To switch to the Ancient spellbook in OSRS, you normally need to have completed Desert Treasure , then use the altar in the Jaldraocht Pyramid or another spellbook-changing altar such as a Player-Owned House occult altar. The quickest common method is usually a house altar, while the pyramid is the classic in-game way to swap back and forth.

How to unlock it

  • Finish Desert Treasure to unlock Ancient Magicks.
  • After the quest, your spellbook is automatically set to Ancient.
  • To switch again later, use the altar in the rear of the Jaldraocht Pyramid or a suitable POH altar.

Fast ways to switch

  • POH occult altar: generally the fastest and most convenient option for non-Ironman players.
  • Jaldraocht Pyramid back entrance: the standard direct method tied to Desert Treasure.
  • Magic cape: can swap spellbooks up to five times per day if you have 99 Magic.

Simple route

  1. Make sure Desert Treasure is complete.
  1. Go to the Jaldraocht Pyramid or a POH with an occult altar.
  1. Interact with the altar and select Ancient Magicks if it is available.

One important note

If you are an Ironman, you generally cannot use other players’ POH altars, so the pyramid route is the reliable fallback.

TL;DR: Complete Desert Treasure, then use the pyramid altar or a POH occult altar to switch to Ancient spellbook.