Best Way to Train Combat in OSRS

Training combat in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a core part of the game, whether you’re aiming to slay bosses, complete quests, or dominate in PvP. With multiple skills like Attack, Strength, Defence, Hitpoints, Magic, and Ranged, finding the best way to train combat can feel overwhelming. This guide covers efficient methods, locations, and strategies to level up your combat skills, optimized for both new and experienced players. By following these tips, you’ll maximize experience rates, save time, and enjoy the grind.

Combat in OSRS involves six primary skills: Attack, Strength, Defence, Hitpoints, Magic, and Ranged. Each skill contributes to your combat level, which determines your overall strength. Prayer also plays a role by boosting combat performance, though it’s not directly part of the combat level calculation. Knowing how these skills interact helps you choose the right training method.

How Combat Level is Calculated

Your combat level is based on a formula that combines your Attack, Strength, Defence, Hitpoints, Magic, Ranged, and Prayer levels. Melee-focused players prioritize Attack, Strength, and Defence, while mages and rangers focus on Magic or Ranged. Hitpoints levels up naturally as you deal or take damage.

Choosing Your Combat Style

Decide whether to focus on melee, magic, or ranged, or train all three for a balanced account. Pure accounts (e.g., 1 Defence pures) limit certain skills to maintain a low combat level for PvP. Most players opt for a main account, training all skills for versatility.

Best Melee Training Methods

Melee is the most popular combat style in OSRS due to its simplicity and accessibility. Below are the best methods to train Attack, Strength, and Defence efficiently.

Early Levels (1-40): Chickens and Cows

For new players, chickens in Lumbridge or cows in the nearby pasture are ideal. They’re low-level, drop feathers or cowhides for profit, and have minimal risk. Use the best weapon you can wield (e.g., Iron Scimitar at level 5 Attack) and train all melee skills evenly.

• Location: Lumbridge chicken pens or cow fields
• XP/Hour: 5,000-10,000 (varies by level)
• Requirements: None

Mid Levels (40-70): Rock Crabs

Rock Crabs on Waterbirth Island or near Rellekka are a classic training spot. They have high Hitpoints (50) but low Defence, making them perfect for fast XP. Their aggressive nature means you can AFK train, resetting aggro by running a short distance.

• Location: Northern Rellekka or Waterbirth Island
• XP/Hour: 20,000-50,000
• Requirements: Access to Rellekka (Fremennik Trials quest helps)

High Levels (70+): Nightmare Zone

The Nightmare Zone (NMZ) is the go-to for high-level melee training. Using custom rumbles with bosses like those from “The Grand Tree” or “Lost City,” you can achieve high XP rates while earning NMZ points for rewards like imbueable items. Use absorption potions and overloads for AFK training.

• Location: Yanille (requires 5+ quests with NMZ bosses)
• XP/Hour: 60,000-100,000+
• Requirements: Decent gear (e.g., Dragon Scimitar, Rune armor)

Training Ranged Effectively

Ranged is essential for safe-spotting monsters and tackling specific bosses. It’s also a popular choice for pures. Here’s how to train it efficiently.

Early Levels (1-30): Low-Level Monsters

Start with chickens or goblins using a shortbow and bronze arrows. These monsters are weak, and ammo is cheap. Train in areas like Lumbridge or Varrock sewers for easy access.

Mid Levels (30-60): Sand Crabs

Sand Crabs on Hosidius (Zeah) are similar to Rock Crabs but slightly stronger, offering great Ranged XP. Use a crossbow or a magic shortbow with iron or steel arrows for cost efficiency.

• Location: Crabclaw Isle or Hosidius coast
• XP/Hour: 30,000-60,000
• Requirements: 10% Hosidius favor or 5,000 coins for Crabclaw Isle

High Levels (60+): Chinning in Monkey Madness II Tunnels

For players with Monkey Madness II completed, chinning (using chinchompas) in the Maniacal Monkey tunnels is the fastest Ranged training method. It’s expensive but offers unmatched XP rates. Use grey or red chinchompas with high-tier gear like Armadyl armor.

• Location: Ape Atoll tunnels
• XP/Hour: 300,000-700,000
• Requirements: Monkey Madness II, high Ranged level (70+)

Mastering Magic Training

Magic is versatile, used for combat, teleporting, and skilling. Training it efficiently requires balancing cost and XP rates.

Early Levels (1-43): Low-Level Spells

Cast low-level combat spells like Wind Strike on weak monsters (e.g., goblins or cows). Alternatively, use non-combat spells like Superheat Item or Low Alchemy for safe training, though these are slower.

Mid Levels (43-70): High Alchemy and Teleporting

High Alchemy is a popular method, offering decent XP while potentially profiting by alching items like yew longbows. Combine with teleport spells (e.g., Varrock Teleport) for variety. Use a staff to save runes.

Method	XP/Hour	Cost
High Alchemy	60,000-80,000	Low (if profitable items)
Teleporting	20,000-40,000	Moderate

High Levels (70+): Bursting/Barraging

Ice Burst or Ice Barrage in the Monkey Madness II 2 tunnels or at Dust Devils/Neitiznot in the Fremennik Slayer Dungeon are top-tier for Magic XP. These methods are costly but yield massive XP rates. Use Ancients Magicks and high-tier gear like Ahrim’s robes.

• Location: Ape Atoll or Fremennik Slayer Dungeon
• XP/Hour: 150,000-250,000
• Requirements: Desert Treasure quest, 70+ Magic

Tips for Efficient Combat Training

Maximize your combat training with these practical tips to save time and resources.

Use the Right Gear

Always equip the best gear for your level and budget. For melee, prioritize weapons like the Dragon Scimitar or Abyssal Whip. For Ranged, use a Magic Shortbow or Toxic Blowpipe. Magic users should opt for a Master Wand or Trident of the Seas.

Leverage Quests for XP

Complete quests like “Waterfall Quest,” “Fight Arena,” and “Vampire Slayer” for early combat XP rewards. These can skip hours of grinding, especially for low-level accounts.

Train with Slayer

Combine combat training with Slayer tasks for variety and profit. Slayer monsters like Ankou or Dust Devils offer good XP and valuable drops, making training feel less repetitive.

Utilize Prayer and Potions

Use Prayer boosts like Piety (melee), Rigour (Ranged), or Augury (Magic) for increased damage and accuracy. Potions like Super Combat or Ranging Potions further enhance performance.

By combining these methods, locations, and tips, you can train combat in OSRS efficiently and enjoyably. Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran, there’s a strategy here to suit your goals. Start with low-level monsters, progress to AFK spots like NMZ or Sand Crabs, and aim for high-XP methods like chinning or barraging as you advance. Happy grinding!