OSRS Combat Training Guide: Level Up Fast in Old School RuneScape

OSRS Combat Training Guide: Level Up Fast in Old School RuneScape


Welcome to the ultimate OSRS combat training guide! Whether you’re a fresh adventurer starting at level 3 or a seasoned player aiming for max combat stats, this guide will walk you through the most efficient ways to train Attack, Strength, Defence, and Hitpoints in Old School RuneScape. Combat is the backbone of OSRS, unlocking quests, bosses, Slayer tasks, and PvP glory. Let’s dive into the best methods, gear, and locations to level up fast, all optimized for your journey in 2025!

Combat skills—Attack, Strength, and Defence—are essential for thriving in OSRS. They determine your accuracy, damage output, and survivability, respectively. High combat stats open doors to iconic content like the Nightmare Zone, God Wars Dungeon, and even the Theatre of Blood. Plus, with a higher combat level, you’ll breeze through Slayer tasks and earn better loot. This guide focuses on melee training, but the principles can complement Ranged and Magic progression too.

Benefits of High Combat Stats

  • Quest Access: Quests like Lunar Diplomacy (Attack 40) and Monkey Madness (high combat recommended) require decent stats.
  • Bossing: Take on Zulrah, Vorkath, or the Chaos Elemental with confidence.
  • Slayer Efficiency: Higher damage and accuracy speed up tasks.
  • PvP Dominance: Crush opponents with max hits in the Wilderness.

Getting Started: Low-Level Combat Training (Levels 1-40)

The early levels are all about building a foundation. Focus on monsters with high hitpoints, low attack, and quick respawns for maximum efficiency. These methods work for both free-to-play (F2P) and pay-to-play (P2P) players.

Best Low-Level Training Spots

  • Chickens (Level 1+): Found near Lumbridge, chickens have 3 HP and drop feathers—perfect for F2P beginners.
  • Cows (Level 5+): North of Lumbridge, cows offer 8 HP and cowhides for early cash.
  • Monks (Level 10+): At Edgeville Monastery, monks heal you on request, making them ideal for AFK training.
  • Waterfall Quest (Level 3): Boosts Attack and Strength to 30 instantly—no combat required!

Recommended Gear for Levels 1-40

Stick to the best gear you can equip:

  • Weapons: Iron Scimitar (Level 1), Steel Scimitar (Level 5), Mithril Scimitar (Level 20).
  • Armor: Full Iron (Level 1), Steel (Level 5), or Mithril (Level 20).
  • Amulet: Amulet of Strength for max hits.

Mid-Level Combat Training (Levels 40-70)

Once you hit level 40, it’s time to step up your game. Mid-level training focuses on AFK-friendly spots and faster XP rates. P2P players get access to premium locations, while F2P players can still progress steadily.

Top Mid-Level Training Locations

  • Sand Crabs (P2P, Level 40+): On Hosidius coast, these have 60 HP, low Defence, and stay aggressive for 10-20 minutes. Expect 20k-30k XP/hour.
  • Rock Crabs (P2P, Level 40+): Near Rellekka, with 50 HP and similar mechanics to Sand Crabs.
  • Hill Giants (F2P/P2P, Level 40+): In Edgeville Dungeon, they drop big bones and limpwurt roots for profit.
  • Giant Spiders (F2P, Level 50+): Stronghold of Security (Level 3) offers 50 HP and AFK potential.

Gear Progression for Mid-Levels

Level Weapon Armor Notes
40 Rune Scimitar Full Rune F2P best-in-slot weapon.
50 Granite Hammer Granite Armor P2P strength boost.
60 Dragon Scimitar Fighter Torso Requires Monkey Madness I.

Tips for Mid-Level Success

  • Potions: Use Strength and Attack potions for faster kills.
  • Prayers: Activate Clarity of Thought or Incredible Reflexes for a boost.
  • AFK Trick: Reset aggression by running out of render distance and back.

High-Level Combat Training (Levels 70-99)

At level 70, you’re ready for the big leagues. These methods offer the fastest XP rates, often with profit potential. P2P players dominate here, but F2P can still grind to 99 with dedication.

Fastest High-Level Training Methods

  • Nightmare Zone (P2P):
    • XP Rates: 60k-100k/hour with Dharok’s set and absorption potions.
    • Setup: Use Overloads, Rock Cake to 1 HP, and Protect from Melee.
    • Bosses: Pick melee-only foes like Tree Spirit or Bouncer.
  • Slayer (P2P):
    • XP Rates: 40k-80k/hour depending on tasks.
    • Perks: Trains Slayer alongside melee, with loot like herbs and alchs.
    • Gear: Slayer Helmet for 16.67% damage boost on-task.
  • Pest Control (P2P):
    • XP Rates: 30k-50k/hour with Combat Achievements bonuses.
    • Rewards: Void Knight gear and extra points.
  • Zombies (F2P):

Best High-Level Gear

Maximize your DPS with these:

  • Weapons: Abyssal Whip (Level 70 Attack), Ghrazi Rapier (Level 80), or Osmumten’s Fang (Level 82).
  • Armor: Bandos Chestplate and Tassets, Obsidian Armor (10% melee boost with full set).
  • Accessories: Berserker Ring (i), Amulet of Torture, Primordial Boots.

AFK Combat Training Options

Want to train while multitasking? AFK methods let you gain XP with minimal effort. These are perfect for busy players or those on mobile.

Top AFK Training Spots

  • Ammonite Crabs (P2P): Fossil Island offers 100 HP crabs with 20-30k XP/hour.
  • Bandits (P2P): In the Kharidian Desert, wear a Zamorak item for permanent aggression—up to 70k XP/hour with Guthan’s set.
  • Nightmare Zone (P2P): Absorption potions allow 15-20 minute AFK sessions.
  • Seagulls (F2P): Corsair Cove’s 10 HP seagulls are low-effort for early levels.

AFK Gear Setup

  • Guthan’s Set: Heals you based on damage dealt—ideal for Bandits.
  • Dharok’s Set: Boosts damage at 1 HP—best for Nightmare Zone.
  • Prayer Gear: Proselyte armor with Protect from Melee extends AFK time.

Combat Training Pathways to 99

Here’s how long it takes to max melee (99 Attack, Strength, Defence) with different methods, based on average XP rates:

Fastest Pathway: Nightmare Zone

  • Total Time: ~200-250 hours with alts (400k XP/hour) or 350 hours solo (200k XP/hour).
  • Pros: High XP, customizable bosses.
  • Cons: Costs coins per session (20k-26k).

AFK Pathway: Bandits or Nightmare Zone

  • Total Time: 350 hours (NMZ) or 500 hours (Bandits).
  • Pros: Minimal attention needed.
  • Cons: Slower XP rates.

Slayer Pathway

  • Total Time: ~600 hours.
  • Pros: Trains Slayer, profitable drops.
  • Cons: Requires task management.

F2P Pathway: Stronghold of Security

  • Total Time: 700-800 hours.
  • Pros: Free, accessible.
  • Cons: Much slower than P2P methods.

Final Tips: Combine quests (e.g., The Grand Tree for 18k Attack XP) with your chosen method to skip early grinds. Use XP lamps from minigames or diaries to boost weaker stats. Happy training, and may your max hits be ever in your favor!