Defence Training Guide OSRS

Defence is a core combat skill in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) that enhances your character’s ability to withstand attacks across all combat styles—Melee, Ranged, and Magic. Training Defence not only boosts your survivability but also unlocks access to high-tier armor, making it essential for PvM, PvP, and questing. This comprehensive guide covers efficient methods to train Defence from level 1 to 99, tailored for both free-to-play (F2P) and pay-to-play (P2P) players, with tips to optimize experience rates and minimize costs.

A higher Defence level reduces the likelihood of taking damage, making it crucial for surviving tough bosses, Slayer tasks, and PvP encounters. Unlike Attack and Strength, which focus on offense, Defence is about endurance. It also contributes to your combat level, which is important for accessing certain content like the Warriors’ Guild or specific quests.

Key Benefits of Levelling Defence

• Access to Better Armor: Higher Defence levels unlock stronger armor, such as Rune (level 40) or Dragon (level 60).
• Quest Requirements: Quests like Lunar Diplomacy and King’s Ransom require Defence levels (e.g., 65 for Quest Cape).
• PvM and PvP Survivability: High Defence reduces damage taken, allowing you to tank bosses or outlast opponents.
• Skilling Pet: Training Defence offers a chance to obtain Wallace, the Defence skilling pet.

Getting Started Low-Level Defence Training (Levels 1–30)

Early Defence training is straightforward and can be done efficiently with minimal gear. For beginners, focus on high-hitpoint, low-defence monsters to maximize experience while keeping training AFK-friendly.

F2P Training Methods

Free-to-play players have limited options, but several monsters are ideal for early levels.

• Cows (Lumbridge): Found in the Cow Pen, cows have 8 hitpoints and are perfect for levels 1–10. Use a Steel Longsword or Scimitar for faster kills.
• Chickens (Falador): South of Falador, chickens offer quick kills and feathers for profit. Train here up to level 20.
• Al Kharid Guards: At level 20+, head to Al Kharid Palace. Guards have 22 hitpoints and drop bones, making them a step up in XP rates.

P2P Questing for Early XP

Pay-to-play players can skip early grinding by completing quests with Defence experience rewards. These quests are quick and boost your level significantly.

Quest	Defence XP	Requirements
Holy Grail	15,300	20 Defence, Merlin’s Crystal
Nature Spirit	2,000	Priest in Peril
In Search of the Myreque	600	Nature Spirit

Completing Holy Grail can take you from level 1 to nearly 30 Defence in under an hour, making it a must-do for P2P players.

Mid-Level Defence Training (Levels 30–70)

At mid-levels, P2P players gain access to better training spots and gear, while F2P players can still progress efficiently with the right setup.

Rock Crabs and Sand Crabs

Rock Crabs (Rellekka) and Sand Crabs (Hosidius) are the go-to AFK training spots for levels 30–50. Both have high hitpoints (50–60), low Defence, and are non-aggressive after 10 minutes, allowing you to train for extended periods.

• Gear Setup: Use Adamant or Rune armor with a Rune Scimitar. Bring an Amulet of Strength for higher damage.
• Tip: Use stat-boosting prayers (e.g., Clarity of Thought) and Super Defence potions to increase XP rates.
• Location Access: For Rock Crabs, teleport to Camelot and walk northwest. For Sand Crabs, use a Skills Necklace to the Woodcutting Guild and head southeast.

Nightmare Zone (NMZ)

From level 50, Nightmare Zone becomes a top AFK training method for P2P players. Using absorption potions and Dharok’s armor, you can achieve high XP rates with minimal input.

• Setup: Wear Dharok’s set, use Overloads, and toggle Defensive combat style. Imbue a Berserker Ring at NMZ for a strength boost.
• XP Rates: Expect 50–80k Defence XP per hour, depending on your stats and setup.
• Profit: Earn NMZ points to buy herb boxes or imbue items, offsetting training costs.

F2P Mid-Level Option: Hill Giants

For F2P players, Hill Giants in the Edgeville Dungeon (use a Brass Key) are ideal from levels 30–50. They have 35 hitpoints and drop Big Bones, which can be sold for profit.

• Gear: Full Rune armor with a Rune Scimitar or 2H Sword.
• Tip: Bring lobsters for healing and bank bones for Prayer training later.

High-Level Defence Training (Levels 70–99)

High-level training focuses on maximizing XP rates, often through Slayer or specialized methods like chinning. These methods are P2P-exclusive due to the gear and locations required.

Slayer for Defence Training

Training Defence alongside Slayer is efficient, as it combines combat XP with Slayer XP and profit. Assign tasks like Dust Devils or Ankou, which have high hitpoints and low Defence.

• Gear: Use a Slayer Helmet, Torva armor (if affordable), and a Dragon Defender. Switch to Defensive style when training Defence.
• XP Rates: 60–100k Defence XP per hour, plus Slayer and Hitpoints XP.
• Profit: Slayer tasks often yield valuable drops like herbs, runes, and alchables.

Chinning on Defensive Mode

Chinning with Black Chinchompas in the Monkey Madness II tunnels is the fastest Defence training method, offering up to 350k XP per hour at 99 Ranged.

• Setup: Wear Void Ranged armor, use a Twisted Bow or Blowpipe for accuracy, and toggle Defensive Ranged style.
• Cost: Black Chinchompas are expensive (1.5–2M GP per hour), so budget accordingly.
• XP Breakdown: 350k Defence, 350k Ranged, and 250k Hitpoints XP per hour.

Bandits for AFK Training

Bandits in the Bandit Camp (Pollnivneach) are a decent AFK option at level 70+. Equip a Saradomin or Zamorak item to make them aggressive indefinitely.

• Gear: Dragon armor, Abyssal Whip, and Dragon Defender.
• XP Rates: 40–60k Defence XP per hour with minimal attention.

Gear and Inventory Setup for Defence Training

Optimizing your gear and inventory is critical for efficient Defence training. Prioritize offensive stats to increase damage output, as XP is tied to damage dealt.

Recommended Gear Progression

Level	Armor	Weapon	Offhand
1–20	Iron/Steel	Steel Scimitar	Wooden Shield
20–40	Adamant	Adamant Scimitar	Kite Shield
40–60	Rune	Rune Scimitar	Rune Defender
60+	Dragon/Torva	Abyssal Whip	Dragon Defender

Inventory Tips

• Food: Bring high-healing food like lobsters or sharks for extended sessions.
• Potions: Super Defence and Super Combat potions boost XP rates by increasing your stats.
• Teleportation: Carry a teleport tablet (e.g., House Teleport) for quick escapes or banking.

Tips for Efficient Defence Training

Maximize your Defence training with these practical tips to save time and resources.

General Strategies

• Use Quests Early: Complete Defence-rewarding quests to skip low-level grinding.
• Combine with Slayer: Train Defence during Slayer tasks to earn profit and XP in multiple skills.
• Optimize Attack Style: Always use the Defensive combat style (or Longrange for Ranged) to gain Defence XP.
• Monitor Costs: Chinning is fast but costly; use crabs or NMZ for budget-friendly training.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

• Don’t Neglect Attack/Strength: Higher offensive stats increase damage, boosting Defence XP rates.
• Avoid High-Defence Monsters: Stick to low-defence targets like crabs or maniacal monkeys for faster kills.
• Check Gear Requirements: Ensure you meet Defence levels for armor (e.g., 60 for Dragon).

With this guide, you’re equipped to train Defence efficiently in OSRS, whether you’re a F2P newbie or a P2P veteran aiming for 99. Start with quests and crabs, transition to NMZ or Slayer, and consider chinning for the fastest XP. Happy training, and may Wallace join your adventures!