OSRS Easy Combat XP Best Methods for Fast Leveling

Training combat in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) can feel overwhelming, especially for new players or those looking to level up quickly without diving into high-risk activities. Fortunately, there are several easy, low-effort methods to gain combat XP that suit players of all levels. This guide covers the best ways to train Attack, Strength, Defence, and other combat skills efficiently, with tips to maximize XP rates while keeping things simple. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player looking for relaxed training, these methods will help you level up fast.
Combat is central to OSRS, unlocking quests, bossing, and PvP opportunities. Easy XP methods are ideal because they require minimal gear, low risk, and simple strategies, making them accessible to everyone. These approaches let you build your combat stats steadily without needing to grind high-level content or invest heavily in equipment.
Benefits of Low-Effort Training
- Accessibility: Most methods need basic gear, affordable for new players.
- Low Risk: Safe spots and low-level enemies reduce the chance of dying.
- Time Efficiency: Gain decent XP without complex rotations or setups.
Which Skills to Train
Combat XP in OSRS covers Attack, Strength, Defence, Hitpoints, and sometimes Magic or Ranged, depending on your method. For melee, you’ll typically train all three (Attack, Strength, Defence) alongside Hitpoints. This guide focuses on melee for simplicity, but we’ll touch on Magic and Ranged options too.
Best Early-Game Combat Training Spots
If you’re just starting out, low-level enemies offer a safe and effective way to build your combat stats. These spots are perfect for players with base stats (1-20) and minimal gear.
Chickens in Lumbridge
Chickens are the classic starting point for combat training. Found in Lumbridge’s chicken coops, they’re easy to kill, drop feathers for profit, and have no requirements.
- XP Rates: ~3-5K XP/hour per skill (Attack, Strength, Defence).
- Requirements: None; bring a bronze or iron weapon.
- Profit: Feathers stack and sell for ~3-5 GP each.
Tip: Use the combat style menu to focus on one skill (e.g., “Stab” for Attack) to level it faster.
Cows in Lumbridge
Just north of Lumbridge, cows are a step up from chickens. They have more Hitpoints, offering slightly better XP, and drop cowhides for extra cash.
- XP Rates: ~5-8K XP/hour per skill.
- Requirements: Iron or steel weapon recommended.
- Profit: Cowhides (~100-150 GP each) and raw beef.
Pro Tip: Bank hides in Lumbridge Castle for Crafting or sell them on the Grand Exchange.
Goblins in Lumbridge
Goblins roam east of Lumbridge and are great for levels 10-20. They’re weak, aggressive, and drop minor loot like bones and low-value items.
- XP Rates: ~4-7K XP/hour per skill.
- Requirements: None; steel or mithril gear helps.
- Loot: Bones for Prayer training, small coins.
Note: Goblins are spread out, so stick to crowded areas for faster kills.
Mid-Level Combat Training Hotspots
Once you hit 20-40 in combat stats, you can move to enemies that offer better XP rates while remaining low-effort. These methods balance efficiency with simplicity.
Hill Giants in Edgeville Dungeon
Hill Giants, found in Edgeville Dungeon, are a staple for mid-level training. They’re easy to kill, drop big bones, and have a safe spot for Ranged or Magic users.
- XP Rates: ~15-25K XP/hour (melee); ~10-20K XP/hour (Ranged/Magic).
- Requirements: 20+ combat stats, mithril or adamant gear.
- Loot: Big bones (~200 GP each), limpwurt roots (~500-1K GP).
Tip: Bring a brass key (bought from the Grand Exchange) for quick dungeon access.
Rock Crabs at Rellekka
Rock Crabs, located north of Rellekka, are one of the best mid-level training spots. They have high Hitpoints (50), low attack, and are aggressive, making them perfect for AFK training.
- XP Rates: ~20-40K XP/hour per skill (melee).
- Requirements: 20-40 combat stats; complete “The Fremennik Trials” for easier access.
- Loot: Minimal, but XP is the main reward.
Strategy: Attack one crab, then wait for others to become aggressive. Reset their aggression by running a short distance if needed.
Sand Crabs on Hosidius
Sand Crabs, found on the southern shore of Hosidius, are similar to Rock Crabs but more accessible after minimal Kourend favor. They’re ideal for AFK melee training.
- XP Rates: ~30-50K XP/hour per skill (melee).
- Requirements: 30+ combat stats, 10% Hosidius favor.
- Loot: None, but high XP rates compensate.
Pro Tip: Use the three-crab spots for optimal XP, and bring food for longer sessions.
Using Quests for Free Combat XP
Quests are a fantastic way to gain combat XP without grinding. Many early-game quests reward XP in Attack, Strength, or Defence, boosting your stats instantly.
Top Quests for Combat XP
Here’s a table of beginner-friendly quests that grant combat XP:
Quest | XP Reward | Skill | Requirements |
---|---|---|---|
Vampire Slayer | 4,825 | Attack | None |
Tree Gnome Village | 11,450 | Attack | None |
The Grand Tree | 18,400 | Attack | 25 Agility |
Waterfall Quest | 13,750 | Attack, Strength | None |
Fight Arena | 12,175 | Attack | None |
These quests are low-skill and safe, offering enough XP to jump from level 1 to 30+ in Attack or Strength. Complete them early to skip tedious grinding.
Tips for Questing
- Use a Quest Helper Plugin: RuneLite’s Quest Helper guides you step-by-step.
- Stack Quests: Do multiple quests in one session to maximize XP gains.
- Bring Basic Gear: Bronze or iron armor is enough for most beginner quests.
AFK Training with Nightmare Zone
For players with 40+ combat stats and some quest completions, Nightmare Zone (NMZ) is the ultimate easy XP method. It’s AFK-friendly, safe, and offers some of the best XP rates for melee.
Getting Started with NMZ
NMZ is located in Yanille and requires completion of at least five quests from its list (e.g., Vampire Slayer, Fight Arena). You’ll fight bosses from these quests in a dream arena.
- XP Rates: ~40-80K XP/hour (melee, depending on stats and gear).
- Requirements: 40+ combat stats, 5+ NMZ quests, 10K+ coins per session.
- Setup: Use “Practice” mode with absorptions and overloads for AFK training.
Best NMZ Strategy
Follow these steps for optimal AFK training:
- Buy Supplies: Purchase absorption potions (1,000 points) and overloads (500 points) from the NMZ reward chest.
- Choose Easy Bosses: Pick quests like “The Grand Tree” or “Tree Gnome Village” for weaker enemies.
- Use Protection Prayers: Activate Protect from Melee to minimize damage.
- AFK Setup: Drink absorptions to 1,000 HP, sip an overload, and let auto-retaliate do the work.
Profit Tip: NMZ points can buy herb boxes or scrolls, offsetting costs or earning extra GP.
Gear Recommendations
You don’t need BiS gear for NMZ. Here’s a budget setup:
- Weapon: Rune scimitar or dragon scimitar (if quested).
- Armor: Rune platebody, legs, and helm.
- Amulet: Amulet of strength or glory.
Upgrade to obsidian armor or Bandos if you can afford it for faster kills.
With these methods—chickens, crabs, quests, and NMZ—you can train combat in OSRS easily and efficiently. Start with early-game spots to build your stats, move to mid-level hotspots like Sand Crabs, and transition to NMZ for AFK gains. Each method is low-risk and beginner-friendly, ensuring you level up without stress. Grab your gear, pick a spot, and start slashing your way to higher combat levels today!