RuneScape Attack Training Guide: Leveling Up for Maximum Melee Power

Welcome, adventurer! If you’re looking to become a formidable force in RuneScape, mastering the Attack skill is paramount. Attack dictates your accuracy when wielding melee weapons, directly impacting your ability to hit enemies and deal damage. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the most effective methods to level up your Attack, from the earliest levels to the highest, ensuring you’re well-equipped for any challenge Gielinor throws your way.

Understanding the Attack Skill

Before diving into training methods, let’s understand the Attack skill’s mechanics. Your Attack level determines which melee weapons you can wield. Higher Attack levels unlock more powerful and accurate weapons, significantly increasing your Damage Per Second (DPS). The Attack skill is also crucial for completing certain quests and accessing specific areas. Remember that Attack is one of the three combat skills that contribute towards your Combat Level, so leveling it up will raise your overall combat prowess.

Essential Equipment for Attack Training

Having the right equipment makes a significant difference in your training efficiency. While budget-friendly options are available, investing in better gear will dramatically increase your experience per hour. Here’s a breakdown of equipment recommendations at different stages:

• Low Levels (1-40 Attack):
  • Weapon: Bronze Scimitar, Iron Scimitar, Steel Scimitar, Black Scimitar, Mithril Scimitar. Scimitars generally offer a good balance of speed and accuracy. Consider using the best scimitar you can afford and wield.
  • Armor: Bronze Armour, Iron Armour, Steel Armour, Black Armour, Mithril Armour. Prioritize armour with positive Attack bonuses if possible. Look for cheap and accessible sets.
  • Amulet: Amulet of Accuracy (if affordable), otherwise any cheap amulet will suffice.
• Mid Levels (40-70 Attack):
  • Weapon: Adamant Scimitar, Rune Scimitar, Dragon Scimitar (if accessible), Abyssal Whip (once available – highly recommended for its speed and accuracy, though it’s a more significant investment).
  • Armor: Adamant Armour, Rune Armour, Fighter Torso (obtained from Barbarian Assault), Obsidian Armour (if Dragon Scimitar is used), Proselyte Armour (for prayer bonus if needed for longer trips).
  • Amulet: Amulet of Strength, Amulet of Power (if affordable), Amulet of Glory (for teleporting and stats).
• High Levels (70+ Attack):
  • Weapon: Abyssal Whip (still excellent), Ghrazi Rapier, Blade of Saeldor (if accessible), Osmumten’s Fang (situational, good for high defense monsters), Abyssal Tentacle (requires Slayer level, but a good alternative).
  • Armor: Bandos Armour, Torva Armour (expensive but best in slot), Obsidian Armour (with Berserker Necklace for Obsidian weapons), Proselyte Armour (for prayer if needed).
  • Amulet: Amulet of Torture, Amulet of Glory (for teleporting), Berserker Necklace (with Obsidian weapons).
  • Ring: Berserker Ring (i), Warrior Ring (i) (imbued for improved stats), Ring of Suffering (i) (imbued for defensive stats and recoil).

Important Notes:

• Prayer Potions: Using Piety, Chivalry, or Turmoil prayers (unlocked through quests) significantly boosts your Attack, Strength, and Defence.
• Super Attack Potions: These boost your Attack level temporarily, improving your accuracy.
• Stamina Potions: Essential for running longer distances between training locations.
• Food: Bring appropriate food to sustain yourself during training. Lobster, Swordfish, Monkfish are good starting options. As you level, consider higher-healing foods like Sharks, Anglerfish, or brews (though brews lower your stats temporarily).
• Teleports: Efficient teleportation is key to saving time. Utilize teleport tabs, jewelry teleports (Amulet of Glory, Rings of Dueling), and spellbook teleports.

Training Methods: Level 1-99 Attack

This section provides a comprehensive list of training methods, categorized by level range, with detailed instructions and tips.

Levels 1-20: The Basics

At the beginning, the goal is simply to get your Attack up to a usable level quickly. Focus on consistency and accessibility.

1. Chickens (Lumbridge):
   • Location: Lumbridge Chicken Coop.
   • Equipment: Bronze Scimitar, Bronze Armour.
   • Strategy: Simply attack the chickens. They are very weak and provide a safe introduction to combat. Collect the feathers for some extra profit (though minimal).
   • Notes: This is incredibly slow, but safe and beginner-friendly.
2. Cows (Lumbridge or near the Barbarian Village):
   • Location: Cow fields south of Lumbridge or near the Barbarian Village.
   • Equipment: Bronze or Iron Scimitar, Bronze or Iron Armour.
   • Strategy: Attack the cows. They offer slightly more experience than chickens.
   • Notes: Collect the cowhides to sell for a small profit or use them for crafting.
3. Goblins (Lumbridge or Varrock):
   • Location: Lumbridge, Varrock (near the east bank).
   • Equipment: Iron Scimitar, Iron Armour.
   • Strategy: Goblins offer better experience than cows and chickens. They can drop bones and sometimes even herbs.
   • Notes: Be mindful of multiple goblins attacking you at lower levels.

Levels 20-40: Moving Up

As you gain levels, you can tackle tougher monsters and more efficient training spots.

1. Barbarians (Barbarian Village):
   • Location: Barbarian Village, west of Varrock.
   • Equipment: Steel Scimitar, Steel or Black Armour.
   • Strategy: Barbarians offer good experience and are relatively easy to kill.
   • Notes: Be careful of multiple barbarians ganging up on you.
2. Rock Crabs (Karamja or Rellekka):
   • Location: Karamja (near the volcano) or Rellekka (north of the village).
   • Equipment: Black or Mithril Scimitar, Black or Mithril Armour.
   • Strategy: Rock crabs have high defense but low hitpoints, making them ideal for training. They are aggressive, so you can continuously attack them.
   • Notes: Rock crabs in Rellekka require starting the Fremennik Trials quest. Consider using absorption potions for AFK training (requires completion of The Fremennik Trials).
3. Sand Crabs (Zeah):
   • Location: Hosidius (Zeah) near the beach. Requires 5% Hosidius favor.
   • Equipment: Black or Mithril Scimitar, Black or Mithril Armour.
   • Strategy: Similar to Rock Crabs, but generally less crowded. Requires some questing and favor to access.
   • Notes: Bring some food and potions as they can hit a little harder than Rock Crabs.

Levels 40-60: Specialization and Efficiency

This range introduces more specialized training methods and the importance of using prayers for increased experience.

1. Experiments (Champions’ Guild):
   • Location: Champions’ Guild basement. Requires completion of the Recipe for Disaster quest up to the freeing of Evil Dave.
   • Equipment: Rune Scimitar, Rune Armour, Amulet of Strength.
   • Strategy: Experiments have low defense and high hitpoints, making them excellent for consistent experience. Use Protect from Melee prayer to minimize damage.
   • Notes: This is a popular training spot, so it might be crowded during peak hours.
2. Giant Spiders (Stronghold of Security):
   • Location: Stronghold of Security, first level.
   • Equipment: Rune Scimitar, Rune Armour, Amulet of Strength.
   • Strategy: Giant spiders are aggressive and offer good experience.
   • Notes: Be aware of other players training here, as it can be competitive.
3. Yaks (Neitiznot):
   • Location: Neitiznot (requires completion of The Fremennik Isles quest).
   • Equipment: Rune Scimitar, Rune Armour, Amulet of Strength.
   • Strategy: Yaks are relatively high level and offer decent experience. They are also a good source of yak-hide armour.
   • Notes: Requires quest completion and can be a bit out of the way.

Levels 60-70: Prayer and the Abyss

Prayer becomes increasingly important in this level range. Consider using prayer potions and the Piety prayer (unlocked through the Holy Grail quest).

1. Experiments (Champions’ Guild):
   • Location: Champions’ Guild basement.
   • Equipment: Rune Scimitar or Dragon Scimitar, Rune Armour, Amulet of Strength, Prayer Potions.
   • Strategy: Continue training on Experiments, utilizing Protect from Melee and Piety prayer for faster experience.
   • Notes: Still a viable option, especially if you need to save money.
2. Fremennik Isles Yaks (Neitiznot):
   • Location: Neitiznot (requires completion of The Fremennik Isles quest).
   • Equipment: Rune Scimitar, Rune Armour, Amulet of Strength, Prayer Potions.
   • Strategy: Yaks are relatively high level and offer decent experience. They are also a good source of yak-hide armour. Utilizing Protect from Melee and Piety prayer for faster experience.
   • Notes: Requires quest completion and can be a bit out of the way, but less crowded than experiments.
3. The Abyss (Wilderness):
   • Location: The Abyss (requires completion of the Rune Mysteries quest).
   • Equipment: Rune Scimitar or Dragon Scimitar, Rune Armour, Amulet of Strength, Prayer Potions, Anti-Wilderness gear (cheap items to protect on death).
   • Strategy: Attack Abyssal Creatures (Leeches, Guardians, Walkers) inside the Abyss. The Abyss is a dangerous Wilderness area, so be prepared to die. The experience is very good, but the risk is high. Use Protect from Melee and Piety.
   • Notes: Only recommended for experienced players who are comfortable with the Wilderness. Bring minimal valuable items. Teleport out quickly if a PKer appears.

Levels 70-80: Optimizing for Speed

At this point, your focus should be on maximizing your DPS and experience per hour. The Abyssal Whip becomes a very strong choice.

1. Experiments (Champions’ Guild):
   • Location: Champions’ Guild basement.
   • Equipment: Abyssal Whip, Rune or Fighter Torso, Rune Legs or Obsidian Legs, Amulet of Strength, Prayer Potions.
   • Strategy: Continue training on Experiments, utilizing Protect from Melee and Piety prayer for significantly faster experience.
   • Notes: Remains a consistent option, but may be crowded.
2. Fremennik Isles Yaks (Neitiznot):
   • Location: Neitiznot (requires completion of The Fremennik Isles quest).
   • Equipment: Abyssal Whip, Rune or Fighter Torso, Rune Legs or Obsidian Legs, Amulet of Strength, Prayer Potions.
   • Strategy: Yaks are relatively high level and offer decent experience. They are also a good source of yak-hide armour. Utilizing Protect from Melee and Piety prayer for faster experience.
   • Notes: Requires quest completion and can be a bit out of the way, but less crowded than experiments.
3. Nightmare Zone (NMZ):
   • Location: Nightmare Zone (requires completion of multiple quests, consult the NMZ guide).
   • Equipment: Abyssal Whip, Obsidian Armour (with Berserker Necklace), or Dragonhide Armour (for ranged safespots), Absorption Potions, Overload Potions.
   • Strategy: NMZ allows you to fight customized bosses in a safe environment. Focus on melee-weak bosses and use absorption potions to stay alive. Overload potions boost your stats significantly.
   • Notes: Requires significant questing to unlock good boss combinations. A very AFK-able method, but can be expensive due to potion costs.

Levels 80-90: Advanced Training

This is where the training methods become more diverse and often require specific quests or content unlocked.

1. Nightmare Zone (NMZ):
   • Location: Nightmare Zone.
   • Equipment: Abyssal Whip, Obsidian Armour (with Berserker Necklace), or Bandos Armour, Absorption Potions, Overload Potions, Prayer Potions (if using prayer flicking).
   • Strategy: Continue training in NMZ, optimizing your boss selection and potion usage for maximum experience.
   • Notes: Still a very efficient and AFK-able method.
2. Skeletal Wyverns (Asgarnia Ice Dungeon):
   • Location: Asgarnia Ice Dungeon (requires a Mind Shield to protect against the icy breath).
   • Equipment: Abyssal Whip, Bandos Armour, Dragonfire Shield (or regular shield and antifire potion), Amulet of Torture, Prayer Potions.
   • Strategy: Skeletal Wyverns require a Dragonfire Shield (or antifire potions) to survive their dragon breath attack. Use Protect from Melee and piety to improve kill speed. They also drop valuable items.
   • Notes: A good combination of experience and profit, but can be crowded.
3. Gargoyles (Slayer Tower):
   • Location: Slayer Tower (requires 75 Slayer).
   • Equipment: Abyssal Whip, Bandos Armour, Amulet of Torture, Prayer Potions, Rock Hammer (to finish them off).
   • Strategy: Gargoyles require 75 Slayer and a rock hammer to kill once they’re low HP. Use Protect from Melee and piety to improve kill speed. They also drop valuable items like granite mauls.
   • Notes: A good method if you want to train Slayer and Attack simultaneously, and have reached the required Slayer Level.

Levels 90-99: The Final Push

Reaching 99 Attack requires dedication and often involves specialized training methods that can be expensive or demanding.

1. Nightmare Zone (NMZ):
   • Location: Nightmare Zone.
   • Equipment: Abyssal Whip or Ghrazi Rapier, Bandos Armour or Torva Armour, Amulet of Torture, Berserker Ring (i), Absorption Potions, Overload Potions, Prayer Potions (if prayer flicking).
   • Strategy: Continue training in NMZ, optimizing your setup and potion usage for maximum experience. Prayer flicking can significantly reduce potion costs.
   • Notes: Remains the most AFK-able and consistent option for many players.
2. Gargoyles (Slayer Tower):
   • Location: Slayer Tower.
   • Equipment: Abyssal Whip or Ghrazi Rapier, Bandos Armour or Torva Armour, Amulet of Torture, Berserker Ring (i), Prayer Potions, Rock Hammer.
   • Strategy: Train Slayer and Attack simultaneously. Use Protect from Melee and piety to improve kill speed.
   • Notes: A good option for players who enjoy Slayer and want to make some profit along the way.
3. Spiritual Creatures (God Wars Dungeon):
   • Location: God Wars Dungeon (requires 60 Agility, 60 Strength, 60 Attack, 60 Defence, 60 Ranged, 60 Magic, 60 Prayer, or 60 Slayer).
   • Equipment: Abyssal Whip or Ghrazi Rapier, Bandos Armour or Torva Armour, Amulet of Torture, Berserker Ring (i), Prayer Potions, Super Restore Potions.
   • Strategy: Spiritual creatures (Spiritual Warriors, Mages, Rangers) are found in the God Wars Dungeon and require an appropriate level of one of the listed skills to enter safely. They are aggressive and offer good experience. Use Protect from Melee and Piety. They also drop valuable Godsword shards.
   • Notes: Can be profitable due to the Godsword shard drops, but requires good gear and attention. Be aware of the dangers of the God Wars Dungeon.
4. Abyssal Demons (Slayer Tower or Catacombs of Kourend):
   • Location: Slayer Tower (requires 85 Slayer) or Catacombs of Kourend (requires completion of the Kourend & Kebos questline and the use of a darklight).
   • Equipment: Abyssal Whip or Ghrazi Rapier, Bandos Armour or Torva Armour, Amulet of Torture, Berserker Ring (i), Prayer Potions, Super Restore Potions.
   • Strategy: Abyssal Demons are a high-level Slayer monster that offers excellent experience. Use Protect from Melee and piety to improve kill speed. They also drop the Abyssal Whip (if you don’t already have one). In the Catacombs, use a Darklight for increased accuracy and damage.
   • Notes: Requires high Slayer level. Catacombs are generally less crowded but require Darklight.

AFK Training Methods

For those looking for more relaxed training, these methods offer a degree of AFK-ability. However, keep in mind that AFK training is generally slower than active methods.

• Rock Crabs/Sand Crabs: With absorption potions (requires completion of The Fremennik Trials for Rock Crabs and some favor for Sand Crabs) you can AFK for extended periods.
• Nightmare Zone (NMZ): A very popular AFK method using absorption potions and overload potions.

The Importance of Quests

Completing certain quests unlocks access to valuable training locations, prayers, and equipment. Prioritize completing the following quests:

• The Fremennik Trials: Unlocks access to Rock Crabs in Rellekka and is a prerequisite for other Fremennik quests.
• The Fremennik Isles: Unlocks access to Yaks on Neitiznot.
• Holy Grail: Unlocks the Piety prayer, significantly boosting your melee stats.
• Recipe for Disaster: Unlocks the Experiments in the Champions’ Guild Basement.
• Rune Mysteries: Unlocks the Abyss.
• Kourend & Kebos questline: Unlocks Catacombs of Kourend and increases drop rates while using a darklight on demons.

Tips for Efficient Training

• Use the best gear you can afford: Upgrading your weapon and armor will significantly increase your DPS and reduce the time it takes to kill monsters.
• Use prayers: Protect from Melee, Piety, Chivalry, and Turmoil prayers provide significant bonuses to your Attack, Strength, and Defence.
• Use potions: Super Attack potions and Super Strength potions temporarily boost your stats.
• Choose the right monster: Select monsters that are weak to melee and have low defense.
• Minimize downtime: Utilize teleports and stamina potions to reduce travel time.
• Stay focused: Avoid distractions and concentrate on training to maximize your experience per hour.
• Consider Slayer: Training Attack through Slayer tasks can be more rewarding, as you’ll also be leveling your Slayer skill and earning Slayer points.
• Train with Friends: Training with friends can make the grind more enjoyable and potentially increase efficiency in some situations (e.g., God Wars Dungeon).

Conclusion

Leveling up your Attack skill in RuneScape requires dedication and strategic training. By following this comprehensive guide and utilizing the best equipment and methods, you can efficiently reach level 99 and become a formidable melee warrior. Remember to adapt your training methods based on your budget, playstyle, and access to different areas and content. Good luck, and happy training!