Fastest Way to Sand Crabs OSRS

Fastest Way to Sand Crabs OSRS

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), Sand Crabs are a go-to for players looking to train combat skills efficiently. These level 15 monsters with 60 hitpoints are perfect for AFK training due to their low damage (max hit of 1) and aggressive nature. Found primarily on the Hosidius coastline and Crabclaw Isle, they’re ideal for low to mid-level players, especially pures. But getting to them can be tricky, especially for new players. This guide covers the fastest ways to reach Sand Crabs, optimal training methods, and tips to maximize your experience. Let’s dive in!

Sand Crabs are popular because they offer high XP rates with minimal effort. Their low defense and high hitpoints make them easy targets, and their clustering in multi-combat areas allows you to engage multiple crabs at once. Here’s why they stand out:

  • AFK-Friendly: With auto-retaliate on, you can train with little interaction.
  • Low Risk: Their max hit is 1, so even low-defense pures are safe.
  • Accessible: No major quest or skill requirements to access most spots.
  • XP Rates: Depending on your level and gear, expect 30,000–100,000 XP/hour.

Comparing Sand Crabs to Other Training Spots

Compared to Rock Crabs (50 HP) or Ammonite Crabs (100 HP), Sand Crabs strike a balance. Rock Crabs are weaker but often crowded, while Ammonite Crabs require Bone Voyage and are better for higher levels. Sand Crabs are ideal for levels 20–80, offering consistent XP without the need for quests like Fossil Island access.

Fastest Ways to Reach Sand Crabs

Old School RuneScape OSRS How to Get to Sand Crabs Gamer Empire

Sand Crabs are located in Great Kourend, primarily on the Hosidius coastline and Crabclaw Isle. Below are the fastest methods to get there, ordered by speed and requirements.

Method 1: House Teleport (Fastest)

If your player-owned house is in Hosidius, this is the quickest method.

  • Requirements: 25 Construction, 8,750 coins to move house to Hosidius, 40 Magic (or House Teleport tablets).
  • Steps:
    1. Visit an Estate Agent in Hosidius, Varrock, or Falador to relocate your house (8,750 coins).
    2. Cast House Teleport (1 Law, 1 Air, 1 Earth rune) or use a House Teleport tablet.
    3. Exit the portal and run south to the Hosidius beach.
  • Time: ~30 seconds.
  • Pro Tip: Use Scrolls of Redirection (Nightmare Zone reward) to redirect House Teleport tablets to Hosidius without moving your house.

Method 2: Xeric’s Talisman

The Xeric’s Talisman offers a fast teleport to Xeric’s Glade, close to the Hosidius beach.

  • Requirements: Xeric’s Talisman (dropped by Lizardmen), Lizardman Fangs to charge.
  • Steps:
    1. Obtain and charge the talisman with fangs (buy from Grand Exchange if needed).
    2. Teleport to Xeric’s Glade.
    3. Run south to the Hosidius coastline.
  • Time: ~45 seconds.
  • Note: This is ideal for players with some combat experience to farm Lizardmen.

Method 3: Skills Necklace

A Skills Necklace teleport to the Woodcutting Guild is another quick option.

  • Requirements: Skills Necklace (craft or buy from Grand Exchange).
  • Steps:
    1. Teleport to the Woodcutting Guild.
    2. Run east, then south to the Hosidius beach.
  • Time: ~1 minute.
  • Tip: Ironmen can craft a Skills Necklace at 80 Crafting for a reusable option.

Method 4: Fairy Ring (Code DJR)

Fairy Rings are great if you’ve progressed in the Fairy Tale questline.

  • Requirements: Started Fairy Tale Part II: Cure a Queen, completed Fairy Tale Part I: Growing Pains.
  • Steps:
    1. Use Fairy Ring code DJR to teleport near the Chasm of Fire.
    2. Run east, then south to the Hosidius coastline.
    3. Optional: Use the stepping stone shortcut (40 Agility) east of Shayzien Infirmary.
  • Time: ~1.5 minutes.

Method 5: Veos (No Requirements)

For new players or those without teleports, traveling with Veos is the simplest method.

  • Requirements: None.
  • Steps:
    1. Go to Port Sarim (west of Draynor Village).
    2. Speak to Veos on the northeast dock to travel to Port Piscarilius.
    3. Run west, then south through Hosidius to the beach.
  • Time: ~5–7 minutes.
  • Tip: Bring weight-reducing gear (e.g., Graceful) to reduce run energy drain.

Accessing Crabclaw Isle

Crabclaw Isle is less crowded than Hosidius but costs 10,000 coins per trip (5,000 with Easy Kourend & Kebos Diary, free with Medium Diary).

  • Steps:
    1. Reach Hosidius beach using any method above.
    2. Speak to Sandicrahb near the canoe to sail to Crabclaw Isle.
  • Why Choose It? More spawns and fewer players, ideal for uninterrupted training.
  • Downside: The fee makes it less viable for low-budget accounts.

Optimal Sand Crab Training Setup

To maximize XP, your gear, combat style, and spot choice matter. Here’s how to set up for success.

Gear Recommendations

Your gear depends on your combat level and budget. Prioritize strength and accuracy bonuses.

Combat Level Melee Gear Ranged Gear Magic Gear
1–40 Rune scimitar, Mithril platebody, Amulet of Strength Leather armor, Shortbow, Iron arrows Wizard robes, Staff of Fire, Fire Bolt
40–60 Dragon scimitar, Rune armor, Warrior ring Coif, Studded chaps, Maple shortbow Mystic robes, Staff of Air, Wind Blast
60–80 Abyssal whip, Dragon armor, Berserker ring Archer helm, Black d’hide, Rune crossbow God robes, Ancient staff, Fire Wave

Tip: Avoid degradable gear (e.g., Barrows) to save costs, as Sand Crabs deal minimal damage.

Choosing the Right Spot

Look for spots with 3–4 Sand Crab spawns within a 1-tile radius. On Hosidius, these are scattered along the western beach. On Crabclaw Isle, spawns are denser, making it easier to find ideal spots. Use the Runelite plugin “NPC Aggression Timer” to track when crabs become unaggressive (after ~10 minutes).

Resetting Aggression

Sand Crabs stop attacking after 10 minutes. To reset aggression:

  • Run north approximately the diameter of your minimap (or toward the nearby altar to restore Prayer).
  • Return to your spot.
  • Pro Tip: Use 55 Prayer with Preserve to extend potion durations for longer sessions.

Tips for Efficient Training

Maximize your time at Sand Crabs with these strategies:

  • Bring Food: Despite their low damage, bring 5–10 pieces of food (e.g., lobsters) for extended sessions.
  • Use Potions: Strength, Attack, or Ranging potions boost XP rates, especially at lower levels.
  • Bank Nearby: A bank chest is located on the Hosidius beach for quick resupply.
  • World Hop: Hosidius can be crowded; hop worlds to find a quieter spot.
  • Crabclaw Caves Alternative: After completing The Depths of Despair, try the Crabclaw Caves for fewer players (requires 18 Agility).

XP Rates by Level

Here’s what you can expect based on your combat level and style:

  • Level 1–40: 10,000–30,000 XP/hour (melee), 5,000–12,000 XP/hour (ranged).
  • Level 40–60: 30,000–60,000 XP/hour (melee), 12,000–30,000 XP/hour (ranged).
  • Level 60–80: 60,000–80,000 XP/hour (melee), 30,000–45,000 XP/hour (ranged).
  • Level 80+: Up to 100,000 XP/hour (melee with high-end gear).

Avoiding Crashes

Popular spots can be “crashed” by other players. To minimize this:

  • Train during off-peak hours (e.g., early mornings).
  • Use Crabclaw Isle for fewer competitors.
  • Wear decent gear to deter crashers who target low-effort setups.

With these methods, you can reach Sand Crabs quickly and train efficiently. Whether you’re a pure or a main, the Hosidius beach or Crabclaw Isle offers some of the best early-game combat XP in OSRS. Happy training!