Ultimate Guide to Building a 99 HP Pure in OSRS

Creating a 99 HP pure in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a unique and challenging endeavor that appeals to players who love niche account builds. A 99 HP pure focuses on maxing out Hitpoints while keeping other combat stats low to maintain a low combat level, making it a quirky yet rewarding playstyle. This guide dives into the strategies, methods, and tips to achieve this goal, optimized for both efficiency and enjoyment.
A 99 HP pure prioritizes Hitpoints to level 99 while minimizing other combat skills like Attack, Strength, Defence, Ranged, and Magic to keep the combat level as low as possible. This build is less about player-versus-player (PvP) dominance and more about the prestige of achieving a rare milestone. It’s a “snowflake” account—unique and tailored to specific self-imposed restrictions.
Why Choose a 99 HP Pure?
The allure of a 99 HP pure lies in its rarity and the challenge it presents. Here are some reasons players pursue this build:
- Unique Achievement: Few players dedicate themselves to maxing HP alone, making it a standout accomplishment.
- Low Combat Level: Keeping combat level low (around 40–46) allows for interesting interactions in PvP or PvE.
- Bragging Rights: Sporting a Hitpoints skillcape at a low combat level is a flex in the OSRS community.
- Skilling Synergy: You can focus on non-combat skills without worrying about combat progression.
Challenges of the Build
Training Hitpoints without significantly leveling other combat stats is tough. Most combat activities grant experience in Attack, Strength, or Defence, so you’ll need creative methods to isolate HP experience. Additionally, the process can be slow, requiring patience and dedication.
Best Methods to Train Hitpoints to 99
Reaching 99 Hitpoints without inflating your combat level demands careful planning. Below are the most effective methods to train HP while minimizing unwanted experience in other skills.
Pest Control
Pest Control is a popular minigame for training Hitpoints on restricted accounts because you can earn experience without direct combat.
- How It Works: Repair barricades or doors in Pest Control to earn points, which you can spend on Hitpoints experience.
- Requirements: Combat level 40 (achievable with Defence or Prayer training if needed).
- XP Rates: Around 10–20k HP XP per hour, depending on efficiency.
- Pros: Safe, consistent, and no risk of gaining unwanted combat XP.
- Cons: Requires a combat level of 40, which may need some Defence training (e.g., to level 83 for combat level 40 with lamps).
Organised Crime (Gangsters)
Training on gangsters during the Organised Crime event is one of the fastest ways to gain Hitpoints experience.
- How It Works: Kill gangsters using Magic (e.g., Fire Strike) or a cannon to gain HP XP. Magic or Ranged XP is unavoidable but can be minimized.
- Requirements: Access to various cities (no specific level requirements).
- XP Rates: Up to 100k HP XP per hour after level 60 HP, or 40–60k with restrictions.
- Pros: High XP rates and decent loot (500k+ GP per hour).
- Cons: Requires some Magic or Ranged levels, which slightly raises combat level.
Experience Lamps and Books of Knowledge
Using lamps and books from quests or random events is a slow but precise way to boost Hitpoints.
- How It Works: Complete quests like Recruitment Drive or activities like the Varrock Museum to earn lamps, then apply XP to Hitpoints.
- Requirements: Varies by quest or activity.
- XP Rates: Extremely low (1–2k XP per hour if grinding activities like fossil cleaning).
- Pros: No combat level increase if done carefully.
- Cons: Incredibly time-consuming and not sustainable for reaching 99.
Soul Wars (Historical Method)
While Soul Wars is less viable in 2025 due to reduced rewards, it’s worth mentioning for context.
- How It Worked: Players earned Zeal points and spent them on HP XP at a reduced rate compared to other skills.
- XP Rates: Around 5–20k HP XP per hour at higher levels.
- Status: Not recommended now due to nerfed rewards, but check for updates in case Jagex revives it.
Step-by-Step Plan to 99 Hitpoints
Here’s a structured roadmap to guide you from level 10 to 99 Hitpoints while keeping your combat level low.
Early Levels (10–50 HP)
Start with safe, low-XP methods to avoid accidental combat stat gains.
- Questing: Complete Witch’s House for 6,325 HP XP and other low-requirement quests for minor XP rewards.
- Lamps: Use random event lamps or Varrock Museum rewards (cleaning fossils) for small HP XP boosts.
- Pest Control Prep: If aiming for Pest Control, train Defence to 83 (using lamps or safe methods) to hit combat level 40 without Attack or Strength.
Mid Levels (50–80 HP)
Shift to more efficient methods as your account develops.
- Pest Control: Spend points on Hitpoints for steady XP. Expect 10–15k XP per hour.
- Organised Crime: Use a cannon or low-level Magic spells on gangsters for 40–60k XP per hour. Keep Magic below 67 to limit combat level impact.
- Skilling Break: Train non-combat skills (e.g., Fishing or Woodcutting) to fund gear and supplies.
Endgame Push (80–99 HP)
Focus on maximizing XP rates to hit the coveted 99.
- Organised Crime: Push for 100k XP per hour by optimizing gear (e.g., Black d’hide for Magic defence) and using burst spells or cannons.
- Pest Control: Alternate with Pest Control for AFK training when burnt out from active methods.
- Celebrate Milestones: Grab the Hitpoints skillcape at 99 and flex it in Lumbridge!
Combat Level Management
Keeping your combat level low is critical for a 99 HP pure. Here’s how to manage it effectively.
Combat Level Formula
The OSRS combat level is calculated based on Attack, Strength, Defence, Hitpoints, Ranged, Magic, and Prayer. For a 99 HP pure, Hitpoints and Defence (if trained) are the main contributors. A player with 1 Attack, 1 Strength, 1 Defence, 99 Hitpoints, 1 Ranged, 1 Magic, and 1 Prayer achieves combat level 44. Training Defence to 83 to access Pest Control pushes this to around 46.
Minimizing Unwanted XP
To avoid leveling other combat stats:
- Use Non-Combat Methods: Stick to Pest Control repairs or lamps when possible.
- Low-Damage Spells: If using Magic for Organised Crime, use weak spells like Fire Strike to reduce Magic XP.
- Cannon Training: Cannons grant Ranged XP but no Attack or Strength XP, making them safer for melee-conscious builds.
Skill | Level | Combat Level Contribution |
---|---|---|
Hitpoints | 99 | Significant (base for level 44) |
Defence | 83 | Adds ~2 levels (to 46) |
Magic | 67 | Minimal if capped here |
Tips for Success and Fun
A 99 HP pure is a marathon, not a sprint. Here are some tips to keep you motivated and make the journey enjoyable.
Stay Motivated
- Set Milestones: Celebrate every 10 levels (e.g., 50, 60, 70 HP) with a small in-game reward like new gear.
- Join Communities: Engage with Reddit’s r/2007scape or OSRS forums to share progress and get encouragement.
- Mix It Up: Alternate between training methods to avoid burnout.
Fund Your Journey
Training can be costly, especially if using cannons or Magic. Try these money-makers:
- Skilling: High-level Fishing or Woodcutting for steady GP.
- Flipping: Use the Grand Exchange to flip items for profit.
- Thieving: Pickpocket NPCs for quick cash at low risk.
Show Off Your Achievement
Once you hit 99, flex your Hitpoints skillcape in popular hubs like the Grand Exchange or Lumbridge. You can also try light PvP in low-level Wilderness brackets to surprise opponents with your high HP pool, though your damage output will be limited without offensive stats.
Final Thoughts: Building a 99 HP pure in OSRS is a test of patience and ingenuity. By leveraging Pest Control, Organised Crime, and careful XP management, you can achieve this rare feat and join the ranks of dedicated snowflake account builders. Start your journey today, and enjoy the grind!