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OSRS 40 Def Pure Guide: Build, Gear, and Training Tips for Success

Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers a variety of account builds for players to explore, and one of the most popular among PvP enthusiasts is the 40 Def Pure. This build strikes a balance between decent defensive capabilities and maintaining low combat levels for competitive edge in player-versus-player combat. Whether you’re new to OSRS or a seasoned player looking to optimize your pure, this guide covers everything you need to know about creating and mastering a 40 Def Pure. From stats and training methods to gear choices and combat strategies, let’s dive into the world of this unique account type.
A 40 Def Pure in OSRS is a specialized account build that caps its Defence level at 40 while maximizing offensive stats like Attack, Strength, and Ranged or Magic. This setup allows players to wear mid-tier armor like Mithril or Rune while keeping their combat level low enough to dominate in PvP brackets against other low-to-mid-level accounts. Unlike traditional pures with 1 Defence, the 40 Def Pure sacrifices some combat level efficiency for added survivability, making it a versatile choice for both PvP and certain PvE activities.
Why Choose a 40 Def Pure?
The appeal of a 40 Def Pure lies in its flexibility. With 40 Defence, you gain access to stronger armor and weapons without pushing your combat level too high. This makes it ideal for players who want a bit more durability in fights while still competing in the lower combat brackets of the Wilderness or PvP worlds.
Combat Level Considerations
Combat level is calculated based on a formula involving Attack, Strength, Defence, Hitpoints, Prayer, Ranged, and Magic. By capping Defence at 40, you can focus on boosting offensive stats without inflating your combat level excessively, keeping you competitive against other pures or low-level mains.
Building Your 40 Def Pure: Stats and Training
Creating a 40 Def Pure requires careful planning to optimize your stats while staying within the desired combat level range. Below, we’ll break down the ideal stat goals and training methods to get you started.
Ideal Stat Goals
Here’s a breakdown of the target stats for a typical 40 Def Pure:
- Attack: 40-60 (depending on weapon choice)
- Strength: 70-99 (maximize for damage output)
- Defence: 40 (the defining stat)
- Hitpoints: 60-80 (scales with combat training)
- Prayer: 13-43 (for key prayers like Protect Item or Eagle Eye)
- Ranged: 70-99 (optional, for hybrid builds)
- Magic: 70-94 (optional, for teleports or binding spells)
Training Methods for Defence
Reaching 40 Defence efficiently is key. Here are some top training spots:
- Rock Crabs: Low-level, high HP, and multi-combat—perfect for early Defence XP.
- Sand Crabs: Similar to Rock Crabs but on Zeah, offering a quieter alternative.
- Ammonite Crabs: Another Zeah option with slightly higher HP for faster XP.
- Quests: Complete quests like “Nature Spirit” or “The Grand Tree” for free Defence XP.
Stop training Defence at 40 to maintain the pure’s identity.
Boosting Offensive Stats
Once Defence is set, focus on Attack and Strength:
- Attack: Train to 40 for Rune weapons or 60 for Dragon weapons using Slayer tasks or controlled training at crabs.
- Strength: Push to 70+ with a Rune Scimitar or higher at Nightmare Zone or Bandits.
- Ranged/Magic: Use Slayer or Pest Control for Ranged, and High Alchemy or splashing for Magic.
Best Gear for a 40 Def Pure
Gear selection is critical for a 40 Def Pure, as it determines your effectiveness in combat. With 40 Defence, you unlock a range of armor and weapons that balance offence and defence.
Melee Gear Setup
For melee-focused builds, here’s an optimal setup:
Slot | Item | Notes |
---|---|---|
Head | Rune Full Helm | Best Defence at 40 |
Body | Rune Chainbody | Solid Defence, no Strength penalty |
Legs | Rune Platelegs | High Defence stats |
Weapon | Rune Scimitar | Fast, high Strength bonus |
Shield | Rune Kiteshield | Extra Defence for PvP |
Amulet | Amulet of Strength | Boosts melee damage |
Ranged Gear Setup
For hybrid or Ranged builds:
- Head: Coif or Robin Hood Hat (if affordable)
- Body: Black D’hide Body (requires 70 Ranged)
- Legs: Rune Platelegs (for Defence)
- Weapon: Magic Shortbow with Rune Arrows
- Amulet: Amulet of Accuracy or Power
Magic Gear Setup
For Magic support (e.g., binding or teleports):
- Head: Wizard Hat
- Body: Mystic Robes Top (if 40 Magic)
- Legs: Rune Platelegs
- Weapon: Staff of Air (for cost-effective casting)
- Amulet: Amulet of Magic
PvP Strategies for a 40 Def Pure
The 40 Def Pure shines in PvP due to its mix of survivability and damage output. Here’s how to make the most of it in the Wilderness or PvP worlds.
Combat Tactics
Success in PvP relies on smart play:
- Switching Styles: Use Melee for high hits and Ranged/Magic to kite or bind opponents.
- Prayer Usage: Toggle Protect from Melee or Range based on your opponent’s style.
- Food Management: Carry Sharks or better to outlast foes.
- Special Attacks: Equip a Dragon Dagger or Granite Maul for burst damage.
Target Selection
Pick fights wisely:
- Low-Level Pures: Your Defence gives you an edge over 1 Def accounts.
- Mains in Your Bracket: Watch for overleveled opponents with higher stats.
- Avoid Tanks: High Defence builds can stall your damage output.
Quests and Unlocks for a 40 Def Pure
Quests can fast-track your progress by granting XP and unlocking key items. Here are the must-do quests for a 40 Def Pure.
Recommended Quests
These quests provide Defence XP or useful rewards:
- The Fremennik Trials: Unlocks Rune Boots and some Defence XP.
- Holy Grail: Grants Prayer and Defence XP.
- Nature Spirit: Early Defence XP and access to Mort Myre.
- Monkey Madness I: Optional for Dragon Scimitar (requires careful XP management).
Useful Unlocks
Beyond quests, aim for these:
- Ava’s Accumulator: Boosts Ranged efficiency (requires 50 Ranged).
- Mithril Gloves: Best-in-slot gloves from Recipe for Disaster.
- Prayer Levels: Unlock Eagle Eye (43 Prayer) or Smite (52 Prayer, if combat level allows).
Building and mastering a 40 Def Pure in OSRS is a rewarding journey. With the right stats, gear, and strategies, you’ll dominate PvP encounters while enjoying a unique playstyle. Start training, gear up, and hit the Wilderness—your next victory awaits!