Getting any skill to level 99 in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a major accomplishment — but when it comes to combat stats like Strength, the grind becomes even more demanding. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned adventurer looking to max out your melee stats, this guide will help you power through the challenge efficiently.

Training Strength isn’t just about finding monsters to hit. You’ll need to combine the best training spots, powerful weapons, and top-tier gear to maximize your XP rates. This guide breaks down the best weapons for Strength training, recommended armor setups, and the most effective methods, from level 1 to 99.

Best Strength Training Weapons in OSRS

Your weapon choice plays the biggest role in how fast you’ll gain Strength XP. We’ve ranked the best melee weapons in OSRS from most to least effective, based on both damage output and attack speed.

As a general rule, the faster the weapon (4-tick speed = 1 hit every 2.4 seconds), the better it is for Strength training.

Tip: Some weapons perform better against certain monsters based on their weaknesses (e.g., Crush vs. Slash). Always match your weapon type to the enemy’s defenses for optimal XP.

Weapon Name Requirements Price Notes

Soulreaper Axe 80 Attack, 80 Strength ~396M Extremely strong with Soul Stacks (+6% Strength per hit, up to +30%). Damages the user per attack. Best used on weaker enemies.

Osmumten’s Fang 82 Attack ~15M Excellent vs. high-Defense monsters. Cheaper alternative to Soulreaper Axe.

Ghrazi Rapier 80 Attack ~62M Non-degradable, fast, and reliable. Top-tier for consistent XP training.

Inquisitor’s Mace 80 Attack ~308M Best used with Inquisitor’s armor. High Crush bonus. Great for hard enemies.

Blade of Saeldor 80 Attack ~132M Slash-focused, requires Crystal Shards. Good but not ideal for training.

Voidwaker 75 Attack, 60 Magic ~90M Hybrid melee/magic weapon. Doesn’t degrade and deals solid XP.

Abyssal Tentacle 75 Attack ~2.6M High damage but degrades after 10,000 hits. Great mid-tier weapon.

Abyssal Whip 70 Attack ~1.7M Affordable, consistent, and durable. Use “Controlled” style for Strength XP.

Saradomin Sword 70 Attack ~170K Strong, fast, and perfect for budget training.

Dragon Scimitar 60 Attack, Monkey Madness I ~60K Classic training weapon. Great for mid-level Strength grinding.

Rune Scimitar 40 Attack ~15K Best F2P option until higher levels.

For a full weapon list, check the official OSRS Wiki, but the weapons above are your go-to options for fast Strength XP.

Alternative Strength Training Gear

1. Obsidian Equipment + Berserker Necklace

The Obsidian set is one of the most powerful melee setups for training Strength. When used with an Obsidian weapon (like the Obsidian Sword) and Berserker Necklace, you gain a 10% damage and accuracy bonus.

This setup offers the highest Strength XP rates in OSRS, but lacks defensive bonuses. Stick to low-defense monsters to minimize risk.

2. Void Knight Set

The Void Knight set is the second-best alternative, offering a 10% melee damage boost similar to Obsidian gear. However, it doesn’t provide as much Strength bonus, making XP rates slower. Still, it’s excellent if you don’t yet have Obsidian armor.

3. Dharok the Wretched’s Set

Dharok’s special effect increases your damage as your HP decreases — allowing you to deal massive hits at low health. Use Protection Prayers and tools like the Dwarven Rock Cake or Locator Orb to drop to 1 HP safely.

This method works best in Nightmare Zone, where deaths are risk-free and HP is easily restored.

4. Guthan the Infested’s Set

If Dharok’s set is too risky, go for Guthan’s armor. It has a life-steal effect that occasionally heals you, allowing for long, sustainable training sessions with minimal food.

It’s slower than Dharok’s, but far safer and cheaper to maintain.

Recommended Gear for Strength Training

Below are the best-in-slot (BiS) gear options to maximize your Strength XP gains. Choose based on your budget and access level:

Slot Best → Alternatives Notes

Head Serpentine Helm → Neitiznot → Berserker Helm → Obsidian Helm Serpentine for poison immunity.

Cape Infernal Cape → Fire Cape → Mythical → Obsidian Infernal is BiS. Obsidian is budget-friendly.

Neck Amulet of Torture → Fury → Glory → Strength → Power Use Salve (e/i) vs. undead.

Torso Bandos Chestplate → Fighter Torso → Obsidian Platebody Bandos for Strength + defense.

Shield Avernic Defender → Dragon Defender → Rune Defender → DFS Defenders > Shields for XP.

Legs Bandos Tassets → Obsidian Platelegs Tassets are BiS.

Hands Barrows Gloves → Dragon → Rune → Combat Bracelet Barrows are best overall.

Feet Primordial Boots → Dragon → Guardian → Granite Primordials for top Strength bonus.

Ring Berserker Ring (i) → Berserker → Warrior → Wealth Always imbue rings for full Strength.

Pro Tip:

Prioritize Strength bonuses over accuracy, unless you’re missing too often. Upgrade to the best Defender as soon as possible — they outperform most shields in XP and DPS efficiency.

Best Strength Training Methods (1–99)

Levels 1–10: Chickens

· Location: Fred’s Chicken Coop, east of Lumbridge

· Combat: Level 1

· XP Tip: No food needed, easy early training, and you can sell feathers for a small OSRS gold profit.

Levels 10–60: Crabs

Ammonite Crabs (Best XP)

· Location: Fossil Island (Bone Voyage required)

· Hitpoints: 100

· Why: High HP, passive aggression, and low damage. Excellent AFK training.

Sand Crabs

· Location: Hosidius Beach, Crabclaw Isle, or Crabclaw Caves

· Hitpoints: 60

· Why: Easy access, solid XP, and nearby banks.

Rock Crabs

· Location: Waterbirth Island / Rellekka

· Hitpoints: 50

· Why: Cheap and accessible early training method.

Levels 60–99: Main Strength Training Options

1. Nightmare Zone

· Why: Safe, AFK-friendly, and allows Dharok/Guthan setups.

· Tips: Use Super Combat + Prayer potions. No drops, but massive XP potential.

2. Slayer Tasks

· Why: Profit + XP combined.

· Tips: Use a Slayer Helm (i) and match weapon types to monster weaknesses.

3. Yak Training

· Location: Neitiznot

· Combat Level: 22

· Why: High HP, passive, easy AFK training.

· Downside: No drops, but steady XP.

4. Monkey Guards

· Location: Marim (after starting Monkey Madness I)

· Why: High HP, nearby altar for infinite Prayer, good XP/hour.

· Tip: Use Monkey Greegree and bring Antipoison.

5. Pest Control

· Location: Void Knight’s Outpost

· Why: Great XP and rewards (Void gear). Health and Prayer are restored after each game.

· Downside: Requires large, active groups for consistent games.

Final Thoughts: Bash Your Way to 99 Strength

Reaching level 99 Strength is one of the most satisfying milestones in OSRS. It not only boosts your melee power but also unlocks endgame PvM and PvP potential. Whether you’re using the Obsidian setup, Dharok’s one-hit method, or simply grinding crabs at the beach, every hit counts.

Once you’ve achieved 99 Strength, consider taking your skills to the next level — try out Ironman mode, where resource management and self-sufficiency redefine the challenge.

RSorder Team