact

XP Potential

Players with solid gear (DHL, Iban’s, Blowpipe, etc.) can achieve:

20,000–30,000 Prayer XP/hour simply by collecting & offering remains.

5. Method 3: Purifying Remains at the Ruins (Extra XP for Low-Level Prayer)

Some remains dropped in the area must be purified before offering them.

How to Purify

Use remains on the Purification Pools located inside the Ruins of Ullek.

This grants:

Small Passive Prayer XP

Access to higher value offerings

Free XP similar to low-level bones

If you're starting from Level 1–40 Prayer, purifying remains can give:

5,000–8,000 XP/hour completely free

This is ideal for new accounts, pures, or low-budget players.

6. Recommended Gear for Early Prayer Farming

Budget Setup

Rune/Dragon Scimitar

Iban’s Staff

Black D’hide

Glory Amulet

Basic Prayer Bonus gear (Initiate/Proselyte)

Mid-Level Setup

Dharok/Torag/Melee hybrid

Blowpipe or Crystal Bow

Trident

Barrows Gloves

God Book for Prayer bonus

High-Level Setup

Blade of Saeldor / Fang

Toxic Blowpipe with addy darts

Ahrims + Trident of the Seas

Rada’s Blessing

Devout Boots / Soul Cape

Prayer bonus helps with survival but is not required since the area is non-dangerous.

7. Tips to Boost XP Gains Even More

Use Protect from Melee if DPS is low

Bring Desert Protection gear

Maintain high accuracy to farm remains faster

Use a Graceful set if running between chambers

Bank often if you’re an Ironman to avoid losing valuable remains

Use a Rune Pouch to conserve inventory

8. Who Benefits Most From This Early Prayer Method?

Great for:

Ironmen avoiding dragon bone grinding

Pures wanting Prayer 1–43 on a budget

Mid-level mains who can’t afford gilded altar training

Players preparing for Raids, Bossing, or Desert Treasure II

Not ideal for:

Maxed mains with millions to spend

Players only wanting 70+ Prayer fast (Gilded Altar still wins)

But for everyone else, this is one of the smoothest early Prayer routes in 2025 OSRS.

Final Thoughts

Completing Beneath Cursed Sands unlocks one of the most efficient early-game Prayer training methods in OSRS buy gold. With Sarcophagus offerings, Scarab drops, and purification pools, players can gain fast, free, and consistent Prayer XP without relying on expensive bones or risky Wilderness altars.

Whether you’re starting a new Ironman, leveling Prayer on a budget, or preparing for DT2 content, this quest gives you everything you need to supercharge early Prayer progression.