OSRS Best Weapons for Strength Training

Training Strength in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a key step to dominating melee combat. Your Strength level directly impacts your max hit, letting you deal more damage to enemies. However, choosing the right weapon can make or break your training efficiency. With so many options, from budget-friendly to high-end gear, this guide breaks down the best weapons for Strength training, tailored to different Attack levels and budgets. Whether you’re slaying monsters in the Nightmare Zone or tackling Slayer tasks, these weapons will help you maximize your XP per hour and reach level 99 faster.

Strength is one of the core melee combat skills in OSRS, alongside Attack and Defence. A higher Strength level increases your maximum hit, meaning you deal more damage per attack. This is crucial for efficient training, as higher damage per second (DPS) translates to faster XP gains. Unlike Attack, which boosts accuracy, or Defence, which reduces incoming damage, Strength is all about raw power. For this reason, many players prioritize Strength over other combat skills to unlock high-damage weapons and excel in PvM (Player vs Monster) and PvP scenarios.

Training Strength effectively requires selecting weapons with high Strength bonuses and fast attack speeds. Weapons with an attack speed of 4 ticks (2.4 seconds per hit) are typically the best for maximizing DPS, especially against low-defence monsters like those in the Nightmare Zone or sand crabs. Additionally, pairing your weapon with the right gear, such as Obsidian armor or a Dragon Defender, can further boost your training efficiency.

Key Factors in Choosing Strength Training Weapons

Attack Speed and DPS

Attack speed is critical for Strength training. Weapons that hit every 2.4 seconds (4-tick weapons) generally offer the highest DPS, leading to better XP rates. For example, scimitars and daggers are faster than two-handed swords, which often have slower attack speeds of 6 or 7 ticks. Higher DPS means more damage dealt per hour, which directly correlates to more Strength XP.

Strength Bonus

The Strength bonus of a weapon determines how much it boosts your max hit. A higher Strength bonus means more damage per hit, which is essential for efficient training. For instance, the Ghrazi Rapier has a +89 Strength bonus, making it one of the top-tier options for high-level players.

Monster Weaknesses

Some monsters are weak to specific attack styles (stab, slash, or crush). Choosing a weapon that exploits these weaknesses can increase your damage output. For example, dragons are weak to stab, making the Zamorakian Hasta a great choice despite its lower Strength bonus compared to other weapons.

Cost and Accessibility

High-end weapons like the Blade of Saeldor are powerful but expensive, often costing over 100M GP. Budget-friendly options like the Dragon Scimitar or Saradomin Sword are more accessible for mid-level players or those with limited GP. Ironman accounts may also need to consider weapons that are easier to obtain through drops or quests.

Best Weapons for Strength Training by Attack Level

Below is a curated list of the best Strength training weapons, organized by Attack level requirements. Each weapon is evaluated based on its Strength bonus, attack speed, cost, and effectiveness against low-defence monsters, which are ideal for training.

Low-Level Weapons (1–50 Attack)

• Rune Scimitar (40 Attack): The Rune Scimitar is a go-to for low-level players due to its +45 Strength bonus and 4-tick attack speed. It’s affordable (around 15K GP) and effective for training on monsters like hill giants or sand crabs.
• Brine Sabre (40 Attack): Slightly better than the Rune Scimitar with a +47 Strength bonus, the Brine Sabre is a niche option for players who’ve completed the “Olaf’s Quest.” It’s pricier (around 600K GP) but offers a unique special attack.
• Granite Hammer (50 Attack): With a +56 Strength bonus and 4-tick speed, the Granite Hammer is a strong choice for players nearing 50 Attack. It costs about 1M GP and is great for crush-based training.

Mid-Level Weapons (60–70 Attack)

• Dragon Scimitar (60 Attack): Requiring completion of “Monkey Madness I,” the Dragon Scimitar offers a +66 Strength bonus and 4-tick speed. At only 60K GP, it’s a cost-effective option that can carry you to 99 Strength. It’s ideal for Slayer tasks and general training. XP Rate: ~82–85K/hr with decent gear.
• Abyssal Dagger (70 Attack): The Abyssal Dagger is a top pick for 70 Attack players, boasting a +83 Strength bonus and a 4-tick speed. Its special attack boosts accuracy by 25%, making it great for Slayer and Nightmare Zone. It costs around 2.7M GP or can be obtained from the Abyssal Sire. XP Rate: ~86–105K/hr with max gear.
• Saradomin Sword (70 Attack): This two-handed sword has a +82 Strength bonus and matches the 4-tick speed of one-handed weapons like the Abyssal Whip. At 200K GP, it’s budget-friendly and dropped by Commander Zilyana in the God Wars Dungeon. XP Rate: ~90K/hr.

High-Level Weapons (70+ Attack)

• Abyssal Bludgeon (70 Attack, 70 Strength): A two-handed crush weapon with a +85 Strength bonus, the Abyssal Bludgeon is excellent for training on monsters weak to crush, like Kalphites. It costs around 12M GP or can be crafted from Abyssal Sire drops. XP Rate: ~90K/hr.
• Ghrazi Rapier (80 Attack): The Ghrazi Rapier is the best stab weapon for Strength training, with a +89 Strength bonus and 4-tick speed. It’s ideal for Slayer and high-level PvM, offering consistent damage. However, it’s expensive (around 150M GP) and dropped in the Theatre of Blood. XP Rate: ~100K/hr.
• Blade of Saeldor (80 Attack): This slash weapon has a +97 Strength bonus and is one of the best for training against low-defence monsters. It costs around 110M GP and is degradable unless you craft the non-degradable corrupted version. XP Rate: ~100K/hr.
• Osmumten’s Fang (82 Attack): With a +87 Strength bonus and a unique passive effect that makes two attack rolls (increasing hit chance), the Fang excels against high-defence monsters. It’s cheaper than the Rapier (around 40M GP) and dropped in the Tombs of Amascut. XP Rate: ~90–95K/hr.

Specialized Strength Training Setups

Obsidian Setup (60 Attack)

The full Obsidian armor set (platebody, platelegs, helmet) paired with the Toktz-xil-ak (Obsidian Sword) and Berserker Necklace provides a 30% damage and accuracy boost to Obsidian weapons. This setup is highly effective against low-defence monsters like those in the Nightmare Zone, offering XP rates comparable to high-end weapons (around 90K/hr). However, it lacks defensive stats, so bring plenty of food.

Dharok’s Set (70 Attack)

Dharok’s Greataxe, when used with the full Dharok’s armor set, deals more damage as your HP decreases. At 1 HP with Protection Prayers, this setup can yield massive hits, making it a risky but rewarding option for Strength training. It’s affordable (around 5M GP) and ideal for Nightmare Zone. XP Rate: ~85–90K/hr.

Void Knight Setup (42 Combat Stats)

The Void Knight set with the melee helm gives a 10% damage and accuracy bonus, making it a good alternative for players without access to Obsidian or Dharok’s. It’s less effective than Obsidian but offers better defence. Pair it with a Dragon Scimitar or Abyssal Dagger for solid XP rates.

Recommended Training Methods and Weapons

The best Strength training weapons shine in specific scenarios. Here’s a table summarizing top weapons, their ideal training locations, and approximate XP rates with decent gear:

Weapon	Attack Level	Best Training Location	Approx. XP Rate (per hour)
Rune Scimitar	40	Sand Crabs	50–60K
Dragon Scimitar	60	Nightmare Zone	82–85K
Abyssal Dagger	70	Slayer Tasks	86–105K
Saradomin Sword	70	Nightmare Zone	90K
Ghrazi Rapier	80	Slayer Tasks	100K
Obsidian Setup	60	Nightmare Zone	90K

Nightmare Zone

The Nightmare Zone is a popular training spot due to its customizable boss fights and AFK potential. The Obsidian setup, Saradomin Sword, or Dharok’s set are top choices here, offering high XP rates (up to 90K/hr) with minimal effort. Use absorption potions and overloads for maximum efficiency.

Slayer Tasks

Training Strength through Slayer is highly efficient, as the Slayer Helmet provides a 16.67% damage and accuracy boost. The Ghrazi Rapier, Abyssal Dagger, or Blade of Saeldor are ideal for Slayer, especially against high-defence monsters. Expect XP rates of 90–100K/hr with optimal gear.

Sand Crabs and Rock Crabs

For low- to mid-level players, sand crabs and rock crabs are excellent AFK training spots. The Rune Scimitar or Dragon Scimitar work well here, offering 50–85K XP/hr depending on your level and gear.

Final Tips for Strength Training

To get the most out of your Strength training, follow these tips:

• Use the Aggressive Stance: Always select the aggressive attack style to gain Strength XP. Controlled stance splits XP across Attack, Strength, and Defence, slowing your progress.
• Optimize Gear: Pair your weapon with a Dragon Defender, Berserker Ring (i), or Slayer Helmet for extra bonuses.
• Complete Quests: Quests like “Waterfall Quest” grant 13,750 Strength XP, boosting you to level 30 instantly.
• Check Monster Weaknesses: Use the OSRS Wiki to identify monster weaknesses and choose the appropriate weapon (stab, slash, or crush).
• Budget Wisely: If you can’t afford a Ghrazi Rapier, the Saradomin Sword or Abyssal Dagger are excellent alternatives that won’t break the bank.

By choosing the right weapon and training method, you’ll be on your way to 99 Strength in no time. Whether you’re a budget-conscious player or a high-roller with millions to spend, there’s a weapon on this list to suit your needs. Happy training, and may your max hits be massive!