Best Way to Splash OSRS for Maximum Efficiency

Splashing in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is one of those things that sounds super simple but can feel like a puzzle if you’re new to it or haven’t nailed down the best approach. As someone who’s been playing OSRS for years, I’ve spent countless hours splashing to level up my Magic while barely lifting a finger. It’s a fantastic way to train Magic AFK (away from keyboard), but there’s a knack to doing it efficiently without wasting time or resources. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best way to splash in OSRS, sharing my personal tips, tricks, and mistakes I’ve made along the way. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned player, I’ve got you covered with practical advice to make your splashing sessions smooth and effective.

Let’s start with the basics. Splashing is a training method in OSRS where you cast combat spells on low-level monsters, like rats or spiders, with gear that tanks your Magic accuracy so your spells always miss (or “splash”). When this happens, you still gain Magic experience, but the monster doesn’t take damage, meaning you can keep casting without killing it. It’s perfect for AFK training because you can set it up and walk away for hours.

Why do players splash? It’s low-effort, cheap, and lets you grind Magic levels without constant clicking. I remember my first time splashing in Lumbridge, standing in a corner casting Fire Strike on a rat while I watched a movie. It was a game-changer! But I also made some rookie mistakes, like not optimizing my gear, which cost me extra runes. Let’s dive into how to do it right.

Why Splash? The Benefits of This Method

So, why bother with splashing when you could be blasting through high-level monsters or training other skills? Here’s why splashing is awesome:

• Low cost: You only need basic runes and gear, making it super affordable.

• AFK-friendly: Set it up, and you can leave your character casting for up to 20 minutes before the game logs you out.

• Safe: Since you’re not dealing damage, there’s no risk of dying or losing items.

• Flexible: You can splash almost anywhere with low-level NPCs.

I used to think splashing was boring compared to active training methods like High Alchemy or bursting, but once I realized how much time it saved me, I was hooked. The question is, how do you make splashing as efficient as possible? Let’s break it down.

Best Gear for Splashing

Your gear setup is the heart of splashing. The goal is to get your Magic accuracy as low as possible (ideally to -65 or lower) so your spells always miss. Here’s what I recommend based on my own trial and error:

Essential Splashing Gear

Item	Why It’s Good	Cost (Approx.)
Cursed Goblin Staff	Free from a Varrock quest, requires no runes to cast low-level spells.	Free
Wizard Robes	Basic Magic gear with no accuracy bonuses, cheap and easy to get.	~1-2k GP
Iron/Dagon’hai Armor	Tanks your Magic accuracy with negative bonuses. Dagon’hai is better but pricier.	~10k-500k GP
Green D’hide Vambraces	Negative Magic bonus to ensure splashing.	~1k GP
Any Amulet/Boots/Cape	No bonuses needed, just use whatever’s cheapest.	~100-1k GP

Pro tip: When I started splashing, I used the Cursed Goblin Staff because it’s free and works with spells like Fire Strike or Wind Strike. If you’re on a budget, stick with basic wizard robes and green d’hide vambraces. If you have some extra gold, Dagon’hai robes are a solid upgrade for that extra negative Magic bonus.

My Gear Mistake

One time, I accidentally wore a Mystic Robe Top (which boosts Magic accuracy) while splashing in Falador. My spells kept hitting, and I ended up killing the rat I was targeting in like 10 minutes. Total waste of time! Always double-check your gear to make sure you’re getting those negative bonuses.

Best Spells for Splashing

Not all spells are created equal when it comes to splashing. You want something cheap, effective, and easy to sustain. Here’s a quick rundown of the best spells:

• Wind Strike: 1 Air Rune, 1 Mind Rune. Super cheap, gives 5.5 XP per cast.

• Water Strike: 1 Air, 1 Water, 1 Mind Rune. Slightly more expensive, 7.5 XP per cast.

• Fire Strike: 3 Air, 2 Fire, 1 Mind Rune. My go-to for 11.5 XP per cast.

• Curse: 2 Water, 3 Earth, 1 Body Rune. Great for higher levels, 29 XP per cast.

Which spell should you use? If you’re just starting out, go with Wind Strike to save gold. I used Fire Strike for most of my splashing because the XP was decent, and I had a stockpile of runes from killing goblins. If you’re going for higher levels (50+ Magic), Curse is awesome but costs more.

Best Locations for Splashing

Where you splash matters just as much as your gear or spell. You need a spot with low-level NPCs that won’t hit back and a safe area where you won’t be interrupted. Here are my favorite spots:

Lumbridge

• Why: Rats and spiders in the castle or nearby graveyard are perfect. It’s also super close to a bank.

• My experience: This is where I started splashing. I’d stand in the Lumbridge graveyard, casting on a spider while chatting with friends on Discord. It’s beginner-friendly and nostalgic.

Varrock Sewers

• Why: Tons of rats and zombies, plus it’s quiet. You can set up in a corner and not worry about other players.

• Pro tip: Bring a light source like a candle to avoid getting lost.

Falador

• Why: Rats near the castle or in the park are easy targets. It’s a safe, central location.

• My mistake: I once set up in Falador but forgot to check my auto-retaliate settings. A guard wandered by, and I ended up in a fight I didn’t want. Always turn off auto-retaliate!

Where should you splash? Lumbridge is great for beginners, but I prefer Varrock Sewers for the peace and quiet. Pick a spot that feels right for you and has easy banking access.

Step-by-Step Guide to Splashing

Ready to start splashing? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get you going:

1. Get your gear: Equip negative Magic bonus items like the ones listed above.

2. Choose a spell: Start with Wind Strike or Fire Strike for low cost.

3. Pick a location: Head to Lumbridge, Varrock Sewers, or Falador.

4. Find a target: Look for a low-level NPC like a rat or spider.

5. Turn off auto-retaliate: This prevents you from attacking back if the NPC hits you.

6. Start casting: Click the spell and the NPC, then sit back and relax.

7. Check in periodically: The game logs you out after 20 minutes of inactivity, so click something every 15-18 minutes to stay logged in.

I usually set a timer on my phone to remind me to check back. One time, I got distracted watching a show and got logged out, losing an hour of progress. Don’t make that mistake!

How to Make Splashing Even Better

Splashing is already pretty chill, but there are ways to level it up. Here are some tips I’ve learned over the years:

Use Rune Pouches

If you’re carrying lots of runes, a rune pouch can save inventory space. I got mine from the Bounty Hunter shop after grinding some points, and it made my splashing sessions so much smoother.

Stock Up on Runes

Buy runes in bulk from the Grand Exchange or shops like the one in Port Sarim. I once ran out of Air Runes mid-session and had to trek back to a bank. Not fun. Stock up to avoid interruptions.

Multiclass with Other Skills

You can splash while training other AFK skills, like Fishing or Woodcutting, in the same session. I used to splash in Varrock Sewers while chopping trees nearby. Double XP for the win!

Can you splash indefinitely? Not quite. The game logs you out after 20 minutes, but you can keep it going by checking in occasionally. If you want to splash for hours, consider using a mouse mover (check OSRS rules first to stay safe).

Common Splashing Mistakes to Avoid

Even as an experienced player, I’ve messed up splashing more times than I’d like to admit. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Wearing the wrong gear: Positive Magic bonuses will make your spells hit, ruining the AFK vibe.

• Forgetting to bank: If your inventory fills up with random drops, you can’t cast anymore.

• Picking a bad spot: Avoid crowded areas or aggressive NPCs that might attack you.

• Not checking runes: Running out of runes mid-session is a pain.

One time, I set up in a crowded Lumbridge spot, and another player kept luring my rat away. I had to hop worlds to find peace. Lesson learned: pick a quiet spot or a less busy world.

Splashing vs. Other Magic Training Methods

Is splashing the Best way to train Magic? It depends on your goals. Here’s a quick comparison:

Method	Cost	XP/Hour	AFK Level	My Thoughts
Splashing	Very low	10k-30k	High	Perfect for AFK, but slow XP. Great for casual players.
High Alchemy	Moderate	60k-80k	Medium	Decent XP, but you need to click a lot. I used this after splashing to 50 Magic.
Bursting	High	100k-200k	Low	Fast XP, but expensive and not AFK. I only do this for Slayer tasks now.

Splashing is my go-to when I want to train Magic without focusing too hard. If you’re aiming for 99 Magic fast, bursting might be better, but it’ll cost you millions. Splashing is the budget-friendly, chill option.

FAQs About Splashing in OSRS

Got questions? I’ve got answers based on my experience and what I’ve seen in the community.

Is splashing bannable?
No, splashing is allowed as long as you’re not botting or using third-party software to stay logged in. Just check in every 15-20 minutes to avoid a logout.

How long does it take to get 99 Magic with splashing?
It’s slow—expect 500-600 hours depending on your spell and setup. I got to 70 Magic splashing on and off over a few months while multitasking.

Can I splash on a members’ world?
Yes, but you don’t need a membership. Free-to-play works fine with Wind Strike or Fire Strike.

What’s the cheapest spell for splashing?
Wind Strike. It’s dirt cheap and gives decent XP for beginners.

My Personal Splashing Journey

When I first started splashing, I was a broke noob with barely 10k gold to my name. I’d stand in Lumbridge, casting Wind Strike on a rat, feeling like a wizard even though my spells were missing every time. It was slow, but I loved how I could train Magic while doing homework or chatting with friends. By the time I hit 55 Magic, I felt like a pro, switching to Fire Strike and upgrading to Dagon’hai robes. Now, at 85 Magic, I still splash occasionally when I want to relax. It’s not the fastest method, but it’s reliable, cheap, and lets me enjoy OSRS without stressing.

Final Thoughts

Splashing in OSRS is hands-down one of the easiest ways to train Magic, especially if you’re looking for an AFK method that won’t break the bank. With the right gear, spell, and location, you can grind levels while barely paying attention. I’ve shared my setup, favorite spots, and even my embarrassing mistakes to help you avoid the same pitfalls. Whether you’re splashing in Lumbridge or Varrock Sewers, just make sure to double-check your gear and runes, and you’ll be set for hours of chill training.

What’s your favorite splashing spot or setup? Got any tips I missed? Drop them below, and let’s keep the OSRS grind going!