OSRS Steel Scimitar F2P Guide for Beginners and Pros

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the steel scimitar is a standout weapon for free-to-play (F2P) players looking to optimize their melee combat. Whether you’re a new adventurer or a seasoned ironman, this guide dives into everything you need to know about the steel scimitar in F2P worlds. From obtaining it to using it effectively, we’ll cover stats, strategies, and tips to make the most of this iconic weapon.

The steel scimitar is a melee weapon requiring level 5 Attack to wield, making it accessible early in your OSRS journey. Known for its balance of speed and power, it’s a go-to choice for F2P players before upgrading to the mithril or rune scimitar. Its fast attack speed and decent slash bonus make it ideal for training and tackling low-to-mid-level monsters.

Key Stats of the Steel Scimitar

Understanding the steel scimitar’s stats helps you decide when and how to use it. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Attribute	Value
Attack Requirement	Level 5
Attack Speed	4 ticks (2.4 seconds)
Slash Bonus	+14
Strength Bonus	+13

Compared to other F2P weapons like the steel longsword, the scimitar’s faster attack speed gives it higher damage per second (DPS), making it a top pick for most combat scenarios. Tip: Always prioritize scimitars over swords for melee training in F2P due to their DPS advantage.

How to Get the Steel Scimitar in F2P

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Acquiring a steel scimitar is straightforward, with multiple methods available to F2P players. Below are the primary ways to get one, tailored to different playstyles like ironman or casual accounts.

Purchasing from Zeke’s Superior Scimitars

The easiest way to get a steel scimitar is by visiting Zeke’s Superior Scimitimen in Al Kharid. Located just north of the bank, Zeke sells steel scimitars for 400 coins each, with a default stock of two. This method is quick and reliable for most players.

Pros: Instant access, no skill requirements.
Cons: Ironmen may struggle due to overstocked shops on busy worlds.

Workaround for Ironmen: If Zeke’s shop is overstocked, wait for a Thursday system update when shop stocks reset, or hop to a less populated world.

Smithing Your Own Steel Scimitar

For players with level 35 Smithing, crafting a steel scimitar is an option. You’ll need:

2 steel bars
A hammer
Access to an anvil (e.g., south of Varrock west bank)

Smithing grants 75 Smithing experience per scimitar, making it a decent training method for ironmen. However, smelting steel bars requires level 30 Mining and 30 Smithing, which may take time for new accounts.

Monster Drops (Rare)

While not a primary method, some F2P monsters like bandits in the Al Kharid desert can rarely drop steel scimitars. This is less reliable than buying or smithing, so focus on other methods unless you’re grinding these monsters for other loot.

Why Choose the Steel Scimitar for F2P Combat?

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The steel scimitar shines in F2P due to its versatility and efficiency. Here’s why it’s a must-have for early-game melee training and beyond.

Superior DPS for Training

Scimitars in OSRS, including the steel variant, have an attack speed of 4 ticks, faster than longswords (5 ticks). This speed, combined with a +13 strength bonus, maximizes your damage output against common F2P monsters like giant frogs or hill giants. For optimal training, use the steel scimitar until you can wield a mithril scimitar at level 20 Attack.

Cost-Effectiveness

At 400 coins from Zeke’s or roughly 800-1,000 coins on the Grand Exchange, the steel scimitar is affordable for F2P players. Its low cost makes it a no-brainer for new accounts looking to upgrade from bronze or iron weapons without breaking the bank.

Versatility Across Combat Styles

The steel scimitar supports slash and stab attacks, though slash is its strongest style. This flexibility lets you adapt to different monster weaknesses, such as using slash against low-defense enemies like cows or stab against foes with high slash defense (though rare in F2P).

Best Uses for the Steel Scimitar in F2P

Knowing where and how to use the steel scimitar can elevate your gameplay. Below are the best scenarios for wielding this weapon, along with tips to maximize its potential.

Melee Training Spots

The steel scimitar excels at training Attack, Strength, and Defence. Here are top F2P spots to grind with it:

Cows (Lumbridge or Crafting Guild): Ideal for levels 5-15. Low defense and high HP make cows perfect for quick XP.
Minotaurs (Stronghold of Security): Great for levels 15-20. Drops iron arrows for Ranged training, plus decent melee XP.
Giant Frogs (Lumbridge Swamp): Best for levels 15-30. High HP and low defense offer excellent XP rates.

Pro Tip: Equip an amulet of strength for a higher max hit or an amulet of power for balanced stats when training.

Questing with the Steel Scimitar

The steel scimitar is a solid choice for early F2P quests requiring combat, such as:

Vampyre Slayer: Use the steel scimitar to safespot Count Draynor for easy kills.
Demon Slayer: Its fast attack speed helps chip away at Delrith efficiently.

Pair it with the best F2P armor you can equip, like a steel platebody and kiteshield, to survive tougher fights.

Ironman Considerations

For F2P ironmen, the steel scimitar is a key upgrade from bronze or iron weapons. Since you can’t rely on the Grand Exchange, prioritize buying from Zeke or smithing it yourself. If training Smithing, smelt steel bars at the Edgeville furnace and use the Varrock anvil for efficiency. The steel scimitar will carry you through mid-level training until you can access a mithril scimitar at 20 Attack.

Tips and Tricks for Mastering the Steel Scimitar

To get the most out of your steel scimitar, consider these practical tips tailored for F2P players.

Optimize Your Gear

Maximize your combat effectiveness by pairing the steel scimitar with affordable F2P gear:

Helmet: Steel med helm (cheap from Varrock armor shop).
Body: Steel platebody for high defense.
Legs: Steel platelegs or plateskirt.
Shield: Steel kiteshield for balanced defense.
Boots: Fancy/fighting boots from Stronghold of Security.

This setup balances offense and defense without requiring high skills or wealth.

Training Strategy

Focus on training Attack to 20 as soon as possible to unlock the mithril scimitar, which offers better stats. Until then, train Strength with the steel scimitar to boost your max hit. A sample progression:

Attack to 10 (for better accuracy).
Strength to 15 (for higher damage).
Attack to 20 (to equip mithril scimitar).

Avoid Common Mistakes

Steer clear of these pitfalls when using the steel scimitar:

Using Controlled Style: It splits XP across all melee skills, slowing progress. Stick to Slash (Strength) or Accurate (Attack).
Fighting High-Defense Monsters: Avoid enemies like giant rats with high slash resistance. Target low-defense foes for faster kills.
Ignoring Armor: Don’t skimp on defensive gear, as F2P monsters can hit hard at low levels.

Upgrading from the Steel Scimitar

Once you hit 20 Attack, upgrade to a mithril scimitar (+28 slash, +26 strength) from Zeke’s shop or by smithing (level 50 Smithing). At 40 Attack, the rune scimitar becomes the best F2P weapon, requiring 90 Smithing for ironmen or drops from monsters like Fire Giants. Plan your progression to avoid overstaying with the steel scimitar.

The steel scimitar is a cornerstone of F2P melee in OSRS, offering speed, affordability, and versatility. Whether you’re slashing through cows or questing in Al Kharid, this weapon will serve you well in the early game. Equip it, train smart, and you’ll be on your way to mastering F2P combat in no time.