OSRS 1-99 Ranged Guide Fastest and Cheapest Methods

Training Ranged in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a rewarding journey that unlocks powerful combat capabilities for PvM, PvP, and Slayer tasks. This comprehensive guide covers the fastest, cheapest, and most efficient methods to reach level 99 Ranged, suitable for pures, Ironmen, and regular accounts. Whether you’re aiming for quick XP or budget-friendly training, we’ve got you covered with detailed strategies, gear recommendations, and tips to optimize your grind.

Ranged is one of the three core combat skills in OSRS, alongside Melee and Magic. It allows players to attack from a distance, making it ideal for safespotting tough monsters and tackling bosses like Zulrah and Vorkath. A high Ranged level boosts both accuracy and max hit, enabling access to top-tier weapons like the Toxic Blowpipe and Bow of Faerdhinen (Bowfa). Additionally, Ranged is essential for Raids and Slayer, offering versatility and high damage output.

Key Benefits of High Ranged Levels

• Safespotting: Attack melee-based enemies from a safe distance.
• PvM Efficiency: Deal massive damage to bosses weak to Ranged, such as Muspah.
• Slayer Synergy: Combine Ranged with Slayer for faster task completion and passive XP.
• PvP Advantage: High accuracy and damage make Ranged formidable in PvP scenarios.

Essential Unlocks for Ranged Training

Before diving into training, completing specific quests and acquiring key items can significantly boost your XP rates and save GP. These unlocks are particularly useful for early levels and cost-efficient methods.

Recommended Quests

Must-Have Items

• Ava’s Devices: Essential for ammo conservation, upgrade to Ava’s Assembler after Dragon Slayer II.
• Dwarf Multicannon: Costs ~800k GP but offers unmatched XP rates at low levels.
• Necklace of Anguish: Provides a +5 Ranged strength bonus, ideal for high-level training.

Fastest Pathway to 99 Ranged

The fastest way to 99 Ranged combines questing, cannoning, and chinning, achieving XP rates up to 1M per hour. This method is expensive (50-100M GP) but can get you to 99 in as little as 22 hours. Here’s the breakdown:

Levels 1-27: Questing

Start with the Temple of Ikov quest to jump straight to level 27. Use darts or knives with Ice Arrows to bypass the 40 Ranged requirement. This saves hours of grinding low-level monsters.

Levels 27-45: Dwarf Multicannon

After completing the Dwarf Cannon quest, use the cannon in multi-combat areas like Rock Crabs (Rellekka) or Ogres (west of Yanille). Pair it with Iron Knives (~45 GP each) for cost-effective training. Expect 80k-100k XP/hour. Key tips:

• Use the Accurate attack style for maximum XP until level 30, then switch to Rapid.
• Equip leather armor and a shortbow for early levels, upgrading to a Magic Shortbow at level 50.
• Stock up on ~10,000 cannonballs (~175 GP each) to sustain training.

Levels 45-75: Cannoning and Slayer

Continue using the Dwarf Multicannon, but pair it with Slayer tasks for passive Slayer XP. Locations like Dagannoths (under the Lighthouse, post-Horror from the Deep) yield 160k-175k XP/hour with a Toxic Blowpipe and Mithril Darts. Alternatively, train at Sand Crabs or Ammonite Crabs (Fossil Island, post-Bone Voyage) for a cheaper option (~1M GP to 99 with Mithril Darts).

Levels 75-99: Chinning Maniacal Monkeys

Chinning in the Monkey Madness II tunnels (Kruk’s Dungeon, Ape Atoll) is the fastest Ranged training method, offering 800k-1M XP/hour with Black Chinchompas. This requires 43 Prayer for protection prayers and costs ~80M GP with Black Chins or ~50M with Red Chins. Gear setup:

• Elite Void Ranged: Boosts damage against low-defense monkeys.
• Necklace of Anguish: Maximizes Ranged strength.
• Pegasian Boots: High Ranged attack bonus.
• Ava’s Assembler: Recovers most chinchompas.

Note: Chinchompas are lost on death, so monitor prayer points closely to avoid costly mistakes.

Cheapest Pathway to 99 Ranged

For players on a budget, the cheapest route to 99 Ranged costs ~1M GP and focuses on AFK methods using low-cost gear and ammo. This method takes ~105 hours but is ideal for Ironmen and F2P players.

Levels 1-30: Low-Level Monsters (F2P)

Train on cows, chickens, or goblins in Lumbridge using a shortbow and bronze/iron arrows. Use the Accurate style for better XP. Collect cowhides or feathers to offset arrow costs. Speak to the Ranged tutor in Lumbridge to auto-equip picked-up arrows, saving time. Expect 10k-20k XP/hour.

Levels 30-60: Sand Crabs or Ammonite Crabs

Switch to Sand Crabs (Hosidius) or Ammonite Crabs (Fossil Island) using Mithril Darts and a Dorgeshuun Crossbow (post-Death to the Dorgeshuun for Ironmen). These crabs have 100 HP and low defense, offering 50k-70k XP/hour. Use the Rapid style and leather armor upgraded to Black D’hide as levels increase.

Levels 60-99: Nightmare Zone (NMZ)

Train at Nightmare Zone using a Toxic Blowpipe with Mithril Darts or a Magic Shortbow with Rune Arrows. NMZ allows AFK training for up to 20 minutes and yields 60k-80k XP/hour. Buy herb boxes with NMZ points to profit ~15M GP over 240 days. Recommended gear:

• Black D’hide: Cost-effective Ranged armor.
• Amulet of Glory: Boosts accuracy.
• Ava’s Accumulator: Saves ammo.

Ranged Gear and Progression

Choosing the right gear is crucial for maximizing XP rates and minimizing costs. Below is a progression guide for Ranged gear based on level and budget.

Gear Progression Table

Tips for Gear Optimization

• Elite Void vs. Masori: Elite Void is best for low-defense monsters like Maniacal Monkeys, while Masori excels against high-defense targets.
• Ammo Choice: Mithril Darts are the best balance of cost and XP for most methods; use Adamant Darts for faster XP at a higher cost.
• Upgrades: Prioritize Ava’s devices, Necklace of Anguish, and Pegasian Boots for endgame setups.

F2P Gear and Training

For F2P players, stick to shortbows with iron or steel arrows until level 40, then use a Maple Shortbow with adamant arrows. Train on Hill Giants (Edgeville Dungeon) or Moss Giants (Varrock Sewers) for 30k-50k XP/hour. Without Ava’s Accumulator, ammo costs add up, so consider buying OSRS gold or collecting drops like Big Bones to fund training.

By following this guide, you’ll efficiently reach 99 Ranged in OSRS, whether you’re chasing the fastest XP or sticking to a budget. Combine methods based on your goals, and don’t forget to leverage Slayer and quests for a well-rounded grind. Grab your bow, stock up on ammo, and start sniping your way to the Ranged Skillcape!