Mastering the 1 to 99 Range in OSRS: Your Ultimate Guide

Mastering the 1 to 99 Range in OSRS: Your Ultimate Guide


Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a game of patience, strategy, and grind. For many players, the journey from level 1 to 99 in any skill is a rite of passage, symbolizing dedication and mastery. Whether you’re a new adventurer or a seasoned veteran looking to optimize your training, this guide will walk you through the essentials of the 1 to 99 range grind in OSRS. From early levels to endgame efficiency, we’ve got you covered with tips, methods, and strategies to make your ranged journey both enjoyable and rewarding.

Ranged is one of the three combat styles in OSRS, alongside Melee and Magic, and it’s a fan favorite for its versatility and power. Unlike Melee, which requires you to get up close, or Magic, which can be costly, Ranged offers a balanced mix of safety, damage, and affordability—perfect for tackling bosses, slayer tasks, or PvP.

The Appeal of Ranged Combat

Ranged shines because it lets you attack from a distance, keeping you out of harm’s way. It’s especially effective against enemies with high Melee defense or in situations where positioning is key, like the Fight Caves or Inferno. Plus, with the right gear, Ranged can dish out massive damage per second (DPS).

Ranged vs. Other Combat Styles

Compared to Melee, Ranged is less gear-intensive early on, and unlike Magic, it doesn’t drain your rune pouch as quickly. While Magic excels in utility and Melee dominates in raw power, Ranged offers a middle ground that’s accessible yet scales incredibly well into late-game content.

Getting Started: Levels 1–20

OSRS Range Gear Progression Ranged Gear Upgrades

The early levels of Ranged are all about building a foundation. You’ll start slow, but with the right approach, you can breeze through these beginner stages and set yourself up for success.

Best Training Spots for Low Levels

  • Chickens (Lumbridge): A classic starting point. Chickens drop feathers, which you can use for ammo, and they’re safe for new players.
  • Cows (Lumbridge or Crafting Guild): Slightly tougher than chickens, cows offer decent XP and cowhides for early cash.
  • Goblins (Lumbridge): Easy to kill and plentiful, goblins are perfect for leveling up while gathering basic loot.

Recommended Gear and Ammo

At this stage, keep it simple:

  • Shortbow: Cheap and effective, available from Lowe’s Archery Emporium in Varrock.
  • Bronze Arrows: Affordable and widely available—stock up!
  • Leather Armor: Leather cowl, body, and chaps give a small Ranged bonus and decent defense.

Focus on using a safespot (a position where enemies can’t hit you) to conserve food and maximize XP.

Building Momentum: Levels 20–40

Once you hit level 20, the grind starts to pick up. You’ll unlock better weapons and training methods, making this phase more engaging.

Optimal Training Methods

Move on to slightly tougher foes:

  • Hill Giants (Edgeville Dungeon): With a brass key, you can access this spot. They drop big bones for Prayer XP and limpwurt roots for profit.
  • Minotaurs (Stronghold of Security): Good XP and a safe, multi-combat area for quick kills.

Upgrading Your Gear

Step up your equipment:

  • Oak Shortbow: A solid upgrade from the basic shortbow.
  • Iron Arrows: More damage for a small cost increase.
  • Hard Leather Armor: Offers better stats than regular leather.

Consider completing the Waterfall Quest for a big XP boost—it can jump you straight to level 30 in Attack and Strength, freeing up time to focus on Ranged.

Intermediate Mastery: Levels 40–70

This is where Ranged starts to shine. You’ll unlock powerful weapons and efficient training methods that make the grind feel rewarding.

Efficient Training Locations

Here are some top spots:

  • Sand Crabs (Hosidius): High HP, low defense, and they don’t fight back—perfect for AFK training.
  • Ogres (Combat Training Camp): After Biohazard, these offer good XP and a chance at rare drops.
  • Rock Crabs (Rellekka): Similar to Sand Crabs, great for passive training.

Gear and Inventory Setup

Upgrade your arsenal:

  • Maple Shortbow: A strong mid-tier weapon.
  • Mithril Arrows: Decent damage without breaking the bank.
  • Green D’hide Armor: Boosts Ranged attack and defense significantly.

Bring a few pieces of food (like lobsters) and a teleport for emergencies. If you’re on a budget, stick to Coif instead of the full D’hide set.

Using Cannons for Faster XP

The Dwarf Multicannon becomes available after the Dwarf Cannon quest. It’s a game-changer, letting you hit multiple targets at once. Use it at Sand Crabs or Ogres for XP rates up to 40k–50k per hour. Note: It’s pricey (cannonballs add up), so weigh the cost against your goals.

Endgame Excellence: Levels 70–99

Congratulations—you’re in the home stretch! Levels 70 to 99 are about maximizing efficiency and tackling high-level content. This is where Ranged becomes a powerhouse.

Top Training Methods

Focus on these elite options:

  • Chinning (Ape Atoll): Throwing chinchompas at Maniacle Monkeys in the Monkey Madness II tunnels is the fastest method, offering up to 700k XP per hour. It’s expensive, though—expect to spend millions.
  • Nightmare Zone (NMZ): Use the Ranged-only setup with a cannon or blowpipe for 60k–80k XP per hour. Affordable and profitable with points.
  • Slayer Tasks: Train Ranged while completing tasks for extra rewards. Use a blowpipe or crossbow depending on the task.

Best-in-Slot Gear

Go for the top-tier stuff:

Slot Item Notes
Weapon Toxic Blowpipe Insane DPS; requires Zulrah scales and darts.
Ammo Adamant or Rune Darts Balance cost and power.
Body Armadyl Chestplate Best Ranged bonus; pricey but worth it.
Legs Armadyl Chainskirt Matches the chestplate.
Cape Ava’s Accumulator Saves ammo; upgrade to Assembler later.

For budget players, stick with Black D’hide and a Rune Crossbow with Broad Bolts.

Boosting XP with Quests and Items

Maximize efficiency:

Chinning is the king of XP, but if you’re short on cash, NMZ or Slayer are solid alternatives.

Achieving 99: Tips and Motivation

The final push can feel daunting, but stay focused:

  • Mix up methods to avoid burnout—alternate between Slayer and NMZ.
  • Set milestones (e.g., 85 Ranged) and reward yourself.
  • Join a clan or chat with friends to keep the grind social.

When you hit 99, don that Ranged Skillcape with pride—it’s a testament to your dedication!

Mastering the 1 to 99 Ranged grind in OSRS is a journey of progression and payoff. Whether you’re sniping chickens with a shortbow or chinning monkeys with a blowpipe, each level brings you closer to becoming a Ranged legend. Pick your method, gear up, and start training—Gielinor awaits!