OSRS Ranged Guide: Level 1 to 99 – Fastest Methods, Gear, and Tips

OSRS Ranged Guide: Level 1 to 99 – Fastest Methods, Gear, and Tips


Welcome to the ultimate guide for training Ranged in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) from level 1 to 99! Whether you’re a new player aiming to master this combat skill or a veteran looking for efficient methods, this guide has you covered. Ranged is one of the most powerful and versatile combat styles in OSRS, offering high accuracy and the ability to attack from a distance. In this blog post, we’ll explore the fastest training methods, recommended gear, and insider tips to help you hit that coveted level 99 Ranged milestone. Let’s dive into your journey to becoming a master ranger!

Ranged is a core combat skill in OSRS, alongside Melee and Magic. It’s essential for tackling high-level bosses like Zulrah, Vorkath, and raids such as Chambers of Xeric. Training Ranged not only boosts your combat prowess but also unlocks access to powerful weapons and armor, making it a must-have for PvM (Player vs Monster) and PvP (Player vs Player) enthusiasts. Plus, with the right methods, you can train efficiently while minimizing costs or even turning a profit.

Benefits of High Ranged Levels

  • Increased Accuracy and Damage: Higher Ranged levels improve your hit chance and max hit, making you a formidable opponent.
  • Bossing Potential: Many endgame bosses are weak to Ranged attacks, offering huge profit opportunities.
  • Safe Spotting: Attack from a distance to avoid taking damage from melee-based enemies.
  • Quest and Diary Requirements: Achieve level 70 Ranged for the Achievement Diary Cape or level 60 for the Quest Cape.

Getting Started: Ranged Basics and Early Levels (1-30)

OSRS Range Gear Progression Best OSRS Guides

The early levels of Ranged training can feel slow, but with the right approach, you can breeze through them. At this stage, focus on low-cost methods and accessible gear to build your foundation. Here’s how to kick things off.

Recommended Gear for Levels 1-30

Start with affordable equipment that maximizes your Ranged attack bonus:

  • Weapon: Shortbow (up to level 20) or Oak Shortbow (level 20+).
  • Ammo: Bronze or Iron Arrows.
  • Armor: Leather Armor (Body, Chaps, Vambraces, and Coif).

Training Methods for Levels 1-30

For early training, stick to low-level monsters that are easy to hit and offer decent XP:

  • Chickens (Lumbridge): Perfect for level 1-10. Safe-spot behind fences for zero damage taken.
  • Cows (Lumbridge or Falador): Levels 10-20. Collect hides for extra gold.
  • Goblins (Lumbridge): Levels 20-30. Quick kills and easy access.

Pro Tip: Use the “Rapid” attack style on your weapon for faster XP rates, even if it consumes more arrows.

Quest XP Boosts

Skip some of the grind by completing quests that reward Ranged XP:

Mid-Level Ranged Training (30-70)

Once you hit level 30, your options expand significantly. This is where you can start using cannons, better gear, and more efficient training spots. The goal here is to balance cost, speed, and accessibility.

Best Gear for Levels 30-70

Upgrade your equipment as your Ranged level improves:

Level Weapon Ammo Armor
30-40 Willow Shortbow Steel Arrows Green D’hide Armor
40-50 Maple Shortbow Mithril Arrows Blue D’hide Armor
50-70 Magic Shortbow Adamant Arrows Red D’hide Armor

Note: After completing Animal Magnetism, equip Ava’s Accumulator to recover ammo and save gold.

Fast Training Methods

Here are the top methods to power through mid-levels:

  • Sand Crabs (Fossil Island): 20k-30k XP/hour. AFK-friendly with high HP and low defense.
  • Rock Crabs (Rellekka): 15k-25k XP/hour. Similar to Sand Crabs but more accessible early on.
  • Dwarf Multicannon (Ogres or Lighthouse Dagannoths): 50k-100k XP/hour. Requires Dwarf Cannon quest. Expensive but incredibly fast.

Cannon Tips

The Dwarf Multicannon is a game-changer for mid-level training:

  • Best Spots: Caged Ogres (after Biohazard) or Dagannoths (Lighthouse).
  • Cost: Expect to spend 200-300k GP per hour on cannonballs.
  • XP Boost: Pair with a shortbow for maximum efficiency.

High-Level Ranged Training (70-99)

Reaching level 70 opens the door to some of the fastest and most rewarding training methods in OSRS. At this stage, you’ll want to optimize for XP rates, potentially sacrificing cost for speed, or opt for AFK methods if you prefer a relaxed grind.

Top Gear for Levels 70-99

Invest in high-tier gear to maximize damage and XP:

  • Weapons: Toxic Blowpipe (level 75), Twisted Bow (level 85), or Chinchompas (level 45+).
  • Ammo: Mithril/Adamant Darts (Blowpipe), Broad Arrows (Twisted Bow), or Grey/Red Chinchompas.
  • Armor: Armadyl Armor or Void Knight Set (with Ranger Helm).
  • Accessories: Ava’s Assembler, Archers Ring, and Ranger Boots.

Fastest Training Methods

These methods offer the highest XP rates to hit 99 fast:

  • Chinning Maniacal Monkeys (Ape Atoll): 500k-1M XP/hour. Requires Monkey Madness II, 43 Prayer, and Void Ranger Set. Use Red Chinchompas for the best rates.
  • Nightmare Zone (NMZ): 100k-150k XP/hour. AFK for up to 20 minutes with a Toxic Blowpipe and absorption potions.
  • Slayer with Ranged: 50k-100k XP/hour. Combine with Slayer tasks for profit and variety.

Chinning Explained

Chinning is the fastest way to 99 Ranged, but it’s costly:

  • Location: Maniacal Monkeys in Kruk’s Dungeon (Ape Atoll).
  • Cost: 1-2M GP/hour with Red Chinchompas.
  • Setup: Void Ranger, Prayer Potions, and Protect from Melee.
  • XP: Up to 1M/hour with optimal stacking and Rigour prayer.

Tips and Tricks for Efficient Ranged Training

To make your journey to 99 Ranged smoother, here are some expert tips to save time, gold, and effort.

Cost-Saving Strategies

  • Ava’s Devices: Recover 60-80% of your ammo automatically.
  • Cheaper Ammo: Use Broad Arrows or Mithril Darts instead of high-end options where possible.
  • Profitable Slayer: Offset costs by training on tasks with valuable drops (e.g., Zulrah, Demonic Gorillas).

Maximizing XP Rates

  • Prayer Boosts: Use Eagle Eye (level 44) or Rigour (level 74) for extra accuracy and damage.
  • Ranging Potions: Boost your Ranged level temporarily for tougher enemies.
  • Stacking: In multi-combat areas like Maniacal Monkeys, lure enemies to hit multiple targets with Chinchompas.

AFK Training Options

For a more relaxed grind:

  • Sand Crabs or Ammonite Crabs: Low effort, decent XP, and minimal attention needed.
  • NMZ: Set up absorption potions and a Blowpipe for 20-minute AFK sessions.

Conclusion: Your Path to 99 Ranged

Training Ranged from 1 to 99 in OSRS is a rewarding journey that transforms you into a powerhouse of precision and power. Whether you choose the cannon for early levels, chinning for the fastest XP, or Slayer for profit, there’s a method to suit every playstyle. Equip the best gear you can afford, leverage quests for XP boosts, and apply these tips to optimize your training. Before you know it, you’ll be sporting that Ranged Skillcape and dominating Gielinor’s toughest challenges. What’s your favorite Ranged training method? Let us know in the comments, and happy ranging!