OSRS Ranged Guide: Level 1-99 for Old School RuneScape
Mastering Ranged in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a rewarding journey that opens up exciting combat opportunities, from slaying bosses to dominating PvP. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the fastest and most efficient methods to train Ranged from level 1 to 99. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, we’ve got you covered with practical tips, gear recommendations, and strategies to optimize your XP gains. Let’s dive into the world of archery and cannons in OSRS!
Ranged is one of the three combat styles in OSRS, alongside Melee and Magic, and it’s incredibly versatile. It allows you to attack from a distance, making it ideal for safespotting enemies and tackling high-level content like the Fight Caves or Inferno. Plus, with the right gear and training methods, Ranged can be both fast and profitable. Here’s why you should prioritize it:
Key Benefits of Ranged
- Safespotting: Attack enemies without taking damage by using obstacles.
- Bossing Potential: Essential for defeating bosses like Zulrah and Jad.
- PvP Advantage: Dominate in the Wilderness with ranged accuracy.
- Profitability: Earn GP while training through drops and loot.
Is Ranged Worth It for New Players?
Absolutely! Ranged is beginner-friendly because it doesn’t require constant repositioning like Melee or the rune costs of Magic. With a shortbow and some arrows, you can start training right away, making it accessible even for low-level accounts.
Best Ranged Training Methods: Level 1-30
The early levels of Ranged are all about building a foundation. You’ll want to focus on low-cost, high-XP methods that don’t drain your bank. Here’s how to get started.
Levels 1-10: Chickens and Cows
Start by heading to the chicken coops or cow fields near Lumbridge. Equip a shortbow and iron arrows, which are cheap and widely available. Chickens offer around 10-15k XP per hour and drop feathers, which you can sell or save for Fletching.
Levels 10-20: Minotaurs in Stronghold of Security
Move to the first level of the Stronghold of Security and fight minotaurs. They’re aggressive, have low HP, and drop iron arrows, helping you sustain your ammo. Expect 15-20k XP per hour here. Bring some food like trout for safety.
Levels 20-30: Rock Crabs
Rock crabs on the northern shore of Rellekka are a classic training spot. They have high HP (50) and are aggressive, making them perfect for AFK training. Use a longbow and bronze or iron arrows for 20-30k XP per hour.
Ranged Training: Level 30-60
By level 30, you’re ready to step up your gear and methods. This range introduces faster XP rates and some profitable options to keep your bank growing.
Levels 30-40: Sand Crabs
Sand crabs on Hosidius shores are the upgraded version of rock crabs. With 60 HP and multi-combat zones, you can hit multiple crabs at once. Equip a willow shortbow and mithril arrows for 30-40k XP per hour. Bring a few lobsters for healing.
Levels 40-60: Cannon at Ogres
Unlock the Dwarf Multicannon (after completing the Dwarf Cannon quest) and head to the ogres east of Castle Wars. The cannon does most of the work, boosting your XP to 50-70k per hour. Use a maple shortbow and adamant arrows to supplement your damage. Note: Cannonballs cost GP, so balance this with your budget.
Gear Recommendations for Mid-Levels
| Slot | Item |
|---|---|
| Weapon | Maple Shortbow |
| Ammo | Adamant Arrows |
| Body | Green D’hide Body |
| Legs | Green D’hide Chaps |
| Boots | Leather Boots |
Fastest Ranged Training: Level 60-99
Reaching level 60 opens the door to high-XP methods and top-tier gear. This is where Ranged training gets serious, with options for both speed and profit.
Levels 60-70: Cannon at Nightmare Zone (NMZ)
The Nightmare Zone is a minigame where you can use your cannon in a controlled environment. Choose the “Hard” mode with monsters like Sand Snake or Dagannoths for 70-90k XP per hour. Pair it with a yew shortbow and rune arrows. NMZ points can also buy useful rewards like herb boxes.
Levels 70-90: Chinning at Monkey Madness Tunnels
For the fastest XP in the game, use chinchompas (grey, red, or black) in the Ape Atoll tunnels after Monkey Madness I. Grey chinchompas offer 150-200k XP per hour, while black chinchompas can push 300-400k XP per hour. This method is expensive (millions of GP), so it’s best for players with a solid bankroll. Wear Void Knight armor or Black D’hide for bonuses.
Levels 90-99: Blowpipe at Zulrah or Vorkath
For endgame training, take on Zulrah or Vorkath with a Toxic Blowpipe loaded with mithril darts or better. These bosses offer 100-150k XP per hour alongside massive profits from their drops (scales, uniques). You’ll need high stats and good gear, like Armadyl armor, to succeed consistently.
High-Level Gear Setup
| Slot | Item |
|---|---|
| Weapon | Toxic Blowpipe |
| Ammo | Mithril Darts |
| Head | Armadyl Helmet |
| Body | Armadyl Chestplate |
| Cape | Ava’s Accumulator |
Tips to Optimize Your Ranged Training
Training to 99 Ranged doesn’t have to be a grind. Use these strategies to maximize efficiency and enjoyment along the way.
Use Ava’s Devices
Unlock Ava’s Attractor (post-Animal Magnetism quest) at level 30, upgrading to Ava’s Accumulator at 50. These capes automatically retrieve most of your arrows, saving you GP and time.
Combine with Slayer
Train Ranged while doing Slayer tasks for dual XP gains. Many tasks (e.g., Dagannoths, Turoth) are weak to Ranged, and you’ll earn Slayer XP plus loot like herbs and alchs. Use a cannon or blowpipe for maximum efficiency.
Budget vs. Speed: Choose Your Path
If you’re low on GP, stick to crabs or NMZ with cheaper ammo. For speed, invest in chinchompas or a blowpipe. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Budget: Sand Crabs (40k XP/hr, low cost)
- Mid-tier: Cannon at Ogres (70k XP/hr, moderate cost)
- Max Speed: Chinning (400k XP/hr, high cost)
Boosts and Potions
Drink a Ranging Potion (craftable at 72 Herblore or buyable) to temporarily boost your Ranged level by up to +13. This increases accuracy and damage, speeding up your kills and XP rates.
With this OSRS Ranged guide, you’re equipped to hit 99 in no time. From humble chickens to the mighty Vorkath, every level brings new challenges and rewards. Grab your bow, stock up on arrows, and start training today—your Ranged cape awaits!