How to Train Magic in OSRS: A Complete Guide for Beginners and Pros

Training Magic in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is one of the most versatile and rewarding skills to master. Whether you’re looking to teleport across Gielinor, blast enemies with powerful spells, or enchant items for profit, Magic offers endless possibilities. This guide will walk you through the best methods to train Magic efficiently, from level 1 to 99, while optimizing your time and gold. Let’s dive into how to train Magic in OSRS with step-by-step strategies, tips, and tricks!
Magic isn’t just about combat—it’s a utility skill that unlocks teleports, alchemy, and item enchanting, making it essential for both PvM (Player vs Monster) and skilling. Plus, high Magic levels open up lucrative money-making methods and bossing opportunities. Here’s why you should prioritize Magic:
- Faster Travel: Teleport spells like Varrock Teleport save hours of walking.
- Combat Power: Spells like Fire Blast or Iban’s Blast shred enemies.
- Profit: High Alchemy and enchanting jewelry can rake in millions.
Understanding Magic XP Basics
Magic XP in OSRS is gained by casting spells, with experience varying based on the spell’s level and type (combat, utility, or teleports). Combat spells give both Magic and Hitpoints XP when they deal damage, while utility spells like Alchemy focus solely on Magic XP. Knowing this split is key to choosing the right training method.
Best Magic Training Methods for Levels 1-55
Early Magic levels are all about building a foundation without breaking the bank. Here are the best ways to train Magic from level 1 to 55.
Levels 1-13: Basic Combat Spells
Start with Wind Strike (unlocked at level 1) and target low-level monsters like chickens or cows in Lumbridge. Equip a Staff of Air to save on air runes, and grab some mind runes from the Magic tutor in Lumbridge. This method is free-to-play friendly and gets you to level 13 fast.
- XP Rate: ~5k-10k XP/hour
- Cost: Minimal (just mind runes)
Levels 13-43: Splashing
Splashing is a popular AFK method where you cast combat spells like Fire Strike on an enemy, but your accuracy is so low (due to negative Magic bonuses) that the spell “splashes” and deals no damage. Wear gear like full iron armor and a cursed goblin staff (-65 Magic attack bonus). Target rats in Lumbridge or Varrock sewers.
- XP Rate: ~20k-30k XP/hour
- Cost: Cheap runes (fire, air, mind)
- Tip: Check your Magic attack bonus is below -65 to ensure splashing works.
Levels 43-55: Teleporting
Once you hit level 43, spam Varrock Teleport (1 law, 3 air, 1 fire rune) for quick XP. This costs more but is faster than splashing and doubles as a way to restock supplies in Varrock. Pair it with a Staff of Air to cut rune costs.
- XP Rate: ~30k-40k XP/hour
- Cost: ~100-150 gp per cast
Efficient Magic Training from 55-99
Reaching level 55 unlocks High Alchemy, a game-changer for Magic training. From here, you can choose combat, utility, or hybrid methods to hit 99. Let’s break it down.
Levels 55-70: High Alchemy
High Alchemy (1 nature, 5 fire runes) converts items into coins, granting 65 XP per cast. Buy profitable items like yew longbows or rune items from the Grand Exchange, alch them, and offset costs with the gold gained. Use a Staff of Fire to save runes.
- XP Rate: ~60k-80k XP/hour
- Cost: Varies (can break even or profit with smart buys)
- Pro Tip: Use an alch calculator to find items with minimal loss.
Levels 70-99: Bursting or Barraging
For faster XP, switch to multi-target spells like Ice Burst (level 70) or Ice Barrage (level 94) in places like Monkey Madness II tunnels or the Nightmare Zone. Dust runes (for Burst) or blood runes (for Barrage) are pricey, but the XP rates are unmatched.
- XP Rate: ~150k-250k XP/hour (Bursting), ~300k-400k XP/hour (Barraging)
- Cost: Millions of gp (high rune cost)
- Gear: Void Knight equipment or Ahrim’s robes boost efficiency.
Alternative: Stun-Alching
For a hybrid approach, cast Stun (level 80) on an enemy, then High Alchemy while waiting for the spell timer. This stacks combat and utility XP but requires focus and good gear (e.g., Trident of the Seas).
- XP Rate: ~100k-120k XP/hour
- Cost: Moderate (nature runes + weapon charges)
Money-Making While Training Magic
Why not profit while you train? These methods blend XP gains with gold, perfect for players who want to fund their OSRS adventures.
Enchanting Jewelry
Spells like Lvl-5 Enchant (level 68) turn dragonstone jewelry into combat amulets or rings of wealth. Buy dragonstone items, enchant them, and sell for profit. Check GE prices daily for margins.
- XP Rate: ~50k-70k XP/hour
- Profit: ~200k-500k gp/hour
Plank Make (Lunar Spellbook)
At level 86, switch to the Lunar Spellbook and use Plank Make to turn logs into planks. Mahogany logs yield the best profit, and you’ll earn decent Magic XP too.
- XP Rate: ~80k-100k XP/hour
- Profit: ~300k-600k gp/hour
Magic Training Gear and Inventory Setup
The right gear and inventory can make or break your training efficiency. Here’s a breakdown of what to use at different stages.
Recommended Gear
Level Range | Gear | Notes |
---|---|---|
1-55 | Staff of Air/Fire, Iron Armor (for splashing) | Cheap and effective for early levels |
55-70 | Mystic Robes, Staff of Fire | Boosts Magic bonus for High Alch |
70-99 | Ahrim’s Set, Trident of the Seas/Swamp | Maximize damage for bursting |
Inventory Setup
- Splashing: Runes (fire, air, mind), food (optional).
- High Alch: Nature runes, fire staff, alchable items.
- Bursting: Dust runes, prayer potions, food, teleport runes.
Tips to Optimize Your Magic Training
Training Magic efficiently requires more than just casting spells. Here are some pro tips to level up faster and save resources:
Use Rune-Saving Items
Elemental staves (Air, Fire, etc.) or combination runes (e.g., smoke runes) cut costs significantly. For high-level spells, a Kodai Wand (level 75) provides unlimited water runes and a chance to save runes per cast.
Leverage Quests for Early Levels
Quests like Witch’s Potion (300 XP) and Imp Catcher (875 XP) give free Magic XP to skip the early grind. Aim for these before grinding combat spells.
Combine Training with Goals
Pair Magic with other skills or goals—like alching while training Agility, or bursting for Slayer tasks—to maximize your time in-game.
Training Magic in OSRS is a journey that rewards patience and strategy. Whether you’re splashing for AFK gains, alching for profit, or barraging for top-tier XP, there’s a method for every playstyle. Start with the basics, scale up as you level, and soon you’ll be teleporting across Gielinor or blasting bosses with ease. What’s your favorite Magic training method? Let us know, and happy scaping!