Best AFK Melee Training OSRS – Top Methods for Effortless Gains

Best AFK Melee Training OSRS – Top Methods for Effortless Gains

Training melee skills in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) can be time-consuming, but AFK (Away From Keyboard) methods allow you to level up Attack, Strength, and Defence with minimal effort. Whether you’re a free-to-play (F2P) player or a member (P2P), this guide covers the best AFK melee training methods to maximize experience rates while keeping interaction low. From crabs to Nightmare Zone, we’ll explore locations, gear, and strategies to help you achieve your combat goals efficiently.

AFK melee training is ideal for players who want to progress while multitasking—whether you’re studying, working, or playing on an alt account. These methods focus on monsters with high hitpoints, low attack, and prolonged aggression, allowing you to stay in combat with minimal input. Benefits include:

  • Time Efficiency: Train combat while handling real-life tasks.
  • Low Risk: Most methods are safe, with no item loss on death.
  • Flexibility: Suitable for all account types, including pures and Ironmen.

Best F2P AFK Melee Training Methods

OSRS Top 20 Best AFK Skilling Methods NovaMMO

Free-to-play players have access to several effective AFK training spots, particularly in the Stronghold of Security and other locations. These methods are perfect for low to mid-level players looking to grind melee stats without a membership.

Giant Spiders (Stronghold of Security)

Giant Spiders, found in the Pit of Pestilence (third level of the Stronghold of Security), are a top choice for F2P AFK training. With a combat level of 50 and 50 hitpoints, they remain aggressive to all players regardless of level, making them ideal for extended sessions.

  • Location: Pit of Pestilence, Stronghold of Security (access via Barbarian Village).
  • Requirements: None, but 40+ Defence recommended to reduce damage.
  • XP Rates: 25,000–70,000 XP/hour depending on gear and stats.
  • Gear: Best scimitar available (e.g., Rune Scimitar at 40 Attack), full armour set (Adamant or Rune), Amulet of Strength.
  • Tips: Bring a fly fishing rod and feathers to fish and cook food near Barbarian Village. Reset aggression by running to a corner or climbing the ladder every 10 minutes.

Note: Drops are minimal (mostly beginner clue scrolls), so this method is purely for XP, not profit.

Flesh Crawlers (Stronghold of Security)

Flesh Crawlers, located on the second level of the Stronghold of Security, are another excellent F2P option for low-level players. They have moderate hitpoints and can be crowded, but their aggression makes them suitable for AFK training.

  • Location: Second level, Stronghold of Security.
  • Requirements: None, but 20+ combat stats suggested.
  • XP Rates: 20,000–40,000 XP/hour.
  • Gear: Highest-level scimitar, full armour, Amulet of Power for accuracy.
  • Tips: Expect drops like body runes, ashes, and occasional gems. Use food to extend trips, as crowds can reduce AFK time.

Ogress Warriors (Corsair Cove Dungeon)

For higher-level F2P players, Ogress Warriors in the Corsair Cove Dungeon offer the best loot among F2P monsters, alongside decent AFK training potential.

  • Location: Corsair Cove Dungeon (requires completion of The Corsair Curse quest).
  • Requirements: 70+ Attack/Strength/Defence, prayer flicking skills.
  • XP Rates: 40,000–60,000 XP/hour.
  • Gear: Rune Scimitar, full Rune armour, Strength potions, Staff of Fire for high alchemy.
  • Tips: Prayer flick Ultimate Strength or Protect from Melee for longer trips. Bring a chisel to cut gems for extra profit.

Pro Tip: Ogress Shamans in the same dungeon have less competition but require mastered prayer flicking due to their accurate attacks.

Top P2P AFK Melee Training Methods

Members have access to superior AFK training methods, offering higher XP rates and better profitability. These methods leverage unique locations and mechanics to minimize player input.

Sand Crabs (Zeah and Crabclaw Isle)

Sand Crabs are a staple for low to mid-level P2P players due to their high hitpoints, low defence, and consistent respawn rates. They’re perfect for AFK training with minimal gear requirements.

  • Location: Hosidius coast (Zeah) or Crabclaw Isle (5,000 coins entry).
  • Requirements: None, but 30+ combat stats recommended.
  • XP Rates: 30,000–80,000 XP/hour based on stats.
  • Gear: Abyssal Whip or Dragon Scimitar, Neitiznot Shield, Fighter Torso, Amulet of Glory.
  • Tips: Find a spot with 2–3 crab spawns. Reset aggression every 10 minutes by running 30 tiles away and returning. Ammonite Crabs on Fossil Island are a less crowded alternative.

Nightmare Zone (NMZ)

The Nightmare Zone is the ultimate AFK melee training method for P2P players, offering the highest XP rates and customizable settings. It’s a safe minigame where you fight quest bosses, making it ideal for all combat levels.

  • Location: North of Yanille.
  • Requirements: Completion of at least 5 NMZ-eligible quests (e.g., Waterfall Quest, The Grand Tree).
  • XP Rates: Up to 200,000 XP/hour solo, 400,000 XP/hour with alt accounts.
  • Gear: Dharok’s Armour Set, Dwarven Rock Cake/Locator Orb, Absorption Potions, Overloads, Prayer Potions.
  • Strategy: Use Absorption Potions and Rock Cake to stay at 1 HP with Dharok’s for maximum damage. Select bosses like Tree Spirit or Dad for high XP per hit. Check every 15–20 minutes to reapply potions.

Table: Recommended NMZ Bosses for AFK Training

Boss Quest Why Choose?
Tree Spirit Lost City High XP per hit, low defence.
Dad Troll Stronghold Easy to kill, decent XP.
Count Draynor Vampyre Slayer Low HP, fast kills.

Note: Use Power Surge power-ups to regenerate special attack for faster kills.

Bandits (Kharidian Desert)

Bandits in the Bandit Camp are a highly AFK method for P2P players, as they remain aggressive when you wear a Saradomin or Zamorak item, allowing up to 20 minutes of uninterrupted combat.

  • Location: Bandit Camp, Kharidian Desert (accessible via magic carpet from Shantay Pass).
  • Requirements: 70+ Defence, Guthan’s Armour Set for maximum AFK.
  • XP Rates: 50,000–100,000 XP/hour.
  • Gear: Guthan’s Set, Holy/Unholy Blessing, Ring of Life, Proselyte Armour (if using Protect from Melee).
  • Tips: Bring noted food and un-note at the nearby general store. Guthan’s healing effect allows 20-minute AFK sessions. Use Protect from Melee with Proselyte for lower costs but shorter trips.

Pro Tip: Combine with a Ring of Life for safety if AFKing for extended periods.

Gear and Inventory Setup for AFK Training

Optimizing your gear and inventory is crucial for maximizing XP rates and extending AFK sessions. Here’s a general setup for both F2P and P2P players:

  • Weapons: Use the highest-level scimitar or whip available. For NMZ, prioritize weapons with high strength bonuses (e.g., Abyssal Whip, Ghrazi Rapier).
  • Armour: Full armour sets (Rune for F2P, Barrows for P2P) for defence. Prioritize strength bonuses with items like Fighter Torso or Bandos Chestplate.
  • Accessories: Amulet of Strength (F2P) or Fury (P2P), Ring of Wealth for rare drops, Neitiznot Shield for P2P.
  • Inventory: Food (lobsters or better), Strength Potions, Prayer Potions (P2P), Absorption Potions (NMZ), fly fishing rod/feathers (F2P near Barbarian Village).

Tip: Always check monster weaknesses (e.g., Moss Giants are weak to slash) and adjust your weapon style accordingly.

Tips for Maximizing AFK Melee Training Efficiency

To get the most out of your AFK training sessions, follow these strategies:

Use Stat-Boosting Prayers

Prayers like Ultimate Strength or Piety (P2P) boost damage output, increasing XP rates. In F2P, prayer flicking Ultimate Strength can extend trips without prayer potions.

Complete Quests for Early XP

Quests like Waterfall Quest (13,750 Attack/Strength XP) and The Grand Tree (18,400 Attack XP) provide early boosts, reducing grinding time.

Monitor Aggression Timers

Most monsters (except Bandits with god items) lose aggression after 10–20 minutes. Reset by running out of the area and returning or using specific methods like climbing ladders (Giant Spiders).

Combine with Slayer for Efficiency

For P2P players, training melee through Slayer tasks offers dual XP gains and valuable drops. Use a Black Mask or Slayer Helmet for a +12.5% damage bonus.

Conclusion

AFK melee training in OSRS is a game-changer for players balancing busy schedules with their RuneScape goals. F2P players can rely on Giant Spiders and Ogress Warriors for solid XP, while P2P players dominate with Sand Crabs, Nightmare Zone, and Bandits. By optimizing gear, using prayers, and leveraging quests, you can achieve 99 Attack, Strength, and Defence with minimal effort. Start with the method that suits your combat level and membership status, and watch your melee stats soar!