Your cart is empty
OSRS F2P Combat Guide Ultimate 1-99 Training Strategies

Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers thrilling combat experiences, even for free-to-play (F2P) players. Mastering melee combat skills—Attack, Strength, and Defence—can be challenging without membership, but with the right strategies, you can efficiently reach level 99. This comprehensive guide provides the best F2P training methods, gear recommendations, and tips to optimize your combat journey. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned player, this guide will help you conquer Gielinor‘s toughest foes.
Melee combat in OSRS revolves around three core skills, each with a unique role in battle. Understanding these skills is crucial for effective training.
Attack
Attack determines your accuracy, affecting how often you hit your target. Higher Attack levels allow you to wield better weapons, like the Rune Scimitar, which boosts damage output.
Strength
Strength governs your maximum hit, dictating how much damage you deal per successful attack. Prioritizing Strength often yields faster experience rates due to quicker kills.
Defence
Defence reduces the likelihood of being hit by enemies but doesn’t affect the damage you take. Higher Defence levels unlock stronger armor, such as the Rune Platebody.
Tip: Use the “Controlled” attack style to distribute experience evenly across all three skills, or focus on Aggressive (Strength), Accurate (Attack), or Defensive (Defence) styles for targeted training.
Best Gear for F2P Combat Training
Equipping the right gear is essential for maximizing experience rates and survivability. F2P gear options are limited, but strategic choices can make a big difference.
Weapon Progression
Weapons in F2P scale with your Attack level. Always use the highest-tier weapon you can wield:
- Bronze/Iron Scimitar (Level 1): Ideal for beginners training on low-level monsters.
- Steel Scimitar (Level 5): Affordable and effective for early levels.
- Mithril Scimitar (Level 20): A solid mid-tier option.
- Adamant Scimitar (Level 30): Great for mid-level training.
- Rune Scimitar (Level 40): The best F2P weapon, offering high speed and damage.
Armor Progression
Armor provides defensive bonuses and should match your Defence level. Here’s a progression table:
Defence Level | Armor Set | Key Items |
---|---|---|
1 | Bronze/Iron | Bronze Platebody, Iron Full Helm |
10 | Steel | Steel Platebody, Steel Kiteshield |
20 | Mithril | Mithril Chainbody, Mithril Platelegs |
30 | Adamant | Adamant Platebody, Adamant Full Helm |
40 | Rune | Rune Platebody (after Dragon Slayer I), Rune Kiteshield |
Accessories and Capes
Accessories like the Amulet of Strength (+10 Strength bonus) or Amulet of Power (+6 Attack/Defence) enhance your combat stats. Any F2P cape works, as they offer minimal bonuses. Completing the Stronghold of Security grants Fancy Boots, the best F2P boots for melee training.
Training Locations for Every Level
F2P combat training involves targeting monsters with high hitpoints, low defence, and quick respawns. Below are the best locations for each combat level range.
Levels 1–20: Chickens and Cows
Location: Lumbridge Farmhouse (Chickens), Lumbridge Cow Field (Cows)
Why? Chickens and cows have low hitpoints (3–8) and minimal attack, making them perfect for beginners. Chickens drop feathers and raw chicken, which can be cooked to train Cooking, while cows drop cowhides for Crafting XP.
Strategy: Wear Bronze/Iron armor and wield a Steel Scimitar. Bank feathers and hides at Lumbridge Castle for extra gold.
Levels 20–40: Giant Frogs
Location: Lumbridge Swamp
Why? Giant Frogs (Level 13) have 23 hitpoints and low defence, offering decent XP rates. They drop big bones, which can be banked for Prayer XP or sold.
Strategy: Equip a Mithril Scimitar and Steel/Mithril armor. Avoid Level 99 frogs, as they hit harder. Bank at Lumbridge Castle for profit.
Levels 40–60: Hill Giants
Location: West of Cooking Guild, near Grand Exchange
Why? Hill Giants (Level 28) have 35 hitpoints and drop big bones and limpwurt roots, making them profitable. A brass key (bought from the Grand Exchange) is required to access their dungeon.
Strategy: Use an Adamant Scimitar and Adamant armor. Hop worlds if crowded. Safespot ranged attacks behind pillars if training Ranged.
Levels 60–99: Giant Spiders
Location: Stronghold of Security, Level 3 (Pit of Pestilence)
Why? Giant Spiders (Level 50) are aggressive for 10 minutes, allowing AFK training. With 44 spawns, they offer high XP rates (up to 50k XP/hour).
Strategy: Wield a Rune Scimitar and full Rune armor. Reset aggression by running to a corner or climbing the ladder. Bring food (lobsters or swordfish) for extended sessions.
Levels 80+: Ogress Warriors
Location: Corsair Cove Dungeon
Why? Ogress Warriors (Level 82) have high hitpoints and decent drops (runes, gems), offering good XP and profit.
Strategy: Use full Rune gear and high-healing food. Their high attack requires 70+ Defence for efficient training.
Questing for Combat XP
Quests provide significant combat XP, helping you skip early levels. Completing all F2P quests also unlocks the Rune Platebody via Dragon Slayer I.
Recommended Quests
- Vampyre Slayer: 4,825 Attack XP
- Dragon Slayer I: 18,650 Strength XP, 18,650 Defence XP (requires 32 Quest Points)
- The Grand Tree: 2,150 Attack XP (technically P2P but accessible via bond)
Tip: Complete all F2P quests for 44 Quest Points to access Dragon Slayer I, which is essential for the Rune Platebody.
Questing Strategy
Start with low-requirement quests like Vampyre Slayer to boost Attack early. Save Dragon Slayer I for when you have 40+ combat stats, as the final boss is challenging.
Tips for Efficient F2P Combat Training
Maximize your XP rates and enjoyment with these practical tips:
AFK Training
Monsters like Giant Spiders and Flesh Crawlers (Stronghold of Security, Level 2) are ideal for AFK training due to their 10-minute aggression timers. Reset aggression by briefly leaving the area.
Money-Making
Bank big bones, limpwurt roots, and other drops from Hill Giants and Ogress Warriors. Sell them at the Grand Exchange to fund better gear and food.
Food and Potions
Stock up on lobsters or swordfish for healing. Strength Potions (crafted or bought) boost max hits, speeding up kills.
World Hopping
If training spots are crowded, hop to less populated worlds (e.g., 300s or 500s) for uninterrupted grinding.
Final Note: F2P combat training can be grind-heavy, but with the right monsters, gear, and quests, you’ll hit 99 in no time. Stay patient, stock up on food, and enjoy the nostalgic thrill of OSRS combat!