OSRS Best Weapon to Train Defence

Training Defence in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is essential for players aiming to tank hits, unlock high-level armour, and tackle challenging content like bosses and quests. Choosing the right weapon to train Defence efficiently can make a significant difference in your experience rates and overall progress. In this guide, we’ll explore the best weapons for training Defence across various Attack levels, optimal setups, and training methods to help you reach your goals, whether you’re aiming for level 70 or pushing for 99 Defence.

Defence reduces the accuracy of enemy attacks, allowing you to take fewer hits in combat, which is crucial for activities like Slayer, bossing, and PvP. Higher Defence levels also unlock better armour, such as Barrows or Bandos, improving your survivability. Training Defence efficiently requires selecting a weapon that maximizes damage per second (DPS) while set to the Defensive combat style, as experience is tied to damage dealt.

Understanding Defensive Combat Style

In OSRS, each weapon has multiple combat styles, and the Defensive style (often “Block” or “Longrange” for some weapons) grants Defence experience. However, you still need a weapon with high accuracy and speed to deal consistent damage, as Defence XP is calculated based on damage output, similar to Attack and Strength. Faster weapons with decent strength bonuses are typically preferred for training.

Best Weapons for Training Defence by Attack Level

The best weapon for training Defence depends on your Attack level, as this determines which weapons you can wield. Below, we outline the top choices for each Attack tier, focusing on weapons that balance speed, accuracy, and affordability.

Levels 1–40: Early Game Options

For low-level players, scimitars are the go-to choice due to their fast attack speed (2.4 seconds per hit) and decent strength bonuses. Use the Defensive style (Block) to gain Defence XP.

• Bronze to Rune Scimitar: Progress through Iron, Steel, Black, Mithril, Adamant, and Rune Scimitars as your Attack level increases (1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40). Rune Scimitar at level 40 is the best option, offering a +45 Slash bonus and +44 Strength bonus.
• Swift Blade: Requires 1 Attack and 30 Agility (from Tombs of Amascut). It’s slightly better than a Rune Scimitar with a +47 Slash bonus and fast speed, making it ideal for early Defence training.
• Granite Hammer: At 50 Attack (but available with 50 Strength), this is a strong alternative with a +57 Crush bonus, though it’s slower than scimitars.

Levels 40–60: Mid-Game Weapons

As you approach mid-level Attack, more powerful weapons become available, offering better DPS for Defence training.

• Brine Sabre: At 40 Attack, it outperforms the Rune Scimitar with a +47 Slash bonus and a special attack useful for PvM. It’s a budget-friendly option.
• Dragon Scimitar: Unlocked at 60 Attack after completing Monkey Madness I, this is a staple for mid-level players. It has a +67 Slash bonus and +66 Strength bonus, making it excellent for Defence training at Sand Crabs or Nightmare Zone.
• Obsidian Weapons (Toktz-xil-ak): At 60 Attack, pairing this with Obsidian armour, a Berserker Necklace, and Toktz-ket-xil shield provides a 10% damage and accuracy boost, rivaling higher-tier weapons for Defence XP against low-defence monsters like those in Nightmare Zone.

Levels 60–70: Transition to High-Tier Weapons

At this stage, you gain access to iconic weapons that significantly boost your Defence training efficiency.

• Sarachnis Cudgel: At 65 Attack, this weapon offers a +70 Crush bonus, slightly better than the Dragon Scimitar but slower. It’s a good budget option for players who can’t afford pricier alternatives.
• Abyssal Whip: Requiring 70 Attack, the Abyssal Whip is one of the best weapons for Defence training due to its fast attack speed (2.4 seconds) and +82 Slash bonus. Paired with a Dragon or Avernic Defender, it maximizes accuracy and DPS, making it ideal for Slayer tasks or Nightmare Zone.

Levels 70+: Endgame Weapons

For high-level players, elite weapons offer unmatched performance for Defence training, especially in high-defence scenarios like bossing or Slayer.

• Abyssal Tentacle: At 75 Attack, this is an upgraded Abyssal Whip with a +90 Slash bonus. It degrades after 10,000 hits but provides superior DPS for Defence training.
• Ghrazi Rapier: Requiring 80 Attack, this is a top-tier choice with a +94 Stab bonus and fast speed. It’s excellent for high-defence monsters and Slayer tasks, though it’s expensive.
• Osmumten’s Fang: At 82 Attack, this weapon shines against high-defence targets due to its unique passive, which increases accuracy and damage consistency. It’s a cost-effective alternative to the Rapier for Defence training.
• Blade of Saeldor: Also at 80 Attack, this matches the Rapier’s stats with a +94 Slash bonus. It’s a premium option for players with deep pockets.

Optimal Gear and Setup for Defence Training

While the weapon is crucial, your overall gear setup enhances your Defence training efficiency by boosting accuracy, strength, and survivability.

Recommended Armour

Focus on armour that provides a balance of Defence and Strength bonuses to maximize DPS while training Defence.

Level	Armour	Notes
1–40	Rune Armour	Cheap and offers decent Defence bonuses.
40–60	Granite or Obsidian	Obsidian with Berserker Necklace boosts damage for Toktz-xil-ak.
60–70	Fighter Torso, Obsidian Platelegs	Fighter Torso from Barbarian Assault provides +4 Strength bonus.
70+	Bandos or Barrows (Torag/Verac)	Bandos offers +4 Strength; Barrows is tankier but degrades.

Accessories and Off-Hand

Accessories like amulets and rings can boost your DPS, while an off-hand Defender is critical for one-handed weapons like the Whip or Rapier.

• Dragon/Avernic Defender: At 60/70 Defence, these provide significant Attack and Strength bonuses, boosting DPS for Defence training.
• Amulet of Torture: Offers a +10 Strength bonus, ideal for endgame setups. Budget option: Amulet of Glory (+3 Strength).
• Berserker Ring (i): Provides a +8 Strength bonus when imbued at Nightmare Zone, increasing max hits.

Best Training Methods for Defence

The location and method you choose for Defence training impact your XP rates. Here are the top methods, optimized for different playstyles.

Sand Crabs (Low to Mid-Level)

Sand Crabs on Crabclaw Isle are perfect for levels 1–70. They have 60 HP, 1 Defence, and low offensive stats, allowing you to AFK train with minimal food. Use a Rune Scimitar or Dragon Scimitar on Defensive style for 30–50k XP/hour.

Nightmare Zone (Mid to High-Level)

Nightmare Zone (NMZ) is the go-to for AFK Defence training. Use Absorption potions and the Defensive style with an Abyssal Whip or Obsidian setup. You can achieve 60–100k XP/hour at higher levels, checking your screen every 15–20 minutes. Tip: Choose bosses with low Defence, like Count Draynor, for maximum DPS.

Slayer Tasks (Mid to High-Level)

Training Defence through Slayer is efficient and profitable. Use a Black Mask or Slayer Helmet for a 16.67% damage and accuracy boost on-task, paired with an Abyssal Whip or Ghrazi Rapier. This method yields 50–80k XP/hour while earning loot and Slayer XP.

Tips for Efficient Defence Training

Maximize your Defence training with these strategies:

• Prioritize Strength First: Higher Strength increases max hits, boosting DPS and Defence XP rates. Aim for 99 Strength before focusing heavily on Defence.
• Use Potions: Super Defence and Super Strength potions increase your stats, improving accuracy and damage for faster XP.
• Quest for XP: Complete quests like Waterfall Quest and Fight Arena for early Defence XP boosts, reducing grinding time.
• AFK Smartly: In NMZ or at Sand Crabs, use auto-retaliate and Absorption potions to minimize interaction while maintaining high XP rates.

Conclusion

Training Defence in OSRS is a rewarding journey that enhances your combat capabilities and opens up new content. The best weapons for Defence training evolve with your Attack level, from the Rune Scimitar for beginners to the Ghrazi Rapier or Osmumten’s Fang for endgame players. Pair these with optimal gear like Bandos armour and a Defender, and train at spots like Sand Crabs, Nightmare Zone, or through Slayer for the best results. By following this guide, you’ll efficiently level up your Defence and become a formidable tank in Gielinor. Happy training!