OSRS F2P Combat Training Guide for 2025

Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers a thrilling free-to-play (F2P) experience, and combat training is at the heart of it. Whether you’re a new player or a veteran looking to grind melee, ranged, or magic skills without a membership, this guide will walk you through the best methods to level up efficiently in 2025. F2P combat training can be challenging due to limited monsters, gear, and locations, but with the right strategies, you can maximize experience rates and have fun along the way. Let’s dive into the best ways to train Attack, Strength, Defence, Ranged, and Magic in F2P worlds.
Combat skills—Attack, Strength, Defence, Ranged, and Magic—unlock new weapons, armor, and quests, making your character stronger and more versatile. In F2P, training combat is essential for tackling quests like Dragon Slayer, surviving PvP encounters, or simply dominating monsters for loot. While F2P lacks the variety of P2P methods, it’s still possible to hit level 99 in any combat skill with dedication. Plus, efficient training can help you earn gold through drops, paving the way for a bond if you aim to go P2P later.
Benefits of Combat Training
- Access to Better Gear: Higher Attack and Defence levels let you wield rune weapons and armor.
- Quest Completion: Quests like Dragon Slayer require decent combat stats.
- Gold Farming: Monsters drop valuable items like runes and ores.
- PvP Edge: Strong combat skills give you an advantage in the Wilderness or Clan Wars.
Best Gear for F2P Combat Training
Your gear choice significantly impacts training efficiency. In F2P, rune equipment is the best available, but you’ll progress through tiers like iron, steel, and mithril as you level up. Always aim for the highest-tier gear your levels allow, and prioritize weapons with fast attack speeds, like scimitars, for melee.
Recommended Melee Gear
For melee, focus on balancing Strength bonuses with defensive stats. Here’s a breakdown of ideal gear:
Slot | Item | Level Required | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Weapon | Rune Scimitar | 40 Attack | Fastest melee weapon in F2P, high Strength bonus. |
Body | Rune Chainbody/Platebody | 40 Defence | Chainbody for crush defense, platebody for slash/stab. |
Legs | Rune Platelegs | 40 Defence | Solid all-around defense. |
Boots | Fighting Boots | None | Free from Stronghold of Security, best F2P boots. |
Amulet | Amulet of Strength | None | Boosts max hit; swap to Amulet of Power for accuracy. |
Ranged and Magic Gear
For Ranged, green d’hide armor (20 Ranged/Defence) and a maple shortbow (30 Ranged) are top-tier. Magic users should grab wizard robes and an elemental staff (e.g., Staff of Air) to save runes. Always carry food like lobsters or swordfish for sustained training.
Early-Level Combat Training (Levels 1–30)
Starting out in F2P, you’ll want to train on low-level monsters that offer decent experience and minimal risk. These spots are ideal for building your base stats before moving to tougher foes.
Chickens (Levels 1–10)
Head to the Lumbridge farmhouse northeast of the castle. Chickens have low hitpoints (3 HP) and drop feathers, which stack for gold. Cook raw chicken to train Cooking alongside combat.
- XP/Hour: ~5,000–10,000
- Pros: Safe, fast levels, feather profit.
- Cons: Crowded at peak times.
Cows (Levels 10–20)
North of Lumbridge, cow fields are great for melee training. Cows drop cowhides (sell for ~150–200 gp each) and raw beef. Use a bronze or iron scimitar for quick kills.
- XP/Hour: ~10,000–15,000
- Pros: Cowhides for gold, nearby bank.
- Cons: Can get busy.
Al Kharid Warriors (Levels 20–30)
In Al Kharid’s palace, warriors (level 9) are aggressive, making them ideal for AFK training. They hit low, so minimal food is needed. Train here to prepare for tougher monsters.
- XP/Hour: ~15,000–20,000
- Pros: Aggressive, decent XP.
- Cons: Limited loot.
Mid-Level Combat Training (Levels 30–60)
Once you’ve got some levels under your belt, it’s time to tackle monsters with higher hitpoints and better drops. The Stronghold of Security becomes your go-to spot for melee training, while ranged and magic users can explore other areas.
Giant Frogs (Levels 30–40)
Found in Lumbridge Swamp, giant frogs (level 13) offer good XP for melee. Bring food, as they can hit up to 3. Their big bones are useful for Prayer training or selling.
- XP/Hour: ~20,000–25,000
- Pros: Decent XP, big bones.
- Cons: Requires food, swamp navigation.
Zombies (Levels 40–50)
In the Stronghold of Security’s Catacomb of Famine (second level), levelstick levels 44 and 53 zombies are aggressive until combat level 107, making them perfect for AFK melee training. They drop runes and arrows, adding minor profit.
- XP/Hour: ~25,000–30,000
- Pros: AFK-friendly, decent loot.
- Cons: Food-heavy for lower Defence.
Hill Giants (Levels 50–60)
Located in the Edgeville Dungeon (brass key required), hill giants (level 28) drop big bones and limpwurt roots, which sell well. They’re weak to slash, so use a mithril or adamant scimitar.
- XP/Hour: ~30,000–35,000
- Pros: Profitable, good XP.
- Cons: Can be crowded.
High-Level Combat Training (Levels 60–99)
At higher levels, you’ll want to maximize XP rates while potentially earning gold. The best spots offer high hitpoints monsters and AFK potential, letting you grind efficiently.
Giant Spiders (Levels 60–80)
In the Stronghold of Security’s Pit of Pestilence (third level), giant spiders (level 50) have 50 HP and are aggressive to all players, making them ideal for AFK training. Bring plenty of food, as they hit up to 7.
- XP/Hour: ~40,000–50,000
- Pros: High XP, AFK-friendly.
- Cons: No significant loot.
Ogress Warriors (Levels 80–99)
In Corsair Cove Dungeon, ogress warriors (level 82) are the best F2P monsters for XP and profit. They drop high-value items like runes, gems, and mithril ore. Use Protect from Melee if you have 43 Prayer.
- XP/Hour: ~50,000–60,000
- Pros: Profitable, high XP.
- Cons: Requires food, prayer potions.
Ranged and Magic Options
For Ranged, safespot ogress warriors with a maple shortbow and adamant arrows. Magic users can cast Fire Bolt or Blast at the Wizards’ Tower lesser demon (safespotted) for ~40,000–50,000 XP/hour, though it’s rune-intensive.
Tips for Efficient F2P Combat Training
To make your grind smoother, follow these strategies:
- Complete Quests Early: Vampire Slayer (4,825 Attack XP) and other F2P quests give quick boosts.
- Use Strength Potions: Affordable at the Grand Exchange, they increase max hits.
- Bank Loot: Sell drops like big bones, runes, and limpwurt roots to fund food and gear.
- AFK Smartly: Set auto-retaliate and monitor aggression timers (10–20 minutes).
- Train Prayer: Bury bones or use them at the Wilderness altar for Protect from Melee.
With these methods, you can hit 99 in any combat skill while enjoying the F2P grind. Focus on upgrading gear, banking loot, and mixing up training spots to keep things fresh. Happy scaping!