How Many Cannonballs Do You Need for 99 Range in OSRS? A Complete Guide

How Many Cannonballs Do You Need for 99 Range in OSRS? A Complete Guide


Training Ranged to 99 in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a popular goal for many players, whether you’re a pure, an ironman, or just looking to max out your combat skills. One of the most efficient methods to level up Ranged, especially at lower levels, is using the Dwarf Multicannon. But a common question arises: how many cannonballs do you need to reach 99 Range? In this detailed guide, we’ll break down the numbers, explore the mechanics, and provide tips to optimize your cannon training. Let’s dive in!

The Dwarf Multicannon is a unique Ranged weapon unlocked after completing the Dwarf Cannon quest. It acts as a deployable turret, firing cannonballs at enemies within its range. It’s a favorite among players for its ability to deal consistent damage while you focus on other tasks, like Slayer or AFK training.

How the Cannon Works

The cannon has a max hit of 30 with regular cannonballs (35 with granite cannonballs) and delivers 2 Ranged XP per damage dealt, half the standard 4 XP you’d get from direct Ranged attacks. Its accuracy depends on your highest offensive bonus—whether from Ranged or Melee gear—so wearing high-accuracy equipment boosts its effectiveness.

Why Use the Cannon for Ranged Training?

  • Speed: It provides fast XP rates at low levels.
  • Multitasking: Pair it with Slayer for dual XP gains.
  • Low HP Options: Ideal for pures avoiding Hitpoints XP.

Calculating Cannonballs Needed for 99 Range

OSRS 99 Range Guide F2P YouTube

To figure out how many cannonballs you’ll need, we need to consider the XP required, the average damage per cannonball, and real-world variables like accuracy and overkill. Let’s crunch the numbers.

Total XP to 99 Range

Reaching level 99 Ranged requires 13,034,431 XP from level 1. If you’re starting at a higher level, subtract the XP you’ve already earned. For example:

  • Level 70: 737,627 XP earned, 12,296,804 XP remaining.
  • Level 80: 1,986,068 XP earned, 11,048,363 XP remaining.

Average XP per Cannonball

The cannon’s max hit is 30, but its average damage varies based on accuracy and enemy defense. Assuming an average hit of 10-15 damage (accounting for misses and overkill), you’d earn 20-30 XP per cannonball. Here’s a breakdown:

Average Damage XP per Cannonball Cannonballs for 13M XP
10 20 ~651,722
12 24 ~543,102
15 30 ~434,481

Note: These are rough estimates. Real numbers depend on your setup and training spot.

Factors Affecting Cannonball Count

  • Accuracy: Higher attack bonuses (e.g., from a Godsword or Armadyl crossbow) reduce misses.
  • Enemy HP: Low-HP mobs like ogres mean more overkill, lowering efficiency.
  • Location: Multi-combat areas with dense spawns maximize cannon hits.

Best Training Spots for Cannon Ranged XP

Where you set up your cannon significantly impacts XP rates and cannonball efficiency. Here are some top spots for different level ranges.

Low Levels (1-45)

Ogres (Combat Training Camp): After Biohazard, this spot offers safe, dense spawns. Expect 20-30k XP/hr with 2,000-3,000 cannonballs to reach 45.

Rock Crabs: Multi-combat and low defense make them cannon fodder. Similar XP rates to ogres.

Mid Levels (45-70)

Caged Ogres (King Lathas’ Training Grounds): A classic for pures. Around 40-50k XP/hr, needing 15,000-20,000 cannonballs from 45 to 70.

Ice Trolls (Fremennik Isles): Post-Fremennik Trials, use a safespot for 50k+ XP/hr.

High Levels (70-99)

Dagannoths (Lighthouse): Multi-combat chaos with 70-90k XP/hr. From 70-99, expect 150,000-200,000 cannonballs.

Lizardman Shamans: High XP and decent drops offset costs, but require more skill to safespot.

Optimizing Your Cannon Training

To get the most out of your cannonballs, follow these strategies.

Gear and Setup Tips

  • Maximize Accuracy: Wear gear like a Godsword (+132 slash) or Black d’hide with an Armadyl crossbow.
  • Ammo Management: Carry 30 cannonballs (or 60 with Combat Achievements) and restock efficiently.
  • Slayer Synergy: Use the cannon on tasks for bonus XP and profit.

Cost Considerations

At ~200 GP per cannonball (April 2025 prices), 400,000 cannonballs cost 80M GP. Drops from Dagannoths or Shamans can offset this, but pure cannon training is pricey. Consider smithing your own cannonballs for profit (steel bars at 735 GP yield 4 cannonballs worth 1,052 GP).

Alternative Methods

Beyond level 45, chinning (using chinchompas) outpaces cannons, offering 700k+ XP/hr at Maniacal Monkeys. From 70-99, chinning takes ~40,000 red chins (~50M GP) versus 200,000+ cannonballs (~40-50M GP). Weigh speed versus cost.

Final Estimate: How Many Cannonballs?

So, how many cannonballs do you need for 99 Range in OSRS? Here’s the verdict based on our calculations and community insights.

Full 1-99 Cannon-Only Estimate

Assuming an average of 24 XP per cannonball (12 damage), you’d need approximately 543,102 cannonballs from 1-99. For a more conservative estimate with misses and overkill, plan for 550,000-600,000 cannonballs. Starting at higher levels reduces this:

  • 70-99: ~510,000 cannonballs.
  • 80-99: ~460,000 cannonballs.

Practical Tips for Your Journey

  • Stockpile: Buy cannonballs in bulk when prices dip.
  • Monitor XP: Track your XP/hr to adjust estimates.
  • Break It Up: Mix cannoning with chinning or Slayer for variety.

In conclusion, reaching 99 Range with a cannon in OSRS is a grind, but with 550,000-600,000 cannonballs, you’ll get there. It’s not the cheapest or fastest method overall, but it shines for low-level training and pures. Pair it with Slayer or profitable spots to make the journey worthwhile. Happy cannoning!