OSRS Melee Combat Guide: Master Attack, Strength, and Defence in 2025

OSRS Melee Combat Guide: Master Attack, Strength, and Defence in 2025


Welcome to the ultimate OSRS Melee Combat Guide for Old School RuneScape! Whether you’re a beginner starting your journey in Gielinor or a seasoned player looking to optimize your melee training, this comprehensive guide will help you master the core combat skills: Attack, Strength, and Defence. Updated for 2025, we’ll cover the best training methods, gear recommendations, and tips to level up efficiently. Melee combat is the backbone of OSRS, unlocking everything from Slayer tasks to bossing, so let’s dive in and get you slashing your way to greatness!

What Are the Melee Skills?

In Old School RuneScape, melee combat is split into three distinct skills, each with its own role in shaping your character’s combat prowess:

  • Attack: Determines your accuracy when striking enemies. Higher Attack levels let you wield better weapons and hit more often.
  • Strength: Governs your maximum hit, or the most damage you can deal in one blow. It’s key for boosting XP rates by killing foes faster.
  • Defence: Reduces the chance of taking hits, improving survivability. It also unlocks stronger armor for tougher fights.

These skills work together within the combat triangle (Melee > Ranged > Magic > Melee), making melee a versatile choice against many foes.

Why Train Melee Combat?

Melee is essential for unlocking OSRS’s vast content. High melee stats open doors to PvP battles, profitable bossing like Vorkath or the Nightmare, and quests like “Desert Treasure II.” Plus, melee skills heavily influence your combat level, making them a priority for any adventurer aiming to dominate Gielinor.

Best Melee Training Methods for All Levels

OSRS Melee Combat 199 Guide 1v9

Levels 1-40: Starting Strong

The early levels are your foundation. Focus on low-risk, high-reward spots with quick respawns to build your stats fast.

  • Chickens (Lumbridge): With 3 HP, they’re perfect for levels 1-20. Collect feathers for extra cash or Fishing XP.
  • Cows (Lumbridge): Slightly tougher at 8 HP, ideal up to level 30. Cowhides sell well on the Grand Exchange.
  • Monks (Edgeville Monastery): Free healing on demand and 15 HP make them great for levels 20-40, especially for F2P players.

Levels 40-70: Mid-Tier Power Grinding

Once you hit 40, it’s time to step up. Equip a Rune Scimitar (F2P) or better gear if you’re P2P, and tackle these spots:

  • Sand Crabs (Hosidius): 60 HP and low aggression make them an AFK favorite up to level 70. Reset aggro every 10 minutes by running 30 tiles away.
  • Hill Giants (Edgeville Dungeon): Good for F2P with big bones and decent XP. Bring a brass key for easy access.
  • Rock Crabs (Rellekka): Similar to Sand Crabs but less crowded, offering solid XP for P2P players.

Levels 70-99: Endgame Excellence

High-level training focuses on speed, profit, or AFK-ability. Here are the top methods:

  • Nightmare Zone (NMZ): Fastest XP with Absorption Potions and customizable boss fights. Aim for 100k+ XP/hr with optimal setups.
  • Slayer Tasks: Train melee while leveling Slayer for profit and variety. Use a Black Mask or Slayer Helm for a 12.5% damage boost.
  • Ammonite Crabs (Fossil Island): High HP and AFK-friendly, perfect for relaxed 70-99 grinds.

Optimal Gear Progression for Melee Combat

Free-to-Play Gear

F2P players can still pack a punch with affordable, effective gear. Upgrade as your levels allow:

Level Weapon Armor
1-10 Iron Scimitar Iron Armor
20-30 Steel Scimitar Steel Armor
40+ Rune Scimitar Rune Armor

Tip: Use an Amulet of Strength for max hits or Amulet of Power for balanced stats.

Pay-to-Play Gear

P2P opens up a world of powerful melee gear. Prioritize Strength bonuses for faster XP:

  • Levels 1-60: Mithril to Dragon Scimitar, with Obsidian Armor for a budget Strength boost.
  • Levels 60-75: Abyssal Whip (70 Attack) and Bandos Armor (65 Defence) for top-tier stats.
  • Levels 75-99: Blade of Saeldor or Ghrazi Rapier, paired with Torva Armor and Primordial Boots.

Accessories: Berserker Ring (i), Ferocious Gloves, and an Infernal Cape are endgame must-haves.

Boosting Efficiency with Quests and Strategies

Melee-Boosting Quests

Quests are a fantastic way to skip early grinding. Complete these for big XP rewards:

No requirements for most, so knock them out early!

Training Tips and Tricks

Maximize your melee gains with these strategies:

  • Prioritize Strength: Higher max hits mean faster kills and more XP/hr.
  • Use Potions: Super Attack/Strength potions (P2P) boost your stats for tougher foes.
  • AFK Smart: Pair NMZ with Absorption Potions and Dharok’s set (low HP = high damage).
  • Combine with Slayer: Dual-train for efficiency and profit.

Bossing and PvP: Applying Your Melee Skills

Melee-Friendly Bosses

Put your skills to the test against these bosses weak to melee:

PvP Melee Builds

In PvP, melee shines with special attacks and high burst damage:

  • Weapons: Armadyl Godsword (max hit 87), Dragon Claws, or Voidwaker.
  • Build: 75 Attack, 99 Strength, 70+ Defence for a balanced main.
  • Tactic: Stack damage with combos and Prayer switches.

With this OSRS Melee Combat Guide, you’re equipped to conquer Gielinor in 2025. From humble chickens to epic boss fights, your journey to 99 Attack, Strength, and Defence starts here. Train smart, gear up, and enjoy the grind—happy scaping!