OSRS AFK Melee Training Guide for Efficient Leveling

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), training melee skills—Attack, Strength, and Defence—can be a grind, but AFK (Away From Keyboard) methods make it easier to level up while multitasking. Whether you’re a new player or a veteran looking to optimize your time, this guide covers the best AFK melee training methods to help you progress efficiently. From low-level crabs to high-level Nightmare Zone setups, we’ll explore locations, gear, requirements, and strategies to maximize your experience rates with minimal effort.

AFK melee training is ideal for players who want to progress their combat skills without constant attention to the game. It’s perfect for studying, working, or even watching a show while still gaining XP. These methods focus on fighting low-aggression, high-hitpoint monsters or using minigames that allow extended periods of inactivity. By choosing the right setup, you can achieve decent experience rates—often 50,000 to 150,000 XP per hour—while checking your screen only every few minutes.

Benefits of AFK Training

• Time Efficiency: Train while doing other tasks, maximizing productivity.
• Low Effort: Minimal clicking reduces fatigue compared to active methods like Slayer.
• Accessibility: Options exist for free-to-play (F2P), members (P2P), and Ironmen.
• Cost-Effective: Many methods require little to no investment in consumables.

Best AFK Melee Training Methods for Beginners

If you’re starting with low combat stats (levels 1–40), there are several beginner-friendly spots that offer solid XP while requiring little gear or setup. These methods are especially great for F2P players or those on fresh accounts.

Rock Crabs (Levels 1–40)

Located north of Rellekka, Rock Crabs are a classic choice for low-level AFK training. They have 50 Hitpoints, low Defence, and no significant offensive stats, making them easy to kill even with basic gear.

• Location: North of Rellekka (P2P).
• Requirements: None, though completing The Fremennik Trials helps with access.
• Gear: Iron or Steel Scimitar, basic armor (e.g., Iron or Steel).
• XP Rates: 10,000–20,000 XP/hour per skill.

Strategy: Find a spot with 2–3 crabs, attack one to make them aggressive, and let auto-retaliate do the work. Every 10 minutes, run 30 tiles away and return to reset their aggression. Bring a few pieces of food (e.g., trout) for safety at very low levels.

Sand Crabs (Levels 10–40)

Sand Crabs, found on the Hosidius coast or Crabclaw Isle, are similar to Rock Crabs but slightly better due to their accessibility and less crowded spots. They have 60 Hitpoints and remain aggressive for 10 minutes.

• Location: South of Hosidius or Crabclaw Isle (P2P, 5,000 coins for Isle).
• Requirements: None for Hosidius; 10,000 coins for Crabclaw Isle access.
• Gear: Mithril or Adamant Scimitar, matching armor.
• XP Rates: 15,000–25,000 XP/hour per skill.

Strategy: Stand near sand rocks to spawn crabs, attack to initiate combat, and reset aggression every 10 minutes. Crabclaw Isle is less crowded, ideal for uninterrupted training.

Mid-Level AFK Melee Training Options

Once you hit levels 40–70, you can move to more rewarding spots that offer better XP and sometimes profit. These methods suit players with decent gear and access to P2P content.

Ammonite Crabs (Levels 40–70)

Ammonite Crabs on Fossil Island are an upgrade from Sand Crabs, boasting 100 Hitpoints and better drops like fossils. They’re perfect for mid-level players seeking higher XP rates.

• Location: Northeast beach of Fossil Island (P2P).
• Requirements: Completion of Bone Voyage quest.
• Gear: Adamant or Rune Scimitar, full Rune armor, Amulet of Strength.
• XP Rates: 30,000–50,000 XP/hour per skill.

Strategy: Teleport to Fossil Island via Digsite Pendant, head to the beach, and find a spot with multiple crabs. Reset aggression every 10 minutes. Bring noted food and use the nearby bank if needed. Their higher HP means more consistent XP compared to lower-level crabs.

Flesh Crawlers (Levels 40–60, F2P)

For F2P players, Flesh Crawlers in the Stronghold of Security are a great AFK option. They deal only 1 damage per hit, allowing extended sessions with minimal healing.

• Location: Level 2, Stronghold of Security (F2P).
• Requirements: None, though 20+ Defence helps.
• Gear: Rune Scimitar, full Rune armor (or best available).
• XP Rates: 20,000–30,000 XP/hour per skill.

Strategy: Enable auto-retaliate and stand in a busy spot. They remain aggressive indefinitely in some areas, but if they stop, move to a new section and return. Bring lobsters or swordfish for occasional healing.

High-Level AFK Melee Training with Nightmare Zone

For players with 70+ combat stats, the Nightmare Zone (NMZ) is the gold standard for AFK melee training. This minigame offers high XP rates, customization, and the ability to train for up to 20 minutes without interaction.

Nightmare Zone Setup (Levels 70–99)

NMZ, located north of Yanille, lets you fight quest bosses in a safe environment. With the right setup, it’s the most efficient AFK method, especially using Absorption Potions and specific gear.

• Location: North of Yanille (P2P).
• Requirements: Completion of at least 5 NMZ-eligible quests (e.g., Vampyre Slayer, Tree Gnome Village, Fight Arena, The Grand Tree, Lost City).
• Gear: Full Obsidian armor, Berserker Necklace, Dragon Scimitar or Abyssal Whip, Dragon Defender.
• XP Rates: 80,000–150,000 XP/hour per skill (with optimal setup).

Strategy: Choose a Customizable Hard Rumble with bosses like Moss Giant, Sand Snake, or Count Draynor, which have high HP and low Defence. Use a Dwarven Rock Cake to lower your HP to 1, drink Absorption Potions to tank 1,000 damage, and activate Protect from Melee. Check every 15–20 minutes to re-pot and reset HP. Overloads (bought with NMZ points) boost stats for even higher XP.

Optimizing NMZ for Maximum AFK

To push NMZ to its full potential, consider these tips:

• Use Dharok’s Set: At 1 HP with a Dharok’s Greataxe, you deal massive damage, boosting XP to 100,000–200,000/hour. Requires 70 Attack/Strength and high NMZ points for repairs.
• Imbue Gear: Spend NMZ points to imbue a Slayer Helmet or Berserker Ring for better bonuses.
• Bank Setup: Bring noted food and un-note at Yanille for long sessions.
• Prayer Flicking: Use Piety with prayer potions for a 40% damage boost, but this reduces AFK time to 5–10 minutes.

Alternative High-Level AFK Methods

If NMZ isn’t your style or you want variety, other high-level options offer decent AFK potential, often with profit or unique benefits.

Bandits in Kharidian Desert (Levels 70–99)

Bandits in the Bandit Camp are excellent for players with Guthan’s armor, allowing near-infinite AFK sessions due to its healing effect.

• Location: Bandit Camp, Kharidian Desert (P2P).
• Requirements: 70+ combat stats, Guthan’s armor set, 43 Prayer for Protect from Melee.
• Gear: Full Guthan’s, Amulet of Glory, noted food.
• XP Rates: 60,000–100,000 XP/hour per skill.

Strategy: Wear a Saradomin or Zamorak item to make Bandits aggressive, stand in a high-traffic spot, and use Protect from Melee. Guthan’s healing lets you AFK for 20+ minutes. Un-note food at the nearby general store for extended trips.

Abyss Training (Levels 80–99)

The Abyss offers high XP rates for players with top-tier gear, thanks to aggressive, high-HP monsters like Abyssal Demons. It’s semi-AFK but highly rewarding.

• Location: Inner Abyss, accessed via Wilderness or Mage of Zamorak (P2P).
• Requirements: 80+ combat stats, access to Ancient Magicks or high-end melee gear.
• Gear: Dragon Rider Lance, Bandos armor, Blood Amulet of Fury, Scrimshaw of Aggression.
• XP Rates: Up to 500,000 XP/hour (combined skills).

Strategy: Use a halberd-style weapon for AoE attacks, stand in the southwest corner, and reset aggression every 10 minutes with a Scrimshaw or by running away. A Charming Imp and Seedicide help manage drops for Summoning and Farming XP.

Comparing AFK Melee Training Methods

Choosing the right method depends on your combat level, membership status, and goals. Here’s a quick comparison:

Method	Level Range	XP/Hour (Per Skill)	Requirements	F2P/P2P	Profit Potential
Rock Crabs	1–40	10,000–20,000	None	P2P	Low
Sand Crabs	10–40	15,000–25,000	None	P2P	Low
Ammonite Crabs	40–70	30,000–50,000	Bone Voyage	P2P	Moderate
Flesh Crawlers	40–60	20,000–30,000	None	F2P	Low
Nightmare Zone	70–99	80,000–150,000	5+ quests	P2P	Moderate (points)
Bandits	70–99	60,000–100,000	Guthan’s, 43 Prayer	P2P	Low
Abyss	80–99	Up to 500,000 (total)	High gear, stats	P2P	High

Tips for All Methods

• Quest First: Complete Waterfall Quest for instant 30 Attack/Strength, saving hours of early grinding.
• Best Weapons: Always use the highest-tier scimitar or whip available for optimal damage per second.
• Runelite Plugins: Use the “Idle Notifier” plugin to alert you when you stop attacking, ensuring you don’t waste XP.
• Food Management: Bring stackable food like wines (F2P) or noted food for P2P to extend trips.
• Profit Focus: If you want gold, combine training with Slayer or choose spots like Ogress Warriors (F2P) for better loot.

AFK melee training in OSRS is a game-changer for busy players. Whether you’re slashing crabs at low levels or dominating NMZ with Dharok’s, these methods let you progress with ease. Pick a spot that matches your level and goals, gear up, and enjoy leveling up while barely lifting a finger. Happy training!