OSRS Best Weapon for Defense Training: Your Ultimate Guide
If you’re diving into the world of Old School RuneScape (OSRS) and aiming to level up your Defense skill, choosing the right weapon is key. Defense training not only boosts your survivability but also unlocks better armor, making you a tougher opponent in Gielinor. In this guide, we’ll explore the best weapons for Defense training in OSRS, breaking down options for different levels, budgets, and playstyles. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned player, this blog post will help you optimize your training and dominate the battlefield.
Defense in OSRS reduces the chance of taking damage from enemy attacks, making it a cornerstone of melee combat. While Attack improves accuracy and Strength boosts damage, Defense ensures you can withstand hits, especially against tough monsters or in PvP. Training Defense also unlocks higher-tier armor, like Rune at level 40 or Barrows at level 70, enhancing your overall combat effectiveness.
Benefits of High Defense
- Increased Survivability: Take fewer hits and last longer in combat.
- Better Gear Access: Equip tanky armor sets to complement your weapon choice.
- Versatility: Pair Defense with other skills for balanced builds or tank roles.
Defense Training Basics
To train Defense, you’ll need to use a weapon’s “Defensive” or “Longrange” attack style (for ranged/magic alternatives) or the “Controlled” style, which splits XP across Attack, Strength, and Defense. The goal is to maximize XP per hour while staying efficient with your resources.
Top Weapons for Defense Training in OSRS
Choosing the best weapon for Defense training depends on your combat stats, budget, and preferred training method. Below, we’ll cover standout options across various levels and scenarios, ensuring you find the perfect fit.
Abyssal Whip: The Mid-Tier King
The Abyssal Whip is a fan-favorite for training combat skills, including Defense. Requiring 70 Attack to wield, it’s accessible to mid-to-high-level players and offers a fast attack speed of 4 ticks (2.4 seconds). While it’s primarily used for Attack or Strength, switching to the “Controlled” style makes it viable for Defense XP.
- Pros: High accuracy, fast attack speed, affordable (around 2-3M GP).
- Cons: No direct Defense-only style; requires sharing XP with other skills.
Best Use: Pair it with a Defender (e.g., Dragon or Avernic) for a balance of offense and Defense XP at places like Nightmare Zone or Sand Crabs.
Saradomin Sword: Two-Handed Powerhouse
For players seeking a weapon with a direct Defense training style, the Saradomin Sword shines. This two-handed weapon requires 70 Attack and boasts the same 4-tick attack speed as the Whip, but with a dedicated “Defensive” style. It’s dropped by Commander Zilyana in the God Wars Dungeon, making it a mid-to-high-tier option.
- Pros: High Strength bonus (+82), Defensive style available, decent XP rates.
- Cons: Costs around 5-6M GP, two-handed (no shield/Defender).
Best Use: Ideal for AFK training at Bandits or Nightmare Zone, where its crush attack excels.
Dragon Scimitar: Budget-Friendly Classic
For early-to-mid-level players, the Dragon Scimitar is a fantastic choice. Requiring 60 Attack and completion of Monkey Madness I, it’s affordable (around 100K GP) and offers a solid +66 Strength bonus. Use the “Controlled” style to train Defense alongside Attack and Strength.
- Pros: Cheap, fast attack speed, widely accessible.
- Cons: Lower stats compared to higher-tier options, shared XP in Controlled mode.
Best Use: Great for training at Rock Crabs or Hill Giants until you can upgrade.
Obsidian Sword (Toktz-xil-ak) with Obsidian Set
The Obsidian Sword, when paired with the full Obsidian armor set and Berserker Necklace, becomes a niche but effective Defense training tool. It requires 60 Attack and benefits from a 20% damage boost with the set, making it hit harder than its stats suggest.
- Pros: High damage output with set bonus, affordable (armor ~3M GP total).
- Cons: No direct Defense style, lower defense stats on armor.
Best Use: Use in Nightmare Zone for fast XP against low-defense monsters.
Black Chinchompas: Unconventional Defense XP
For a non-melee approach, Black Chinchompas offer the fastest Defense XP in the game when used on the “Long fuse” style. Requiring 65 Ranged, they’re thrown explosives that hit multiple targets, yielding up to 350K Defense XP per hour in multi-combat zones like Maniacal Monkeys.
- Pros: Insane XP rates, trains Ranged and Hitpoints too.
- Cons: Expensive (1-2M GP/hour), requires high Ranged level.
Best Use: Endgame Defense training at Monkey Madness II tunnels.
Weapon Progression for Defense Training
Your weapon choice should evolve as your stats improve. Here’s a progression guide to keep your Defense training on track:
| Level Range | Weapon | Requirements | Cost (GP) | Training Spot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-40 | Rune Scimitar | 40 Attack | ~15K | Rock Crabs |
| 40-60 | Dragon Scimitar | 60 Attack, Monkey Madness I | ~100K | Hill Giants |
| 60-70 | Abyssal Whip | 70 Attack | ~2-3M | Nightmare Zone |
| 70+ | Saradomin Sword | 70 Attack | ~5-6M | Bandits |
| Endgame (65+ Ranged) | Black Chinchompas | 65 Ranged | ~1-2M/hour | Maniacal Monkeys |
Early Game (Levels 1-40)
Start with the best scimitar you can wield (e.g., Rune Scimitar at 40 Attack). Train at low-level spots like Rock Crabs for AFK XP.
Mid Game (Levels 40-70)
Upgrade to the Dragon Scimitar or Abyssal Whip. Nightmare Zone becomes a prime spot for consistent XP and profit potential.
Late Game (Levels 70+)
Switch to the Saradomin Sword or Black Chinchompas for maximum efficiency. High-level areas like Slayer tasks or multi-combat zones shine here.
Best Training Methods for Defense
Your weapon is only half the equation—where and how you train matters just as much. Here are the top methods to pair with your chosen weapon:
Nightmare Zone (NMZ)
NMZ is a go-to for melee training, including Defense. Fight quest bosses in a customizable dream for steady XP. Use the Abyssal Whip or Saradomin Sword here.
- XP Rate: 50-100K/hour (melee).
- Requirements: 5+ completed quests (e.g., Vampire Slayer, Tree Gnome Village).
Sand Crabs/Rock Crabs
These low-defense, high-HP monsters are perfect for AFK training. The Dragon Scimitar or Whip works well early on.
- XP Rate: 20-60K/hour.
- Requirements: None, just travel to Crabclaw Isle or Rellekka.
Maniacal Monkeys (Chinning)
For endgame players, chinning with Black Chinchompas in the Monkey Madness II tunnels is unmatched. It’s costly but offers the fastest Defense XP.
- XP Rate: Up to 350K/hour.
- Requirements: 65 Ranged, Monkey Madness II completed.
Tips to Maximize Defense XP
To get the most out of your Defense training, consider these strategies:
Gear Upgrades
Pair your weapon with a Defender (e.g., Dragon at 60 Defense) or high-defense armor like Rune or Barrows to boost survivability and XP rates.
Prayer and Potions
Use Piety (70 Prayer) or Super Defense Potions to enhance your stats. These small boosts add up over long training sessions.
Slayer Integration
Train Defense via Slayer tasks for dual benefits—XP and profit. Equip a Slayer Helmet for extra damage and accuracy on-task.
AFK vs. Active Training
Decide your playstyle: AFK at Crabs with a Scimitar or go active with Chinchompas for max efficiency. Balance effort with rewards.
With the right weapon and method, Defense training in OSRS becomes a breeze. Whether you’re swinging a Dragon Scimitar at crabs or chinning Maniacal Monkeys, this guide has you covered. Pick your weapon, choose your spot, and start tanking up your stats today!