Best Weapons for Combat Training in Old School RuneScape

Best Weapons for Combat Training in Old School RuneScape

Training combat in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a core part of the game, whether you’re aiming to slay bosses, complete quests, or dominate in PvP. Choosing the right weapon is crucial for maximizing experience rates and efficiency. This guide explores the best weapons for training Attack, Strength, and Defence across melee, ranged, and magic combat styles, tailored for both free-to-play (F2P) and pay-to-play (P2P) players. From low-level starters to endgame gear, we’ve got you covered with practical recommendations and strategies.

Combat in OSRS revolves around three melee skills—Attack, Strength, and Defence—alongside Ranged and Magic. Each skill impacts your performance differently:

  • Attack: Increases accuracy and unlocks higher-tier weapons.
  • Strength: Boosts maximum hit, improving damage output.
  • Defence: Reduces enemy accuracy, allowing you to wear better armor.

Your weapon choice depends on the skill you’re training, your combat level, and whether you’re in F2P or P2P. Faster weapons (e.g., scimitars, daggers) excel for mid-level training, while slower, high-damage weapons shine against high-defence foes. OSRS Wiki provides detailed training methods for optimal setups.

Best Melee Weapons for Combat Training

Old School RuneScape OSRS Best Ranged Weapons Gamer Empire

Melee is the most popular combat style for training due to its accessibility and high damage potential. Below are the top weapons for each stage of your melee journey.

Low-Level Melee Weapons (Levels 1–40)

For new players or those in F2P, fast weapons with decent stats are ideal for training Attack and Strength.

  • Rune Scimitar: The best F2P weapon, requiring 40 Attack. Its +45 Slash Attack and fast attack speed make it perfect for early Slayer tasks and general training. Buy it from Zeke’s Scimitar Shop in Al Kharid or the Grand Exchange.

  • Brine Sabre: A P2P alternative at 40 Attack, slightly better than the Rune Scimitar for its special attack, which boosts damage. Dropped by Brine Rats.

Mid-Level Melee Weapons (Levels 40–60)

As you progress, P2P players gain access to iconic weapons that balance speed and power.

  • Dragon Scimitar: Requiring 60 Attack and completion of Monkey Madness I, this weapon offers a +67 Slash Attack bonus and a special attack that disables protection prayers in PvP. It’s a cost-effective choice for Slayer and training.

  • Obsidian Sword (Toktz-xil-ak): At 60 Attack, pair this with the Obsidian armor set and Berserker Necklace for a 30% damage and accuracy boost. Ideal for low-defence monsters in the Nightmare Zone.

High-Level Melee Weapons (Levels 60–99)

High-level players need weapons optimized for specific skills or scenarios, especially for Strength training.

  • Abyssal Whip: A staple at 70 Attack, the whip’s +82 Slash Attack and fast speed make it ideal for training Attack and Defence. It’s a rare drop from Abyssal Demons (85 Slayer required).

  • Abyssal Dagger: Best for Strength training at 70 Attack, its +105 Stab bonus and special attack (Abyssal Puncture) deliver high DPS. Obtain it from the Abyssal Sire or Grand Exchange.

  • Blade of Saeldor: At 80 Attack, this is the top-tier Strength training weapon with a +94 Slash bonus. Its high cost (around 100M GP) reflects its unmatched DPS, making it a late-game goal.

  • Scythe of Vitur: The ultimate melee weapon at 75 Attack and Strength, excelling in multi-target scenarios like Theatre of Blood. Its area-of-effect attack is unmatched but comes with a steep price.

Weapon Attack Level Best For How to Obtain
Rune Scimitar 40 F2P Training Shops, Monster Drops
Dragon Scimitar 60 Mid-Level Slayer Monkey Madness I
Abyssal Whip 70 Attack/Defence Abyssal Demons
Abyssal Dagger 70 Strength Abyssal Sire
Blade of Saeldor 80 Endgame Strength Grand Exchange

Best Ranged Weapons for Combat Training

Ranged training is ideal for safe-spotting monsters or tackling bosses like TzTok-Jad. Speed and ammo choice are key for maximizing XP.

Early Ranged Weapons (Levels 1–40)

F2P and low-level P2P players should focus on affordable, fast weapons.

  • Shortbow (with Iron Arrows): The best F2P ranged weapon, available at level 1. Its fast attack speed makes it great for early training at cows or goblins.
  • Dorgeshuun Crossbow: A P2P option at 28 Ranged, using bone bolts. It’s cheap and effective for low-level Slayer tasks.

Mid-to-High Level Ranged Weapons (Levels 40–75)

Mid-level ranged weapons offer better accuracy and damage, crucial for PvM and Slayer.

  • Rune Crossbow: At 61 Ranged, this is a strong, affordable option for P2P players. Pair it with broad bolts for cost-effective training.
  • Toxic Blowpipe: Requiring 75 Ranged, this is the best ranged weapon for most scenarios due to its fast attack speed and poison damage. It’s a must-have for Slayer and bossing, obtained from Zulrah.

Best Magic Weapons for Combat Training

Magic training often involves casting combat spells or splashing for AFK XP. The right staff can save runes and boost efficiency.

Low-to-Mid Level Magic Weapons (Levels 1–60)

Early magic training focuses on cost-effective spellcasting.

  • Elemental Staff: At level 1 Magic, staves like the Staff of Water save runes for spells like Water Strike. Ideal for F2P and early P2P training.

  • Slayer’s Staff: At 50 Magic, this allows casting Magic Dart, a cheap and effective spell for Slayer tasks.

High-Level Magic Weapons (Levels 60–99)

Late-game magic weapons are designed for high DPS and efficiency.

  • Trident of the Swamp: At 78 Magic, this powered staff uses Zulrah scales instead of runes, making it cost-effective for Slayer and PvM. It’s a staple for mid-to-late game magic training.

  • Tumeken’s Shadow: The ultimate magic weapon at 85 Magic, offering unmatched damage in raids like Tombs of Amascut. Its high cost makes it an endgame goal.

Training Tips and Strategies

Choosing the right weapon is only part of the equation. Here are strategies to optimize your combat training:

  • Slayer Training: Combine combat training with Slayer for profit and variety. Weapons like the Abyssal Whip or Toxic Blowpipe excel for Slayer tasks.

  • Nightmare Zone (NMZ): Use AFK methods in NMZ with weapons like the Obsidian Sword or Abyssal Dagger for low-effort XP. Check every 15–20 minutes to avoid logging out.

  • Quests for XP: Complete quests like Waterfall Quest to jump to 30 Attack and Strength early, allowing you to wield better weapons sooner.

  • Gear Synergy: Pair weapons with strength-boosting gear (e.g., Berserker Ring, Fire Cape) to increase max hits and XP rates.

Conclusion

Selecting the best weapons for combat training in OSRS depends on your level, budget, and goals. For melee, progress from the Rune Scimitar to the Abyssal Whip and eventually the Blade of Saeldor. Ranged players should aim for the Toxic Blowpipe, while magic users benefit from the Trident of the Swamp or Tumeken’s Shadow. Combine these weapons with smart training methods like Slayer or NMZ to maximize efficiency. Equip yourself with these tools, and you’ll be carving through Gielinor’s toughest foes in no time!