OSRS 1-99 Magic Guide for Fast and Efficient Leveling

Magic is one of the most versatile and essential skills in Old School RuneScape (OSRS). Whether you’re aiming to dominate in PvP, tackle end-game PvM like Kraken or Zulrah, or simply teleport across Gielinor with ease, leveling Magic to 99 is a game-changer. This comprehensive OSRS 1-99 Magic guide covers the fastest, cheapest, and most profitable pathways to help you achieve the coveted Magic Skillcape. From early questing to high-level bursting, we’ll explore methods for all playstyles, including F2P, P2P, and Ironman accounts.
Magic is a core combat skill that unlocks powerful spells, teleports, and utility abilities. Leveling it enhances your Magic accuracy, increases max hits, and boosts Magical Defence (70% of which comes from your Magic level). Here’s why you should prioritize Magic:
- Combat Power: Spells like Fire Surge and Ice Barrage are devastating in PvP and PvM.
- Utility: Teleports, alchemy, and enchanting spells streamline gameplay.
- Bossing: Magic is key for bosses like Kraken, Zulrah, and Vorkath.
- Accessibility: Magic training can be affordable, AFK, or even profitable.
Getting Started: Early Levels (1-10)
Questing for Quick XP
The fastest way to kickstart your Magic journey is through quests that reward Magic XP. These are beginner-friendly, have low requirements, and get you to level 10 in minutes. Complete the following quests:
Quest | Magic XP | Level Achieved | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Witch’s Potion | 325 | 1 → 4 | No requirements, takes 5 minutes. |
Imp Catcher | 875 | 4 → 10 | Buy beads on Grand Exchange for speed. |
These quests provide 1,200 XP, enough to reach level 10 instantly. For F2P players, this is the best starting point, as it skips the slow grind of early combat spells.
Combat Training (Levels 1-7)
If you prefer combat over questing, use Wind Strike (requires 1 Air Rune, 1 Mind Rune) on low-level NPCs like chickens or cows in Lumbridge. Equip a Staff of Air to eliminate Air Rune costs. This method yields ~5.5 XP per cast and is dirt cheap, but it’s slower than questing.
Fastest Pathway to 99 Magic (Expensive)
For players with deep pockets, the fastest route to 99 Magic takes around 27 hours but costs approximately 102M GP. This method focuses on high-XP spells and multi-target combat.
Levels 10-34: Enchanting Bolts
At level 7, unlock Lvl-1 Enchant to enchant sapphire jewelry or opal bolts. However, at level 34, switch to Enchant Crossbow Bolt spells for topaz bolts, which offer 181,500 XP/hour. This method is click-intensive but can be sped up with 1-tick enchanting (cast every game tick by holding the spacebar and clicking rapidly). Costs are high due to rune and bolt prices, but XP rates are excellent.
Levels 34-70: Enchanting Progression
Continue enchanting bolts, progressing through the following spells:
- Level 49 (Ruby Bolts): 324,500 XP/hour
- Level 57 (Diamond Bolts): 368,500 XP/hour
- Level 68 (Dragonstone Bolts): 429,000 XP/hour
Use a mud battlestaff to reduce rune costs. Note that 1-tick enchanting is unsustainable long-term due to high costs and low buy limits on bolts.
Levels 70-99: Ice Bursting/Barraging
After completing Desert Treasure to unlock the Ancient Magicks spellbook, use Ice Burst (level 70) or Ice Barrage (level 94) in multi-combat areas. The best spot is the Maniacal Monkeys in the Monkey Madness II tunnels, offering 200,000–300,000 XP/hour. Equip an Occult Necklace (+10% Magic damage) and a Harmonised Nightmare Staff for faster casting. Costs are steep (3.5–5 GP/XP), totaling 50M–70M to 99, but the XP rates are unmatched.
Fast and Cheap Pathway (Balanced)
This pathway takes ~45 hours and costs ~35M GP, balancing speed and affordability. It’s ideal for most players who want efficiency without breaking the bank.
Levels 10-43: Safe-Spotting Monsters
Use Fire Strike to safe-spot Ice Giants or Fire Giants in the Waterfall Dungeon. Equip a Staff of Fire and basic Magic gear (Wizard’s Robe, Amulet of Magic). This yields 20,000–30,000 XP/hour and is cost-effective with elemental staves. Switch to Fire Bolt at level 35 for better damage.
Levels 43-55: Superheat Item
Cast Superheat Item on iron or steel bars to gain 53 XP per cast and Smithing XP. This method offers 50,000–60,000 XP/hour and is semi-AFK. Use a Staff of Fire to reduce rune costs. Check the Grand Exchange to ensure bars are profitable or break even.
Levels 55-75: High Alchemy
Unlock High Level Alchemy at level 55 for 65 XP per cast and up to 78,000 XP/hour. Alch items like Adamant Platebodies or Green D’Hide Bodies for small profits. Use the OSRS Wiki to find profitable items, as margins fluctuate. This is click-intensive but can be combined with teleports for variety.
Levels 75-99: Bursting or Plank Make
Switch to Ice Burst at level 75 in the Catacombs of Kourend, targeting Dust Devils or Nechryaels (requires 80 Slayer). This offers 150,000–200,000 XP/hour and decent loot to offset costs. Alternatively, use Plank Make (Lunar Spellbook, level 86) for 90 XP per cast and 100,000–120,000 XP/hour. Plank Make can profit 10M to 99 if you buy logs and sell planks strategically.
AFK and Profitable Pathway
For a relaxed grind, this pathway takes ~100 hours, costs ~19M, and can even turn a profit. It’s perfect for players who want to multitask or play casually.
Levels 10-55: Splashing
Splashing involves casting combat spells (e.g., Curse at level 19) on NPCs with negative Magic bonuses to deal zero damage, allowing continuous casting for 20 minutes without interaction. Use gear with -65 Magic attack (e.g., full iron armor, green d’hide vambraces) and a Staff of Air. Target chickens in Port Sarim for 20,000–30,000 XP/hour. This is F2P-friendly and nearly free.
Levels 55-80: High Alchemy and Teleports
Alternate High Alchemy with teleport spells like Camelot Teleport (45 Magic, 55,600 XP/hour) for 70,000–80,000 XP/hour. This is semi-AFK and profitable if you alch high-volume items. Use a Staff of Air to minimize rune costs.
Levels 80-99: String Jewellery
Unlock String Jewellery (Lunar Spellbook, level 80) for 150,000–160,000 XP/hour. Cast it on gold amulets for 83 XP per cast, enchanting an entire inventory in one click. This costs ~4 GP/XP but can break even or profit slightly with smart Grand Exchange trades. It’s more AFK than High Alchemy and ideal for multitasking.
F2P and Ironman Considerations
F2P Magic Training
F2P players face limited spellbooks and gear but can still reach 99 efficiently. After questing to level 10, use Fire Strike on Hill Giants or Moss Giants in Varrock Sewers for 20,000–30,000 XP/hour. At level 55, switch to High Alchemy with profitable items like Rune Med Helms. Splashing is also viable for AFK training. Equip a Wizard’s Hat, Zamorak Robe Bottom, and Amulet of Magic for optimal accuracy.
Ironman Magic Training
Ironmen should prioritize Slayer for passive Magic XP, as rune acquisition is challenging. Early on, splash or safe-spot crabs (Sand Crabs or Ammonite Crabs) with Fire Strike. At level 57, use Lvl-4 Enchant in the Enchanting Chamber (Mage Training Arena) for free XP with a mud battlestaff. Bursting Slayer tasks like Dust Devils or Nechryaels is the fastest route from 70-99, supplemented by drops for runes.
Key Tips for All Players
- Gear Up: Use an Occult Necklace (level 70) and Kodai Wand (level 75) for better XP rates.
- Quest Unlocks: Complete Lunar Diplomacy and Desert Treasure for high-XP methods.
- Save Runes: Equip elemental staves (e.g., Staff of Fire) to reduce rune costs.
- Mix Methods: Alternate between AFK and active methods to avoid burnout.
- Check Prices: Use the OSRS Wiki or GE Tracker for profitable alching or enchanting.
Reaching 99 Magic in OSRS is a rewarding journey that opens up countless gameplay opportunities. Whether you choose the lightning-fast bursting route, the budget-friendly alchemy path, or the AFK splashing method, this guide provides a clear roadmap tailored to your goals. Start casting, and you’ll be wielding the Magic Skillcape in no time!