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Steel Scimitar OSRS F2P Weapon Guide

If you’re grinding through Old School RuneScape (OSRS) as a free-to-play (F2P) player, you’ve probably heard about the steel scimitar. It’s one of those weapons that feels like a game-changer when you first get your hands on it. As someone who’s spent countless hours slashing through goblins and hill giants in F2P worlds, I can tell you this weapon is a staple for anyone looking to level up their combat skills without breaking the bank (or their membership status). So, what’s the deal with the steel scimitar? Why is it so popular in F2P, and how can you make the most of it? Let’s dive in and explore everything you need to know about this iconic weapon.
The steel scimitar is hands-down one of the best F2P weapons for melee combat in OSRS. Its fast attack speed, decent damage, and accessibility make it a go-to choice for players training Attack, Strength, or Defense. When I was a low-level F2P player, I remember the excitement of finally equipping my shiny steel scimitar after grinding for coins. It felt like I was ready to take on the world or at least the cows in Lumbridge.
Key Stats of the Steel Scimitar
To understand why this weapon is so great, let’s look at its stats:
Stat |
Value |
---|---|
Attack Speed |
4 (2.4 seconds) |
Stab Bonus |
+7 |
Slash Bonus |
+14 |
Strength Bonus |
+13 |
Requirements |
5 Attack |
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Fast attack speed: The steel scimitar swings every 2.4 seconds, which is quicker than most other F2P weapons like the steel longsword.
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Slash focus: Its +14 slash bonus makes it ideal for monsters weak to slash attacks, like goblins or flesh crawlers.
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Low requirements: You only need 5 Attack to wield it, so even newer players can get their hands on one.
So, why does this matter? The steel scimitar’s speed and damage make it perfect for training combat efficiently, especially if you’re aiming to hit higher levels fast.
How to Get a Steel Scimitar in F2P
Getting your hands on a steel scimitar in F2P is pretty straightforward, but there are a few ways to go about it. Here’s what I’ve learned from my own adventures in the F2P world.
Buying from Shops
The easiest way to grab a steel scimitar is by visiting a shop. Head to Zeke’s Superior Scimitars in Al Kharid. Zeke’s shop is a classic spot, and I still remember the first time I walked in there with a pocket full of coins, ready to upgrade from my bronze dagger. The steel scimitar costs around 400-500 coins, depending on stock, which is super affordable even for new players.
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Pro tip: If Zeke’s shop is out of stock (which happens in busy worlds), hop to a less populated world to snag one.
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Alternative: You can also check the Grand Exchange (GE), where prices might range from 300-600 coins based on supply and demand.
Crafting Your Own Steel Scimitar
If you’re into skilling, you can craft your own steel scimitar, but it takes some effort. You’ll need:
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Level 20 Smithing to make a steel bar (smelt 1 iron ore and 2 coal at a furnace).
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Level 35 Smithing to smith the steel scimitar (requires 2 steel bars at an anvil).
Back when I was grinding Smithing to make my own gear, I spent hours mining coal in the Mining Guild. It was tedious, but there’s something satisfying about wielding a weapon you made yourself. If you’re not there yet with your Smithing level, buying is the better option.
Monster Drops
Some monsters drop steel scimitars, but it’s rare. For example, hill giants in the Edgeville Dungeon have a slim chance of dropping one. I’ve killed hundreds of hill giants for their big bones, and I think I got a steel scimitar drop maybe once. It’s not worth farming just for the drop, but it’s a nice bonus if it happens.
Why Choose the Steel Scimitar Over Other F2P Weapons?
You might be wondering, why not use a steel longsword or a mace instead? Great question! Let’s break it down.
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Steel Longsword: Slower attack speed (3.0 seconds) and less strength bonus (+11). It’s better for stab attacks, but most F2P monsters are weak to slash.
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Steel Mace: Even slower and weaker in terms of damage. It’s mainly for crush attacks, which are situational.
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Steel 2h Sword: Hits harder but is super slow (3.6 seconds), making it less efficient for training.
The steel scimitar’s speed and slash bonus make it the best all-around choice for most F2P combat scenarios. When I switched from a steel longsword to a scimitar, my XP per hour shot up, and I was clearing out monsters way faster.
Best Places to Train with a Steel Scimitar
So, you’ve got your shiny steel scimitar. Where should you take it for a spin? Here are my favorite F2P training spots, based on years of grinding in OSRS.
Low Levels (5-20 Attack/Strength/Defense)
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Goblins (Lumbridge): These guys are perfect for new players. They’re weak to slash, have low HP, and are everywhere. I spent my early days whacking goblins near Lumbridge Castle, dreaming of bigger adventures.
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Cows (Lumbridge or Falador): Cows are great for gathering cowhides to sell while training. Plus, they’re easy to kill with a steel scimitar.
Mid Levels (20-40 Attack/Strength/Defense)
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Hill Giants (Edgeville Dungeon): These are my go-to for mid-level training. They drop big bones for Prayer XP and have decent loot like limpwurt roots. Bring some food, though, as they hit harder.
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Flesh Crawlers (Stronghold of Security): These creepy crawlies are amazing for XP because they’re aggressive and weak to slash. I once spent an entire afternoon in the Stronghold, racking up Strength XP like nobody’s business.
High Levels (40+ Attack/Strength/Defense)
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Moss Giants (Varrock Sewers or Crandor): These hit harder but give great XP and loot. I remember camping moss giants for hours to fund my first full rune set.
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Lesser Demons (Karamja Volcano): If you’re feeling brave, lesser demons are a solid choice for high-level F2P players. They’re tough, so pack plenty of food.
Quick tip: Always bring food like lobsters or swordfish for longer trips, and consider training in safe spots (like behind rocks for hill giants) to minimize damage.
Combining the Steel Scimitar with Armor
To maximize your steel scimitar’s potential, pair it with the best F2P armor you can afford. Here’s what I recommend based on my own loadouts:
Level Range |
Recommended Armor |
---|---|
1-10 |
Iron armor (full helm, platebody, platelegs) |
10-20 |
Steel armor |
20-40 |
Mithril armor (if you can afford it) |
40+ |
Adamant or Rune armor |
When I hit level 20, I saved up for a full mithril set, and it made a huge difference in survivability. The steel scimitar’s fast attacks paired with decent armor let me train longer without running back to the bank for food.
Should You Use a Shield?
If you’re training Defense, consider using a steel kiteshield or mithril kiteshield for extra protection. However, if you’re focused on Attack or Strength, skip the shield to maximize your damage output. I usually went shieldless to speed up my kills, but it’s your call!
Tips for Maximizing Combat XP with the Steel Scimitar
Want to level up faster? Here are some tricks I’ve picked up over the years:
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Focus on slash-weak monsters: Goblins, cows, and flesh crawlers are your best friends.
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Train in multi-combat areas: This lets you fight multiple monsters at once, boosting XP rates. The Stronghold of Security is perfect for this.
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Use the right combat style: For Attack XP, use the “Accurate” style. For Strength, use “Aggressive.” For Defense, use “Defensive.”
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Bank efficiently: Stock up on food and keep your inventory light to avoid running back to the bank constantly. I learned this the hard way after too many trips to Lumbridge.
My Personal Steel Scimitar Story
Back when I was a noob in F2P, I thought the steel scimitar was the ultimate weapon. I saved up 500 coins (a fortune at the time!) and bought one from Zeke’s shop. The first thing I did was head to the goblins in Lumbridge and show them who’s boss. That scimitar carried me through my early levels, and even now, when I hop on a new F2P account for fun, I always grab one. There’s something nostalgic about that sleek, curved blade slicing through enemies.
Have you ever had a weapon in OSRS that just felt right? For me, the steel scimitar was that weapon. It’s not the strongest in the game, but it’s reliable, affordable, and perfect for F2P warriors.
Upgrading from the Steel Scimitar
Eventually, you’ll outgrow the steel scimitar as your combat levels climb. When should you upgrade, and to what?
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Mithril Scimitar (20 Attack): This is the next step up, with better bonuses (+20 slash, +19 strength). It’s pricier (around 1,000-1,500 coins on the GE), but worth it.
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Adamant Scimitar (30 Attack): Even stronger, but it’ll set you back 2,000-3,000 coins.
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Rune Scimitar (40 Attack): The king of F2P weapons. It’s expensive (15,000-20,000 coins), but it’s the best you can get without a membership.
I remember the grind to afford my first rune scimitar. I sold stacks of big bones and limpwurt roots to make it happen. The upgrade was worth every coin, but I still kept my steel scimitar in the bank for nostalgia.
Common Questions About the Steel Scimitar
Is the steel scimitar good for PvP in F2P?
It’s decent for low-level PvP, especially in the Wilderness or Clan Wars. Its fast attack speed can catch opponents off guard, but you’ll want to upgrade to mithril or rune for serious PvP.
Can I use the steel scimitar for quests?
Absolutely! It’s great for early quests like Vampire Slayer or Dragon Slayer. I used it to take down Elvarg back in the day, and it got the job done.
Is it worth crafting my own steel scimitar?
If you’re training Smithing anyway, go for it. Otherwise, buying is faster and cheaper.
Final Thoughts
The steel scimitar is more than just a weapon in OSRS; it’s a symbol of progress for F2P players. Whether you’re slashing through goblins or grinding for that sweet rune armor, this weapon will carry you far. I’ve had so many great memories with it, from my first hill giant kill to finally hitting 40 Attack. If you’re an F2P player, grab a steel scimitar, find some monsters, and start swinging. You won’t regret it.
What’s your favorite F2P weapon? Have you got any epic steel scimitar stories to share? Drop them in the comments, and let’s talk about our RuneScape adventures!