How to Level Prayer in OSRS

How to Level Prayer in OSRS

Prayer is one of the most unique and rewarding skills in Old School RuneScape (OSRS). It grants players access to powerful combat buffs, protective abilities, and even utility effects that can make or break challenging encounters. However, leveling Prayer can feel daunting due to its high cost and resource-intensive methods. This guide will walk you through the most efficient ways to level Prayer in OSRS, covering free-to-play (F2P), members-only (P2P) methods, and budget-friendly tips to maximize your experience gains.

Prayer is a cornerstone skill for both PvM (Player vs Monster) and PvP (Player vs Player) activities. From boosting your combat stats to protecting you from deadly attacks, it’s a skill that scales with your account’s progression. Whether you’re a beginner tackling goblins or an endgame player facing raids, Prayer enhances your survivability and efficiency.

Key Benefits of High Prayer Levels

  • Combat Buffs: Prayers like Piety and Augury massively increase your damage output.
  • Protection Prayers: Block 100% of damage from specific attack styles in PvM.
  • Utility: Prayers like Preserve extend the duration of stat boosts.
  • Endgame Content: High-level prayers are essential for raids and bossing.

Getting Started with Prayer (Levels 1–30)

Early Prayer training is straightforward, especially for F2P players, as it relies on accessible methods like burying bones. For members, there are faster options that scale well into higher levels. Here’s how to kick things off efficiently.

Burying Bones (F2P and P2P)

The simplest way to train Prayer is by burying bones dropped by monsters. In F2P, kill low-level enemies like chickens, goblins, or cows to gather bones. Each bone buried grants 4.5 Prayer XP.

  • Best Spot for F2P: Lumbridge chicken pens or Goblin Village.
  • Tip: Bank bones to bury them in bulk for faster XP.

Big Bones for Faster Gains

Once you’re comfortable, hunt for big bones by killing hill giants in the Edgeville Dungeon (F2P-accessible). Big bones give 15 XP each, making them a decent step up from regular bones.

Bone Type XP per Bone Best Source
Bones 4.5 Chickens, Goblins
Big Bones 15 Hill Giants

Questing for Early Levels

Quests are a fantastic way to jumpstart your Prayer XP without grinding. These quests are beginner-friendly and reward Prayer experience:

Completing these can push you to level 20–30 with minimal effort.

Efficient Prayer Training for Members (Levels 30–70)

Members have access to significantly faster Prayer training methods, particularly through the Gilded Altar and Ensouled Heads. These methods balance cost and speed, making them ideal for mid-level accounts.

Using the Gilded Altar

The Gilded Altar, found in a player-owned house (POH), is the most popular Prayer training method. With two lit burners, it grants 350% XP compared to burying bones. You can use someone else’s altar via the World 330 Rimmington portal or build your own at level 75 Construction.

  • Recommended Bones:
    • Dragon Bones: 72 XP each (252 XP with altar).
    • Wyrm Bones: 50 XP each (175 XP with altar).
  • Cost vs. Speed: Dragon bones are pricier but offer the fastest XP per hour (up to 1M XP/hr).
  • Tip: Wear a bone-saving item like the Zealot’s Robes to reduce bone consumption by 5%.

Ensouled Heads for Budget Training

Ensouled Heads are a cost-effective alternative for members with 60 Magic (for Reanimate spells from the Arceuus spellbook). Kill monsters, collect their heads, and reanimate them to fight for Prayer XP.

  • Best Heads:
  • Where to Train: Arceuus House or a safe spot like the Dark Altar.
  • Pro Tip: Combine with Slayer tasks to earn XP and profit simultaneously.

Endgame Prayer Training (Levels 70–99)

Reaching level 99 Prayer is a long-term goal, but the rewards—like unlocking Piety, Rigour, or Augury—are worth it. At this stage, you’ll focus on maximizing XP per hour while managing costs.

Superior Dragon Bones

Superior dragon bones, dropped by Vorkath and other high-level dragons, give 150 XP each (525 XP with a Gilded Altar). They’re the fastest way to 99 Prayer, offering up to 1.5M XP per hour.

  • Cost: Expect 10–12M GP per 1M XP.
  • Tip: Farm Vorkath for bones to offset costs.

Chaos Altar in the Wilderness

For the daring, the Chaos Altar in level 38 Wilderness offers 700% XP per bone (double the Gilded Altar) but comes with PKer risks. Use a suicide method: bring bones, offer them, die, and repeat.

  • Pros: Half the bone cost of Gilded Altar.
  • Cons: High risk of losing gear to PKers.
  • Safety Tip: Use a low-value alt account or scout the area first.

Cost-Saving Tips and Tricks

Prayer training can drain your GP fast, so here are ways to stretch your budget without sacrificing too much speed.

Farming Your Own Bones

Instead of buying bones, grind them yourself. Popular spots include:

  • Green Dragons: Drop dragon bones (Wilderness or Myths’ Guild).
  • Blue Dragons: Safe spot in Taverley Dungeon.
  • Lava Dragons: High risk, high reward in deep Wilderness.

Bonecrusher and Ectofuntus

The Bonecrusher (from Morytania Hard Diary) automatically buries bones for XP during combat, saving inventory space. Alternatively, the Ectofuntus in Morytania grants 400% XP per bone but is slower than a Gilded Altar.

Method XP Multiplier Pros Cons
Gilded Altar 350% Fast, safe Expensive
Chaos Altar 700% Cheapest Risky
Ectofuntus 400% Cost-efficient Slow

Maximizing XP Efficiency

Use these strategies to get the most out of every bone:

  • Prayer Potions: Restore points to keep training without breaks.
  • Skilling Outfits: Equip the First Age outfit for a 6% XP boost.
  • Clan Events: Join Prayer training events for shared altars and tips.

Final Thoughts on Leveling Prayer

Training Prayer in OSRS is a journey that rewards patience and planning. Whether you’re a F2P player burying bones or a P2P veteran offering superior dragon bones at the Chaos Altar, there’s a method for every budget and playstyle. Start with quests and low-cost bones, transition to the Gilded Altar or Ensouled Heads, and aim for endgame efficiency with superior bones or Wilderness methods. With the right approach, you’ll unlock game-changing prayers and dominate combat scenarios.

Focus on balancing cost and speed, and don’t shy away from farming your own resources to save GP. Prayer may be expensive, but its impact on your OSRS experience is priceless. Happy training!