Still training on chickens because that's what everyone recommends? Wondering whether you should level Attack, Strength, or Defence first? Or maybe you've reached mid-game and aren't sure whether Slayer or Nightmare Zone is the faster path to 99?

The truth is, efficient melee training in Old School RuneScape isn't about endlessly grinding monsters. It's about choosing the right quests, the best training spots, and upgrading your gear at the right time. Whether you're looking to buy OSRS gold, searching for cheap coins, or simply want top-tier equipment sooner, this guide covers the fastest and smartest route from level 1 all the way to 99 Melee.

Master the Big Three: Attack, Strength, and Defence

Before you start training, you need to understand what each melee skill actually does.

Attack increases your accuracy and unlocks stronger weapons, from the Rune Scimitar to the Abyssal Whip and eventually the Ghrazi Rapier.

Strength determines your maximum hit, making it the biggest contributor to overall DPS and faster experience rates. For most players, Strength should be your highest priority.

Defence unlocks stronger armor and reduces incoming damage, making long AFK sessions much safer.

The most efficient progression is simple: use quests to reach 40 Attack, equip a Rune Scimitar, focus primarily on Strength, then gradually level Attack and Defence together afterward.

Value for You: Best for new players learning OSRS combat. Build the correct training priority, avoid inefficient leveling, and maximize every hour of grinding.

Skip the Early Grind—Quest Your Way to Level 40

Killing chickens and cows might feel nostalgic, but it's far from the fastest way to level.

OSRS rewards questing with huge combat experience, allowing you to bypass dozens of slow early levels.

Start with Waterfall Quest, one of the most valuable beginner quests in the game. It instantly boosts both Attack and Strength to around level 30 without requiring combat training.

Follow that with Fight Arena, which grants 12,175 Attack XP, and Tree Gnome Village, adding another 11,450 Attack XP.

Don't overlook Witch's House, either. Its 6,325 Hitpoints XP makes future AFK training much safer.

After these quests, you'll typically have enough Attack to equip a Rune Scimitar, widely considered the strongest early-game melee weapon for both F2P and low-level members.

Value for You: Perfect for fresh accounts and new alts. Skip the slowest levels, unlock better weapons quickly, and begin efficient training much sooner.

Levels 40–70: AFK Paradise at the Crab Spots

Once you unlock the Rune Scimitar, it's time to settle into one of OSRS's most popular AFK training methods.

Ammonite Crabs on Fossil Island are the gold standard. They have 100 Hitpoints, low Defence, and even drop fossils that can be exchanged for valuable experience rewards.

If you haven't completed Bone Voyage, Sand Crabs in Great Kourend remain an excellent alternative, although they're usually much more crowded.

To maximize efficiency, pull two or three crabs at once, enable Auto Retaliate, and refresh their aggression roughly every ten minutes. Train using the Aggressive combat style to prioritize Strength XP.

Value for You: Ideal for casual grinders and AFK players. Enjoy consistent combat experience with minimal effort while pushing all three melee skills toward level 70.

Levels 70–99: Slayer or Nightmare Zone?

Once you hit level 70, your training path depends on your goals.

If you want experience, profit, and long-term account progression, Slayer is the clear winner.

Follow assignments from Nieve or Steve, equip a Black Mask or Slayer Helmet, and upgrade to an Abyssal Whip as soon as possible. At 70 Defence, Barrows armor like Dharok's or Guthan's significantly improves survivability.

Don't neglect Prayer, either. Protect from Melee at level 43 is essential, while Piety at level 70 provides one of the biggest melee DPS boosts in the game.

If your priority is maximum AFK experience, Nightmare Zone (NMZ) is hard to beat.

The classic Dharok's strategy keeps your Hitpoints extremely low while using Absorption Potions, allowing Dharok's armor effect to deal massive damage. Properly optimized, NMZ can deliver 300,000–400,000 combined melee XP per hour with very little attention.

Value for You: Perfect for efficient maxers and AFK enthusiasts. Choose the training route that best matches your available time, preferred playstyle, and long-term account goals.

Final Thoughts

Reaching 99 Attack, Strength, and Defence isn't about finding one magical training spot—it's about following the right progression from beginning to end. Prioritize quests early, focus on Strength during the mid-game, and choose between Slayer or Nightmare Zone depending on whether you value profit or convenience.

The smarter your training route, the less time you'll waste and the faster you'll unlock OSRS's most powerful melee gear.Buy game cheap RS gold at RSgoldfast to level up faster and stay ahead of the competition.

Pro Tips

Upgrade weapons before buying expensive armor.

Unlock the Dragon Defender as early as possible.

Use Super Combat Potions for maximum efficiency.

Train Strength first for faster overall progression.

Switch combat styles to balance melee stats.