OSRS Ice Barrage XP Per Hour Guide for Efficient Magic Training
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), Ice Barrage is a powerhouse spell from the Ancient Magicks spellbook, renowned for its high damage and ability to freeze multiple enemies. If you’re aiming to level up your Magic skill quickly, training with Ice Barrage at level 94 Magic is one of the fastest methods available. But how much XP per hour can you expect, and what factors influence these rates? This comprehensive guide dives into Ice Barrage XP rates, optimal locations, gear setups, costs, and tips to maximize efficiency, helping you reach 99 Magic or beyond.
Ice Barrage is the highest-tier Ice spell in the Ancient Magicks spellbook, requiring level 94 Magic to cast. Its ability to hit up to nine enemies in a 3×3 grid with a base max hit of 30 damage (up to 50 with boosts) makes it ideal for multi-combat areas. The spell also freezes targets for 20 seconds, offering crowd control that’s valuable in both PvP and training scenarios. Compared to alternatives like Ice Burst or chinning, Ice Barrage provides superior Magic XP rates and additional Hitpoints XP, making it a top choice for players with the budget and quest requirements.
Key Benefits of Ice Barrage
- High XP Rates: Up to 400,000 Magic XP per hour in optimal conditions.
- Multi-Target Efficiency: Hits multiple enemies, maximizing XP per cast.
- Hitpoints XP: Grants more Hitpoints XP than red chinchompas, boosting combat stats.
- Versatility: Useful in PvP, minigames like Castle Wars, and diary tasks.
Optimal Locations for Ice Barrage Training
The location you choose significantly impacts your XP rates when training with Ice Barrage. Multi-combat areas with densely packed, low-Magic-defense monsters are ideal. Below are the best spots for Ice Barrage training, with Maniacal Monkeys being the standout choice.
Maniacal Monkeys in Kruk’s Dungeon
Located in Kruk’s Dungeon after completing Monkey Madness II, Maniacal Monkeys are the go-to for Ice Barrage training. Their high aggression, low Magic defense, and large numbers allow for consistent multi-target hits. With optimal gear and techniques, you can achieve 330,000–400,000 Magic XP per hour. The monkeys also drop Prayer Potions, reducing banking trips and sustaining long sessions.
Ape Atoll Dungeon (MM1 Tunnels)
Unlocked during Monkey Madness I, the Ape Atoll Dungeon is a viable alternative for players without Monkey Madness II access. Skeletons in the dungeon cluster tightly, making them suitable for Ice Barrage. However, XP rates are lower, typically around 200,000–250,000 XP per hour, and skeletons only drop unsellable bones, offering no loot value.
Bandits in The Big Heist Lodge
Bandits in The Big Heist Lodge (Pollnivneach) are another option, especially for players with lower Magic levels who can use Blood Barrage or Blood Burst. By luring bandits two tiles west of the lodge door, you can stack them for area-of-effect spells. Ice Barrage here yields up to 305,000 XP per hour when defensive autocasting, but it’s less efficient than Maniacal Monkeys.
Gear and Inventory Setup for Maximum XP
Your gear and inventory directly affect XP rates and cost efficiency. Prioritize Magic damage bonuses and Prayer bonuses to maximize damage output and sustain Prayer with fewer potions. Below is a recommended setup for Ice Barrage training at Maniacal Monkeys.
Recommended Gear
| Slot | Item | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Head | Ancestral Hat | Ahrim’s Hood |
| Neck | Occult Necklace | Amulet of Glory |
| Cape | Imbued God Cape | Ardougne Cloak |
| Body | Ancestral Robe Top | Ahrim’s Robetop |
| Legs | Ancestral Robe Bottom | Ahrim’s Robeskirt |
| Weapon | Kodai Wand | Staff of the Dead |
| Shield | Arcane Spirit Shield | Mage’s Book |
| Hands | Tormented Bracelet | Barrows Gloves |
| Boots | Eternal Boots | Infinity Boots |
| Ring | Seers Ring (i) | Ring of Suffering (i) |
Inventory Setup
- Runes: Blood Runes (4 per cast), Death Runes (6 per cast), Water Runes (6 per cast). Use a Kodai Wand to save Water Runes.
- Prayer Potions: 6–8 Prayer Potions to maintain Protect from Melee.
- Super Restore Potions: 2–3 for Prayer and stat restoration.
- Food: 4–6 Saradomin Brews or Sharks for emergencies.
- Teleport: Ape Atoll Teleport or Royal Seed Pod for quick access.
- Imbued Heart: Boosts Magic level for higher damage (optional).
Cost vs. XP: Is Ice Barrage Worth It?
Ice Barrage is expensive, with costs driven by rune consumption. On average, you can cast Ice Barrage about 1,000 times per hour, with each cast requiring 4 Blood Runes, 6 Death Runes, and 6 Water Runes. Based on current Grand Exchange prices (as of May 2025), the approximate cost per cast is around 1,458 GP, totaling roughly 1.46M GP per hour. For 99 Magic from level 94 (6,103,861 XP), expect to spend 60M–70M GP at 350,000 XP per hour.
Cost Breakdown
| Rune | Quantity per Cast | Cost per Rune (GP) | Total Cost per Cast (GP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Rune | 4 | 220 | 880 |
| Death Rune | 6 | 80 | 480 |
| Water Rune | 6 | 16 | 96 |
| Total | – | – | 1,458 |
Ice Barrage vs. Ice Burst
Ice Burst, available at level 70 Magic, is a cheaper alternative, costing about 982 GP per cast and yielding up to 310,000 XP per hour at Maniacal Monkeys. While Ice Burst is more cost-effective (around 3.5 GP/XP vs. 5 GP/XP for Ice Barrage), Ice Barrage’s 27.5% higher XP rates make it preferable for players prioritizing speed over savings.
Tips to Maximize Ice Barrage XP Rates
To get the most out of Ice Barrage training, follow these strategies to boost efficiency and reduce costs.
Use Alternative Accounts for Luring
Using 1–2 alternative accounts to lure and stack Maniacal Monkeys makes training semi-AFK, as monsters stay tightly grouped. This can push XP rates closer to 400,000 per hour and reduces the need for constant repositioning.
Optimize Gear for Magic Damage
Every 1% increase in Magic damage boosts your max hit, increasing XP per cast. Items like the Ancestral set, Occult Necklace, and Kodai Wand are critical for maximizing damage output.
Defensive Casting for Extra XP
Autocasting on defensive mode splits XP between Magic and Defence, granting up to 305,000 total XP per hour at Bandits or slightly more at Maniacal Monkeys. This is ideal for players training combat stats simultaneously.
Complete Diary Tasks
Ice Barrage is required for the elite Desert Diary (cast on a creature in the desert) and Ardougne Diary (cast in Castle Wars with a Castlewars Brew). Plan your training to knock out these tasks, saving time and runes.
Monitor Rune Costs
Rune prices fluctuate, so check the Grand Exchange regularly. Stock up on runes during price dips to reduce overall costs, especially for Blood and Death Runes.
Conclusion: Ice Barrage is the ultimate Magic training method in OSRS, offering up to 400,000 XP per hour at Maniacal Monkeys, though it comes with a hefty price tag of 60M–70M GP to reach 99 Magic. By optimizing your gear, choosing the right location, and using luring accounts, you can achieve top-tier XP rates while managing costs. Whether you’re chasing a skillcape or preparing for PvP, this guide equips you to make the most of Ice Barrage training. Happy barraging!