How Long Can You Splash in OSRS? A Complete Guide

Splashing in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a popular training method for leveling up Magic without the hassle of active combat. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned veteran, you might be wondering, “How long can you splash in OSRS?” This blog post dives deep into the mechanics of splashing, its duration limits, strategies to maximize your time, and everything else you need to know to make the most of this AFK (away-from-keyboard) training technique. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how long you can splash, what affects your sessions, and how to optimize your OSRS Magic training.

Splashing refers to casting low-level combat spells, like Fire Strike or Wind Strike, on an NPC (non-player character) in such a way that the spell “splashes” and deals no damage. This happens when your Magic accuracy is so low that you consistently miss, allowing you to cast spells repeatedly without killing the target. It’s a low-effort, cost-effective way to train Magic, making it a favorite among players looking to level up while multitasking or AFK-ing.

How Does Splashing Work?

To splash effectively, you need to lower your Magic attack bonus to a negative value, typically below -65. This ensures your spells miss every time. Common setups include wearing armor like full iron or the Cursed Goblin Staff, which tank your Magic accuracy while still allowing you to cast spells.

Why Choose Splashing?

Splashing is beloved for its simplicity and low cost. You can train Magic for hours with minimal rune costs, and since it’s AFK-friendly, you can splash while working, studying, or even sleeping (if you manage your session times right). Plus, it’s accessible early in the game, requiring only basic gear and runes.

How Long Can You Splash in OSRS Without Logging Out?

The core question—how long can you splash in OSRS—ties directly to the game’s logout mechanics. OSRS has built-in systems to prevent indefinite AFK sessions, but with the right setup, you can stretch your splashing time significantly.

The 20-Minute AFK Timer

Under normal circumstances, OSRS logs you out after 20 minutes of inactivity. However, splashing keeps you active because casting a spell counts as an in-game action. As long as you’re in combat (or attempting to be), the game considers you engaged, bypassing this timer.

The 6-Hour Logout Rule

The real limit comes from the 6-hour logout rule. After 6 hours of continuous login, OSRS forcibly logs you out, regardless of activity. This means the maximum uninterrupted splashing session is 6 hours. If you’re planning an overnight session, this is your cap—set a timer to relog before the 6-hour mark if you want to keep going.

Random Events and Interruptions

Random events, like the Genie or Drunken Dwarf, can interrupt your splashing by teleporting you away or breaking combat. While these are rare (spawning roughly every 1-2 hours), they can cut your session short if you’re not around to respond. Historically, dismissing these events was key to long AFK sessions, but recent updates have reduced their frequency for low-level activities like splashing.

Factors That Affect Splashing Duration

Several factors influence how long you can splash in OSRS. Understanding these can help you plan your sessions and avoid unexpected logouts or interruptions.

Gear and Spell Choice

Your gear and spell choice don’t directly affect logout timers, but they impact efficiency and cost. For example:

• Wind Strike: Costs 1 Air Rune and 1 Mind Rune per cast, cheapest option.
• Fire Strike: Slightly more expensive but offers higher XP per cast.
• Cursed Goblin Staff: Provides free air runes, cutting costs further.

Choosing the right combo ensures you don’t run out of runes mid-session.

Location Selection

Where you splash matters. Popular spots include:

• Lumbridge Goblins: Low-level, easy access for newbies.
• Varrock Rats: Close to a bank, good for restocking.
• Seagulls in Port Sarim: Scenic and rarely crowded.

Pick an NPC that won’t die or wander off, and avoid busy areas where other players might interfere.

Internet Stability

A stable connection is crucial. If your internet drops, you’ll disconnect, ending your session early. Mobile players splashing via data should ensure a strong signal to avoid this pitfall.

Maximizing Your Splashing Time

To get the most out of splashing, you’ll want to push your sessions as close to that 6-hour limit as possible while keeping costs low and XP steady. Here’s how:

Auto-Retaliate Settings

Turn off auto-retaliate in your combat settings. This prevents your character from switching targets or stopping the spell-casting loop, ensuring continuous splashing. Set your spell to autocast, click the NPC, and let it run.

Using Multiple Accounts

If you’re serious about splashing, consider running multiple accounts. Log out one account at 5 hours and 50 minutes, then switch to another. This way, you can chain sessions beyond 6 hours without breaking Jagex’s rules (multi-logging is allowed, botting isn’t).

Stocking Up on Runes

Calculate your rune needs:

Spell	Casts per Hour	Runes Needed (6 Hours)
Wind Strike	1,200	7,200 Air, 7,200 Mind
Fire Strike	1,200	7,200 Fire, 4,800 Air, 7,200 Mind

Stock up beforehand to avoid mid-session trips to the Grand Exchange.

Is Splashing Worth It in 2025?

As of April 9, 2025, splashing remains a viable Magic training method in OSRS, but is it worth your time? Let’s weigh the pros and cons.

XP Rates and Efficiency

Splashing yields around 10,000-20,000 Magic XP per hour, depending on the spell. Compared to active methods like High Alchemy (up to 80,000 XP/hour) or Bursting (200,000+ XP/hour), it’s slow. However, its AFK nature makes it ideal for passive training.

Cost vs. Reward

At roughly 1-2 GP per cast, a 6-hour session costs under 15,000 GP—pennies compared to other methods. For low-budget players or those prioritizing convenience, splashing is a steal.

Alternatives to Splashing

If splashing feels too slow, consider:

• High Alchemy: Faster XP, requires more attention and gold.
• Teleports: Decent XP, useful for travel, but not fully AFK.
• Combat Training: Bursts or Barrages offer high XP, but need high Magic levels and funds.

Splashing shines for early-game players or those who value low effort over speed.

In conclusion, you can splash in OSRS for up to 6 hours per session, limited by the game’s logout timer. With the right setup—negative Magic bonus gear, a stable spot, and enough runes—you can AFK train Magic efficiently and cheaply. While it’s not the fastest method, its accessibility and low cost keep it relevant in 2025. Ready to splash your way to 99 Magic? Grab your runes, pick a goblin, and start casting!