OSRS 99 Defence Cape: Your Ultimate Guide to Mastery

OSRS 99 Defence Cape: Your Ultimate Guide to Mastery


The 99 Defence Cape in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is more than just a stylish accessory—it’s a badge of honor for players who’ve mastered one of the game’s core combat skills. Achieving level 99 Defence is a testament to dedication, strategy, and a deep understanding of OSRS mechanics. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting your journey, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the 99 Defence Cape, from its perks to how to get it efficiently. Let’s dive into the world of Gielinor and explore why this cape is a must-have for any serious adventurer.

The 99 Defence Cape is a Cape of Accomplishment, awarded to players who reach level 99 in the Defence skill. In OSRS, skill capes like this one signify mastery and come with unique benefits, making them highly sought after. You can purchase the Defence Cape from Harlan, the Melee combat tutor, located near the Lumbridge General Store, for 99,000 coins. It’s a straightforward transaction, but getting to that point requires time and effort.

Key Features of the Defence Cape

This cape isn’t just for show—it offers practical advantages:

  • +9 Defence Bonus: Boosts all defensive stats, making you harder to hit.
  • +4 Prayer Bonus (Trimmed): If you’ve hit 99 in another skill, the cape trims automatically, adding this bonus.
  • Ring of Life Effect: When equipped, you can toggle an effect that teleports you to safety (Lumbridge or Ardougne with the medium Ardougne Diary) if your hitpoints drop below 10%, usable up to level 30 Wilderness.
  • Unique Emote: Perform a shield-based defensive display to flex your achievement.

Why Aim for 99 Defence?

Defence is a foundational combat skill that reduces enemy accuracy, allowing you to wear better armor and survive tougher fights. The 99 Defence Cape enhances this with its bonuses and utility, making it ideal for PvM (Player vs. Monster) activities like bossing or Slayer. Plus, it’s a status symbol—few things say “I’ve conquered OSRS” like a skill cape billowing behind you.

How to Get the 99 Defence Cape: Training Guide

Reaching level 99 Defence is a grind, but with the right methods, you can make it efficient and even enjoyable. Defence can be trained with any combat style—Melee, Ranged, or Magic—giving you flexibility. Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to get there.

Early Levels (1-40): Quests and Low-Level Training

Skip the slow early grind with quests that offer Defence XP:

  • Dragon Slayer: 18,650 Defence XP (requires 32 Quest Points).
  • Holy Grail: 15,300 Defence XP (needs 20 Attack and Merlin’s Crystal).
  • Waterfall Quest: 13,750 Attack and Strength XP (no requirements, but boosts combat overall).

After quests, train on low-level monsters like cows or chickens in Lumbridge, using the “Defence” combat style to focus XP on Defence.

Mid Levels (40-70): Nightmare Zone and Slayer

Once you’ve got some levels, step up your game:

  • Nightmare Zone (NMZ): Use Absorption potions and Overloads for AFK training. Fight bosses like Sand Snake or King Roald for steady XP (50k-70k/hour).
  • Slayer: Train Defence while earning profit from drops. Tasks like Dust Devils or Gargoyles work well with Melee setups.

High Levels (70-99): Efficient Methods

For the final push, maximize XP rates:

  • NMZ with Dharok’s: Equip Dharok’s armor, lower your HP, and hit 100k-150k XP/hour against bosses.
  • Ape Atoll Monkeys: Use the Monkey Madness teleport and prayer altar for 120k-180k XP/hour with piety.
  • Chinning/Bursting: In the Monkey Madness II tunnels, use Ranged or Magic AOE attacks for 200k+ XP/hour (Defence XP via shared combat).
Method XP/Hour Requirements
Nightmare Zone (AFK) 50k-70k Unlocked NMZ, Absorption potions
NMZ (Dharok’s) 100k-150k 70+ Defence, Dharok’s set
Ape Atoll 120k-180k Monkey Madness I, 43 Prayer
Chinning/Bursting 200k+ Monkey Madness II, 70+ Ranged/Magic

Best Gear for Training Defence to 99

Your gear setup can make or break your training efficiency. Here’s what to use at different stages.

Budget Gear (Levels 1-60)

For newer players or those on a budget:

  • Weapon: Dragon Scimitar (40 Attack) or Abyssal Whip (70 Attack).
  • Armor: Rune armor or Granite body for decent Defence bonuses.
  • Cape: Obsidian Cape (+9 Defence) until you unlock better options.

Endgame Gear (Levels 60-99)

For maximum efficiency:

  • Weapon: Abyssal Whip or Ghrazi Rapier (75 Attack).
  • Armor: Bandos Chestplate and Tassets (65 Defence) or full Dharok’s for NMZ.
  • Cape: Fire Cape (+11 Defence, +4 Strength) or Infernal Cape (+12 Defence, +8 Strength).

Accessories to Boost Training

Enhance your setup with these:

Benefits of the 99 Defence Cape in Gameplay

Once you’ve got the cape, it’s more than a trophy—it’s a tool. Here’s how it shines in OSRS.

PvM Advantages

The +9 Defence bonus stacks with high-end armor, making you a tank against bosses like Zulrah or the Nightmare. The Ring of Life effect can save your loot during risky fights, teleporting you out before death (though it won’t prevent hardcore Ironman deaths).

Fashion and Prestige

Let’s be honest—OSRS is about looking good while slaying. The Defence Cape’s sleek blue design (or trimmed cream accent) pairs well with any outfit. Its emote, featuring shield blocks, screams “I’m a master,” turning heads at the Grand Exchange.

Practical Utility

The toggleable teleport effect is a lifesaver in the Wilderness or deep dungeons. Plus, it stores in your costume room’s cape rack, freeing inventory space when not in use.

Tips and Tricks for Reaching 99 Defence Faster

Want to speed up your grind? Try these pro tips.

Leverage Quests and Diaries

Complete quests early for free XP, and unlock the Ardougne teleport option via the medium Ardougne Diary. It’s a small tweak that pays off in emergencies.

Optimize Your Combat Style

Use “Longrange” with Ranged or “Defensive” with Melee to funnel XP into Defence. Pair this with high-damage weapons to kill faster and earn more XP per hour.

Stock Up on Supplies

For NMZ or Ape Atoll, bring Prayer potions, Super Combat potions, and food (like Sharks). Overloads in NMZ boost your stats without extra inventory hassle.

Join a Clan or Community

Training can get lonely—join an OSRS clan for motivation, tips, or group Slayer tasks. Shared knowledge can shave hours off your journey.

Achieving the 99 Defence Cape in OSRS is a milestone that blends grind, strategy, and swagger. Whether you’re tanking bosses, flexing at the bank, or just enjoying the perks, this cape marks you as a Gielinor elite. Start your training today, equip the right gear, and soon you’ll be donning that iconic blue cape. What’s your next 99 goal? Let the journey continue!