OSRS Melee Guide 1-99 Ultimate Training Strategies

OSRS Melee Guide 1-99 Ultimate Training Strategies

Mastering melee combat in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a cornerstone for tackling PvP, Slayer, and bossing. This comprehensive guide outlines the fastest and most efficient ways to train Attack, Strength, and Defence from level 1 to 99. Whether you’re a free-to-play (F2P) player, a member (P2P), or an Ironman, we’ll cover optimal methods, gear, quests, and strategies to help you dominate Gielinor’s toughest challenges.

Melee in OSRS revolves around three core skills: Attack, Strength, and Defence. Each skill plays a unique role in combat, and leveling them efficiently requires a strategic approach. Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Attack: Increases accuracy, allowing you to hit more often and wield better weapons.
  • Strength: Boosts maximum hit, increasing damage output and experience rates.
  • Defence: Reduces the frequency of enemy hits, improving survivability.

Training these skills unlocks high-tier gear, quests, and activities like the Nightmare Zone and raids. Let’s dive into the journey from level 1 to 99.

Early Levels (1-40) Questing and Low-Level Training

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The early melee grind is fast, especially with quests that grant significant experience. For new accounts, combining quest rewards with low-level monster slaying is the most efficient path.

Recommended Quests for Early XP

Quests provide a quick boost to skip the slow early levels. Here are the best ones for melee XP, all accessible to low-level players:

Quest XP Reward Skills Boosted Requirements
Waterfall Quest 13,750 Attack, Strength None
Vampyre Slayer 4,825 Attack None
Tree Gnome Village 11,450 Attack None
Fight Arena 12,175 Attack None
The Grand Tree 18,400 Attack 25 Agility

Completing these quests can boost you to around level 30 Attack and Strength, with some Defence XP. Waterfall Quest is particularly powerful, instantly taking a level 1 account to level 30 in both Attack and Strength with no requirements. Be cautious, as some quests involve tough enemies, so bring food and basic armor.

Best Low-Level Training Spots

For levels 1-40, focus on enemies with high hitpoints and low attack power for consistent, safe training. Here are top F2P and P2P options:

  • Chickens (F2P): Found at Farmer Fred’s coop northeast of Lumbridge. They have 3 hitpoints, ideal for levels 1-20. Fast kills but require frequent clicking.

  • Cows (F2P): North of Lumbridge, cows have higher hitpoints and drop cowhides for profit. Great for levels 10-30.

  • Monks (F2P): At Edgeville Monastery, monks heal you on request, eliminating food costs. Suitable up to level 40.

  • Rock Crabs (P2P): On Rellekka’s coast, these have 50 hitpoints and are non-aggressive, perfect for AFK training from levels 20-40.

Use the best scimitar you can equip (e.g., iron at level 5, steel at level 10) and switch between attack styles: Accurate for Attack XP, Aggressive for Strength, and Defensive for Defence.

Mid-Levels (40-70) Crabs and Gear Upgrades

From levels 40-70, training becomes more diverse with access to better gear and AFK methods. This is where P2P players can pull ahead with efficient spots like Sand Crabs.

Optimal Training Locations

Here are the best spots for mid-level melee training:

  • Sand Crabs (P2P): Found on Hosidius coast, Sand Crabs have 60 hitpoints and low defence, offering 20,000-30,000 XP/hour. They’re ideal for AFK training up to level 70. Reset aggro by running 30 tiles away every 10 minutes.

  • Ammonite Crabs (P2P): On Fossil Island, these are similar to Sand Crabs but less crowded, with 100 hitpoints for slightly better XP. Requires Bone Voyage quest.

  • Hill Giants (F2P): In Edgeville Dungeon, they have 35 hitpoints and drop big bones for Prayer XP. Good for levels 40-60.

Gear Progression

Upgrading gear significantly boosts XP rates. Here’s a progression guide:

Level Weapon Armor Accessories
40 Rune Scimitar Rune Armor (F2P) or Obsidian Armor (P2P) Amulet of Strength
50 Granite Hammer (P2P) Obsidian Armor (P2P) Amulet of Power
60 Dragon Scimitar (P2P) Fighter Torso (P2P) or Rune Armor (F2P) Amulet of Glory (P2P)

For P2P players, complete Monkey Madness I to unlock the Dragon Scimitar at level 60 Attack. The Fighter Torso from Barbarian Assault offers a +4 Strength bonus, ideal for mid-level training. F2P players should stick with full rune armor and a rune scimitar.

High Levels (70-99) Nightmare Zone and Slayer

At level 70+, the game opens up with faster XP methods like Nightmare Zone (NMZ) and Slayer. These are the go-to options for reaching 99 efficiently.

Nightmare Zone (P2P)

Located north of Yanille, NMZ is the fastest way to 99, offering up to 80,000-100,000 XP/hour. In Rumble mode, you fight quest bosses with customizable settings. Use Absorption Potions and Overloads for AFK training, paired with Dharok’s Armor at 92+ Hitpoints for maximum damage. Recommended bosses include:

NMZ also rewards points for buying potions and imbues, making it cost-effective.

Slayer Training

Slayer combines melee training with profit and Slayer XP. At 70+ combat, use Nieve/Steve in the Slayer Tower for tasks like Greater Demons or Gargoyles. Equip a Black Mask or Slayer Helm for a 16.67% boost to accuracy and damage. Slayer is slower than NMZ (50,000-70,000 XP/hour) but offers valuable drops and variety.

Bossing for Profit and XP

Bossing is a fun, profitable alternative for high-level players. Top bosses for melee training include:

Use high-strength gear like the Abyssal Whip or Bandos Armor for optimal damage.

F2P Melee Training Path

F2P players face slower XP rates but can still reach 99 with dedication. Stick to these methods:

  • Levels 1-20: Goblins or chickens near Lumbridge. Use iron or steel scimitars.

  • Levels 20-40: Hill Giants in Edgeville Dungeon for big bones and XP.
  • Levels 40-99: Giant Frogs in Lumbridge Swamp (added in 2015) have decent hitpoints and low defence, offering 20,000-30,000 XP/hour.

Equip full rune armor, a rune scimitar, and an Amulet of Strength for maximum hits. For pures, use the Clan Wars portal to attack 1 Defence accounts with jugs of wine for up to 50,000 XP/hour.

Tips for Efficient Training

Maximize your melee grind with these strategies:

  • Prioritize Strength: Higher Strength increases damage, boosting XP rates. Train Strength to 99 first, then Attack, and Defence last in P2P.

  • Use Potions: Strength potions (F2P) or Overloads (P2P) temporarily boost stats for faster kills.
  • Upgrade Gear Regularly: Check the Warriors’ Guild for defenders at 130 combined Attack and Strength. The Avernic Defender is best-in-slot for melee.

  • Train Prayer: Piety (level 70 Prayer) boosts melee stats significantly. Use bone drops from dragons or Hill Giants to train Prayer alongside melee.

  • AFK When Possible: Sand Crabs, Ammonite Crabs, and NMZ allow extended AFK sessions, saving time and effort.

Reaching 99 in Attack, Strength, and Defence is a monumental achievement in OSRS. By following this guide, you’ll efficiently navigate the grind with a mix of quests, AFK training, and high-XP methods like NMZ and Slayer. Whether you’re slaying crabs or battling bosses, stay consistent, upgrade your gear, and conquer Gielinor as a melee master. Happy skilling!