Mastering 99 Strength in OSRS: Your Ultimate Guide to Maxing Out
Reaching 99 Strength in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a milestone every combat enthusiast dreams of. It’s not just about flexing your stats—it unlocks powerful combat potential, speeds up Slayer tasks, and makes you a force to be reckoned with in PvP. Whether you’re a newbie swinging a bronze sword or a seasoned player optimizing XP gains, this guide will walk you through the best methods, gear, and tips to hit that coveted 99 Strength. Let’s dive into the world of OSRS and power up your character!
Strength is one of the core combat skills in OSRS, directly influencing your max hit and overall damage output. Unlike Attack, which improves accuracy, or Defence, which boosts survivability, Strength is all about raw power. Here’s why it’s worth the grind:
Boost Your Combat Efficiency
With higher Strength, you’ll deal more damage per hit, making training other skills like Slayer or taking down bosses much faster. Imagine one-shotting goblins or cutting through Zulrah’s phases—99 Strength makes it possible.
Excel in PvP and PvM
In player-versus-player (PvP) scenarios, a high Strength stat can turn the tide of battle, especially with weapons like the Dragon Dagger or Granite Maul. For player-versus-monster (PvM), it’s essential for high-level bossing like the Theatre of Blood or Chambers of Xeric.
Bragging Rights and Achievement Diaries
Hitting 99 Strength isn’t just practical—it’s a badge of honor. Plus, it unlocks benefits like the Strength Cape’s perk (a handy boost to restore run energy) and contributes to completing elite Achievement Diaries.
Best Training Methods to Reach 99 Strength
The journey to 99 Strength involves millions of XP—over 13 million, to be exact. Your method depends on your budget, playstyle, and patience. Here are the top ways to train:
Low-Level Training (1-40)
Start simple. Grab a decent weapon like a Rune Scimitar and head to low-level monsters:
- Goblins (Lumbridge): Easy kills, no risk.
- Cows (Pasture near Lumbridge): Decent XP and cowhides for profit.
- Chickens (Falador Farm): Perfect for absolute beginners.
Aim for around 20-30 Strength before moving to tougher foes.
Mid-Level Grinding (40-70)
Once you’ve got some levels, step up your game:
- Hill Giants (Edgeville Dungeon): 70-100 XP per kill, plus big bones for Prayer XP.
- Rock Crabs (Rellekka): High HP, low Defence, and great XP (up to 50k/hr).
- Sand Crabs (Hosidius): Similar to Rock Crabs but on Zeah—around 60k XP/hr.
Use a Mithril or Adamant weapon here, and bring food for longer sessions.
High-Level Push (70-99)
Now it’s time to optimize. These methods balance XP and efficiency:
- Nightmare Zone (NMZ): With the right setup (Dharok’s gear, overloads, and absorption potions), you can hit 100k-200k XP/hr.
- Slayer Tasks: Train Strength while earning Slayer XP—use a Black Mask or Slayer Helm for bonus damage.
- Chinning (MM2 Tunnels): Expensive but fast—up to 300k XP/hr with red chinchompas.
Optimal Gear and Inventory Setup
Your equipment can make or break your training speed. Here’s what to aim for at different stages:
Budget Gear (1-60)
For early levels, keep it affordable:
| Slot | Item |
|---|---|
| Weapon | Rune Scimitar |
| Chest | Rune Chainbody |
| Legs | Rune Platelegs |
| Amulet | Amulet of Strength |
This setup maximizes Strength bonuses without breaking the bank.
Mid-Tier Gear (60-80)
Upgrade as your levels climb:
- Weapon: Dragon Scimitar or Abyssal Whip
- Chest: Fighter Torso (from Barbarian Assault)
- Amulet: Amulet of Glory
- Ring: Berserker Ring
These offer solid Strength bonuses and are accessible via quests or minigames.
Endgame Gear (80-99)
For the final stretch, go all out:
| Slot | Item |
|---|---|
| Weapon | Abyssal Dagger or Saradomin Sword |
| Chest | Dharok’s Platebody (NMZ) |
| Legs | Obsidian Platelegs |
| Cape | Fire Cape |
Pair this with potions like Super Strength or Overloads in NMZ for maximum gains.
Quests and Shortcuts to Boost Strength XP
Quests are a fantastic way to skip early grinding and gain XP fast. Here’s a rundown of must-do quests for Strength:
Early Game Quests
- Waterfall Quest: 13,750 Strength XP at level 1—boosts you straight to 30!
- The Grand Tree: 7,900 Strength XP, great for early levels.
- Fight Arena: 2,175 Strength XP, quick and easy.
Mid-to-High Level Quests
- Dragon Slayer I: 18,650 Strength XP—perfect around level 40.
- Monkey Madness I: 35,000 Strength XP (if you choose the Strength reward).
- A Taste of Hope: 2,500 Strength XP, plus access to better weapons.
Complete these early to cut down millions of XP from your grind.
Tips to Stay Motivated on the Road to 99
The grind to 99 Strength can take dozens, if not hundreds, of hours. Here’s how to keep going:
Set Milestones
Break the journey into chunks—aim for 50, 70, then 90. Celebrate each milestone with a new weapon or a fun PvP session.
Mix Up Methods
Don’t burn out on one spot. Rotate between NMZ, Slayer, and crabs to keep things fresh.
Track Your Progress
Use the Hiscores or a tracker like Crystal Math Labs to see how far you’ve come. Watching those XP numbers climb is oddly satisfying.
Join a Community
Chat with friends or join a clan. Sharing your progress (or flexing that 99 cape later) makes the grind social and fun.
Final Thoughts: Getting to 99 Strength in OSRS is a test of dedication, but the payoff is immense. Whether you’re smashing crabs, dominating NMZ, or questing your way up, every swing brings you closer to max power. Equip the right gear, pick your method, and stay consistent—you’ll be rocking that Strength Cape before you know it. What’s your favorite way to train Strength? Let us know!