OSRS Best Weapon for Defence Training

OSRS Best Weapon for Defence Training

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), training Defence is a key part of building a well-rounded combat character. Unlike Attack or Strength, which focus on dealing damage, Defence reduces the chance of getting hit, making it essential for tanking bosses, surviving Slayer tasks, or thriving in PvP. Choosing the right weapon for Defence training can make a huge difference in efficiency, experience rates, and cost. This guide dives into the best weapons for Defence training, considering different levels, budgets, and playstyles, to help you maximize your XP per hour.

Defence is one of the three core melee combat skills in OSRS, alongside Attack and Strength. Levelling it up unlocks better armour, reduces enemy accuracy, and boosts survivability. Whether you’re aiming for Barrows gear at level 70 or just want to take less damage while grinding Slayer, a high Defence level is invaluable. However, training Defence efficiently requires the right weapon, as it affects your damage output, which directly ties to XP gains.

How Defence XP Works

Defence XP is earned when you deal damage to an enemy while using a Defence-focused combat style, such as “Block” or “Longrange” for certain weapons. The formula is straightforward: for every point of damage dealt, you gain 1.33 Defence XP when training Defence exclusively, plus some Hitpoints XP. Faster, more accurate weapons increase your damage per second (DPS), leading to higher XP rates.

Choosing a Weapon for Defence

The best weapon for Defence training balances attack speed, accuracy, and strength bonuses. Since Defence XP depends on damage dealt, weapons with high DPS are ideal. You’ll also want to consider your Attack level, budget, and whether you’re training at low-defence monsters (like Sand Crabs) or high-defence targets (like bosses).

Top Weapons for Defence Training

Osrs weapon tier list

Here’s a breakdown of the best weapons for Defence training, categorized by level and situation. Each weapon is chosen for its effectiveness in maximizing Defence XP while being accessible to different types of players.

Low-Level Weapons (1–40 Attack)

For players just starting out or with low Attack levels, the options are limited but still effective. These weapons are cheap and perfect for early-game training spots like Rock Crabs or Hill Giants.

  • Bronze to Rune Scimitar: Scimitars are the go-to for low levels due to their fast attack speed (2.4 seconds) and decent strength bonuses. Use the highest-tier scimitar your Attack level allows (e.g., Iron at 10, Mithril at 20, Rune at 40). They’re affordable and effective on the “Block” style for Defence XP.
  • Rune Sword: A slightly slower alternative (3.0 seconds) but with higher accuracy for stab attacks. Good for players prioritizing accuracy over speed against tougher enemies.
  • Granite Hammer: Unlocked at 50 Attack (but usable with 50 Strength), this weapon offers a solid strength bonus for its level. It’s a bit pricier but great for transitioning to mid-level training.

Mid-Level Weapons (40–70 Attack)

Once you hit 40 Attack, you gain access to more powerful weapons that significantly boost XP rates. These are ideal for Nightmare Zone (NMZ) or Sand Crabs.

  • Dragon Scimitar: Requiring 60 Attack and completion of Monkey Madness I, the Dragon Scimitar is a fan favourite. Its fast attack speed and +66 strength bonus make it a DPS powerhouse for Defence training. It’s affordable at around 100k GP and viable up to high levels.
  • Brine Sabre: At 40 Attack, this weapon is a niche but effective choice. It has a slightly higher strength bonus (+47) than the Rune Scimitar and is dirt cheap. Use it on the “Block” style for decent XP rates.
  • Saradomin Sword: A two-handed weapon requiring 70 Attack, the Saradomin Sword has the same attack speed as a scimitar (2.4 seconds) but boasts a +82 strength bonus. It’s pricier (around 1M GP) but excellent for players nearing endgame gear.

High-Level Weapons (70+ Attack)

For players with 70 Attack or higher, the options open up dramatically. These weapons are the cream of the crop for Defence training, offering unmatched DPS and efficiency.

  • Abyssal Whip: The iconic Abyssal Whip (70 Attack) is one of the best all-around weapons for Defence training. Its 2.4-second attack speed, +82 strength bonus, and +82 slash bonus make it a DPS beast. Paired with a defender, it’s unbeatable for most training scenarios. Expect to spend 2–3M GP, but it’s worth every coin.
  • Ghrazi Rapier: Requiring 80 Attack, the Ghrazi Rapier is a top-tier option for high-level players. Its +94 stab bonus and +89 strength bonus shine against high-defence monsters. At 70M+ GP, it’s a luxury item, but it’s best-in-slot for serious grinders.
  • Blade of Saeldor: Also needing 80 Attack, this weapon matches the Rapier’s stats but focuses on slash attacks. It’s a similar price range and equally effective, making it a matter of preference or monster weakness.

Training Locations and Weapon Synergy

The best weapon depends on where you’re training. Different spots favour different weapons based on monster defences and combat mechanics. Here are the top locations and the weapons that pair best with them.

Sand Crabs (Low Defence)

Sand Crabs on Zeah have 60 HP and 1 Defence, making them perfect for AFK Defence training. Their low defence means accuracy is less important, so prioritize strength bonuses.

  • Best Weapons: Abyssal Whip, Dragon Scimitar, Saradomin Sword.
  • Why: Fast weapons with high strength bonuses maximize DPS against these squishy targets. The Whip’s speed and the Saradomin Sword’s raw power are ideal.

Nightmare Zone (Mixed Defence)

NMZ is a hotspot for Defence training due to its AFK potential and customizable bosses. You can choose low-defence or high-defence targets based on your gear.

  • Best Weapons: Abyssal Whip, Ghrazi Rapier, Dragon Scimitar (budget).
  • Why: The Whip’s versatility handles most NMZ bosses, while the Rapier excels against tougher foes like Black Demon. Budget players can stick with the Dragon Scimitar for solid results.

Slayer Tasks (Varies)

Training Defence via Slayer is rewarding but depends on the task. Monsters like Dust Devils or Ankou have moderate defence, while bosses like Cerberus demand precision.

  • Best Weapons: Ghrazi Rapier, Blade of Saeldor, Abyssal Whip.
  • Why: High-end weapons like the Rapier or Saeldor are perfect for tasks requiring accuracy. The Whip remains a reliable, cheaper alternative for most assignments.

Weapon Comparison Table

To make your choice easier, here’s a table comparing the top weapons for Defence training based on key stats and requirements.

Weapon Attack Req. Attack Speed (s) Strength Bonus Price (GP) Best For
Rune Scimitar 40 2.4 +45 ~15k Low-level, budget
Dragon Scimitar 60 2.4 +66 ~100k Mid-level, AFK
Saradomin Sword 70 2.4 +82 ~1M Mid-to-high, DPS
Abyssal Whip 70 2.4 +82 ~2.5M All-purpose, high XP
Ghrazi Rapier 80 2.4 +89 ~70M High-level, endgame

Tips for Optimizing Defence Training

Beyond picking the right weapon, a few strategies can boost your Defence XP rates and make training more enjoyable.

Use Potions and Prayers

Potions like Super Defence, Super Attack, and Super Strength increase your stats, leading to more damage and XP. If you have high Herblore, Overloads in NMZ are a game-changer. Pair these with Piety or Chivalry prayers for even better DPS.

Equip a Defender

For one-handed weapons like the Whip or Rapier, a defender (e.g., Dragon or Avernic) boosts accuracy and strength. The Avernic Defender (70 Attack/Defence) is best-in-slot, adding significant DPS compared to a shield.

Train with Slayer

Combining Defence training with Slayer tasks kills two birds with one stone. Use a Black Mask or Slayer Helmet for a 16.67% damage and accuracy boost, which translates to faster Defence XP.

AFK Where Possible

Locations like Sand Crabs or NMZ allow semi-AFK training. Use absorption potions in NMZ to stay longer without healing, maximizing your XP per session.

Conclusion

Choosing the best weapon for Defence training in OSRS depends on your Attack level, budget, and training spot. For low levels, stick with a Rune Scimitar or Brine Sabre. Mid-level players should aim for a Dragon Scimitar or Saradomin Sword, while high-level grinders can’t go wrong with an Abyssal Whip, Ghrazi Rapier, or Blade of Saeldor. Pair your weapon with the right gear, potions, and location—like Sand Crabs, NMZ, or Slayer tasks—to hit those XP goals faster. Whether you’re a budget player or a maxed-out veteran, there’s a perfect weapon to get you to 99 Defence.