Archaeology
This page was last updated for (v1.2.2). |
Archaeology is a skill where dig sites located in Cartography can be excavated to discover an assortment of rare and unique items, which provide assistance for progression of many other skills.
Dig Sites
Dig sites are found all over the map of Melvor in Cartography. Dig site hexes (tiles) must be surveyed up to Level 5 before they unlock in the Archaeology skill. Some dig sites also require certain map items to be obtained before they can be surveyed. Obtaining a map item will mark the respective dig site on the map with a "
" icon.
Dig Site Map Items
Found At | Dig Site Unlocked | Size | Rarity | Item | Description | |
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Old Village | ![]() |
Large | Uncommon | ![]() |
Details the location of the Ancient Market Dig Site in Cartography. An icon has now appeared displaying its location. You can sell this item. |
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Old Village | ![]() |
Medium | Rare | ![]() |
A flyer detailing the location of the Sacrificial Site (Dig Site) in Cartography. An icon has now appeared displaying its location. You can sell this item. |
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Ancient Market | ![]() |
Large | Very Rare | ![]() |
A map detailing the location of the Bazaar Dig Site in Cartography. An icon has now appeared displaying its location. You can sell this item. |
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Monuments | ![]() |
Small | Very Rare | ![]() |
|
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Monuments | ![]() |
Large | Uncommon | ![]() |
A chart detailing the location of the Watchtower Dig Site in Cartography. An icon has now appeared displaying its location. You can sell this item. |
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Monuments | ![]() |
Large | Rare | ![]() |
A chart detailing the location of the Castle Ruins Dig Site in Cartography. An icon has now appeared displaying its location. You can sell this item. |
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Secret Mines | ![]() |
Medium | Very Rare | ![]() |
A chart detailing the location of the Ancient Forge Dig Site in Cartography. An icon has now appeared displaying its location. You can sell this item. |
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Ritual Site | ![]() |
Medium | Very Rare | ![]() |
A chart detailing the location of the Lost Temple Dig Site in Cartography. An icon has now appeared displaying its location. You can sell this item. |
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Cathedral | ![]() |
Large | Very Rare | ![]() |
A chart detailing the location of the Shipwreck Cove Dig Site in Cartography. An icon has now appeared displaying its location. You can sell this item. |
All Dig Site Items
[G] Generic items which can be exchanged for Museum Tokens.
Excavating Artefacts
The primary action for Archaeology is Excavating. The default interval per Excavation action is 4 seconds.
In order to begin Excavating a Dig Site, the player must select a Dig Site Map. Dig Site Maps are created using Cartography. Players receive an Excellent quality map when they first discover a Dig Site, although future maps will start at Poor quality. Please see the Cartography page for more information on creating maps.
In addition to selecting a map, players will also have to select which tools they wish to use. The tools selected determine which sizes of Artefacts can be found. Multiple tools can be selected, but doing so will divide the chance to find a given size of artefact by the total number of tools selected. (For example, if you had a 12% chance to find a Tiny artefact with only the Sieve selected, selecting another tool will reduce the chance of finding a Tiny artefact to 6%)
Artefact Values
Each map has four Artefact values, one for each size. The lower the value is, the higher the chance of finding an Artefact of a given size. Created maps will start at Poor quality with an Artefact value of 69 for each of the four sizes. Maps found from Discovering a Dig Site start at Excellent quality with an Artefact value of 33 for each of the four sizes.
When a map is upgraded to the next tier using Map Creation in Cartography, each of the four Artefact values will be reduced by a random number from 13-23. This means a map created at Poor quality and then fully upgraded to Perfect will be reduced by 39-69, resulting in Artefact values ranging from 30-1. Note that the minimum Artefact value that can be reached is 1.
Two of the Refinements that can be added to maps further reduce Artefact values for a chosen size by 5. The player can choose whether to apply both of these to the same size or to split them between two different sizes. The minimum Artefact value of 1 can not be circumvented by Refinements.
Map Level
Each map has a level associated with it. The level is calculated based on the Artefact values of a map as follows:
[math]\displaystyle{ \text{Map Level} = \frac{19300}{\text{Sum of Artefact Values} + 124} }[/math]
Although the Map level is purely a reflection of the Artefact Values and does not convey any additional information it can be used to quickly evaluate how strong a given map is. The level of Perfect maps can range from 79-151 with an average of 105. A Poor map starts out at level 48 and an automatically provided Excellent map starts out at level 75.
Tool Level
Each of the Archaeology tools starts at level 0. This level can be increased in several ways:
- Each Tool can be upgraded in the
Shop, receiving +1 Tool level per upgrade purchased, up to a maximum of +11
- Every 50 donations to the
Museum will provide +1 Tool level for all tools, up to a maximum of +5 (at 250 donations)
- The 50% Mastery Pool checkpoint for Archaeology provides +3 Tool level for all tools
- The
Archaeology Skillcape provides +1 Tool level for all tools
- The
Superior Archaeology Skillcape provides +3 Tool level for all tools
This makes the maximum Tool level that can be reached 22 (since the Skillcape and Superior Skillcape can't be equipped simultaneously).
Artefact Chance
The base chance to discover an Artefact of a given size is as follows:
[math]\displaystyle{ \text{% Chance} = \frac{5 \times (1 + (\text{Tool Level} + 1) \times 0.25)}{\text{Artefact Value} + 31} }[/math]
This chance is divided by the number of tools selected to determine the actual chance to discover an artefact of a given size.
Excavation Actions
Each map has a limited number of actions before it is depleted. Poor maps have a random number of actions ranging from 2,000-4,000. Every tier upgrade randomly adds an additional 2,000-4,000 actions to the map. Newly created Perfect maps may be used 8,000-12,000 times.
Preservation chance for dig site map excavation actions is separate from the Preservation Chance for other skills; items like the Crown of Rhaelyx and Peasant Shirt do not affect Archaeology.
Museum Rewards
Donations | Rewards |
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10 | 1 ![]() |
20 | 1 ![]() |
25 | 1 ![]() Unlocks the ability to purchase Archaeologist Gloves from the |
30 | 1 ![]() |
40 | 1 ![]() |
50 | 1 ![]() 1 ![]() +1 level of the Trowel Tool in Archaeology +1 level of the Shovel Tool in Archaeology +1 level of the Brush Tool in Archaeology +1 level of the Sieve Tool in Archaeology Unlocks the ability to purchase Archaeologist's Whip from the |
60 | 1 ![]() |
70 | 1 ![]() |
75 | 1 ![]() Unlocks the ability to purchase Archaeologist Boots from the |
80 | 1 ![]() |
90 | 1 ![]() |
100 | 8 ![]() +1 level of the Brush Tool in Archaeology +5% chance to preserve dig site map excavation actions +1 level of the Trowel Tool in Archaeology +1 level of the Shovel Tool in Archaeology +1 level of the Sieve Tool in Archaeology |
110 | 1 ![]() |
120 | 1 ![]() |
125 | 1 ![]() Unlocks the ability to purchase Archaeologist Hat from the |
130 | 1 ![]() |
140 | 1 ![]() |
150 | 1 ![]() +1 level of the Trowel Tool in Archaeology +1 level of the Shovel Tool in Archaeology +1 level of the Brush Tool in Archaeology +1 level of the Sieve Tool in Archaeology |
160 | 1 ![]() |
170 | 1 ![]() |
175 | 1 ![]() Unlocks the ability to purchase Archaeologist Leggings from the |
180 | 1 ![]() |
190 | 1 ![]() |
200 | 1 ![]() 16 ![]() +1 level of the Brush Tool in Archaeology +5% chance to preserve dig site map excavation actions +1 level of the Trowel Tool in Archaeology +1 level of the Shovel Tool in Archaeology +1 level of the Sieve Tool in Archaeology Unlocks the ability to purchase Archaeologist Body from the |
210 | 1 ![]() |
220 | 1 ![]() |
230 | 1 ![]() |
240 | 1 ![]() |
250 | 1 ![]() +1 level of the Trowel Tool in Archaeology +1 level of the Shovel Tool in Archaeology +1 level of the Brush Tool in Archaeology +1 level of the Sieve Tool in Archaeology |
260 | 1 ![]() |
271 | 1 ![]() 30 ![]() +10% chance to preserve dig site map excavation actions Unlocks the ability to purchase Golden Trowel from the |
Tools
Sieves
Trowels
Brushes
Shovels
Skillcape
The Archaeology Skillcape can be purchased from the store for 1,000,000
after the player reaches
Level 99.
The Superior Archaeology Skillcape can be purchased from the store for 10,000,000
after the player reaches
Level 120.
Skillcape | Name | Requirements | Effect |
---|---|---|---|
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+10% chance to preserve dig site map excavation actions, +1 level of the Sieve Tool in Archaeology, +1 level of the Trowel Tool in Archaeology, +1 level of the Brush Tool in Archaeology, and +1 level of the Shovel Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 base primary resource quantity gained in Archaeology, +15% chance to preserve dig site map excavation actions, +3 levels of the Sieve Tool in Archaeology, +3 levels of the Trowel Tool in Archaeology, +3 levels of the Brush Tool in Archaeology, and +3 levels of the Shovel Tool in Archaeology |
Pet
Pet | Name | Effect |
---|---|---|
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+5% chance to preserve dig site map excavation actions |
Skill Boosts
This table lists most sources of Archaeology-specific modifier boosts. For a list of boosts that apply to all skills, see the Skill Boosts page. This list does not contain boosts provided from Mastery rewards.
Source | Type | Archaeology Boosts | Other Modifiers |
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+6% Archaeology Mastery XP +6% Archaeology Skill XP +5% chance to preserve dig site map excavation actions |
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+10% Chance to Double Items in Archaeology | -5% Cartography Interval -10 dig site map refinement cost +10% Chance to Double Items in Cartography | |
-3% Interval for all Non-Combat Skills | +8% Mastery XP for Melvor Realm only +40% Global GP (except Item Sales) +8% Chance to Double Items Globally | ||
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Item (Ring) | +8% Non-Combat Skill XP | |
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+5% Archaeology Skill XP | |
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+5% Archaeology Skill XP | |
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+5% Archaeology Skill XP | |
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+5% Archaeology Skill XP | |
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+5% Archaeology Skill XP | |
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-10% Archaeology Interval | |
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+4% Archaeology Mastery XP +4% Archaeology Skill XP |
|
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+1 level of the Brush Tool in Archaeology +10% chance to preserve dig site map excavation actions +1 level of the Trowel Tool in Archaeology +1 level of the Shovel Tool in Archaeology +1 level of the Sieve Tool in Archaeology |
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-3% Interval for all Non-Combat Skills +4% Non-Combat Skill XP |
+4% Mastery XP for Melvor Realm only +3% Chance to Preserve Resources in Skills |
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Item (Cape) | +25% Mastery Pool XP Cap | +5 additional quantity of Runes gained in Runecrafting (Cannot be doubled) +10 Flat HP Regen Bypass Slayer Area item requirements for areas that require less than level 100 Slayer -50% Prayer Point Cost for Prayers -15% Township Building Cost (Capped at -80%) +15% Chance to Double Items in Runecrafting -20% Melvor Realm Agility Obstacle Build Costs +5% Damage To Slayer Tasks +50% Ammo Preservation +1 base quantity when gaining Stardust from Astrology +1 base quantity when gaining Golden Stardust from Astrology +20% Chance to Preserve Resources in Summoning -0.5s Thieving Interval -0.5s Crafting Interval +2% Global Perfect Cook chance +10% Chance to preserve Summoning Charges +100% chance to successfully Cook an item +5% Global Skill XP +10 base primary resource quantity gained in Summoning +100% GP gained from Thieving +10% GP gained from Agility x2 Items received from Fishing x2 Items received from Fletching x2 Items received from Herblore -15% Woodcutting Interval -15% Cooking Interval +25% Flat Slayer Area Effect Negation +1 Coal Ore per Ore Mined. (Item doubling does not apply) -50% Coal Costs for Smithing +150 Stealth while Thieving +100% chance to gain Coal Ore in Firemaking +100% chance to gain Ash in Firemaking +25% base primary resource quantity gained in Farming Rune providing items provide 2x as many runes |
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+3 levels of the Brush Tool in Archaeology +15% chance to preserve dig site map excavation actions +3 levels of the Trowel Tool in Archaeology +3 levels of the Shovel Tool in Archaeology +1 base primary resource quantity gained in Archaeology +3 levels of the Sieve Tool in Archaeology |
-50% Cartography map upgrade interval -20 dig site map refinement cost +20% Chance to Preserve Resources in Cartography -30% Cartography survey interval |
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-10% Archaeology Interval +8% Archaeology Mastery XP |
|
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+3% Non-Combat Skill XP | +100 GP gained when earning GP, except from Alt. Magic and Item Sales +3% Mastery XP for Melvor Realm only |
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+8% Non-Combat Skill XP | +8% Global Abyssal XP |
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+1 base primary resource quantity gained in Archaeology | |
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Item (Platebody) | +2% Non-Combat Skill XP | |
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Item (Boots) | +2% Non-Combat Skill XP | |
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Item (Helmet) | +2% Non-Combat Skill XP | |
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Item (Platelegs) | +2% Non-Combat Skill XP | |
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+3 levels of the Brush Tool in Archaeology +15% chance to preserve dig site map excavation actions +3 levels of the Trowel Tool in Archaeology +3 levels of the Shovel Tool in Archaeology +1 base primary resource quantity gained in Archaeology +3 levels of the Sieve Tool in Archaeology |
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-3% Interval for all Non-Combat Skills | -3% Attack Interval | |
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-2% Interval for all Non-Combat Skills +50% Mastery Pool XP Cap |
+5% Accuracy Rating +5% Global Evasion +3% Chance to preserve Summoning Charges -0.1s Attack Interval +3% Chance To Preserve Potion Charge +5% Global GP (except Item Sales) +5% Global Slayer Coins (except Item Sales) +5% Global Mastery XP -0.2s Monster Respawn Timer +2% of Maximum Hit added to Minimum Hit +3% Ammo Preservation +3% Rune Preservation +2% Chance to Double Items Globally | |
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+5% chance to preserve dig site map excavation actions | |
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+25% Mastery Pool XP Cap | -5% cost to produce Abyssal Realm Items in all Artisan Skills +1 additional quantity of primary resource gained globally (Cannot be doubled) +15% Global Mastery XP +2% Resource Preservation cap in Skills +3% Maximum Hitpoints -0.1s Global Non-Combat Skill Interval -0.1s Attack Interval +25% chance for Corruption progress to instantly fill at the start of a fight |
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+1 level of the Brush Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Shovel Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Sieve Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Trowel Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Brush Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Shovel Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Sieve Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Trowel Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Brush Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Shovel Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Sieve Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Trowel Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Brush Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Shovel Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Sieve Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Trowel Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Brush Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Shovel Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Sieve Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Trowel Tool in Archaeology | |
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+6% Archaeology Skill XP | |
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+1 level of the Brush Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Shovel Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Sieve Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Trowel Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Brush Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Shovel Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Sieve Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Trowel Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Brush Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Shovel Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Sieve Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Trowel Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Brush Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Shovel Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Sieve Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Trowel Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Brush Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Shovel Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Sieve Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Trowel Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Brush Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Shovel Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Sieve Tool in Archaeology | |
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+1 level of the Trowel Tool in Archaeology |
Melvor Idle version v1.3 (Released: 13th June 2024) | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Reference Tables: Items, Equipment, Experience Table, Upgrading Items, Combat Areas, Slayer Areas, Dungeons, Chest Loot Tables, Monsters, Monster Loot Tables |