Best Places to Train Strength in OSRS: Your Ultimate Guide

Best Places to Train Strength in OSRS: Your Ultimate Guide


If you’re looking to boost your Strength level in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), finding the right training spot is key to maximizing efficiency and enjoyment. Strength is a core melee skill that increases your max hit, making it essential for dealing higher damage in combat. Whether you’re a low-level player just starting out or a seasoned veteran aiming for level 99, this guide covers the best places to train Strength in OSRS. From AFK-friendly locations to high-intensity spots, we’ve got you covered with detailed breakdowns, tips, and strategies.

Before diving into the best training spots, let’s quickly explore why Strength is worth your time. In OSRS, Strength directly impacts your damage output, making it a priority for players who want to hit harder and progress faster. A higher Strength level unlocks better weapons, improves PvM (Player vs. Monster) performance, and is a requirement for key quests like Dragon Slayer II. Plus, it’s a skill that pairs well with Slayer or bossing, offering both combat prowess and potential profit.

Benefits of Training Strength

  • Increased Max Hit: Higher Strength means bigger damage numbers, speeding up kills.
  • Quest Requirements: Many quests, like Legends’ Quest, need a solid Strength level.
  • Efficiency: Stronger hits mean faster XP gains for other combat skills like Attack and Hitpoints.

Top Low-Level Strength Training Spots (Levels 1-40)

Old School Runescape OSRS best place to train combat tutorial 2021

For new players or those starting fresh accounts, low-level Strength training is all about finding easy-to-kill monsters with decent XP rates. These spots are accessible, require minimal gear, and let you build a foundation before moving to tougher areas.

Chickens (Levels 1-10)

Location: Lumbridge Farms, north of Lumbridge Castle

Chickens are the classic starting point for any OSRS player. With only 3 Hitpoints and no defense, they’re perfect for levels 1-10. You can wield a bronze or iron sword and train Strength in the aggressive stance for quick XP.

  • Pros: Easy access, no risk, feathers for Fletching profit.
  • Cons: Low XP per kill (around 4-8 XP), crowded on busy worlds.
  • Tip: Bring a few pieces of food if you’re a level 3 with no armor.

Sand Crabs (Levels 10-40)

Location: Hosidius Beach, Kourend

Sand Crabs are a step up, offering an AFK-friendly way to train Strength. With 60 Hitpoints and low defense, they’re ideal for players with 10+ Strength. Find a spot with three crabs, set your weapon to aggressive mode, and watch the XP roll in.

  • Pros: High HP for consistent XP, AFK potential, minimal gear needed.
  • Cons: Aggression resets every 10 minutes—run away and back to refresh.
  • Tip: Use a steel or black scimitar for faster hits.

Mid-Level Strength Training Hotspots (Levels 40-70)

Once you’ve got some levels under your belt, it’s time to tackle tougher monsters and better XP rates. Mid-level training balances efficiency with accessibility, preparing you for endgame methods.

Rock Crabs (Levels 40-60)

Location: Rellekka, near the Fremennik Province

Rock Crabs are a popular choice for mid-level players. They have 50 Hitpoints, low attack, and stay aggressive, making them great for AFK training. They’re slightly less crowded than Sand Crabs, offering a quieter alternative.

  • Pros: Decent XP (20-30k per hour), low risk, easy to reach with a Camelot teleport.
  • Cons: No notable drops, aggression resets like Sand Crabs.
  • Tip: Equip a mithril or adamant scimitar for optimal damage.

Hill Giants (Levels 50-70)

Location: Edgeville Dungeon or Varrock Sewers

Hill Giants are a fantastic option for players looking to mix training with profit. With 35 Hitpoints and a weakness to slash, they’re perfect for Strength training while collecting big bones and limpwurt roots.

  • Pros: 25-35k XP per hour, profitable drops (100-150k GP/hour).
  • Cons: Can be crowded, requires some food for lower Defense levels.
  • Tip: Use a rune scimitar and bring a brass key for quick Edgeville access.

High-Level Strength Training Locations (Levels 70-99)

For high-level players chasing 99 Strength, the focus shifts to maximizing XP per hour. These spots require better gear and sometimes membership perks, but the rewards—both in XP and prestige—are worth it.

Nightmare Zone (Levels 70-99)

Location: Yanille, near the bank

The Nightmare Zone (NMZ) is the king of Strength training for high-level players. This minigame lets you fight previous quest bosses in a controlled environment, offering customizable XP rates and AFK potential with the right setup.

  • Pros: Up to 80-100k XP per hour, AFK with absorption potions, bonus points for rewards.
  • Cons: Requires quest completion (e.g., Tree Gnome Village), initial setup cost.
  • Tip: Use Dharok’s set with a rock cake to stay at 1 HP for max damage.

Ammonite Crabs (Levels 70-99)

Location: Fossil Island

Ammonite Crabs are the upgraded version of Sand Crabs, boasting 100 Hitpoints and low defense. They’re perfect for AFK training and accessible after completing Bone Voyage.

  • Pros: 50-70k XP per hour, very AFK-friendly, less crowded than Sand Crabs.
  • Cons: Requires Fossil Island unlock, no significant loot.
  • Tip: Pair with a dragon scimitar or abyssal whip for best results.

Specialized Strength Training Methods

Beyond traditional monster slaying, OSRS offers unique ways to train Strength without always swinging a sword. These methods can complement your combat training or serve as a change of pace.

Barbarian Fishing (Levels 30-99)

Location: Barbarian Outpost or Otto’s Grotto

Barbarian Fishing lets you train Strength passively while fishing. Using a barbarian rod and bait, you catch leaping fish that grant Strength XP alongside Fishing XP—no Hitpoints XP included.

  • Pros: 10-15k Strength XP per hour, trains Fishing simultaneously, no combat risk.
  • Cons: Slower than combat methods, requires 30 Strength and 48 Fishing.
  • Tip: Start at the Outpost with feathers until you can use bait at higher levels.

Blast Furnace Pump (Levels 30-99)

Location: Keldagrim Blast Furnace

The Blast Furnace pump is a niche Strength training method tied to Smithing. Operating the pump gives Strength XP without combat, making it a peaceful alternative.

  • Pros: 10-12k XP per hour, no Hitpoints XP, ties into Smithing profit.
  • Cons: Repetitive, requires 30 Strength and access to Keldagrim.
  • Tip: Wear lightweight gear to avoid stamina drain.

Comparing the Best Strength Training Spots

To help you choose, here’s a quick comparison of the top Strength training locations based on XP rates, requirements, and profitability.

Location Level Range XP/Hour Requirements Profit Potential
Chickens 1-10 4-8k None Low (feathers)
Sand Crabs 10-40 15-25k Kourend access None
Hill Giants 50-70 25-35k Basic gear 100-150k GP
Nightmare Zone 70-99 80-100k Quest points, gear NMZ points
Ammonite Crabs 70-99 50-70k Bone Voyage None

How to Choose Your Spot

Pick based on your goals: XP-focused? Go for Nightmare Zone or Ammonite Crabs. Profit-driven? Hill Giants are your best bet. AFK preference? Sand Crabs or Ammonite Crabs win. Tailor your choice to your level, gear, and playstyle.

Final Tips for Strength Training Success

To wrap up, here are some pro tips to optimize your Strength training in OSRS:

  • Gear Up: Use the best weapon you can wield (e.g., scimitars for speed, whips for power).
  • Boosts: Drink Strength potions or super strengths for a temporary damage edge.
  • Quests: Complete Waterfall Quest for an instant jump to 30 Strength.
  • Slayer Combo: Pair Strength training with Slayer for efficiency and profit.

Training Strength in OSRS doesn’t have to be a grind. With the right spot—whether it’s the humble chickens of Lumbridge or the intense battles of Nightmare Zone—you’ll be smashing your way to 99 in no time. Which spot will you try first? Let us know your favorite Strength training location!