Most AFK Skilling Methods in OSRS: Top Ways to Train with Minimal Effort

Most AFK Skilling Methods in OSRS: Top Ways to Train with Minimal Effort


Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a game that rewards dedication, but not every player has the time to stay glued to their screen. For those looking to level up their skills while multitasking—whether you’re watching a show, working, or just relaxing—AFK (Away From Keyboard) skilling methods are a game-changer. In this guide, we’ll dive into the most AFK skilling methods in OSRS, offering low-effort ways to train your skills efficiently. Whether you’re chasing XP, profit, or just a more laid-back experience, these methods will help you progress without constant attention.

OSRS is known for its grind, with skills often requiring hours of repetitive tasks. AFK skilling lets you balance real-life responsibilities with in-game progress. These methods typically involve minimal clicks, long action timers, or passive activities, making them perfect for players who want to train without being fully engaged. Plus, many AFK methods double as money-makers, giving you a practical edge.

Benefits of AFK Skilling

  • Time Efficiency: Train skills while doing other activities.
  • Low Stress: Avoid the intensity of high-focus methods.
  • Profit Potential: Some methods generate gold alongside XP.

Who Should Use AFK Methods?

AFK skilling suits casual players, mobile users, or anyone with a busy schedule. It’s also ideal for Ironmen who need sustainable, low-input training options. Let’s explore the top AFK methods across various skills.

Top AFK Combat Training Methods

OSRS Top 20 Best AFK Skilling Methods NovaMMO

Combat skills like Attack, Strength, Defence, Ranged, and Magic can be notoriously click-intensive, but there are ways to make them AFK-friendly. These methods often rely on safe spots, auto-retaliate, or minigames that handle the heavy lifting for you.

Nightmare Zone (NMZ)

Nightmare Zone is the king of AFK combat training. After completing quests like Vampyre Slayer or The Grand Tree, you can enter NMZ and fight bosses you’ve previously defeated. Using absorption potions and overloads, you can stay in combat for up to 20 minutes without logging out.

  • Requirements: Quest completions, decent combat stats (60+ recommended).
  • XP Rates: 50k–100k XP/hour depending on setup.
  • Profit: Points earned can be spent on imbues or resources.

Splashing for Magic

Splashing involves casting low-level Magic spells (like Fire Strike) on enemies with negative Magic defense, like rats or spiders. With auto-cast and a -65 Magic attack bonus (achievable with gear like the Cursed Goblin Staff), your spells “splash” and deal no damage, keeping you in combat indefinitely.

  • Requirements: Level 1 Magic, basic gear.
  • XP Rates: 10k–20k XP/hour.
  • Cost: Minimal rune costs.

Bandits in the Bandit Camp

Wearing a Saradomin or Zamorak item in the Bandit Camp (Pollnivneach) triggers constant aggression from level 57 bandits. With high Defence and Guthan’s armor or a prayer setup, you can AFK melee combat for up to 20 minutes per session.

  • Requirements: 40+ combat stats, Desert Treasure progress.
  • XP Rates: 30k–60k XP/hour.
  • Profit: Minor loot like coins and gems.

Best AFK Gathering Skills

OSRS Top 20 Best AFK Skilling Methods NovaMMO

Gathering skills like Woodcutting, Fishing, and Mining are natural fits for AFK training due to their repetitive nature. These methods let you click once and wait, making them some of the most AFK-friendly skills in OSRS.

Redwood Trees (Woodcutting)

Redwoods in the Woodcutting Guild offer long chopping times per log, ideal for AFK Woodcutting. At level 90, you can settle in with a dragon axe and let the XP roll in.

  • Requirements: 90 Woodcutting, 60 Farming for guild access.
  • XP Rates: 60k–70k XP/hour.
  • Profit: 50k–100k GP/hour from logs.

Barbarian Fishing

Barbarian Fishing at Otto’s Grotto combines Fishing with Strength and Agility XP. Using a barbarian rod and feathers, you can fish leaping trout, salmon, and sturgeon with minimal interaction—perfect for AFK gains.

  • Requirements: 48 Fishing, 15 Strength, 15 Agility.
  • XP Rates: 30k–50k Fishing XP/hour, plus bonus Strength/Agility XP.
  • Profit: Fish can be cooked or sold.

Seren Stones (Mining)

Found in Prifddinas, Seren Stones are a zero-profit, high-AFK Mining method. They deplete slowly and require little attention, making them a favorite for players aiming for 99 Mining.

  • Requirements: 89 Mining, Plague’s End quest.
  • XP Rates: 100k–120k XP/hour.
  • Profit: None (corrupted ore is untradeable).

Most AFK Artisan Skills

Artisan skills like Cooking, Fletching, and Crafting often involve banking and clicking, but certain methods turn them into AFK goldmines. These are great for players who want to craft while chilling.

Cooking Karambwans

Cooking raw karambwans in a bank (like Rogue’s Den) is incredibly AFK. With the fish barrel and a decent Cooking level, you can cook full inventories in about 45 seconds each, requiring only occasional clicks.

  • Requirements: 30 Cooking, Tai Bwo Wannai Trio quest.
  • XP Rates: 150k–190k XP/hour.
  • Profit: Small profit or break-even depending on market.

Fletching Longbows

Fletching unstrung longbows at a bank is a classic AFK method. Cut logs into shafts, then string them into bows—each inventory takes around 45 seconds to process.

  • Requirements: 10 Fletching (scales with level).
  • XP Rates: 50k–100k XP/hour at higher levels.
  • Profit: Varies; high-level bows like yew or magic can net 50k–200k GP/hour.

Crafting Battlestaves

At the Grand Exchange or a bank with a staff shop nearby, crafting battlestaves (e.g., air battlestaves) offers decent XP and profit with low effort. Buy orbs and staves, combine them, and repeat.

  • Requirements: 54 Crafting (for air battlestaves).
  • XP Rates: 80k–100k XP/hour.
  • Profit: 50k–150k GP/hour.

Passive and Unique AFK Skilling Options

Beyond traditional skills, OSRS offers passive or unconventional AFK methods that don’t fit neatly into combat, gathering, or artisan categories. These are perfect for long-term gains with almost no input.

Birdhouse Runs (Hunter)

Birdhouse runs are the ultimate passive Hunter method. Set up birdhouses on Fossil Island every 50 minutes, then return to collect XP and loot. It’s not fully AFK while running, but the downtime between runs is hands-off.

  • Requirements: 5 Hunter, Bone Voyage quest.
  • XP Rates: 20k–40k XP/hour (averaged over time).
  • Profit: Nests and seeds can yield 50k–100k GP/run.

Maniacal Monkeys (Hunter)

Hunting maniacal monkeys in Kruk’s Dungeon is a more active AFK Hunter method. Set one trap with bananas, and each catch nets 1,000 XP—great for mid-to-high-level training.

Farming Herb Runs

Farming isn’t fully AFK, but herb runs are a passive powerhouse. Plant herbs like ranarr or toadflax, check back after 70–80 minutes, and harvest. With multiple patches, this scales beautifully.

  • Requirements: 9 Farming (scales with level).
  • XP Rates: 5k–20k XP/run.
  • Profit: 100k–500k GP/run depending on herb prices.

Comparison Table of Top AFK Methods

Method Skill Min. Level XP/Hour Profit/Hour
Nightmare Zone Combat 60+ 50k–100k Points-based
Redwood Trees Woodcutting 90 60k–70k 50k–100k GP
Barbarian Fishing Fishing 48 30k–50k Minor
Cooking Karambwans Cooking 30 150k–190k Break-even
Birdhouse Runs Hunter 5 20k–40k 50k–100k GP

With these most AFK skilling methods in OSRS, you can level up efficiently while keeping your focus elsewhere. From combat in NMZ to passive herb runs, there’s an option for every playstyle. Pick your favorite, set it up, and watch your skills grow with minimal effort!