How to Get Attack XP Without HP in OSRS: A Complete Guide

Training Attack in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a key part of building a strong melee character, but for some players—especially those creating pures or unique accounts—gaining Attack experience points (XP) without also increasing Hitpoints (HP) is a priority. Normally, combat in OSRS ties Attack XP to HP XP because dealing damage to enemies grants both. However, with the right methods, you can level up your Attack skill while keeping your HP low. In this guide, we’ll explore proven strategies to achieve this, perfect for players aiming to maintain a specific combat profile. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, read on to discover how to train Attack without inflating your HP in OSRS.
For most OSRS players, gaining HP alongside Attack, Strength, and Defence is a natural part of combat progression. However, certain account builds—like 10 HP pures or skill-specific snowflakes—require you to avoid HP XP to keep your combat level low or meet self-imposed restrictions. Training Attack without HP allows you to wield better weapons and improve accuracy while preserving your desired playstyle. This niche goal demands creativity, as traditional combat methods won’t work. Let’s dive into the best ways to make it happen.
Understanding the Challenge
In OSRS, dealing damage in melee combat typically awards 4 XP to your chosen combat stat (like Attack) and 1.33 XP to HP per point of damage dealt. This makes it tricky to isolate Attack XP. The key is to find methods that grant Attack XP through non-combat means or minimize HP gains while still progressing your Attack level.
Questing for Attack XP Without HP
One of the most effective ways to gain Attack XP without HP is through quests. Many OSRS quests reward combat XP without requiring you to fight, making them ideal for this purpose. Below are some top quests to consider.
Key Quests to Boost Attack XP
- Waterfall Quest: This beginner-friendly quest offers 13,750 Attack XP and 13,750 Strength XP upon completion. It has no combat requirements, so you won’t gain HP XP. Perfect for jumping from level 1 to 30 in Attack instantly.
- The Grand Tree: Rewards 7,900 Attack XP with minimal combat that can be avoided or mitigated using safe methods like rings of recoil. You’ll need 25 Agility, but it’s a solid mid-level boost.
- Tree Gnome Village: Grants 11,450 Attack XP. The final boss can be safespotted or killed with recoil damage, keeping HP XP at bay.
- Fight Arena: Delivers 12,175 Attack XP. You can use rings of recoil or have another player assist to avoid direct HP gains.
- Vampyre Slayer: Provides 4,825 Attack XP. With preparation (e.g., using garlic and a stake), you can minimize combat involvement.
Tips for Questing Safely
To ensure zero HP XP, use strategies like safespotting or recoil damage where combat is unavoidable. Always check quest guides to plan your approach. Completing these quests alone can get you close to 50 Attack without touching HP.
Minigames and Alternative Methods
Beyond quests, certain minigames and unique mechanics in OSRS allow you to earn Attack XP without HP. These methods often require higher stats or specific conditions but are worth exploring.
Pest Control: Barricade Repairs
Pest Control is a popular minigame where you can earn combat XP by repairing barricades instead of fighting. Each repair grants a small amount of Attack, Strength, or Defence XP (your choice) without HP XP.
- Requirements: 40 Combat level (can be from non-HP skills like Attack or Strength).
- XP Rate: Around 2,000–3,000 Attack XP per hour.
- How-to: Join the novice boat, grab a hammer and nails, and repair barricades during games.
This method is slow but reliable for low-HP accounts with some combat stats already built.
Soul Wars: Solo Methods
Soul Wars offers XP rewards via Zeal tokens, which can be spent on Attack XP. By focusing on non-combat tasks or solo strategies, you can avoid HP gains.
- Requirements: Access to Soul Wars (no strict level requirement, but 40+ total level helps).
- XP Rate: Up to 10,000 Attack XP per hour with efficient play.
- How-to: Collect soul fragments or assist in non-damaging roles, then trade Zeal for Attack XP.
Warriors’ Guild Catapult Room
The Warriors’ Guild catapult minigame lets you train Defence without HP, but with a twist, you can use certain setups to trickle Attack XP.
- Requirements: 65 Attack + Strength combined.
- XP Rate: Roughly 3,000–5,000 Defence XP per hour, with minor Attack XP possible via specific gear.
- How-to: Use the catapult room and adjust your combat style to prioritize Attack XP minimally.
This is more of a Defence-focused method, but it’s a low-HP option worth mentioning.
Using Experience Lamps and Books
OSRS offers various XP lamps and books as rewards from activities, which can be applied to Attack without affecting HP. These are scattered across the game and ideal for topping off levels.
Notable Sources of XP Rewards
- Random Events: Completing old-school random events (if they appear) can yield lamps for Attack XP.
- Digsite Lamps: From cleaning finds at the Varrock Museum, these give small XP boosts (e.g., 500 XP per lamp).
- Tomes of Experience (Shayzien Combat Manuals): Earned from Organized Crime on Zeah, these grant 1,000–3,000 Attack XP per book. Requires some combat, so use recoil or safespots.
Maximizing Lamp Usage
Save lamps for when you’re close to a level-up to avoid wasting XP. Combine them with quest rewards for efficient progression.
Sample Training Plan for Attack Without HP
Here’s a step-by-step plan to reach a decent Attack level (e.g., 50) without gaining HP XP, combining the methods above.
Level 1–30: Questing Foundation
Start with Waterfall Quest (13,750 XP) to hit 30 Attack instantly. Follow with Vampyre Slayer (4,825 XP) and smaller quests like The Grand Tree (7,900 XP) to push past 20,000 total XP.
Level 30–40: Early Minigames and Lamps
Use Pest Control barricade repairs for steady XP (around 10,000–15,000 total) and supplement with Digsite lamps or random event rewards to reach 40.
Level 40–50: Advanced Methods
Switch to Soul Wars for faster XP (20,000–30,000 total) and use Shayzien combat manuals from Organized Crime to close the gap to 50 Attack.
Method | Attack XP | Requirements | HP XP Risk |
---|---|---|---|
Waterfall Quest | 13,750 | None | None |
Pest Control Repairs | 2,000–3,000/hr | 40 Combat | None |
Soul Wars Zeal | Up to 10,000/hr | 40+ Total Level | Minimal (avoid combat) |
Tomes of Experience | 1,000–3,000/book | Combat access | Minimal (use recoil) |
Scaling Beyond 50
For higher levels (60+), rely heavily on Soul Wars and stack additional quest XP from harder quests like Fight Arena. The XP rates slow down, so patience is key.
Training Attack without HP XP in OSRS is a niche but rewarding challenge. By leveraging quests, minigames, and XP rewards, you can build a powerful low-HP account tailored to your goals. Whether you’re crafting a pure for PvP or just experimenting, these methods will get you there. Start with quests for a strong base, then mix in minigames and lamps to fine-tune your progress. Happy training, and enjoy your unique OSRS journey!