OSRS Dragon Scimitar Upgrade Guide for Strength Training
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), strength training is a core focus for players looking to maximize their melee combat potential. The dragon scimitar, often called “d scim,” is a fan-favorite weapon for this purpose due to its accessibility, effectiveness, and iconic status. But what happens when you’re ready to move beyond the dragon scimitar? Upgrading your weapon for strength training can significantly boost your XP rates and combat efficiency. This guide explores the dragon scimitar’s role in strength training, when to upgrade, and the best weapons to consider as you progress through OSRS.
The dragon scimitar is a staple for mid-level players aiming to train strength efficiently. Its combination of speed, power, and accessibility makes it a go-to choice after completing the Monkey Madness I quest. Let’s break down why it’s so effective and when you might start thinking about an upgrade.
Key Stats of the Dragon Scimitar
The dragon scimitar requires 60 Attack to wield and offers the following stats:
- Slash Bonus: +67
- Strength Bonus: +66
- Attack Speed: 4 ticks (2.4 seconds per hit)
These stats make it one of the best weapons for strength training at its level, as its fast attack speed allows for consistent damage output, directly translating to higher XP per hour.
Special Attack: Sever
The dragon scimitar’s special attack, Sever, consumes 55% of your special attack energy and delivers a hit with 25% increased accuracy while preventing opponents from using protection prayers for 5 seconds. While this is primarily useful in PvP, it has limited value for strength training, as most training scenarios don’t involve prayer-blocking NPCs.
Accessibility and Cost
You can purchase the dragon scimitar from Daga on Ape Atoll for 100,000 coins or obtain it as a rare drop from the Wilderness boss Scorpia. Its relatively low cost and quest requirement make it accessible to mid-level players, especially compared to pricier alternatives.
When to Upgrade from the Dragon Scimitar
While the dragon scimitar is excellent, there comes a point where its stats are outclassed by higher-tier weapons. Knowing when to upgrade depends on your combat levels, budget, and training goals. Here are some factors to consider:
Combat Level Milestones
Most players stick with the dragon scimitar until they reach 70 Attack or higher. At this point, weapons like the Abyssal whip or Saradomin sword become viable, offering better strength bonuses or additional utility.
Training Environment
If you’re training at locations like Nightmare Zone (NMZ) or Sand Crabs, the dragon scimitar performs well due to its speed. However, for high-defense monsters or Slayer tasks, weapons with higher strength bonuses or crush attacks may yield better results.
Budget Constraints
Upgrading often means spending millions of coins. If your budget is tight, you might delay upgrading until you can afford a significant leap, like the Abyssal whip, rather than a marginal improvement.
Top Dragon Scimitar Upgrades for Strength Training
When you’re ready to move on, several weapons outperform the dragon scimitar for strength training. Below are the best upgrades, ranked by effectiveness and accessibility.
Abyssal Whip
The Abyssal whip is a classic upgrade, requiring 70 Attack. It’s one of the most popular melee weapons in OSRS due to its incredible stats:
- Slash Bonus: +82
- Strength Bonus: +82
- Attack Speed: 4 ticks
Why Upgrade? The whip’s higher strength and slash bonuses provide a noticeable boost to XP rates. However, it can’t train strength exclusively on its own—you’ll need to use the “controlled” style to gain strength XP, which also trains Attack and Defence. To focus solely on strength, pair it with a Dragon Defender for optimal DPS.
Saradomin Sword
Requiring 70 Attack, the Saradomin sword is another excellent choice for strength training:
- Slash Bonus: +82
- Strength Bonus: +82
- Attack Speed: 4 ticks
Why Upgrade? Unlike the whip, the Saradomin sword has a dedicated strength training style, making it ideal for players who want to focus purely on strength XP. Its special attack, which deals magic-based damage, is situational but useful for certain Slayer tasks.
Saradomin’s Blessed Sword
An enhanced version of the Saradomin sword, the blessed sword requires 75 Attack:
- Slash Bonus: +100
- Strength Bonus: +88
- Attack Speed: 4 ticks
Why Upgrade? With superior stats, this sword offers even better XP rates than the standard Saradomin sword. However, it’s significantly more expensive and degrades, requiring Saradomin tears to recharge.
Dragon Hunter Lance (Situational)
For players training strength against dragons, the Dragon Hunter Lance (78 Attack) is a niche but powerful option:
- Stab Bonus: +85
- Strength Bonus: +70
- Attack Speed: 4 ticks
Why Upgrade? It provides a 20% damage and accuracy boost against dragon-type enemies, making it ideal for tasks like Vorkath or dragon Slayer assignments. For general training, however, it’s less effective than the whip or Saradomin sword.
Endgame Options: Ghrazi Rapier and Blade of Saeldor
For high-level players with deep pockets, the Ghrazi Rapier (80 Attack) and Blade of Saeldor (80 Attack) are the ultimate upgrades:
- Ghrazi Rapier: +94 Stab, +89 Strength, 4 ticks
- Blade of Saeldor: +94 Slash, +89 Strength, 4 ticks
Why Upgrade? These weapons offer unmatched stats, maximizing DPS and XP rates. They’re best suited for endgame content like raids or high-level Slayer, but their cost (often tens of millions) makes them inaccessible for most players.
Comparing Dragon Scimitar Upgrades
To help you decide, here’s a comparison of the dragon scimitar and its top upgrades for strength training:
| Weapon | Attack Req | Strength Bonus | Slash/Stab Bonus | Attack Speed | Approx. Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dragon Scimitar | 60 | +66 | +67 Slash | 4 ticks | ~100k | Mid-level training |
| Abyssal Whip | 70 | +82 | +82 Slash | 4 ticks | ~2M | General melee |
| Saradomin Sword | 70 | +82 | +82 Slash | 4 ticks | ~1M | Pure strength |
| Saradomin’s Blessed Sword | 75 | +88 | +100 Slash | 4 ticks | ~10M | High-level training |
| Ghrazi Rapier | 80 | +89 | +94 Stab | 4 ticks | ~100M | Endgame content |
Note: Prices are approximate and based on Grand Exchange values as of April 2025. Always check current prices before buying.
Tips for Optimizing Strength Training
Upgrading your weapon is only part of the equation. To maximize your strength XP, consider these strategies:
Choose the Right Training Spot
Locations like Nightmare Zone, Sand Crabs, or Ammonite Crabs are ideal for AFK or semi-AFK training. For active training, Slayer tasks or Pest Control can offer variety and rewards.
Boost Your Stats
Use potions like Super Strength or Piety prayer to increase your damage output. Combining these with a high-strength weapon amplifies your XP rates.
Gear Up for Success
Complement your weapon with strength-boosting gear like:
- Obsidian Armor: +10% strength bonus with Berserker Necklace
- Dragon Defender: Boosts accuracy and strength
- Primordial Boots: +2 strength bonus
Use Special Attacks Wisely
While the dragon scimitar’s special attack isn’t ideal for training, weapons like the Saradomin sword or Dragon Claws (if affordable) can use special attacks to clear enemies faster in certain scenarios.
Upgrading from the dragon scimitar is a pivotal step in your OSRS strength training journey. Whether you opt for the versatile Abyssal whip, the strength-focused Saradomin sword, or an endgame beast like the Ghrazi Rapier, each upgrade brings you closer to 99 Strength. Assess your budget, combat levels, and training style to choose the best weapon for your needs. With the right gear and strategy, you’ll be crushing XP and dominating Gielinor in no time!