OSRS F2P Magic Training Guide

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), training Magic in free-to-play (F2P) worlds can be both rewarding and challenging. With a limited spellbook and fewer resources compared to pay-to-play (P2P), F2P players need smart strategies to level up efficiently. This guide covers the best methods to train Magic from level 1 to 99 in F2P, including quests, combat, and non-combat spells, to help you become a formidable wizard in Gielinor without spending a dime.
Magic is a versatile skill in OSRS, offering teleports, combat spells, and utility spells like High Level Alchemy. In F2P, it’s especially valuable since there are no magic tablets, making teleports like Varrock and Falador essential for getting around. Plus, Magic boosts your combat versatility, letting you tackle monsters and quests that melee or ranged might struggle with. Whether you’re aiming for level 59 to unlock Fire Blast or pushing for 99, this guide has you covered.
Early Levels (1-10) Questing for Quick XP
Starting your Magic journey with quests is the fastest way to skip the early grind. Two F2P quests offer Magic XP with no requirements, making them perfect for beginners.
Witch’s Potion
This short quest rewards 325 Magic XP. Head to Rimmington, south of Falador, and talk to Hetty in her house. You’ll gather simple items like an onion, burnt meat, an eye of newt, and a rat’s tail. It takes about 5-10 minutes and boosts you to level 3 or 4.
Imp Catcher
Imp Catcher grants 875 Magic XP. Speak to Wizard Mizgog on the top floor of the Wizards’ Tower, south of Draynor. You’ll need to collect four beads by killing imps (level 2) around Lumbridge or Falador. This quest pushes you to level 8 or 9, saving you from casting low-XP spells early on.
Tip: Completing both quests gives 1,200 XP, enough to hit level 10 instantly. Stock up on air and mind runes from Aubury’s Rune Shop in Varrock to prepare for combat training next.
Combat Training (Levels 10-59)
Once quests are done, combat training is the go-to method for F2P Magic leveling. You’ll cast offensive spells on low-level monsters to rack up XP while potentially earning loot. Here’s how to progress through the spellbook.
Strike Spells (Levels 10-17)
Start with Wind Strike (5.5 XP per cast) and move to Water Strike (7.5 XP), Earth Strike (9.5 XP), and Fire Strike (11.5 XP) as you level. Use an elemental staff (e.g., Staff of Air) to save runes. Good targets include:
- Chickens: Lumbridge East farm has 13 spawns. They’re level 1 and drop feathers.
- Cows: Found in Lumbridge fields, level 2, drop cowhides for profit.
- Goblins: Near Lumbridge, level 2-5, drop bones and occasional runes.
XP Rate: ~10,000-15,000 XP/hour depending on focus.
Bolt Spells (Levels 17-41)
At level 17, unlock Wind Bolt (13.5 XP per cast). Progress to Water Bolt (16.5 XP), Earth Bolt (19.5 XP), and Fire Bolt (22.5 XP) at higher levels. Switch to stronger monsters like:
- Hill Giants: Edgeville Dungeon, level 28, drop big bones and limpwurt roots. Safe-spot them for efficiency.
- Hobgoblins: Near Crafting Guild, level 28, drop runes and limpwurt roots. Use the peninsula for safe-spotting.
XP Rate: ~20,000-30,000 XP/hour with proper gear.
Blast Spells (Levels 41-59)
From level 41, use Wind Blast (25.5 XP), then Water Blast (28.5 XP), Earth Blast (31.5 XP), and Fire Blast (34.5 XP) at level 59. Fire Blast is the strongest F2P spell, dealing up to 16 damage. Target tougher foes:
- Moss Giants: Varrock Sewers, level 42, drop big bones, runes, and herbs. Safe-spot in the multi-combat area.
- Ice Giants/Warriors: Asgardian Ice Dungeon near Mudskipper Point, level 53/56. Weak to fire spells, offering up to 70,000 XP/hour at level 59 with Fire Blast.
Gear Tip: Wear a Wizard Hat, Wizard Robe, Zamorak Monk Bottom, Amulet of Magic, and an elemental staff for max Magic accuracy. Add leather boots and vambraces for defense.
Splashing for AFK Training
Splashing is a low-effort, AFK method to train Magic by casting spells that always miss, letting you auto-cast for up to 20 minutes. It’s slower but ideal if you’re multitasking.
How to Splash
To splash, you need a Magic attack bonus of -65 or lower. Equip:
- Cursed Goblin Staff: Buy from Diango in Draynor.
- Full Iron Armor: Helmet, platebody, platelegs, and kiteshield.
- Green D’hide Vambraces: Requires 40 Ranged, optional if you can’t wear them.
Cast spells like Curse (29 XP per cast, level 19) or Fire Blast (34.5 XP per cast, level 59) on a safe-spotted NPC, such as the caged Monk of Zamorak in Varrock Palace or the Lesser Demon in Wizards’ Tower.
XP and Costs
Spell | Level | XP per Cast | XP per Hour | Approx. Cost per Hour |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curse | 19 | 29 | 34,000 | ~30,000 GP |
Fire Blast | 59 | 34.5 | 41,000 | ~270,000 GP |
Note: Curse is cheaper but requires more clicks if not splashing. Fire Blast is costly for F2P budgets, so use it sparingly.
Non-Combat Training (Levels 55-99)
After reaching level 55, non-combat spells like High Level Alchemy become viable. These methods are slower but can be profitable and less rune-intensive, balancing your training.
High Level Alchemy
High Level Alchemy (level 55, 65 XP per cast) turns items into coins, offering 78,000 XP/hour if you alch 1,200 times per hour. Buy items from the Grand Exchange that alch for more than their market price minus the cost of a nature rune (~200 GP). Examples include:
- Hardleather Bodies: Craft from cowhides for profit.
- Steel Platebodies: Check GE prices for margins.
Tip: Use a fire staff to save fire runes, and note items to alch while telegrabbing Wines of Zamorak for extra profit (~200,000 GP/hour).
Tele-Alching
Combine High Level Alchemy with Falador Teleport (level 37, 48 XP per cast) for ~90,000 XP/hour. Alch an item, teleport to Falador, and alch again before you spawn. This method requires precise timing but maximizes XP by using downtime effectively.
Superheat Item
Superheat Item (level 43, 53 XP per cast) smelts ores into bars, doubling as Smithing training. With a bank preset, you can superheat ~1,800 bars/hour for 95,000 XP/hour. Iron or gold bars are often profitable, but check GE prices. Requires corresponding Smithing levels.
Tips for Efficient F2P Magic Training
To make your grind smoother, follow these strategies:
- Save Runes: Craft air and mind runes at their altars or buy in bulk from shops like Varrock’s Aubury or Port Sarim’s Betty.
- Profit from Drops: Sell big bones, limpwurt roots, or runes from monsters like Moss Giants to offset rune costs.
- Mix Methods: Alternate combat, splashing, and alching to avoid burnout. For example, splash while studying or alch during downtime.
- Track Goals: Aim for milestones like level 37 (Falador Teleport), 55 (High Alch), or 59 (Fire Blast) to stay motivated.
Here’s a quick level roadmap:
Level Range | Method | Approx. XP/Hour |
---|---|---|
1-10 | Quests (Witch’s Potion, Imp Catcher) | N/A |
10-17 | Strike Spells on Chickens/Cows | 10,000-15,000 |
17-41 | Bolt Spells on Hill Giants/Hobgoblins | 20,000-30,000 |
41-59 | Blast Spells on Moss Giants/Ice Giants | 30,000-70,000 |
55-99 | High Alch/Superheat/Splashing | 40,000-95,000 |
Training Magic in F2P OSRS is a grind, but with the right approach, you can hit level 99 while saving gold and enjoying the journey. Start with quests, fight monsters for combat XP, splash for AFK gains, and alch or superheat for profit. Mix and match methods to keep things fresh, and soon you’ll be casting Fire Blast like a pro. Happy training, and may your runes never run dry!