Runescape 3 (RS3) is a game known for its rich lore, vast world, and complex combat systems. Among its many skills, Necromancy stands out as a revolutionary addition — the game's 29th skill and the first combat skill to go beyond the traditional level 99 cap to a maximum level of 120. Released in 2023, Necromancy offers a fresh take on combat by combining summoning, dark magic, and resource management into a meta combat system that is powerful and versatile.

 

If you're looking to master Necromancy, dominate bosses, and breeze through monsters with ease, then this guide is for you. We'll cover what Necromancy is, why it's a game-changer, and walk you through the best ways to train it from levels 1 to 120. Plus, we'll highlight gear, abilities, and strategies that optimize your experience gains and combat efficiency.

 

What Is Necromancy in Runescape 3?

 

Necromancy is a combat skill centered around manipulating the dead and using necrotic energies to defeat foes. Unlike traditional combat skills—melee, magic, or ranged—Necromancy stands outside the usual combat triangle (the rock-paper-scissors style of strengths and weaknesses). This means Necromancy is equally effective against all types of enemies, making it a unique and powerful option.

 

Key features:

 

· Meta Combat System: It introduces a new gameplay mechanic combining rituals and combat, blending summoning spirits with powerful necrotic spells.

· Standalone Skill: Not just an add-on, Necromancy is a fully independent combat skill with its level cap (120 for members, 20 for free-to-play).

· High PvM Potential: One of the best skills for bossing, especially bosses like Zamorak and Kerapac, thanks to its synergy with summoned minions and high damage output.

· Self-sufficient: You can craft your runes, summon spirits for bonuses, and manage resources efficiently without needing constant supplies.

· Fast Training: Surprisingly quick to level compared to other combat skills, especially when using rituals and disturbance farming.

 

Getting Started: Necromancy 1-27

 

Your Necromancy journey begins by completing the quest "Necromancy!" — accessible via a glowing blue portal near the Draynor lodestone. This tutorial quest teaches you the basics of rituals, summoning souls, and combat abilities.

 

Once done, head to the Grand Exchange and buy 50 Fragile Mementos. Return to the City of Um and start performing rituals at the Well of Souls. These rituals generate souls you use for summoning and unlocking Necromancy talents.

 

During rituals, you'll encounter disturbances, events that grant experience. Early on, disturbances are manageable and yield good XP for your level. Complete the quests Kili Row and Rune Mythos to hit level 27. At this point, craft two lesser ensouled bars (Smithing level 15 required) and upgrade your death guard and skull lantern.

 

Preparing for Combat: Gear and Abilities

 

Armour Progression

 

For Necromancy, hybrid armor that enhances the skill is crucial. Here's the recommended gear progression:

 

Level Armour Defence Tier

 

1-60 Ghost Hunter Equipment 55

Dragon Rider Armour 55

Akrisae the Doomed's Equipment 55

Anime Core of Sliske Armour 65

Mighty Slayer Helmet 85

60-70 Deathwarden Robe (crafted) -

70+ Choose either Tank or Power Armour (Power Armour recommended for damage)

 

Power Armour offers a passive "Death Mark" effect that instantly kills enemies under 20% health, but it's harder to use for beginners. Tank armour is more forgiving for newcomers.

 

Important: Wait to upgrade your armour beyond tier 70 until level 90 Necromancy for maximum efficiency.

 

Ability Bar Setup

 

Necromancy is optimized using the Revolution combat system combined with toggle for thresholds and ultimates for automatic activation.

 

Your ability bar should include your main Necromancy spells like Spectral Scythe (unlocked at level 60) and minion summoning abilities like Conjure Zombie. Additional abilities like Igneous Kal-Mor and Omni Guard can provide healing and defense.

 

Combat Training by Levels

 

Levels 1-30: Getting Your Feet Wet

Complete Kili Row and craft tier 20 Death Guard and skull lantern. Train on Ghostly Troll Bruisers and Ghostly Troll Throwers in the City of Um troll cave, using a Salve Amulet (e) for increased damage.

 

Levels 30-40

Upgrade to tier 30 Death Guard and skull lantern. Start taking on tougher foes like Fetid Zombies in the Wilderness north of Forinthry, still using the Salve Amulet (e).

 

Levels 40-50

At 40, craft tier 40 gear and unlock useful incantations like Threads of Fate from the Well of Souls. Combat training targets include Ankou (Stronghold of Security) and Ghouls north of Canifis.

 

Levels 50-60

Complete Kili's Knowledge III and craft tier 50 gear. From 52, you can control two conjured minions simultaneously, increasing your DPS.

Train on Ghouls, Shadow Warriors, and Bandits (wear god-related items to make them aggressive).

 

Levels 60-70

Unlock the powerful Spectral Scythe ability and craft tier 60 gear. Complete Kili's Knowledge IV and unlock T61 curses from Selene.

Targets here include Armoured Zombies (Chaos Temple Dungeon) and Bound Skeletons (Wilderness north of Fort Forinthry).

 

Levels 70-80

Complete Spirit of War quest for tier 70 armour and make your armour choice: tank or power. Craft your tier 70 gear, upgrade weapons, and continue upgrading Spectral Scythe.

Effective training targets include Abyssal Demons (various locations; requires 85 Slayer) and the same Armoured Zombies and Bound Skeletons.

 

Levels 80-90

Upgrade your Spectral Scythe again and complete Kili's Knowledge VI. Upgrade weapons to tier 80 but hold off on armour upgrades until level 90.

Good training targets are the same as before plus Abyssal Savages (requires 95 Slayer, yielding up to 900K XP/hour).

 

Levels 90-120: Mastery and High-Level Training

At 90, rituals reach their maximum potential. You can choose to focus more on combat or continue combining combat with rituals.

High-level creatures like Ravenous Ghouls, Abyssal Beasts, and Armoured Phantoms offer excellent AFK combat training (up to 1.4M XP/hour).

Upgrade your gear fully, including augmentations. Rituals will help gather souls necessary to unlock powerful abilities like Alpha vs Omega (requires 30K souls) and Split Soul (requires 35K souls).

 

Boosting Your Necromancy XP

 

XP boosting in Necromancy is a bit specialized. Here's a breakdown of key XP boosters you should use:

 

Booster Effect Notes

 

Torstol Stick +0.5% XP per stick (max 4 sticks = 2%) Purchase from Grand Exchange

Wise Perk Up to +4% XP (capped at 50K XP/day) From augmented gear

Inspire Awe +2% XP Requires level 119 Archaeology

Tome of Um (T1) +3% XP from ritual disturbances Equip Tier 1 Tome of Um

Tome of Um (T2) +6% XP from ritual disturbances Equip Tier 2 Tome of Um

 

General XP Boosts Also Work

 

· Clan Avatar Buff: Up to 6% XP.

· Premier Artefact: 10% XP for 1 hour (once daily).

· Desert Pantheon Aura: 10% XP for 1 hour.

· Wisdom Auras: Up to 2.5%.

· Advanced Pulse Core: Initial 50% XP boost and stacking 10% for 10 minutes.

· Skilling Backpack: Chance-based 5% XP boost.

 

Using these buffs strategically can greatly speed up your training.

 

Necromancy Training Enhancers

 

To further boost your Necromancy XP gains, use these items:

 

Item Effect Description Slot

 

Underworld Grimoire +3-12% XP from ritual disturbances Pocket

Alteration Necklace +20% glyph strength (increases soul attraction and ritual XP) Neck

Ritualist's Outfit +6% total XP when wearing full set Armor Set

Pumpkin Masks Prevent light source degradation during rituals Head

Necromancer's Cape Provides alteration glyph effect during rituals Back

Modified Ritualist Mask 5% chance to preserve ritual focus item Head

Combining these boosts while performing rituals will maximize XP rates and resource efficiency.

 

Ritual Training for Levels 90-120

 

Rituals become highly rewarding at level 90 and above due to unlocking full ritual sites and the ability to spawn powerful disturbances.

 

Recommended alteration glyphs for rituals like Greater Necroplasm and Powerful Communion increase experience yields and resource output significantly.

 

Be aware that rituals require active participation due to the spawning of disturbances — these events give the bulk of your XP, but cannot be completely AFK'd.

 

Conclusion: Why You Should Train Necromancy

 

Necromancy in Runescape 3 is a skill that revolutionizes combat gameplay. Its versatility against all enemy types, self-sufficiency, and high damage output make it invaluable, especially for PvM enthusiasts aiming to tackle some of the game's toughest bosses.

 

Training Necromancy is a blend of ritual participation and combat prowess, offering both active and AFK-friendly methods to level up. With the right gear, abilities, and XP boosts, you can reach level 120 faster than you might expect.

 

If you're serious about mastering Runescape 3 combat, Necromancy should be at the top of your skill list.

 

Bonus Tip: Visit Our RS3 Store

 

Before diving deep into training, don't forget to check out our RS3 store, where you can buy RS gold, items, and gear to jumpstart your Necromancy journey. Having a good supply of resources and equipment will smooth your progression immensely.

 

RSorder Team