OSRS 40 Attack Weapons: The Ultimate Guide to Your Mid-Level Melee Options
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers a vast array of weapons for players to wield, and reaching 40 Attack opens up some exciting melee options. Whether you’re a pure focusing on specific combat stats, a main account progressing through the game, or an ironman looking for efficient gear, choosing the right weapon at this level can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll explore the best OSRS 40 Attack weapons, their stats, how to obtain them, and why they’re worth your time. Let’s dive into the world of mid-level melee combat and find the perfect weapon for your adventures in Gielinor!
Reaching 40 Attack in OSRS is a significant milestone. It unlocks access to Rune-tier weapons, which are a step up from the Mithril and Adamant gear you’ve been using. This level is especially critical for pures who cap their Attack at 40 to maximize Strength or other stats without gaining too many combat levels. For general players, it’s a gateway to stronger equipment that can handle tougher foes, from Slayer tasks to early bossing. The weapons available at this level strike a balance between accessibility, power, and utility, making them ideal for mid-game progression.
Understanding Attack Requirements
In OSRS, your Attack level determines the quality of weapons you can equip. At 40 Attack, you’re no longer limited to lower-tier metals like Steel or Mithril. Instead, you can wield Rune weapons, which offer superior bonuses and damage potential. This leap enhances your accuracy in melee combat, allowing you to hit more consistently against enemies with moderate defense.
The Role of Weapon Types
Melee weapons in OSRS come in three attack styles: Stab, Slash, and Crush. Each type excels against specific enemy weaknesses—Stab for chainmail, Slash for cloth or leather, and Crush for platemail. At 40 Attack, you’ll want a mix of these styles to adapt to various combat scenarios, whether you’re training, questing, or fighting monsters.
Top OSRS 40 Attack Weapons
Here’s where the fun begins! Below are the standout weapons you can wield at 40 Attack, complete with their stats, acquisition methods, and use cases. These options cater to different playstyles and budgets, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Rune Scimitar: The All-Rounder
The Rune Scimitar is arguably the most iconic and versatile weapon at 40 Attack. Known for its fast attack speed (4 ticks, or 2.4 seconds per hit), it’s a favorite for training and general combat.
- Stats: +45 Slash, +44 Strength
- How to Get: Smith it with 90 Smithing (2 Rune Bars) or buy it from the Grand Exchange (~20k GP).
- Best For: Training at Sand Crabs, Slayer tasks, or PvP on a 40 Attack pure.
Its high Slash bonus and quick hits make it ideal for dealing consistent damage, especially when paired with Strength-boosting gear like the Amulet of Strength.
Brine Sabre: The Hidden Gem
The Brine Sabre is a lesser-known but powerful alternative to the Rune Scimitar. With slightly better stats and a unique special attack, it’s a fantastic choice for players willing to go off the beaten path.
- Stats: +47 Slash, +46 Strength
- Special Attack: Liquefy (50% energy) – Deals increased damage underwater.
- How to Get: Rare drop from Brine Rats (requires 47 Slayer and partial completion of Olaf’s Quest).
- Best For: PvM enthusiasts or collectors seeking a niche weapon.
While its special attack is situational (only usable underwater), the Brine Sabre’s base stats edge out the Rune Scimitar, making it a solid pick for raw damage output.
Rune Sword: The Stab Specialist
For enemies weak to Stab, the Rune Sword shines with its focused attack style and decent Strength bonus.
- Stats: +45 Stab, +39 Strength
- How to Get: Smith it with 89 Smithing (1 Rune Bar) or purchase from the Grand Exchange (~15k GP).
- Best For: Stab-weak monsters like certain Slayer targets (e.g., Kalphites).
Though slower than the Scimitar (5 ticks), it’s a budget-friendly option for diversifying your arsenal.
Hill Giant Club: The Crush King
If Crush is what you need, the Hill Giant Club delivers with impressive stats for a 40 Attack weapon.
- Stats: +65 Crush, +50 Strength
- How to Get: Rare drop from Obor (accessible via a key from Hill Giants).
- Best For: PvM against Crush-weak foes or flexing a unique weapon.
Its slow speed (6 ticks) is a drawback, but the high Crush bonus makes it a niche powerhouse for specific encounters.
Comparing 40 Attack Weapons: Which Is Best?
To help you decide, here’s a quick comparison of these weapons based on key factors like speed, damage, and accessibility. Let’s break it down in a table:
| Weapon | Attack Style | Attack Bonus | Strength Bonus | Speed (Ticks) | Cost (GP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rune Scimitar | Slash | +45 | +44 | 4 | ~20k |
| Brine Sabre | Slash | +47 | +46 | 4 | ~300k |
| Rune Sword | Stab | +45 | +39 | 5 | ~15k |
| Hill Giant Club | Crush | +65 | +50 | 6 | ~600k |
Speed vs. Power: What to Prioritize
Faster weapons like the Rune Scimitar and Brine Sabre excel for training due to higher DPS (damage per second), while slower options like the Hill Giant Club offer burst damage for specific fights. If you’re grinding XP, stick to 4-tick weapons. For bossing or PvP, consider the trade-offs of higher Strength bonuses.
Budget Considerations
Newer players or those on a budget will find the Rune Scimitar and Rune Sword most accessible. The Brine Sabre and Hill Giant Club, while stronger, require more effort or gold to obtain, making them better for dedicated players or collectors.
How to Get These Weapons
Acquiring your 40 Attack weapon depends on your account type and playstyle. Here’s how to snag each one efficiently:
Smithing and Trading
The Rune Scimitar and Rune Sword are craftable with high Smithing (90 and 89, respectively), but most players buy them from the Grand Exchange. They’re affordable and widely available, perfect for quick equipping.
Farming Drops
The Brine Sabre and Hill Giant Club require combat effort. Brine Rats (47 Slayer) drop the Sabre at a 1/512 rate, so expect a grind unless you buy it (~300k GP). Obor drops the Hill Giant Club (1/118 rate), but you’ll need a Giant Key first, earned from Hill Giants.
Questing and Unlocks
No major quests unlock these specific weapons, but completing early Slayer tasks or mini-bosses like Obor can speed up your access. For pures, sticking to F2P options like the Rune Scimitar avoids membership hurdles.
Best Uses for 40 Attack Weapons
Now that you’ve got your weapon, where should you swing it? Here are the top scenarios for these 40 Attack beauties:
Training Spots
- Sand Crabs: Rune Scimitar or Brine Sabre for fast XP.
- Hill Giants: Hill Giant Club for Crush damage and bone drops.
- Al-Kharid Warriors: Rune Sword for Stab practice in F2P.
Slayer Tasks
At 40 Attack, you’re tackling mid-tier Slayer monsters. Use the Brine Sabre for Slash-weak foes like Rats or the Rune Sword for Stab-vulnerable targets like Kalphites. The Hill Giant Club crushes tasks like Ankous if you’re lucky enough to own it.
PvP for Pures
40 Attack pures thrive with the Rune Scimitar in Edgeville or the Wilderness. Its speed pairs well with Strength potions for quick knockouts. The Brine Sabre’s slight edge in stats can surprise opponents, though its special attack is rarely usable in PvP.
Early Bossing
Facing Obor or Bryophyta? The Hill Giant Club’s Crush bonus exploits their weaknesses, while the Rune Scimitar offers reliable DPS for solo runs. These weapons bridge the gap to higher-tier gear like the Dragon Scimitar (60 Attack).
With these OSRS 40 Attack weapons in your arsenal, you’re well-equipped to dominate mid-level content. The Rune Scimitar is your go-to for versatility, the Brine Sabre adds a premium edge, the Rune Sword fills the Stab niche, and the Hill Giant Club brings raw power. Pick your weapon, hit the training grounds, and carve your path through Gielinor!