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Best Way to Level Up Magic in OSRS F2P: A Complete Guide

If you’re diving into Old School RuneScape (OSRS) as a free-to-play (F2P) player, leveling up Magic can feel like a daunting task. Unlike pay-to-play (P2P) options with access to high-level spells and gear, F2P Magic training requires creativity, patience, and smart resource use. Fortunately, Magic is one of the most versatile skills in OSRS, unlocking teleports, combat potential, and utility spells like High Level Alchemy. This guide will walk you through the best ways to level up Magic in OSRS F2P, optimized for efficiency, cost, and fun. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned F2P veteran, you’ll find actionable strategies here to hit your Magic goals—up to level 99 if you’re ambitious!
Magic in OSRS F2P isn’t just about slinging spells at goblins—it’s a gateway to a smoother gameplay experience. At its core, Magic offers teleports like Varrock Teleport (level 25) and Falador Teleport (level 37), which save time traveling across Gielinor. It also powers up your combat arsenal and unlocks High Level Alchemy at level 55, a key money-making method. For F2P players, reaching higher Magic levels means better survivability, efficiency, and even some profit. So, let’s break down the best methods to get there!
Key Benefits of Leveling Magic
- Teleportation: Faster travel without expensive teleport tabs.
- Combat Power: Stronger spells like Fire Blast (level 59) for tackling tough foes.
- Utility: High Alch for profit and Superheat Item for skilling synergy.
- Defense: Higher Magic levels boost your Magic defense stat.
Getting Started: Levels 1–10
The early grind is where you set the foundation. For F2P players, the goal is to hit level 10 quickly without burning through coins or runes. Here’s how to kick things off efficiently.
Questing for Free XP
Before casting a single spell, knock out two beginner-friendly quests: Witch’s Potion and Imp Catcher. These have no requirements and reward enough Magic XP to jump you straight to level 10.
- Witch’s Potion: 325 XP – Speak to Hetty in Rimmington and gather a few easy items.
- Imp Catcher: 875 XP – Collect four beads from imps (buy them from the Grand Exchange if you’re impatient).
Together, that’s 1,200 XP—enough to skip the tedious level 1–10 grind entirely. You’ll start with Wind Strike already hitting harder at level 10 (max hit of 6).
Early Combat: Wind Strike
If quests aren’t your thing, grab a Staff of Air (unlimited air runes) and some mind runes. Head to Lumbridge and cast Wind Strike on cows or chickens. This nets around 5–10k XP/hour while dropping cowhides or feathers for a small profit. It’s slow but free and effective for the first few levels.
Levels 10–55: Combat and Splashing
Once you’re past level 10, it’s time to scale up. This range is where you’ll lean into combat spells and the infamous “splashing” method to build XP steadily. Your focus is balancing cost, XP rates, and attention required.
Splashing Curse (Levels 19–55)
Splashing is a low-effort, AFK-friendly method that’s perfect for F2P Magic training. At level 19, unlock Curse (29 XP per cast) and set up to “splash” it—meaning your spell fails to hit, letting you cast repeatedly without killing the target.
How to Splash:
- Equip gear with a negative Magic bonus (e.g., full iron armor or green d’hide) to get below -65 Magic attack.
- Use a Staff of Earth for unlimited earth runes.
- Buy mind runes (cheap on the GE).
- Find a safe spot—like the caged Monk of Zamorak in Varrock Palace or skeletons north of Edgeville—and autocast Curse.
XP Rate: Around 30–35k XP/hour. It’s not fast, but you can leave it running for 20-minute AFK sessions while you study or watch a show.
Combat Training: Strike and Bolt Spells
For active players, combat is more engaging and slightly faster. Use the highest spell you can cast:
- Fire Strike (Level 13): 11.5 XP per cast, max hit 8.
- Fire Bolt (Level 35): 22.5 XP per cast, max hit 12.
Setup: Grab a Staff of Fire and mind/chaos runes. Target weak enemies like monks at Edgeville Monastery (they heal themselves) or hill giants in Edgeville Dungeon (safe-spot available). Expect 20–40k XP/hour depending on your focus and target.
Teleport Spam (Levels 25–55)
Unlocked teleports are a decent alternative: Varrock (level 25, 35 XP), Lumbridge (level 31, 41 XP), and Falador (level 37, 48 XP). With a Staff of Air and law/body runes, you can spam these for 20–30k XP/hour. It’s costly (law runes add up), so only do this if you’ve got spare cash.
Levels 55–99: High Level Alchemy and Beyond
Hitting level 55 unlocks High Level Alchemy (High Alch), the F2P Magic training king. It’s reliable, profitable if done right, and semi-AFK. This is your go-to for the long haul to 99.
Mastering High Level Alchemy
High Alch gives 65 XP per cast and turns items into coins. The trick is finding items where the alch value exceeds the purchase price plus nature rune cost.
Setup:
- Staff of Fire: Unlimited fire runes.
- Nature Runes: Buy in bulk from the GE.
- Items: Check the GE for profit margins. Popular choices include:
Item | GE Price (Apr 2025) | High Alch Value | Profit/Loss per Cast |
---|---|---|---|
Rune Med Helm | ~11k gp | 11,520 gp | +200–500 gp |
Yew Longbow | ~500 gp | 768 gp | +100–200 gp |
Adamant Platebody | ~9k gp | 9,984 gp | +300–600 gp |
XP Rate: Up to 78k XP/hour if focused (1 cast every 3 seconds). Realistically, most players hit 50–60k XP/hour while multitasking.
Pro Tip: Stack noted items in your inventory and click High Alch repeatedly—no banking needed!
Tele-Alching Combo
For max efficiency, combine High Alch with Falador Teleport (48 XP per cast). Cast High Alch, teleport, click High Alch again mid-teleport, and repeat. This bumps XP to 90–100k/hour but requires precise timing and more runes. It’s intense but worth it if you’re pushing for 99 fast.
Fire Blast Combat (Level 59+)
At level 59, Fire Blast (34.5 XP per cast, max hit 16) becomes your strongest F2P spell. Use it on high-HP foes like lesser demons in Karamja Volcano or moss giants in Varrock Sewers. With a Staff of Fire and chaos runes, you’ll hit 40–50k XP/hour while collecting drops like runes and big bones.
Cost and Gear Optimization
F2P Magic training can get pricey with rune costs, so here’s how to keep it affordable and effective.
Best F2P Magic Gear
Your gear boosts accuracy and defense without breaking the bank:
- Staff of Air/Fire: Free runes, 10 Magic attack (buy from Zaff in Varrock).
- Wizard Robes: +10 Magic attack (blue robes from GE or champions).
- Amulet of Magic: +10 Magic attack (craft or buy).
- Zamorak Monk Bottom: +5 Magic attack (Edgeville Monastery).
Total cost: Under 50k gp for a solid setup.
Rune Sources
Runes are your biggest expense. Here’s how to manage them:
- Buy from GE: Fastest but costly (e.g., nature runes ~200 gp each).
- Shops: Aubury in Varrock sells mind/chaos runes cheaper.
- Drops: Dark wizards and hill giants drop runes—train and stockpile.
Tips for Efficient F2P Magic Training
To wrap up, here are some final pointers to streamline your journey to 99 Magic in F2P:
General Strategies
- Mix Methods: Splash early, High Alch later, and sprinkle in combat for variety.
- Safe Spots: Use them (e.g., hill giant ledge) to avoid damage and save food.
- Profit Focus: High Alch profitable items to fund more runes.
- AFK When Possible: Splashing and High Alch let you multitask.
Milestones to Aim For
- Level 25: Varrock Teleport for mobility.
- Level 55: High Alch for profit and XP.
- Level 59: Fire Blast for combat prowess.
Training Magic in OSRS F2P takes dedication, but with quests, splashing, combat, and High Alch, you’ve got a clear path to success. Whether you’re aiming for level 59 or the full 99 (13M XP!), these methods balance cost, XP rates, and effort. Start slinging spells today and watch your Magic soar!