Old School RuneScape (OSRS) has over 20 skills, but combat remains the most popular. Unlike Ranged or Magic, Melee training requires you to RuneScape gold balance three separate stats: Attack, Strength, and Defence.

Attack determines which weapons you can wield.

Strength dictates how hard you hit.

Defence reduces damage taken and unlocks stronger armour.

Unless you're building a specialised pure account, training all three is essential for long-term success. This guide covers the most effective ways to level from 1 all the way to 99, highlighting quests, gear upgrades, and training spots along the way.

Getting Started (Levels 1–40+)

The early stages of combat can feel painfully slow. To skip past this bottleneck, prioritise quests that grant large amounts of Melee XP. Quests not only give generous rewards but also unlock useful items for future training.

Some of the best early options include:

Waterfall Quest – 13,750 Attack and Strength XP. No tough bosses, making it one of the best starter quests.

Fight Arena – 12,150 Attack XP. Bosses are easily spotted with early Magic or a crossbow.

Tree Gnome Village – 11,450 Attack XP. Similar to Fight Arena, with a boss that can be trapped.

The Grand Tree – 18,400 Attack XP. Safe-spot the Black Demon boss for easy completion.

Holy Grail – 15,300 Defence XP and 11,000 Prayer XP. Features a very easy boss fight.

Dragon Slayer – 18,650 Strength and Defence XP, plus access to Rune platebody.

Fremennik Isles – 20,000 XP in any combat stat and the powerful Helm of Neitiznot.

Haunted Mine – 22,000 Strength XP and access to the Salve Amulet, useful against undead.

Completing these quests alone can take you from level 1 to RuneScape gold for sale the mid-40s without ever grinding monsters. For instance, just Waterfall Quest, Fight Arena, and Tree Gnome Village push Attack to 44—enough to wield Rune weapons.