Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a game that rewards persistence, strategy, and knowledge. For new players, the leap from basic skilling to high-level Player vs. Monster (PVM) content can seem daunting. Raids, in particular, represent some of the most challenging and rewarding content in the game. However, with the right progression strategy, even noobs can learn the ropes and gradually conquer the best bosses. This guide provides a clear path from beginner-friendly PVM encounters to the complex world of OSRS raids.

Step 1: Establishing a Solid Foundation

Before jumping into raids, new players need to focus on their stats, gear, and inventory knowledge. Essential skills for PVM include combat stats such as Attack, Strength, Defence, Ranged, Magic, and Hitpoints. Aim to achieve at least 70+ in these stats to handle mid-tier bosses with some safety. Prayer and Herblore levels are equally important, as they allow players to use protective prayers and potions to maximize survivability.

Starting with basic gear like Rune or Dragon equipment for melee, or Ahrim’s/Staff of the Dead for magic, ensures that new players can handle early PVM content without being overwhelmed. Understanding combat styles, weaknesses, and attack patterns is the foundation for every successful raid team member.

Step 2: Beginner-Friendly Bosses

New players should begin their PVM journey with bosses that are forgiving yet educational. These encounters teach mechanics like movement, damage mitigation, and teamwork:

Giant Mole – A classic first boss, the Giant Mole introduces basic movement and attack timing. Its simple attack patterns allow beginners to practice DPS rotation and food management.

King Black Dragon (KBD) – KBD offers elemental attack variety (fire breath, poison) that encourages players to bring proper protection gear and potions.

Barrows Brothers – While slightly more complex, Barrows teaches prayer switching, risk assessment, and strategic use of gear sets. The loot is highly valuable, motivating players to refine their tactics.

These bosses serve as stepping stones, helping noobs gain confidence, understand mechanics, and start building essential PVM habits.

Step 3: Intermediate Bosses

Once beginners have mastered the basics, they can progress to intermediate bosses, which introduce more intricate mechanics and timing challenges:

Zulrah – Known for its rotation and venom mechanics, Zulrah teaches players to manage position, attack types, and potions efficiently.

Vorkath – This boss incorporates multi-phase combat, ranged and magic attacks, and occasional special moves requiring quick reaction. Learning Vorkath prepares players for more challenging encounters.

The Nightmare – With high-damage abilities and complex attack patterns, The Nightmare is a major step up. It requires precise movement and an understanding of debuffs and defensive abilities.

These encounters build reaction speed, resource management, and strategic gear switching, all crucial for raid success.

Step 4: Preparing for Raids

Before attempting raids, players need optimized gear, inventory setups, and team knowledge. Raids in OSRS, like Chambers of Xeric (CoX) and The Theatre of Blood (ToB), demand coordination, precise timing, and knowledge of individual boss mechanics. New raid entrants should:

Join raid training groups or clan sessions for guidance.

Bring high-tier gear such as Twisted Bow, Scythe of Vitur, or Ancestral staff for maximum damage output.

Master healing, prayer switching, and quick inventory management.

Learning roles within the raid team—such as tanking, DPS, or support—is also critical. The combination of preparation and practice dramatically increases success rates for new raiders.

Step 5: Best Bosses for Learning Raids Mechanics

Certain bosses within raids are perfect for noobs to hone raid-specific skills:

Tekton (ToB) – Introduces basic raid coordination, movement mechanics, and attack pattern memorization.

Olm (CoX) – As the final boss of CoX, Olm requires multitasking, rotation management, and efficient damage output. Starting with Olm in smaller raid groups helps new players gradually understand multi-phase fights.

Verzik Vitur (ToB) – Offers a variety of mechanics including teamwork, prayer management, and movement awareness. Practicing in controlled groups ensures new players can handle complex attacks without overwhelming stress.

Tackling these bosses incrementally prepares players for full raid completion, giving them confidence and practical experience with team dynamics.

Step 6: Continuous Improvement

PVM mastery in OSRS is an ongoing process. After each encounter, players should review logs, study mistakes, and optimize setups. Websites, forums, and video guides provide additional strategies and rotation tips for maximizing efficiency. Players can gradually increase raid difficulty, join competitive groups, and eventually achieve top-tier loot while enjoying a safer, more structured learning curve.

Transitioning from a noob to a raid-ready PVM player in OSRS requires patience, preparation, and practice. By focusing on stat progression, starting with beginner-friendly bosses, moving to intermediate encounters, and then learning raid mechanics through guided practice, new players can build confidence and skill effectively. Each step teaches crucial lessons in positioning, resource management, and team coordination. Following this structured progression ensures that even newcomers can tackle some of OSRS’s toughest bosses and fully enjoy the thrill of high-level PVM.