The long-awaited Gemstone Crab boss has arrived in Old School RuneScape, and it's already turning heads for one simple reason: it might be the best AFK combat training method in the game. Whether you're a low-level player just getting started or a high-level veteran looking to grind 200M Strength XP in peace, this new boss is worth your attention.

Requirements to Access Gemstone Crab

To fight the Gemstone Crab, the only requirement is completion of the Children of the Sun quest, which unlocks access to the new city of Varlamore. Once you've done that, you're good to go—no combat level, gear, or stat requirements.

Boss Mechanics

Max Hit: 1

Yes, really. The Gemstone Crab only hits for a maximum of 1 damage with melee attacks. That means you're in no danger of dying, even if you're wearing no armor. Bring a few food items like lobsters or trout and you're set for long sessions.

No Traditional HP Bar:

Instead of a health bar, the Gemstone Crab has a 10-minute activity timer. That's how long you'll be attacking it before it "dies." Once the timer ends, the crab collapses into a gemstone pile, and you mine it for loot.

Always Aggressive:

The crab stays aggressive throughout the fight, so there's no need to re-engage—it'll keep attacking and taking hits from you without interruption.

Melee Only:

The crab only uses melee attacks and doesn't target everyone at once, meaning group fights are highly viable. Also, if you're using magic or ranged, you can safely stand at a distance to avoid any damage altogether.

How to Get There

1. Teleport to Varlamore.

2. Use the bird transport system to travel to Quetzal Gorge.

3. Run west to find the mountain guide path.

4. Head south to reach one of the three cave entrances labeled "Passage to the Gemstone Crab" on the minimap.

Each crab location also has a mining spot nearby for gathering gemstones after the fight.

Respawn System

This might be the most broken part of the boss:

After defeating the crab, re-enter the cave, and you'll be teleported to the next location where it respawns instantly.

This rotation system between three connected locations means you never have to walk far or relocate manually.

It requires only 12 clicks per hour: one to attack the crab and one to enter the cave—six times per hour, that's it.

Combat Training Results

Strength XP:

Even without max gear, players are seeing great Strength experience rates. This is easily rivaling places like Nightmare Zone.

Magic:

Results with magic are mixed. Early tests suggest the crab has high magic defense, making this method less effective than splashing. But you can still gain Magic + HP XP if you're using low-level spells like Wind Strike while AFKing.

Pro Tip: Set your attack style to Defensive while using a staff to train three combat skills at once (Defense, Magic, and HP).

Ranged:

Safe-spotting with a blowpipe shreds the crab fast. Even low-level players can use iron knives or shortbows to get excellent XP.

Rewards

After the crab's defeat, it crumbles into a pile of gemstones that you can mine for three random gems. You must bring a pickaxe with you! While the loot table isn't confirmed yet (as the wiki hasn't updated), there's speculation that uncut onyx could be a possible drop. That alone makes this boss worth grinding, even just for profit.

Collection Log & Pet

As of now:

No pet is associated with this boss.

Collection Log entry exists, but it's currently limited.

Still, the sheer AFK nature of the fight and guaranteed gems make it a profitable and chill experience, especially for Ironmen looking to stack gem supplies.

Why Gemstone Crab Is a Game-Changer

Perfect for low-level combat training.

Incredible for AFK XP grinding—even tempting for maxed players.

Safe: You don't even need armor or prayer.

Low interaction: Just a few clicks an hour.

Social AFK spot: Chill with friends while passively gaining XP.

Final Thoughts

The Gemstone Crab boss might not look like much at first glance, but it's already proving to be one of the most efficient and relaxing combat training methods in OSRS history. Whether you're here for XP, gems, or just to unwind while chatting with friends in-game, this is the new go-to spot.

Have you tried the new Gemstone Crab boss yet? Let us know what XP rates or gem drops you've seen!