OSRS Best AFK Training Methods for Efficient Skilling

OSRS Best AFK Training Methods for Efficient Skilling

Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a grind-heavy MMORPG, but not every moment needs your full attention. AFK (Away From Keyboard) training methods let you level up skills while multitasking—whether you’re working, studying, or just relaxing. This guide dives into the best AFK training methods for 2025, focusing on skills like combat, gathering, and artisan activities. These methods maximize experience points (XP) with minimal effort, perfect for casual players or those balancing busy schedules.

AFK training is ideal for players who want progress without constant clicking. It suits mobile players, Ironmen, or anyone looking to skill while doing other tasks. Most methods allow 5–20 minutes of inactivity before needing input, thanks to OSRS’s logout timers (5 minutes for skilling, 20 minutes for combat). Below, we explore top methods across various skills, ensuring you can level efficiently.

Combat AFK Training Methods

OSRS Top 20 Best AFK Skilling Methods NovaMMO

Combat skills—Attack, Strength, Defence, Magic, and Ranged—offer some of the most AFK-friendly training options, with up to 20 minutes of inactivity per session.

Nightmare Zone (NMZ)

The Nightmare Zone is a fan-favorite for AFK combat training. After completing quests like “Rum Deal” or “Vampyre Slayer,” you can fight previous quest bosses in a controlled environment. Using absorption potions, overloads, and high-damage gear like Dharok’s set, you can AFK for 15–20 minutes while earning solid XP.

  • Requirements: 43 Prayer, high combat stats, and quest completions.
  • XP Rates: 50k–100k XP/hour (Melee), 60k–120k XP/hour (Magic/Ranged).
  • Profit: NMZ points for imbues or herb boxes.

Sand and Ammonite Crabs

Crabs on Crabclaw Isle or Fossil Island are perfect for low-to-mid-level players. Their high HP and low attack make them ideal for AFK Melee training. Reset aggression every 10 minutes by running a short distance.

  • Requirements: Bone Voyage for Ammonite Crabs, basic combat gear.
  • XP Rates: 20k–60k XP/hour (Melee).
  • Profit: Minimal, focus on XP.

Bandits in Kharidian Desert

Wearing a Saradomin or Zamorak item makes Bandits aggressive indefinitely, allowing 20-minute AFK sessions. Guthan’s armor or high Defence gear extends sessions with minimal food.

  • Requirements: 70+ combat stats, Saradomin/Zamorak item.
  • XP Rates: 40k–80k XP/hour (Melee).
  • Profit: Low, but sustainable with noted food.

Gathering Skills for AFK Training

Gathering skills like Woodcutting, Fishing, and Mining shine for AFK training, as resource spots often allow extended periods of inactivity before inventory management.

Redwood Trees (Woodcutting)

Redwoods in the Woodcutting Guild are the ultimate AFK Woodcutting method. Each tree takes 4+ minutes to deplete, and with a log basket, you can stay longer without banking.

  • Requirements: 90 Woodcutting, Woodcutting Guild access.
  • XP Rates: 60k–80k XP/hour.
  • Profit: Moderate, redwood logs sell decently.

Karambwan Fishing

Fishing Karambwan in Mor Ul Rek is highly AFK since the fishing spot rarely moves. Stackable Karambwanji bait makes it ideal for Ironmen.

  • Requirements: 65 Fishing, Tai Bwo Wannai Trio quest.
  • XP Rates: 30k–50k XP/hour.
  • Profit: Good, Karambwan are valuable for PvM.

Rune Essence Mining

For low-level miners, Rune Essence mining after Rune Mysteries is incredibly AFK. The spot never moves, and you can mine a full inventory in ~50 seconds.

  • Requirements: Rune Mysteries completed.
  • XP Rates: 5k–10k XP/hour.
  • Profit: Low, but great for early levels.

Artisan Skills with AFK Potential

Artisan skills like Smithing, Crafting, and Herblore offer AFK methods that balance XP and profit, often requiring bank-standing tasks.

Cannonball Smithing

Smithing cannonballs is a classic AFK method. Each inventory of 27 steel bars takes ~2.5 minutes, offering steady XP and profit.

  • Requirements: Dwarf Cannon quest, 35 Smithing.
  • XP Rates: 10k–15k XP/hour.
  • Profit: ~100k–200k GP/hour.

Glassblowing (Crafting)

Glassblowing with molten glass lets you AFK for ~50 seconds per inventory. It’s cheap and pairs well with mobile play.

  • Requirements: 46 Crafting, Lunar Diplomacy for Superglass Make.
  • XP Rates: 40k–60k XP/hour.
  • Profit: Break-even or slight loss.

Making Stamina Potions (Herblore)

Creating stamina potions with stackable Amylase Crystals is semi-AFK, with each inventory taking ~30 seconds. It’s fast and profitable.

  • Requirements: 77 Herblore, Amylase Crystals from Rooftop Agility.
  • XP Rates: 80k–100k XP/hour.
  • Profit: Varies, check GE prices.

Runecrafting and Hunter: Low-Effort Options

Runecrafting and Hunter are typically click-intensive, but specific methods make them surprisingly AFK-friendly.

Ourania Altar Runecrafting

At the Ourania Altar, you can craft runes with ~25–30 seconds of AFK time per trip, especially on the official world with player assistance.

  • Requirements: Enter the Abyss miniquest, medium Runecrafting.
  • XP Rates: 20k–40k XP/hour.
  • Profit: Decent with high-level runes.

Maniacal Monkeys (Hunter)

Hunting Maniacal Monkeys after Monkey Madness II is one of the most AFK Hunter methods. Set one trap, lure with bananas, and wait ~30–60 seconds per catch for 1,000 XP.

  • Requirements: 60 Hunter, Monkey Madness II.
  • XP Rates: 40k–60k XP/hour.
  • Profit: Minimal, focus on XP.

Tips for Maximizing AFK Efficiency

To get the most out of AFK training, follow these strategies:

  • Use RuneLite Plugins: Idle Notifier alerts you when your character stops skilling.
  • Optimize Gear: Wear XP-boosting outfits like Prospector’s Kit or Lumberjack set.
  • Check GE Prices: For methods like cannonballs or stamina potions, profit depends on market trends.
  • Mobile Play: Many AFK methods work seamlessly on OSRS Mobile for on-the-go skilling.
  • Combine Skills: Methods like Barbarian Fishing or Varlamore’s bone blessing offer XP in multiple skills.
Skill Method XP/Hour Profit Potential
Melee Nightmare Zone 50k–100k Low (NMZ points)
Woodcutting Redwoods 60k–80k Moderate
Fishing Karambwan 30k–50k High
Smithing Cannonballs 10k–15k 100k–200k GP
Hunter Maniacal Monkeys 40k–60k Low

Whether you’re aiming for 99s or just want casual progress, these AFK methods make OSRS skilling accessible and efficient. Try combining them with your daily routine, and watch your levels soar with minimal effort. Happy skilling!