Best OSRS Strength Training Weapons for Maximum Gains

Strength training in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is the backbone of melee combat. It’s what lets you hit harder, kill faster, and rack up experience points (XP) like a pro. As someone who’s spent years grinding in Gielinor, from sweaty Nightmare Zone sessions to slaying dragons, I’ve learned that picking the right weapon can make or break your grind. The wrong choice? You’re wasting time. The right one? You’re zooming toward 99 Strength. In this guide, I’ll break down the best Strength training weapons in OSRS, share my personal experiences, and give you tips to optimize your setup. Let’s dive into the gear that’ll make you a melee beast.

Strength is all about boosting your max hit. Unlike Attack, which improves accuracy, or Defence, which keeps you alive, Strength is what pumps up the damage numbers flashing on your screen. Higher Strength means faster kills, which translates to better XP rates. Whether you’re slaying monsters in the Slayer Tower or AFKing at Sand Crabs, your weapon choice directly affects how quickly you level up. I remember when I was a noob, swinging a Rune Scimitar at Hill Giants, thinking I was unstoppable. Spoiler: I wasn’t. But choosing the right weapon changed everything.

How Strength XP Works

Before we get to the weapons, let’s talk about how Strength XP is earned. You only gain Strength experience when using the Aggressive or Controlled attack styles. Aggressive gives a flat +3 Strength bonus to your hits, which is why it’s the go-to for pure Strength training. Controlled splits XP across Attack, Strength, and Defence, so it’s less efficient unless you’re balancing stats. Knowing this is key to picking a weapon that maximizes your DPS (damage per second) and XP per hour.

What Makes a Great Strength Training Weapon?

So, what should you look for in a weapon? It’s not just about raw power. Here’s what matters:

• Attack Speed: Faster weapons (4 ticks, or 2.4 seconds per hit) deal more hits over time, boosting DPS and XP.

• Strength Bonus: Higher bonuses mean bigger hits, which is the whole point of Strength training.

• Cost: Early-game players need budget options, while endgame players can splurge.

• Monster Weaknesses: Some weapons shine against specific enemies (e.g., stab for dragons, crush for Kalphites).

• Accessibility: Ironmen, I feel you. Some weapons are a pain to get without trading.

I’ve spent countless hours testing weapons in different scenarios, from low-level grinds to high-end PvM. Below, I’ll rank the best Strength training weapons based on performance, cost, and accessibility, with a sprinkle of my own trial-and-error stories.

Top Strength Training Weapons in OSRS

Here’s the meat of the guide: the best weapons for Strength training, broken down by Attack level and playstyle. I’ve included a mix of budget-friendly and endgame options, so whether you’re a fresh account or a maxed main, there’s something here for you.

Low-Level Weapons (1-50 Attack)

Starting out in OSRS can feel like a slog, but the right weapon makes it bearable. When I first started, I was broke, so I stuck to cheap gear that still packed a punch. Here are the best picks for newbies:

Rune Scimitar (40 Attack)

The Rune Scimitar is a classic for low-level players. With a +45 Slash Attack bonus and +44 Strength bonus, it’s fast and reliable. I used this bad boy for hours at Sand Crabs, and it got me to 60 Strength in no time. You can grab it from Zeke’s Scimitar Shop in Al Kharid for about 15k gold or hunt Fire Giants for a drop.

• Pros: Cheap, fast, and great for F2P players.

• Cons: Outclassed by members’ weapons at higher levels.

• Best For: Sand Crabs, Hill Giants, or early Slayer tasks.

Brine Sabre (40 Attack)

For members, the Brine Sabre is a slight upgrade over the Rune Scimitar. It boasts a +47 Slash Attack bonus and +46 Strength bonus. I got mine from Brine Rats, and it felt like a small flex over my F2P friends. It’s a solid choice for budget-conscious players before you hit 60 Attack.

• Pros: Affordable, slightly better stats than Rune Scimitar.

• Cons: Requires killing Brine Rats, which can be tedious for Ironmen.

• Best For: Low-level Slayer or AFK training.

Mid-Game Weapons (50-70 Attack)

Once you hit 50 Attack, the game opens up. This is where I started feeling like a proper warrior, especially after unlocking some of these weapons. They’re perfect for mid-game grinds like Nightmare Zone or Slayer.

Dragon Scimitar (60 Attack)

The Dragon Scimitar is a game-changer. Requiring 60 Attack and completion of Monkey Madness I, it offers a +66 Strength bonus and fast attack speed. I remember grinding through Ape Atoll to get this, and it was worth every second. It’s a staple for mid-tier players and can carry you to 99 Strength if you’re on a budget. At only 60k on the Grand Exchange, it’s a steal.

• Pros: Cheap, fast, and accessible for Ironmen (buy from Ape Atoll shop).

• Cons: Outclassed by higher-tier weapons.

• Best For: Slayer tasks, Nightmare Zone, or general training.

Obsidian Sword (Toktz-xil-ak) with Obsidian Armor (60 Attack)

If you’re training in Nightmare Zone, this setup is a beast. Pair the Toktz-xil-ak (Obsidian Sword) with full Obsidian Armor and a Berserker Necklace for a 30% damage and accuracy boost. I tried this in NMZ, and my XP rates jumped to 70k-75k per hour. The catch? The armor has low Defence, so you’ll need Absorption potions to AFK safely.

• Pros: Insane XP rates in NMZ, decent Strength bonus (+78).

• Cons: Weak Defence, requires full Obsidian set for max effect.

• Best For: Nightmare Zone AFK training.

High-Level Weapons (70+ Attack)

This is where things get spicy. At 70 Attack, you unlock weapons that make you feel like a god. These are my go-to choices for serious Strength training, especially for Slayer or high-level PvM.

Saradomin Sword (70 Attack)

The Saradomin Sword is a two-handed weapon with the same attack speed as a scimitar (4 ticks) but better stats: +82 Strength bonus and +60 Crush Attack. I picked one up for 200k and used it to farm Bandits in the Bandit Camp (they go agro if you wield it, which is great for AFK). It’s a budget-friendly option that delivers up to 90k Strength XP per hour with decent gear.

• Pros: Cheap, fast, and great for AFK training.

• Cons: Two-handed, so no Defender bonuses.

• Best For: Bandits, Slayer tasks, or budget players.

Abyssal Dagger (70 Attack)

The Abyssal Dagger is a stab-focused weapon with a +75 Stab Attack bonus and +85 Strength bonus. Its special attack, Abyssal Puncture, hits twice with increased accuracy, which is awesome for burst damage. I got mine from Abyssal Sire after a long grind (1/4.9 chance from Unsired drops, ouch). At 2.7m on the Grand Exchange, it’s a solid mid-tier option.

• Pros: Affordable, one-handed (pairs with Dragon Defender), great special attack.

• Cons: Requires luck for Ironmen (Abyssal Sire drop).

• Best For: Stab-weak monsters like dragons or Slayer tasks.

Abyssal Bludgeon (70 Attack, 70 Strength)

If you’re fighting crush-weak monsters like Kalphites or the Nightmare, the Abyssal Bludgeon is your best friend. With a +85 Strength bonus and +102 Crush Attack, it’s a powerhouse. I used this during Slayer tasks and hit 86k-105k XP per hour with a max Strength setup. It’s pricier at 12m, but worth it for specific scenarios.

• Pros: Amazing for crush-weak monsters, high Strength bonus.

• Cons: Two-handed, niche use outside crush-weak enemies.

• Best For: Slayer tasks (e.g., Kalphites, Nightmare).

Endgame Weapons (80+ Attack)

If you’ve got the gold and the levels, these are the Best-In-Slot (BiS) weapons for Strength training. They’re expensive, but they’re worth every penny for the XP gains.

Ghrazi Rapier (80 Attack)

The Ghrazi Rapier is the king of one-handed melee weapons. With a +94 Stab Attack bonus and +89 Strength bonus, it’s a DPS monster. I saved up 110m to buy one, and it transformed my Slayer tasks. You can hit 100k Strength XP per hour with this bad boy. For Ironmen, it’s a rare drop from Theatre of Blood, so good luck.

• Pros: Top-tier DPS, one-handed (pairs with Avernic Defender).

• Cons: Insanely expensive, hard for Ironmen to get.

• Best For: High-end Slayer, bossing, or max XP rates.

Osmumten’s Fang (82 Attack)

Osmumten’s Fang is a unique beast. Its passive effect makes two attack rolls, ensuring you almost always hit, even against high-Defence monsters. I used it in Nightmare Zone and Tombs of Amascut, and it averaged 97.5k XP per hour. At 31m, it’s cheaper than the Rapier but still a grind for Ironmen (Tombs of Amascut drop).

• Pros: Consistent damage, great for high-Defence monsters.

• Cons: Expensive, requires 82 Attack.

• Best For: Nightmare Zone, high-Defence Slayer tasks.

Soulreaper Axe (80 Attack)

The Soulreaper Axe is the current BiS for Strength training if you can maintain its Soul Stacks (up to 30% Strength boost). I tested it in multi-combat areas like Slayer tasks, and it’s a beast for chaining kills. It’s pricey (around 200m) and degrades, but the XP rates are unmatched.

• Pros: Highest potential XP rates, great for multi-target areas.

• Cons: Degrades, super expensive, complex to use.

• Best For: Elite players in Slayer or multi-combat zones.

Weapon Comparison Table

Here’s a quick table to compare the top Strength training weapons:

Weapon	Attack Req.	Strength Bonus	Attack Speed (Ticks)	Cost (GP)	Best Use
Rune Scimitar	40	+44	4 (2.4s)	15k	Early-game, F2P, Sand Crabs
Brine Sabre	40	+46	4 (2.4s)	100k	Early-game Slayer, AFK
Dragon Scimitar	60	+66	4 (2.4s)	60k	Mid-game, Slayer, NMZ
Obsidian Sword	60	+78	4 (2.4s)	500k (w/ gear)	NMZ with Obsidian Armor
Saradomin Sword	70	+82	4 (2.4s)	200k	Budget high-level, Bandits
Abyssal Dagger	70	+85	4 (2.4s)	2.7m	Stab-weak monsters, Slayer
Abyssal Bludgeon	70	+85	4 (2.4s)	12m	Crush-weak monsters, Slayer
Ghrazi Rapier	80	+89	4 (2.4s)	110m	High-end Slayer, bossing
Osmumten’s Fang	82	+87	4 (2.4s)	31m	High-Defence monsters, NMZ
Soulreaper Axe	80	+84 (+30% max)	5 (3.0s)	200m	Multi-combat, elite Slayer

Tips for Maximizing Strength XP

Choosing the right weapon is only half the battle. Here are some pro tips I’ve picked up over the years:

• Use the Right Attack Style: Always use Aggressive for pure Strength XP. Controlled is fine for balancing stats, but it’s slower.

• Gear Matters: Pair your weapon with Strength-boosting gear like Primordial Boots, Bandos Chestplate, or an Avernic Defender. I saw a huge DPS boost when I upgraded from Dragon Boots to Primordials.

• Nightmare Zone for AFK: NMZ with Absorption potions and the Obsidian setup is my favorite for AFK training. I’d set it up, grab a snack, and come back to 70k XP per hour.

• Slayer for Efficiency: Training Strength through Slayer tasks lets you use the Slayer Helmet for a damage boost. I hit 90 Strength while grinding Slayer, and the profit was a nice bonus.

• Potions and Prayers: Super Strength potions and Piety prayer can push your DPS even higher. Don’t sleep on them.

• Quests for Early Levels: Waterfall Quest gives 13,750 Strength XP, enough to jump from level 1 to 30. I did this on my Ironman, and it saved hours of grinding.

My Personal Journey with Strength Training

When I first started OSRS, I was clueless. I’d swing my Iron Scimitar at cows in Lumbridge, thinking I was making progress. Then I discovered Sand Crabs and the Rune Scimitar, and my XP rates doubled. By the time I hit 60 Attack, I got the Dragon Scimitar and felt like a king. But the real game-changer was when I saved up for a Ghrazi Rapier. I was skeptical about spending 110m, but the first time I used it in Slayer, I was hooked. The damage was so consistent, and my XP rates shot up to 100k per hour. It’s not just about the weapon, though. Learning to optimize my gear, prayers, and training spots made the grind feel rewarding.

Have you ever tried grinding Strength with a budget weapon? What was your go-to? For me, the Dragon Scimitar was a lifesaver until I could afford the big guns.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made plenty of mistakes, so let me save you some pain:

• Using the Wrong Attack Style: I once trained for hours in Accurate mode and wondered why my Strength XP was garbage. Always double-check!

• Ignoring Monster Weaknesses: Don’t use a slash weapon on dragons when stab is better. Check the monster’s wiki page for weaknesses.

• Skimping on Gear: I used to skip Strength-boosting gear to save gold, but the XP loss wasn’t worth it. Invest in at least a Fighter Torso or Bandos gear.

• Not Questing Early: Skipping quests like Waterfall Quest made my early levels slower than they needed to be. Knock those out ASAP.

Which Weapon Should You Choose?

It depends on your budget, goals, and playstyle. If you’re broke, stick with the Dragon Scimitar or Saradomin Sword. Got some gold to burn? Go for the Ghrazi Rapier or Osmumten’s Fang. Ironmen, focus on the Dragon Scimitar or grind for the Abyssal Dagger. And if you’re an endgame player with deep pockets, the Soulreaper Axe is your ticket to max XP rates.

What’s your Attack level right now? Are you aiming for 99 Strength or just trying to boost your combat stats? Let me know, and I can tailor some advice for you.

Final Thoughts

Strength training in OSRS is a grind, but with the right weapon, it’s a fun one. From the budget-friendly Dragon Scimitar to the elite Soulreaper Axe, there’s a weapon for every player. My journey from a noob with a Rune Scimitar to a maxed main with a Ghrazi Rapier taught me that gear, strategy, and a bit of patience are the keys to success. Pick a weapon from this list, optimize your setup, and watch those XP numbers soar. Happy grinding, and may your max hits be massive!