Longest Skill to 99 in OSRS – Ultimate Guide to Agility

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), reaching level 99 in any skill is a monumental achievement, but some skills demand far more time and dedication than others. Among the 23 skills in the game, Agility stands out as the longest and most grueling to max out. This blog post dives deep into why Agility takes the crown as the most time-intensive skill, how to train it efficiently, and tips to make the grind bearable. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer aiming for that coveted skill cape, this guide will help you navigate the Agility grind with confidence.

Agility requires 13,034,431 experience points to reach level 99, like most OSRS skills. However, what sets it apart is the combination of low experience rates, high click intensity, and limited AFK (away-from-keyboard) training methods. Unlike skills like Fletching or Cooking, which can be trained rapidly, Agility demands constant attention and repetitive actions, making it feel like an eternity.

Slow Experience Rates

Even with the fastest training methods, Agility’s experience per hour (XP/hr) is significantly lower than most other skills. For example, the best courses at high levels, like the Ardougne Rooftop Course, yield around 60,000–65,000 XP/hr, while skills like Fletching can exceed 1,000,000 XP/hr with certain methods.

Click-Intensive Gameplay

Agility courses require players to manually click through obstacles, with little room for automation or downtime. This constant engagement can lead to mental and physical fatigue, especially over the 150–200 hours needed to hit 99.

Limited AFK Options

Unlike skills such as Fishing or Woodcutting, which offer semi-AFK methods, Agility has no true passive training options. The closest alternative, the Werewolf Agility Course, still requires frequent clicks to optimize XP rates.

How Long Does Agility Take to Reach 99?

The time to reach level 99 Agility varies based on training methods, player efficiency, and dedication. On average, it takes approximately 165–200 hours of in-game time using optimal strategies. To put this into perspective, the fastest skill, Fletching, can be maxed in as little as 3–5 hours with darts. Here’s a breakdown of the time commitment:

Level Range	Course	Approx. XP/hr	Estimated Hours
1–10	Gnome Stronghold	8,000	1–2
10–30	Draynor Rooftop	10,000–12,000	5–7
30–40	Al Kharid Rooftop	9,000–11,000	6–8
40–52	Varrock Rooftop	12,000–14,000	10–12
52–60	Canifis Rooftop	18,000–20,000	12–15
60–70	Seers’ Village Rooftop	30,000–35,000	20–25
70–80	Pollnivneach Rooftop	40,000–45,000	30–35
80–90	Rellekka Rooftop	50,000–55,000	40–50
90–99	Ardougne Rooftop	60,000–65,000	60–70

Total Estimated Time: 165–200 hours, depending on focus and efficiency.

Best Training Methods for Agility

While Agility is a long grind, choosing the right training methods can shave hours off your journey. Below is a step-by-step guide to the most efficient courses and strategies for each level range.

Early Levels (1–40)

Start at the Gnome Stronghold Agility Course for levels 1–10. It’s simple and offers decent XP for beginners. Move to the Draynor Village Rooftop Course at level 10, then the Al Kharid Rooftop Course at level 30. These courses introduce Marks of Grace, which you’ll need for Graceful gear.

Mid Levels (40–70)

From level 40, the Varrock Rooftop Course is your go-to, followed by Canifis Rooftop at 52 and Seers’ Village Rooftop at 60. Seers’ Village is particularly efficient if you use teleports to speed up laps.

High Levels (70–99)

At level 70, switch to the Pollnivneach Rooftop Course, then Rellekka Rooftop at 80. The Ardougne Rooftop Course at level 90 is the best for endgame training, offering the highest XP rates and a decent chance at Marks of Grace.

Alternative Methods

• Werewolf Agility Course (Level 60+): Requires completion of Creature of Fenkenstrain. Offers slightly lower XP than rooftops but is less click-intensive.
• Hallowed Sepulchre (Level 52+): Found in Darkmeyer, this minigame provides high XP (up to 80,000/hr at high levels) and unique rewards like the Hallowed Graceful set. It’s challenging but engaging.
• Agility Pyramid (Level 30+): A profitable low-level option, though XP rates are subpar (10,000–15,000/hr).

Tips to Make the Agility Grind Easier

The Agility grind can feel soul-crushing, but these tips can help you stay motivated and efficient:

Invest in Graceful Gear

Marks of Grace, earned from rooftop courses, can be spent on the Graceful outfit, which reduces your weight and boosts run energy regeneration. This is a must-have for Agility training, as it minimizes downtime and speeds up laps.

Use Stamina Potions

Stamina potions restore run energy and reduce energy drain rates. Keep a stack in your inventory to maintain consistent laps, especially on longer courses like Ardougne.

Break Up the Grind

Agility’s repetitive nature can lead to burnout. Alternate training sessions with other activities, like questing or Slayer, to keep things fresh. Short, focused sessions (1–2 hours) are often more sustainable than marathon grinds.

Leverage Boosts and Shortcuts

Items like the Agility cape (post-99) or temporary boosts from spicy stews can unlock shortcuts that save time. For example, the Seers’ Village teleport (with Kandarin Hard Diary) cuts down lap times significantly.

Engage with Hallowed Sepulchre

For high-level players, the Hallowed Sepulchre is a refreshing change from rooftop courses. It’s more interactive, offers loot, and keeps you engaged with its puzzle-like mechanics.

Why Bother with Agility?

Given the time investment, you might wonder if Agility is worth it. The answer is a resounding yes, and here’s why:

Unlocks Game-Changing Shortcuts

High Agility levels grant access to shortcuts across Gielinor, such as the Draynor Manor stepping stones (level 80) or the Karamja volcano grapple (level 53). These save time during quests, Slayer tasks, and clue scrolls.

Improves Run Energy

Agility directly boosts your run energy regeneration rate, making travel and skilling more efficient. At level 99, you’ll rarely need to walk, even without stamina potions.

Boosts Other Skills

Agility is a gateway to activities like the Hallowed Sepulchre and certain clue scroll steps, which reward you with loot and experience in other skills.

Prestige of the Skill Cape

The Agility skill cape is a badge of perseverance. Its teleport to the Gnome Stronghold course and unlimited energy boosts make it a practical and prestigious reward.

• Pro Tip: Agility is often trained early by players aiming for the max cape, as its slow grind pairs well with passive skills like Farming.
• Fun Fact: The first player to reach 99 Agility in OSRS was Thehate, achieving it in 2013, shortly after the game’s launch.

Conclusion: Agility’s reputation as the longest skill to 99 in OSRS is well-earned, thanks to its slow XP rates and demanding gameplay. However, with the right mindset, efficient methods, and tools like Graceful gear and stamina potions, you can conquer this grind. Whether you’re chasing shortcuts, run energy, or the iconic skill cape, Agility rewards patience and persistence. So, lace up your boots, hit the rooftops, and start your journey to 99—one lap at a time.