Train Ranged OSRS Comprehensive Guide

Training Ranged in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is one of the most rewarding skills to master. Whether you’re aiming to dominate in PvP, tackle high-level bosses, or just want to flex a high Ranged level, this skill is your ticket to dealing serious damage from a distance. As someone who’s spent countless hours grinding Ranged to 99 on multiple accounts, I can tell you it’s a journey filled with strategy, patience, and a bit of fun. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best methods, gear setups, and tips to level up Ranged efficiently while sharing some personal stories from my time in Gielinor. Ready to become a sharpshooter? Let’s dive in!

Ranged is one of the three combat styles in OSRS, alongside Melee and Magic. It’s unique because it lets you attack from a safe distance, which is a lifesaver in tough boss fights like Zulrah or the Inferno. Plus, who doesn’t love sniping enemies without getting up close and personal? I’ve always found Ranged to be my go-to for most PvM (Player vs Monster) content because it feels versatile and, honestly, pretty cool.

But why should YOU care about training Ranged? Simple. A high Ranged level opens doors to better gear, stronger attacks, and more efficient money-making methods. Ever tried killing Brutal Black Dragons with low Ranged? It’s a slog. Get to 90+ Ranged, and you’ll see those profits stack up fast. So, what’s the best way to start? Let’s break it down.

Getting Started with Ranged Training

Early Levels (1-20)

When you’re just starting out, Ranged can feel a bit slow, especially if you’re a fresh account with no gold or gear. My first-ever OSRS account was a pure, and I remember the struggle of training Ranged with a shortbow and bronze arrows. Here’s how you can make those early levels a breeze:

• Start with Quests: Quests like Animal Magnetism and Death to the Dorgeshuun give you Ranged XP and access to useful items like Ava’s Accumulator and the Dorgeshuun Crossbow. I got to level 20 in a single afternoon by knocking out these quests. They’re quick and save you from mindless grinding.

• Low-Level Monsters: Head to places like the Lumbridge cow pens or the chickens in the farm near Falador. Use a shortbow with bronze or iron arrows. Trust me, killing cows at level 1 feels nostalgic, and you might even snag some cowhides for extra cash.

• Gear: Stick to basic leather armor and a shortbow. You don’t need anything fancy yet. I used to wear a full set of leather armor I crafted myself, which gave me a small sense of Pride.

What’s the fastest way to get out of these low levels? Quests, hands down. They give you a chunk of XP without the monotony of killing low-level mobs for hours.

Mid-Level Training (20-40)

Once you hit level 20, things start getting interesting. You can now use better weapons like the oak shortbow or a crossbow with bronze bolts. Here’s where I started to feel like a proper ranger, picking off enemies with a bit more style.

• Sand Crabs: These are a fantastic training spot on Zeah (Hosidius). They’re low-effort, have high HP, and don’t hit back. I spent days at Sand Crabs, listening to music and chatting with friends while my character auto-attacked. Pro tip: Use the three-crab spots to minimize downtime.

• Ammonite Crabs: If you have access to Fossil Island, these are even better than Sand Crabs. They have higher HP, meaning more XP per hour. I remember unlocking Fossil Island and being amazed at how fast my Ranged levels climbed here.

• Gear Upgrades: Switch to studded leather or green dragonhide armor. If you can afford it, grab a coif and chaps. I once splurged on green d’hide armor at level 30 and felt unstoppable.

How do you know if you’re training efficiently? Check your XP per hour. At this stage, you should aim for 20k-30k XP/hour with decent gear.

Advanced Training Methods (40-70)

By level 40, you’re ready to step up your game. This is where I started experimenting with different methods to see what worked best for my playstyle. Here are the top methods I recommend:

Cannon Training

The dwarf multicannon is a game-changer. It costs a pretty penny (around 750k GP), but it’s worth every coin. I bought my first cannon at level 45, and it was like unlocking cheat codes. You can set it up in places like:

• Ogres in the Combat Training Camp: South of Castle Wars, these are great for cannoning. The XP racks up fast, and you might even get some decent drops.

• Fire Giants in the Waterfall Dungeon: These hit harder, so bring some food, but the XP rates are solid. I used to cannon here while watching movies on my second monitor.

Cannon Tip: Always use the cannon in crowded areas like the Nightmare Zone (NMZ) for maximum efficiency. Just watch your ammo you don’t want to run out mid-session!

Nightmare Zone (NMZ)

NMZ is a fantastic option for AFK (away-from-keyboard) training. I spent countless nights leaving my character in NMZ with a blowpipe, racking up XP while I slept. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Choose the Right Quests: Pick quests with low-defense bosses like The Inadequacy or King Roald. These give you fast XP without much risk.

• Gear: Use a toxic blowpipe if you can afford it. If not, a magic shortbow with rune arrows works well. I started with a magic shortbow and upgraded to a blowpipe at level 60 it was a game-changer.

• Points: You can earn NMZ points to buy imbues for rings or herbs for profit. I funded my first Rune Pouch with NMZ points, which felt incredibly rewarding.

How much XP can you get in NMZ? With a blowpipe, you can hit 50k-70k XP/hour, depending on your setup.

Slayer Tasks

If you enjoy mixing combat skills, Slayer is a great way to train Ranged. I started doing Slayer at level 50 Ranged, and it made the grind feel less repetitive. Use a crossbow or blowpipe for tasks like:

• Trolls: Found in Trollheim or the Death Plateau. They’re tanky, so you get decent XP.

• Ankou: In the Stronghold of Security, these are great for mid-level Slayer tasks.

Slayer also gives you a chance to earn unique drops, like the black mask, which boosts your combat stats. Ever gotten a rare drop from a Slayer task? It’s one of the best feelings in OSRS.

High-Level Training (70-99)

Reaching level 70 is a big milestone. You’re now in the big leagues, and the grind to 99 becomes real. I hit 99 Ranged on my main account after months of dedication, and let me tell you, the cape is worth it. Here’s how to power through:

Chinning

Chinning is the fastest Ranged training method in OSRS, hands down. It involves using chinchompas (grey, red, or black) in multi-combat areas to hit multiple enemies at once. My first time chinning was in the Monkey Madness II tunnels, and I was blown away by the XP rates.

• Locations: The Skeleton Monkeys in the Ape Atoll Dungeon are the go-to spot. You’ll need to complete Monkey Madness II to access the best areas.

• Gear: Full Void Knight armor with the Ranged helm is ideal. Add Ava’s Accumulator and a Ranged amulet for maximum efficiency.

• Cost: Chinning is expensive (red chinchompas cost around 1k GP each), but you can hit 300k-500k XP/hour. I burned through millions of GP chinning, but the speed was worth it.

Pro Tip: Bring prayer potions to use Eagle Eye or Rigour. It boosts your accuracy and damage, making every chinchompa count.

Bossing for XP

If chinning feels too grindy, try bossing. I loved taking on bosses like the King Black Dragon (KBD) or Vorkath with Ranged. Not only do you get XP, but you also make serious bank. For Vorkath, I used a dragon hunter crossbow and ruby bolts (e) for massive hits. The first time I killed Vorkath, I got a dragonbone necklace drop and nearly screamed with excitement.

• Vorkath: Requires Dragon Slayer II. Use a crossbow or blowpipe. You can hit 80k-100k XP/hour while earning millions in loot.

• Zulrah: Another great boss for Ranged training. It takes practice to learn the rotations, but once you get the hang of it, the XP and GP roll in.

Which boss is better for training? Vorkath is easier to learn, but Zulrah offers higher XP if you’re skilled.

Gear and Inventory Setup

Your gear makes a huge difference in Ranged training. Here’s a table of recommended setups for different levels:

Level Range	Weapon	Armor	Accessories
1-20	Shortbow (Iron Arrows)	Leather Armor	None
20-40	Oak Shortbow or Crossbow	Studded or Green D’hide	Amulet of Accuracy
40-70	Magic Shortbow or Blowpipe	Black D’hide or Void	Ava’s Accumulator, Archer’s Ring
70-99	Toxic Blowpipe or Crossbow	Armadyl or Elite Void	Ava’s Assembler, Necklace of Anguish

Inventory Tips:

• Bring plenty of food (monkfish or sharks for higher levels).

• Carry prayer potions for Eagle Eye or Rigour.

• Always have a teleport for emergencies, like a house tab or Ectophial.

I learned the hard way to always carry a teleport. Once, I died at Fire Giants because I forgot one and lost my entire inventory. Never again!

Tips and Tricks from My Experience

Over the years, I’ve picked up some tricks that made Ranged training smoother. Here are my favorites:

• Use Ava’s Devices: Ava’s Accumulator (or Assembler at higher levels) saves you so much money on ammo. I didn’t get one until level 50, and I regret not grabbing it sooner.

• Train Slayer Alongside Ranged: It keeps things fresh and helps you level two skills at once. Plus, Slayer drops can fund your Ranged gear.

• Join a Clan: Chatting with clanmates makes long grinds like chinning more bearable. I found a great PvM clan that taught me how to tackle bosses like Zulrah.

• Budget Training: If you’re low on GP, stick to AFK methods like Sand Crabs or Ammonite Crabs. They’re free and effective.

What’s the biggest mistake new players make? Not using the right gear for their level. Skimp on armor or weapons, and you’ll waste time and XP.

Common Questions About Ranged Training

Q: Should I train Ranged on a pure?
A: Absolutely! Ranged pures are super fun for PvP. Just keep your Attack and Strength low to maintain your build.

Q: Is chinning worth the cost?
A: If you can afford it, yes. The XP rates are unmatched, and you can offset costs by selling loot from other activities.

Q: What’s the cheapest way to train Ranged?
A: Stick to Sand Crabs or Ammonite Crabs with a crossbow. You’ll spend almost nothing on ammo and still get decent XP.

Final Thoughts

Training Ranged in OSRS is a grind, but it’s one of the most satisfying skills to max out. From my early days sniping cows in Lumbridge to chinning my way to 99 in the Ape Atoll tunnels, every step of the journey taught me something new. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned player, there’s a method that fits your playstyle and budget. Stick with it, experiment with different setups, and don’t be afraid to mix in some bossing for extra fun (and profit). What’s your favorite Ranged training method? Drop a comment and let me know I’m always curious to hear how other players tackle the grind!