how to lure guards osrs stealing artifacts

You lure the guards in Stealing Artefacts by using a stolen artefact to get their attention, then moving so they turn and face the direction you need before slipping past them. A recent guide specifically shows Eastern and South-East lure setups, and another thread notes a 2026 patch may have changed how one lure works.

Quick Scoop

For the usual Port Piscarilius route, the basic idea is:

1. Steal the artefact first.
2. Keep the artefact in your inventory so the guard will target you.
3. Stand on the correct tile so the guard’s pathing redirects.
4. Move away once the guard is facing the right way, then cross safely.

A guide video highlights that this method is still used for fast XP, with rates around 250k+ XP/hr depending on level and execution. Another source says the activity requires 49 Thieving, 75% Piscarilius favour, and a lockpick or hair clip.

Guard Lure Basics

The lure works because you are deliberately manipulating the guard’s facing direction, not trying to fight or outpace them. In practice, players commonly lure the east bridge guard to face south and the south-east bridge guard to face west, which opens a safe crossing route.

A few useful points:

• Have the artefact in inventory before starting the lure.

• Use a regular lockpick or hair clip to get into the house.

• If a route feels inconsistent, world hopping can help because guard positions vary.

Known Route Notes

The most detailed public examples point to different lure setups for the eastern and south-east guards. A 2026 Reddit discussion also suggests the old lure may have been altered, with players using an alternate movement and teleport sequence to keep the guard targeted long enough to redirect him.

One practical takeaway from that discussion is:

• Get under the guard.
• Teleport or move in a way that preserves aggro.
• Guide the guard toward the desired facing direction.
• Leave once the path is clear.

What To Expect

This is one of those OSRS methods where a tiny tile adjustment matters a lot. If the guard is not turning the way you want, the usual fix is to reset your position, wait for patrol movement, or hop worlds until the setup is cleaner.

If you want the most up-to-date visual route, the recent lure guide and the 2026 discussion are the best references among the results found.