OSRS Fastest Way to Sand Crabs for Optimal Training

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), Sand Crabs are a go-to choice for players looking to train combat skills efficiently. Their low combat level, high hitpoints, and aggressive nature make them perfect for AFK training, especially for melee and ranged. This guide dives into the fastest ways to reach Sand Crabs, the best setups, and strategies to maximize your experience rates. Whether you’re a pure, a main, or just grinding for levels, this post will get you to those sandy shores quickly and ready to train.

Sand Crabs are popular because they offer a balance of high XP rates and low effort. Found in scenic locations like Hosidius and Crabclaw Isle, they have 60 hitpoints, deal minimal damage, and stay aggressive for extended periods. This makes them ideal for players aiming to level up Attack, Strength, Defence, or Ranged without constant clicking.

Key Benefits of Sand Crabs

• High XP Rates: Up to 60k-80k XP per hour with optimal setups.
• AFK-Friendly: Aggression lasts around 10 minutes, allowing minimal interaction.
• Low Requirements: No favor or quests needed for most spots.
• Accessible Locations: Multiple routes to reach them, even for low-level players.

Who Should Train Here?

Sand Crabs are perfect for:

• Pures maintaining low HP or specific combat stats.
• Mains grinding early to mid-level combat skills (20-70).
• Players seeking relaxed training without complex mechanics.

Fastest Ways to Reach Sand Crabs

Getting to Sand Crabs quickly is crucial to start your training session. Below are the most efficient methods, ordered by speed and accessibility. Your choice depends on your account’s progress, teleports available, and budget.

Method 1: Xeric’s Talisman Teleport

The Xeric’s Talisman is the fastest way to reach Sand Crabs if you have it. Dropped by Lizardmen (1/250 rate), it teleports you to Xeric’s Glade, a short walk from the Hosidius beach.

• Requirements: Xeric’s Talisman, charged with Lizardman Fangs.
• Steps:
  1. Teleport to Xeric’s Glade.
  2. Run south along the river to the beach.
  3. Find a spot with 2-3 Sand Crabs for optimal aggression.
• Time: ~30 seconds.

Method 2: Skills Necklace to Woodcutting Guild

A Skills Necklace offers a quick teleport to the Woodcutting Guild, close to the Hosidius Sand Crab spots. It’s affordable and accessible via the Grand Exchange.

• Requirements: Skills Necklace.
• Steps:
  1. Teleport to the Woodcutting Guild.
  2. Run east toward the beach.
  3. Locate Sand Crabs south of the river.
• Time: ~45 seconds.

Method 3: Fairy Ring to Chasm of Fire

For players with access to Fairy Rings, the “DJR” code gets you near the Chasm of Fire, a moderate run to the crabs.

• Requirements: Fairy Ring access (Dramen/Lunar staff or quest completion).
• Steps:
  1. Use code “DJR” to teleport.
  2. Run east, then south to the Hosidius beach.
  3. Optional: Use the 40 Agility shortcut at the Infirmary to save time.
• Time: ~1 minute.

Method 4: Port Sarim to Port Piscarilius (Free-to-Play)

This method suits F2P players or those without teleports. It’s slower but has no requirements.

• Requirements: None (10k coins for Crabclaw Isle optional).
• Steps:
  1. Travel to Port Sarim (e.g., via Amulet of Glory to Draynor).
  2. Speak to Veos on the northeast dock.
  3. Sail to Port Piscarilius.
  4. Run south across the continent to the beach.
• Time: ~3-4 minutes.

Method 5: Kharedst’s Memoirs Teleport

After completing the Client of Kourend quest, Kharedst’s Memoirs provides a teleport to Hosidius, cutting travel time significantly.

• Requirements: Client of Kourend quest completed.
• Steps:
  1. Use the “Hosidius” teleport in Kharedst’s Memoirs.
  2. Follow the river south and cross the eastern bridge.
  3. Head to the beach for Sand Crabs.
• Time: ~1 minute.

Method	Requirements	Approx. Time
Xeric’s Talisman	Talisman, Lizardman Fangs	30 seconds
Skills Necklace	Skills Necklace	45 seconds
Fairy Ring	Fairy Ring access	1 minute
Port Sarim	None	3-4 minutes
Kharedst’s Memoirs	Client of Kourend	1 minute

Best Gear and Inventory Setup

Your gear and inventory can make or break your XP rates. Sand Crabs have low defence, so prioritize strength and accuracy bonuses over defensive stats.

Melee Setup for Budget Players

For low-level or budget accounts:

• Weapon: Rune scimitar or Brine sabre.
• Armour: Rune armour or best available (e.g., Mithril).
• Amulet: Amulet of Strength.
• Gloves: Combat bracelet or leather gloves.
• Boots: Fancy boots or best available.

Melee Setup for High Levels

For players with more gold and levels:

• Weapon: Abyssal whip or Saradomin sword.
• Armour: Bandos chestplate/tassets or Fighter torso/Obsidian legs.
• Amulet: Amulet of Fury or Glory.
• Gloves: Barrows gloves or Regen bracelet.
• Boots: Dragon boots or Climbing boots.

Ranged Setup

Ranged training is viable, especially for pures:

• Weapon: Magic shortbow (i) or Rune crossbow.
• Ammo: Amethyst arrows or Broad bolts.
• Armour: Black d’hide or Armadyl if affordable.
• Amulet: Necklace of Anguish or Glory.
• Ring: Archers ring or Ring of Wealth.

Inventory Tips

Keep your inventory light for faster travel:

• Food: 4-6 lobsters or better for emergencies.
• Potions: Super strength/attack for melee, Ranging potion for ranged.
• Teleport: One-click teleport (e.g., House tab).
• Runes: Optional for High Alchemy to manage loot.

Training Strategies for Maximum XP

Once you’re at the Sand Crabs, the goal is to optimize your time and XP. Here’s how to make every minute count.

Choosing the Right Spot

Not all Sand Crab spots are equal. Look for:

• Multi-Crab Spots: Areas with 2-3 crabs ensure constant combat.
• Low Traffic: Avoid crowded worlds; hop to quieter ones.
• Bank Proximity: Hosidius beach has a nearby bank chest for restocking.

Maintaining Aggression

Sand Crabs stop attacking after ~10 minutes if you’re idle. To reset aggression:

• Run a few tiles away and return.
• Switch worlds if crabs despawn or others interfere.
• Use the “crash” method: Lure crabs to attack another player, then take over their spot.

AFK vs. Active Training

Decide based on your playstyle:

• AFK: Use auto-retaliate and check back every 8-10 minutes to reset aggression. Expect 50k-60k XP/hour.
• Active: Manually click crabs and use potions for 70k-80k XP/hour.

Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes

Maximize efficiency by dodging these pitfalls.

Overcrowding Issues

Popular spots get packed, especially on F2P worlds. Always have a backup world ready and hop early if you see crowds forming.

Gear Missteps

Don’t overinvest in defence gear—Sand Crabs hit weakly. Focus on offensive bonuses to speed up kills.

Inefficient Travel

Unlock teleports like Xeric’s Talisman or Kharedst’s Memoirs early. Repeatedly running from Port Sarim wastes time.

With these methods, gear setups, and strategies, you’re set to reach Sand Crabs fast and train efficiently. Pick the teleport that suits your account, optimize your gear, and enjoy those sweet XP gains on the sandy beaches of Hosidius!