OSRS Melee Training Weapons Best Picks for Efficient Leveling

OSRS Melee Training Weapons Best Picks for Efficient Leveling

Training melee skills in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a core part of becoming a formidable warrior. Whether you’re aiming for 99 Attack, Strength, or Defence, choosing the right weapons can make or break your experience per hour (XP/hr). This guide dives into the best melee training weapons, organized by Attack level requirements, to help you optimize your combat training. From budget-friendly options to high-end gear, we’ll cover what you need to know to maximize damage, efficiency, and fun.

Melee in OSRS consists of three skills: Attack, Strength, and Defence. Each plays a unique role:

  • Attack: Increases accuracy, allowing you to hit more often and wield better weapons.
  • Strength: Boosts your maximum hit, increasing damage output and XP rates.
  • Defence: Reduces the chance of being hit, improving survivability but not directly affecting XP.

Weapon choice is critical because it impacts your damage per second (DPS), which directly correlates with XP/hr. Faster weapons (attack speed of 4 ticks, or 2.4 seconds) like scimitars generally outperform slower ones (e.g., two-handed swords) against low-defence monsters. However, high-defence targets may require specific weapons with unique properties.

Why Weapon Speed Matters

Attack speed determines how often you hit. A weapon with a 4-tick speed, like a scimitar or dagger, delivers more consistent damage than a 6-tick two-handed sword, making it ideal for training on low-defence monsters like sand crabs. For high-defence targets, weapons with special effects or high accuracy may take priority.

Prioritizing Strength for XP

Since Strength boosts max hit, it’s often prioritized for faster XP gains. Training Attack unlocks better weapons, but keeping Attack and Strength within 5-10 levels of each other ensures balanced progression. Defence can lag slightly, offset by food or better armor.

Low-Level Melee Weapons (Levels 1-40)

Old School RuneScape OSRS Best Melee Weapons Gamer Empire

Early-game melee training focuses on affordability and accessibility, especially for free-to-play (F2P) players or new accounts. Here are the top picks for levels 1-40, ideal for grinding at spots like rock crabs or the Stronghold of Security.

Bronze to Steel Scimitars (Attack 1-20)

Scimitars are the go-to for early levels due to their 4-tick speed and decent Strength bonuses. Start with a Bronze Scimitar (Attack 1), move to Iron Scimitar (Attack 5), and then Steel Scimitar (Attack 20). These are cheap, craftable via Smithing, and effective for F2P players training on low-level monsters.

Rune Scimitar (Attack 40)

The Rune Scimitar is the pinnacle of F2P melee weapons, requiring 40 Attack. With a +45 Strength bonus and 4-tick speed, it’s a massive upgrade for training at sand crabs or ammonite crabs. P2P players can acquire it via Smithing (90 Smithing) or buy it for around 15k-20k GP. It remains viable until you unlock dragon weapons.

Alternative: Barronite Mace (Attack 40)

For F2P players, the Barronite Mace shines against runecrafting golems in the Ruins of Camdozaal due to its golembane effect. It’s slightly less effective than the Rune Scimitar elsewhere but offers variety for specific training scenarios.

Mid-Level Melee Weapons (Levels 50-70)

At mid-levels, P2P players gain access to powerful weapons that significantly boost DPS. These are ideal for training at Nightmare Zone or on Slayer tasks.

Dragon Scimitar (Attack 60)

The Dragon Scimitar is a fan-favorite, requiring 60 Attack and completion of Monkey Madness I. Its +66 Strength bonus and 4-tick speed make it a top choice for Strength training. Costing around 100k GP, it’s affordable and can carry you to 99 Strength against low-defence monsters. It’s often paired with a Dragon Defender for extra accuracy.

Brine Sabre (Attack 40)

An underrated option, the Brine Sabre outperforms the Rune Scimitar at 40 Attack. Dropped by brine rats, it has a +47 Strength bonus and a special attack that can hit harder in water-based environments. It’s a niche but effective choice for variety.

Granite Hammer (Attack 50)

The Granite Hammer requires 50 Attack and Strength, offering a +57 Strength bonus. It’s slower (5 ticks) but hits harder per strike, making it decent for high-defence monsters. Use it sparingly, as scimitars generally outperform it for XP.

High-Level Melee Weapons (Levels 70-82)

High-level weapons cater to advanced players tackling Slayer, bosses, or Nightmare Zone. These offer superior DPS and special effects for specific scenarios.

Abyssal Whip (Attack 70)

The Abyssal Whip is iconic for its 4-tick speed and +82 Strength bonus, requiring 70 Attack. It’s excellent for Attack and Defence training but lacks an aggressive style for direct Strength training. Use the “controlled” style for balanced XP or switch to alternatives for Strength. Dropped by Abyssal Demons, it costs ~2M GP.

Saradomin Sword (Attack 70)

The Saradomin Sword, dropped by Commander Zilyana, is a two-handed weapon with a 4-tick speed, unlike most two-handed swords. With a +82 Strength bonus, it’s a strong alternative to the whip for Strength training, offering higher DPS against low-defence monsters. It costs ~1M GP but degrades, requiring repairs.

Toktz-xil-ak (Obsidian Sword) with Obsidian Set (Attack 60)

The Toktz-xil-ak (Obsidian Sword) shines when paired with the full Obsidian armor set and Berserker Necklace. This combo grants a 30% damage and accuracy boost, outpacing other weapons against low-defence monsters in Nightmare Zone. However, it sacrifices Defence and Slayer Helmet compatibility, making it situational. The sword requires 60 Attack and costs ~300k GP.

Comparison of High-Level Weapons
Weapon Attack Req Strength Bonus Attack Speed Best Use
Abyssal Whip 70 +82 4 ticks Attack/Defence, Slayer
Saradomin Sword 70 +82 4 ticks Strength, Low-Defence
Toktz-xil-ak (Obsidian) 60 +69 (+30% with set) 4 ticks Nightmare Zone, Low-Defence

Elite Weapons for Endgame Training (Level 82+)

For players nearing max combat stats, elite weapons offer unmatched DPS and versatility, perfect for high-level PvM and Slayer.

Osmumten’s Fang (Attack 82)

The Osmumten’s Fang is the best melee training weapon, requiring 82 Attack. Dropped from Tombs of Amascut, its unique passive scales damage with enemy Defence, making it ideal for bosses and high-defence monsters. With a +105 Strength bonus and 4-tick speed, it’s a game-changer, though it costs ~28M GP.

Ghrazi Rapier (Attack 80)

The Ghrazi Rapier (80 Attack) is a top-tier stab weapon with a +94 Strength bonus, excelling in high-level PvM like Chambers of Xeric. Dropped from Theatre of Blood, it’s pricey (~100M GP) but versatile for Slayer and bossing.

Scythe of Vitur (Attack 80)

The Scythe of Vitur is a two-handed slash weapon with an AoE attack, perfect for grouped Slayer tasks like Dust Devils. Requiring 80 Attack and 90 Strength, it’s expensive (~1B GP) and niche but unmatched for multi-target scenarios.

Tips for Optimizing Melee Training

To get the most out of your weapons, consider these strategies:

  • Complete Quests: Quests like Waterfall Quest boost Attack and Strength to 30 instantly, letting you wield better weapons early.
  • Use Slayer Tasks: Combine melee training with Slayer for profit and XP, using a Slayer Helmet for a 16.67% damage boost.
  • Upgrade Gear: Prioritize Strength bonuses with items like Amulet of Torture or Berserker Ring (i).
  • Nightmare Zone: AFK train with absorption potions and overloads for high XP rates, especially with Obsidian setups.
  • Monster Weaknesses: Match weapon styles (stab, slash, crush) to monster weaknesses, e.g., Zamorakian Hasta for dragons.

By selecting the right weapon for your level and training style, you’ll blaze through melee levels efficiently. Whether you’re swinging a Rune Scimitar at crabs or wielding Osmumten’s Fang against bosses, this guide has you covered for every stage of your OSRS journey.