In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the mid-game is often where players find themselves stuck for the longest time. It's the awkward phase where you're past the early game grind but not yet strong enough for high-level PvM or efficient money-making. If you want to push past this phase quickly and reach the endgame, you need to focus on efficient training, optimized money-making, and acquiring key gear upgrades. This guide will walk you through the fastest ways to escape the mid-game and progress toward max efficiency in OSRS.

Step 1: Setting Goals and Milestones

Before diving into training methods, it's crucial to establish clear mid-game exit goals. Generally, you should aim for:

Combat Levels: 85+ in Melee stats, 80+ Ranged, and 77+ Magic for access to key PvM content.

Total Level: 1500+ to unlock various quality-of-life upgrades.

Wealth: A bank value of at least 50M+ to afford late-game gear.

Gear Upgrades: Barrows gear, God books, a Blowpipe, and decent Magic gear.

Quest Progression: Completion of Recipe for Disaster, Lunar Diplomacy, and Desert Treasure for crucial utility spells and gear.

By focusing on these goals, you'll position yourself for high-level PvM and consistent profit.

Step 2: Efficient Combat Training

Combat training is essential for escaping the mid-game since higher combat stats unlock better PvM opportunities.

Melee Training (85+ in Attack, Strength, and Defense)

Nightmare Zone (NMZ):

Use Dharok's armor with 1 HP to maximize experience rates (100K+ XP per hour).

AFK training is possible, letting you level up while doing other tasks.

Crabs (Sand, Ammonite, or Swamp Crabs):

Great for semi-AFK training and low-effort XP gains.

Best for players who don't want to invest in NMZ points.

Slayer Training:

Slayer levels are crucial for escaping the mid-game, unlocking bosses like Kraken and Cerberus.

Efficient Slayer masters:

Vannaka (Combat 40+) → Chaeldar (Combat 70+) → Konar (Combat 75+) → Nieve/Steve (85+ Combat).

Ranged Training (80+ for PvM Viability)

Chinning in the Monkey Madness 2 Caves

High XP rates (~200K per hour with Red Chinchompas).

Requires Prayer potions and Protect from Melee.

Slayer with a Blowpipe

Use a Toxic Blowpipe with Mithril or Adamant darts for high DPS.

Slayer monsters like Dust Devils and Nechryaels offer excellent XP and GP.

AFK at Crabs

Like Melee training, Crabs are a low-effort option.

Magic Training (77+ for High-Level Utility Spells)

Bursting or Barraging at Slayer Tasks

Targets like Dust Devils and Nechryaels provide both profit and Magic XP.

Can be combined with Slayer training for efficiency.

High Alchemy (Alching)

Alch while doing other activities like Agility or Fletching.

Lunar Spells (Humidify, Plank Make, and String Jewelry)

These methods provide solid XP and can be profitable.

Step 3: Money-Making for Gear Upgrades

Escaping the mid-game requires a decent cash stack to afford powerful gear. Here are the fastest ways to build wealth:

High-Level Slayer (Best Long-Term Money Maker)

Profitable Slayer Tasks:

Gargoyles (Granite Maul drops)

Kraken (Rune and Trident drops)

Nechryaels (Rune items and seeds)

Wilderness Slayer (Riskier but offers superior loot)

Bossing for Mid-Tier Players

Barrows (2M+/hour with good RNG)

Requires decent Magic and Prayer levels.

Giant Mole (800K–1.5M/hour)

Best with Falador Hard Diary for faster bank access.

Zulrah (2–3M/hour)

Requires 85+ Ranged and Magic for consistency.

Flipping and Merchanting (Requires Game Knowledge)

Buy and sell high-volume items on the Grand Exchange.

Look for items with a 2-5% margin (Zulrah scales, potions, gear).

Requires investment capital but can yield 2-5M per day with experience.

Step 4: Completing Crucial Quests

Certain quests unlock essential content and must be completed ASAP.

Priority Quests:

Recipe for Disaster (Barrows Gloves) – Best mid-game gloves.

Desert Treasure (Ancient Magicks) – Unlocks Ice Barrage for high XP rates.

Lunar Diplomacy (Lunar Spellbook) – Useful for skilling and money-making.

Monkey Madness II (Chinning Spot) – Unlocks one of the best Ranged training locations.

Song of the Elves (Prifddinas Access) – Grants access to Zalcano and Gauntlet, great money-makers.

Completing these will massively boost your combat, skilling, and money-making efficiency.

Step 5: Transitioning to Endgame Content

Once you've trained your combat skills, acquired wealth, and completed key quests, you're ready to transition into high-end PvM and more profitable activities:

Raids 1: Chambers of Xeric – Start learning COX for valuable drops.

The Gauntlet/Corrupted Gauntlet – One of the best solo money-makers.

Vorkath – A high-skill ceiling boss yielding 3M+/hour.

Slayer Bossing – Focus on Kraken, Cerberus, Abyssal Sire, and Alchemical Hydra.

By optimizing your training and focusing on high-return activities, you'll escape the mid-game in no time.

Final Thoughts

The mid-game in OSRS can feel like a grind, but with the right strategy, you can accelerate your progress. Focus on combat efficiency, get more OSRS gold, and quest completion. Prioritize training Slayer, upgrading gear, and unlocking high-tier bosses to maximize your profits. With consistent effort, you'll break through to the endgame and start reaping the rewards of high-level content.