Ammonite Crabs OSRS AFK Training Guide for Efficient Combat XP

Ammonite Crabs in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) are a go-to for players seeking efficient, low-effort combat training. Found on Fossil Island, these crabs are perfect for AFK (away-from-keyboard) training due to their high hitpoints, low combat stats, and aggressive behavior. This guide dives into everything you need to know about training at Ammonite Crabs, from accessing Fossil Island to optimizing your setup for maximum XP rates. Whether you’re a low-level player or grinding to 99, this post will help you master AFK combat training.

Ammonite Crabs stand out among other training spots like Sand Crabs or Rock Crabs due to their unique advantages. They offer a balance of accessibility, high XP rates, and minimal competition, making them ideal for AFK combat training.

Higher Hitpoints for Better XP

Ammonite Crabs have 100 hitpoints, significantly more than Sand Crabs (60 HP) or Rock Crabs (50 HP). This results in 400 XP per kill, making them the best choice for faster combat experience gains. Their low defense and attack (level 1) ensure you hit consistently while taking minimal damage.

Less Crowded Than Other Spots

Unlike Sand Crabs in Hosidius, which are often packed, Ammonite Crabs are less crowded due to the quest requirement (Bone Voyage) to access Fossil Island. This means you’re more likely to find a free spot, especially in the Mushroom Forest or Wyvern Cave.

AFK-Friendly Mechanics

Ammonite Crabs are aggressive for 10 minutes, attacking you automatically with auto-retaliate enabled. After this, you can reset their aggression by running a short distance and returning, allowing for long, uninterrupted training sessions with minimal input.

How to Access Ammonite Crabs

Before you can train at Ammonite Crabs, you need to unlock Fossil Island by completing the Bone Voyage quest. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get there.

Quest Requirements

• Bone Voyage Quest: Requires 100 Kudos from the Varrock Museum.
• Varrock Museum Kudos: Earn Kudos by completing mini-quests, cleaning fossils, or answering quizzes at the museum.
• Recommended Skills: 20+ combat stats for low-level players, though higher stats improve efficiency.

Getting to Fossil Island

1. Complete Bone Voyage to unlock the barge to Fossil Island.
2. Travel to the Digsite and use the barge (accessible via Digsite Pendant or teleport to Digsite).
3. Once on Fossil Island, head to the Mushroom Forest or Wyvern Cave to find Ammonite Crabs.

Pro Tip: A Digsite Pendant (made by enchanting a ruby necklace with Level-3 Enchant) is the fastest way to reach the barge. For unlimited teleports, mount a Curator’s Medallion in your player-owned house (requires 82 Construction).

Best Spots for Ammonite Crabs

Fossil Island offers several prime locations for Ammonite Crab training. The best spots maximize the number of crabs you can fight simultaneously (ideally 3–4) for optimal XP rates.

Mushroom Forest Beach (West of Magic Mushtree)

This is the most popular spot, located just west of the Magic Mushtree. Stand near the large seashell to engage up to three crabs at once. It’s ideal for uninterrupted AFK training due to consistent spawns and minimal competition.

Mushroom Forest (Northeast of Hardwood Patches)

Found northeast of the hardwood tree farming patches, this spot has three crabs with a potential fourth if positioned correctly. It’s less crowded and suits lower-level players who need longer to kill crabs, ensuring steady spawns.

North Wyvern Cave (Near Entrance)

Inside the Wyvern Cave, near the entrance, you’ll find two Ammonite Crabs. This spot is secluded and safe from wyverns, making it perfect for players seeking a quiet training area.

Wyvern Cave (South-East Quadrant)

For risk-takers, the south-east quadrant of the Wyvern Cave offers three crabs. You’ll need to pass wyverns to reach it, but once there, you’re safe from attacks. This spot is often overlooked, reducing competition.

Location	Crabs Available	Competition	Risk
Mushroom Forest (Magic Mushtree)	3	Moderate	Low
Mushroom Forest (Hardwood Patches)	3–4	Low	Low
North Wyvern Cave	2	Very Low	Low
South-East Wyvern Cave	3	Very Low	Moderate

Optimal Gear and Inventory Setup

Your gear and inventory depend on your combat style (Melee, Ranged, or Magic) and level. Since Ammonite Crabs have no offensive or defensive stats, you don’t need high-end gear, but better equipment boosts XP rates.

Melee Setup

• Low-Level (1–40): Steel or Mithril armor, Rune Scimitar.
• Mid-Level (40–60): Rune armor, Dragon Scimitar.
• High-Level (60–99): Bandos armor, Abyssal Whip or Saradomin Sword.
• Accessories: Amulet of Glory, Combat Bracelet, Ring of Wealth (for auto-collecting Numulite).

Ranged Setup

• Low-Level (1–30): Leather armor, Maple Shortbow, Iron Arrows.
• Mid-Level (30–60): Green D’hide armor, Rune Crossbow, Broad Bolts.
• High-Level (60–99): Armadyl armor, Toxic Blowpipe or Rune Crossbow.

Magic Setup

• Low-Level (1–40): Wizard Robes, Staff of Air, Fire Bolt.
• Mid-Level (40–60): Mystic Robes, Slayer Staff, Fire Blast.
• High-Level (60–99): Ahrim’s Robes, Trident of the Seas or Harmonised Nightmare Staff.

Inventory Recommendations

• Food: 5–10 pieces (e.g., Lobsters or Sharks) for low-level players to heal occasional damage.
• Potions: Strength, Attack, or Ranging Potions for higher XP rates (optional).
• Teleport: Digsite Pendant or Teleport to House for quick access.
• Runes: For Magic users, bring enough runes for your chosen spell.

Note: Avoid degradable gear like Barrows armor to save on repair costs, as Ammonite Crabs pose no threat.

XP Rates and Training Tips

Ammonite Crabs offer some of the highest XP rates for AFK combat training in OSRS. Here’s what to expect and how to maximize efficiency.

XP Rates by Combat Style

Combat Level	Melee XP/Hour	Ranged XP/Hour	Magic XP/Hour
1–20	5,000	15,000	10,000
20–40	12,000	22,000	20,000
40–60	30,000	30,000	40,000
60–80	45,000	50,000	60,000
80–99	60,000	80,000	70,000

Source: Adapted from community data and guides like Luckycharmgold.com.

Maximizing AFK Efficiency

• Use Runelite Plugins: Enable the “NPC Aggression Timer” plugin to track when crabs become unaggressive and highlight reset zones. The “Show Aggression Lines” feature shows exactly how far to run.
• Reset Aggression: Every 10 minutes, run south (or out of the aggression zone) and return to reset crab aggression. This takes ~3 seconds with the plugin.
• Auto-Retaliate: Ensure auto-retaliate is on to attack crabs automatically.
• Pick Up Fossils: For Ironmen, collect Unidentified Fossils to exchange at the Varrock Museum for XP lamps (e.g., Slayer or Prayer).

Additional Benefits

Beyond XP, Ammonite Crabs drop items like Numulite, Seaweed Spores, and Easy Clue Scrolls. While not highly profitable (average kill worth ~228.59 GP), these drops can fund training or provide crafting materials. A Ring of Wealth increases drop rates for certain items by removing “nothing” drops.

Ammonite Crabs are a fantastic choice for AFK combat training in OSRS, offering high XP rates, low competition, and minimal setup. By following this guide, you can efficiently train Melee, Ranged, or Magic while enjoying the serene Fossil Island environment. Grab your gear, head to the Mushroom Forest, and start your AFK journey to 99!