How to Splash Train Magic in OSRS – Ultimate Guide for AFK Magic Training
Splashing is one of the most popular AFK methods to train Magic in Old School RuneScape (OSRS). It allows players to gain Magic experience with minimal effort, making it ideal for those who want to level up while multitasking. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned adventurer, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about splash training Magic in OSRS, including gear setups, spell choices, locations, and tips to optimize your experience.
Splashing refers to casting combat spells on low-level NPCs with a Magic attack bonus so low that the spell never hits, dealing zero damage. Despite not landing, each cast still grants a base amount of Magic experience, allowing you to train indefinitely on the same target without killing it. This makes splashing a highly AFK-friendly method, as you only need to interact with the game every 20 minutes to avoid being logged out.
Why Choose Splashing for Magic Training?
Splashing has several advantages that make it appealing:
- AFK-Friendly: Requires minimal attention, perfect for multitasking.
- Low Cost: Uses inexpensive gear and runes compared to other Magic training methods.
- No Hitpoints XP: Ideal for pures or accounts avoiding combat XP.
- Accessible: Works for both free-to-play (F2P) and pay-to-play (P2P) players.
Gear Setup for Splashing
To splash successfully, you need a Magic attack bonus of -64 or lower to ensure your spells always miss. This is achieved by wearing specific gear that provides negative Magic attack bonuses. Below are recommended setups for different account types.
Basic Splashing Gear (F2P and Low-Level Accounts)
For beginners or F2P players, a simple and cheap setup works well:
| Slot | Item | Magic Attack Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Head | Any Full Helm (Bronze, Iron, Steel) | -6 |
| Chest | Any Platebody (Bronze, Iron, Steel) | -30 |
| Legs | Any Platelegs/Plateskirt | -21 |
| Shield | Any Kiteshield | -8 |
| Gloves | Green D’hide Vambraces (requires 40 Ranged) | -10 |
| Weapon | Cursed Goblin Staff or Elemental Staff | -1 or +10 |
Note: If you lack 40 Ranged for vambraces, use a Cursed Goblin Staff (available from Diango in Draynor Village for 45 coins) to avoid the +10 Magic bonus from elemental staves.
Advanced Splashing Gear (P2P Accounts)
Members can use alternative items for slightly better defense or aesthetics while maintaining the -64 Magic attack bonus:
- Granite Armor: Granite legs (-31) or body (-40) provide higher defense but require 50 Defense and Strength.
- Snakeskin Boots: Offer -10 Magic attack and decent defense (requires 30 Defense).
- Cursed Amulet of Magic: Provides -3 Magic attack and reduces Magic damage, ensuring splashes.
- Robin Hood Hat or Crystal Helm: Substitutes for full helms with similar negative bonuses.
Tips for Gear Selection
Check Your Bonus: Always verify your Magic attack bonus in the equipment stats interface. It must be -64 or lower to guarantee splashing. If using an elemental staff (+10 bonus), compensate with extra negative gear like Green D’hide Vambraces or Snakeskin Boots.
Defense Matters: Choose NPCs that deal negligible damage (e.g., rats or seagulls), so you don’t need high-defense gear. However, higher defense can be useful for slightly riskier spots.
Best Spells for Splashing
The spell you choose affects both your experience per hour and cost. Fire spells are generally preferred for their balance of XP and affordability, but other options exist depending on your Magic level and budget.
Recommended Spells and XP Rates
Here’s a breakdown of common splashing spells, assuming 1,200 casts per hour (each spell takes 5 game ticks, or 3 seconds):
| Spell | Magic Level | Base XP per Cast | XP per Hour | Rune Cost (with Staff) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Strike | 1 | 5.5 | 6,600 | 1 Mind Rune (~3 GP) |
| Fire Strike | 13 | 11.5 | 13,800 | 1 Mind Rune (~3 GP) |
| Fire Bolt | 35 | 22.5 | 27,000 | 1 Chaos Rune (~100 GP) |
| Fire Blast | 59 | 34.5 | 41,400 | 1 Death Rune (~200 GP) |
| Fire Wave | 75 | 42.5 | 51,000 | 1 Blood Rune (~300 GP) |
Pro Tip: Use an elemental staff (e.g., Staff of Fire for Fire spells) to eliminate the need for elemental runes, significantly reducing costs.
Choosing the Right Spell
Budget Players: Stick with Fire Strike or Wind Strike for minimal cost (~3,600 GP/hour for Fire Strike). These are great for early levels or F2P accounts.
Faster XP: If you can afford it, Fire Blast or Fire Wave offers higher XP rates, though costs increase due to Death and Blood Runes.
Curse Splashing: At level 19, splashing Curse (29 XP/cast, ~33,000 XP/hour) is viable but requires manual casting, making it less AFK. Use this in specific spots like the caged Monk of Zamorak in Varrock Palace.
Best Locations for Splashing
Choosing the right location is crucial for uninterrupted splashing. You need NPCs with low combat levels that won’t deal significant damage, and the area should be accessible and not overcrowded. Importantly, avoid Lumbridge, as Jagex disabled Magic XP from splashing there to prevent confusion for new players.
Top Splashing Spots
Here are some of the best places to splash, suitable for both F2P and P2P players:
- Port Sarim Seagulls: Level 2 seagulls near the docks. Easy to access, rarely crowded, and safe for all account types.
- Varrock Sewers Rats: Level 1 rats in a multi-spawn area. Ideal for F2P players and close to a bank.
- Draynor Manor Spiders: Level 1 spiders inside the manor. Quiet spot with multiple spawns.
- Port Piscarilius Seagulls: Another seagull spot for P2P players, less contested than Port Sarim.
- Chickens near Ardougne: Level 1 chickens near Captain Barnaby, close to a bank and rarely busy.
Location Tips
Avoid Multi-Combat Areas: Ensure your NPC isn’t killed by other players, which disrupts your AFK session.
Check Aggression: NPCs like rats stop attacking after 10 minutes, so you’ll need to re-engage them or rely on auto-retaliate.
Use Runelite: The “Idle Notifier” plugin alerts you when you’re about to log out, extending your AFK time.
Tips to Optimize Your Splashing Experience
While splashing is straightforward, a few strategies can make it more efficient and enjoyable:
Maximize AFK Time
Auto-Retaliate: Turn it on to keep attacking your target automatically. You’ll need to interact every 20 minutes to avoid the logout timer.
Runelite Plugins: Use the “Logout Timer” plugin to track your AFK window, allowing up to 25 minutes of inactivity in some cases.
Minimize Costs
Elemental Staves: Always use a staff matching your spell’s element (e.g., Staff of Air for Wind Strike) to save on runes.
Buy Runes in Bulk: Purchase runes from the Grand Exchange or shops like the Void Knight Magic Store for better prices.
Boost XP Rates
Magic Potions: If your Magic level is close to unlocking a higher spell (e.g., Fire Bolt at 35), use a Magic Potion or Divine Magic Potion for a temporary +4 boost to cast it early.
Harmonized Nightmare Staff: For P2P players with deep pockets, this staff casts spells faster (4 ticks instead of 5), increasing XP rates, but it’s extremely expensive.
Avoid Common Mistakes
Don’t Splash in Lumbridge: You’ll gain zero XP due to Jagex’s restrictions.
Monitor Gear: Accidentally equipping items with positive Magic bonuses (e.g., a Wizard Robe) can cause your spells to hit, ruining the setup.
Stay Safe: Avoid aggressive NPCs like level 24 spiders in Varrock Sewers, which can deal minor damage over time.
By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to splash train Magic in OSRS efficiently. Whether you’re aiming for level 99 or just want a low-effort way to unlock teleports, splashing is a reliable method. Grab your gear, pick a spot, and start splashing your way to Magic mastery!