OSRS 1-99 Combat Guide 2026 | Profitable & AFK Methods

Updated for 2026 • Works for Ironman & Main Accounts • GP-Positive Training Included

So you want to max your combat stats in Old School RuneScape. Good. Reaching level 99 in ATTACK, STRENGTH, DEFENCE, or HITPOINTS is one of the most satisfying things you can do in this game. But lets be real, nobody wants to sit there clicking for 300 hours if there is a smarter way to do it.

This guide covers the BEST methods for 2026, whether you are trying to make GP while training, or just want to AFK while watching something in the background. Both approaches are valid and we will cover them properly.

Why Combat Training Still Matters in 2026

Combat level affects so much of the game. It unlocks slayer assignments, determines your PVP bracket, and lets you access high level bossing content. A lot of players rush 99 STRENGTH first for max melee damage output, and honestly that is still a great strategy in 2026.

Is it worth training combat over skilling? Yes, especially if you pick methods that also give you decent GP per hour. You get two things done at once.

Understanding Combat XP Rates

Before we jump into specific monsters, you need to understand how XP is split in OSRS combat. When you kill a monster, the XP is distributed depending on which style you are using.

Always use AGGRESSIVE style if you are focusing on STRENGTH first. It is the most popular path to max melee damage in the shortest time.

Early Levels: 1 to 40 Combat

The early levels go fast. Do not overthink this stage. You should knock these out in a few hours with the right approach.

Levels 1 to 20: Chickens or Cows

Start at LUMBRIDGE chickens or cows. They have no defence, they do not hit back much, and you can collect feathers or cowhides while training. Cowhides are actually worth banking since they sell for decent GP at the GRAND EXCHANGE.

Levels 20 to 40: BARBARIANS at Barbarian Village

Move to barbarians when you hit around level 20. They give better XP per hour and still die quickly. You can also pick up COINS and various drops while killing them. Not the most profitable but good enough at this stage.

Mid Levels: 40 to 70 Combat

This is where things get interesting. You have enough combat level to access some genuinely good training spots, and a few of them are actually profitable.

HILL GIANTS (Edgeville Dungeon) +GP Semi-AFK

Hill Giants drop BIG BONES which sell for decent GP at the grand exchange. At current 2026 prices, you can expect around 100k to 150k GP per hour just from bone drops alone. XP rates are around 25k to 35k per hour which is reasonable for this level range.

SAND CRABS (Hosidius) AFK

Sand crabs are the go-to AFK method for many players. They have high HITPOINTS and almost no defence, meaning you just stand there and let your character auto-attack. You can AFK for about 5 minutes before they stop being aggressive. Simply walk away and come back to reset aggression.

XP rates sit at around 40k to 55k per hour which is solid for an AFK method. No meaningful drops though, so this is purely for XP.

ROCK CRABS (Relekka) AFK

Similar to sand crabs but located in the north. If sand crab worlds are too busy, come here instead. Same general strategy applies.

Mid-High Levels: 70 to 85 Combat

At level 70 you unlock a lot of important equipment and locations. This is the stage where the real training begins.

NIGHTMARE ZONE: The Best AFK Method AFK

NMZ is probably the most popular AFK combat training method in all of OSRS. You need to have completed certain quests to access the bosses inside, but once you do, you can set up a rumble mode and let your character fight for extremely long periods.

Here is what makes NMZ so powerful for AFK training:

• You can use OVERLOADS (buyable with NMZ points) for massive stat boosts
• ABSORPTION POTIONS let you tank hits without eating food
• You earn NMZ points that can be exchanged for HERB BOXES worth around 9,500 GP each daily
• 15 herb boxes per day means roughly 142,500 GP daily just for playing normally

The setup requires some investment but the AFK nature and passive GP from herb boxes makes it a top choice for players who want to train while doing something else.

FIRE GIANTS at Waterfall Dungeon +GP

Fire Giants are a genuinely profitable training location. They drop RUNE SCIMITAR at a decent rate, along with various runes, coins, and other items. At 70+ combat you can kill them efficiently and expect 200k to 350k GP per hour depending on your luck with rare drops.

XP is not the fastest but the GP makes up for it. Great for players who want to sustain themselves financially while training.

High Levels: 85 to 99 Combat

This is the endgame stretch. You have serious stats now and the methods available to you are significantly better.

SLAYER: The Balanced Choice +GP

If you are not already doing SLAYER tasks, start now. High level slayer tasks like ABYSSAL DEMONS, NECHRYAELS, GARGOYLES, and RUNE DRAGONS give excellent combat XP while also dropping some of the most valuable items in the game.

The ABYSSAL WHIP drop from abyssal demons is worth a significant amount of GP. Getting one while on task feels incredible and it is a regular occurrence if you spend enough time there.

BANDITS at Bandit Camp AFK

Wearing a ZAMORAK or SARADOMIN item causes bandits to be permanently aggressive toward you. This means you never need to move. Ever. They respawn and walk back to you automatically.

XP rates at bandits with good gear reach up to 80k to 100k per hour, and the biggest advantage is that you can AFK here much longer than sand crabs. No drops worth mentioning though, this is purely an XP method.

DRAGON Training (High level AFK) +GP Semi-AFK

Blue dragons and Red Dragons offer a nice middle ground between AFK and profit. BLUE DRAGON HIDE and DRAGON BONES both sell well at the grand exchange. With 85+ combat and decent gear, you can sustain yourself with food from drops and make 300k to 500k GP per hour.

Essential Gear Progression

You do not need expensive gear to train effectively. Here is a simple progression path:

• Levels 1 to 40: Whatever you have. Iron or Steel sword works fine.
• Levels 40 to 60: RUNE SCIMITAR, Rune armour for defence
• Levels 60 to 75: ABYSSAL WHIP if you can afford it, Dragon armour or Bandos
• Levels 75 to 99: ABYSSAL TENTACLE, BANDOS ARMOUR, BERSERKER RING (i)

Prayer Flicking for Faster XP

Should you use PRAYER while combat training? For most AFK methods, no. The cost adds up. But for active methods like slayer or fire giants, using PIETY (requires 70 prayer and King’s Ransom quest) will noticeably increase your XP per hour by boosting your attack, strength, and defence simultaneously.

Which Method Should You Choose?

Depends entirely on your goal. Here is a simple breakdown:

• Want to make GP while training? Do SLAYER tasks, specifically abyssal demons and gargoyles at high levels.
• Want to AFK as much as possible? NMZ with overloads and absorptions is your best option.
• Want a balance of both? Fire giants and bandits at mid levels, then slayer at high levels.
• Playing an IRONMAN? Slayer is almost mandatory as it gives you access to supplies and equipment.

Final Thoughts

Getting 99 combat in OSRS is a long journey but it does not have to be painful. The methods in this guide let you train smart, make GP along the way, or just AFK when life gets busy. The game has changed a lot in 2026 but the fundamentals are still the same.

Pick the method that fits your playstyle, grab your potions, and start grinding. That 99 CAPE is waiting for you.

Good luck out there. And remember, always PROTECT YOUR ITEMS if you are training somewhere risky.
OSRS 1-99 Combat Guide 2026 • Profitable & AFK Methods • All GP estimates are approximate and based on current Grand Exchange prices