docs / articles / OSRS: Best Melee Training Weapons

OSRS: Best Melee Training Weapons

Noah Aug 16, 2026 2026-08-16 04:58:21

In the ever-evolving landscape of Old School RuneScape (OSRS), melee combat remains a steadfast favourite among players, offering a blend of thrilling action and strategic depth. Central to any melee build's success is the choice of training weapons. With a myriad of options available, deciding on the best weapons can be a daunting task. This guide aims to simplify that process, presenting top melee training weapons in OSRS that balance damage output, accuracy, and affordability.

Atlyss: The 10 Best Melee Weapons
Atlyss: The 10 Best Melee Weapons

Before delving into the top weapons, it's crucial to understand that the 'best' weapon depends on several factors, including your combat level, skill levels, and the specific boss or activity you're training for. However, this list will focus on weapons that are versatile and optimal for general melee training across various levels.

Iron mace
Iron mace

Best Beginner Melee Weapons

As a fledgling melee warrior, it's essential to start with weapons that are accessible, affordable, and provide a solid foundation for growth. Here are two top options:

Rpg Armory, Fallout Dnd, Dnd Bazooka, Bullet Dnd, Tank Rpg, Dnd Rocket Launcher, Military Tactical Diagram, Fallout Melee, Dnd Minigun
Rpg Armory, Fallout Dnd, Dnd Bazooka, Bullet Dnd, Tank Rpg, Dnd Rocket Launcher, Military Tactical Diagram, Fallout Melee, Dnd Minigun

Rune Scimitars

Rune scimitars offer an excellent starting point for low-level players due to their low requirements and readily available materials. A pair of these weapons requires only 40 Attack to wield and can be made by combining a rune pickaxe with rune bars. They boast a fast attack speed, making them ideal for training accuracy and cutting through low-defence foes swiftly.

Anime Sickles, Cool Looking Swords, Coolest Swords, Super Cool Swords, Cool Looking Blades, Awesome Swords, Cool Anime Knives, Cool Looking Scythe, Zombie Swords
Anime Sickles, Cool Looking Swords, Coolest Swords, Super Cool Swords, Cool Looking Blades, Awesome Swords, Cool Anime Knives, Cool Looking Scythe, Zombie Swords

Furthermore, rune scimitars can be enhanced with the ' Sharpen' special attack, temporarily boosting their attack bonus and accuracy. This versatility makes them an excellent choice for beginners, allowing them to grow with their character and adapt to various combat situations.

Granite Mauls

For players seeking a sense of nostalgia or preferring a melee weapon with higher base stats, granite mauls offer an attractive alternative. These powerful one-handed weapons require only 35 Attack to wield and can be made by combining a granite hammer with steel or iron bars. Granite mauls boast a higher base damage and slower attack speed than rune scimitars, making them more effective against high-defence enemies.

a man standing in the grass with two swords on his head and an image of a dragon
a man standing in the grass with two swords on his head and an image of a dragon

Additionally, granite mauls can be imbued with the 'Smash' special attack, temporarily increasing their max hit. This makes them formidable against enemies with high life points, such as minotaurs or sand crab swarms found in the DESERT TREASURE and waterbirth island dungeon respectively.

Best Mid-game Melee Weapons

As you progress through the mid-game, you'll unlock access to more potent weapons that reflect your growing strength and skill. Here are two top options to consider:

My friend got this for self defense. Is it even legal in Germany? - WTF
My friend got this for self defense. Is it even legal in Germany? - WTF

Abdominth Mothercore

The Abdominth Mothercore is a powerful off-hand weapon obtained from the Fight Caves and Fight Kiln minigames. This rare drop requires 60 Attack and 60 Strength to wield and provides excellent offensive bonuses, including a +8 bonus to Slash and Crush attack styles. Its unique special attack, 'Triage,' can temporarily reduce the opponent's defence, making it an invaluable tool for taking down tough foes.

a knife that is cut in half and labeled with parts labelled on the front side
a knife that is cut in half and labeled with parts labelled on the front side
a garden tool laying on the ground next to a wall
a garden tool laying on the ground next to a wall
[Top 10] Old School Runescape Best Mining Spots
[Top 10] Old School Runescape Best Mining Spots
HEMA Synthetic Trainers
HEMA Synthetic Trainers
prospector's drill
prospector's drill
Dungeon Master Assistance
Dungeon Master Assistance

To fully utilise the Mothercore's potential, it's essential to pair it with a similarly powerful main-hand weapon. Given its Slovian crush bonus, matching it with a Drygore weapon, such as the Drygore long sword, can provide devastating results.

Dhalmekian locus staff

A powerful and versatile two-handed weapon, the Dhalmekian locus staff is crafted using the Ancient Invention blueprint and requires 75 Attack to wield. This Staff offers a significant boost to Slash attack, defence bonus, and provides an off-hand penalisation reduction. Its special attack, 'Fury,' temporarily boosts both the player's attack and strength, making it an excellent choice for bossing and high-level slayer tasks.

The locus staff's versatility and high base damage make it an ideal weapon for switching between Slash, Crush, and Range combat styles, depending on your target's defence and weaknesses. This adaptability, coupled with its powerful special attack, positions it as a top mid-game melee weapon for OSRS players.

Best End-game Melee Weapons

Reaching the end-game in OSRS rewards you with access to some of the most powerful melee weapons in the game. Here are two top options to cap off your melee training journey:

Barrows Gloves and Off-hand

Bar’s gloves and off-hand, obtained from the Barrows minigame or as a Treasure Trail reward, are arguably the most iconic and sought-after melee weapons in OSRS. These powerful one-handed weapons require 85 Attack to wield and provide significant bonuses to Slash and Crush attack styles, including set bonuses that boost accuracy and damage output.

The primary advantage of Barrows gloves and off-hand lies in their dual-wield capabilities, allowing players to stack their offensive bonuses and special attacks for maximum effect. By equipping a second set of Barrows gloves and off-hand, players can unleash the formidable 'Eviscerate' special attack, dealing immense damage to unsuspecting foes.

Torture Sword/ restaur.lang-u- Others

The Torture Sword (or its off-hand variants) is a rare and powerful reward obtained from the Theatre of Blood or summoured from the Sire. Requiring 85 Attack to wield, the Torture Sword boasts impressive base damage and offensive bonuses, along with aunique special attack called 'Impale.' When activated, Impale deals substantial damage, temporarily reduces the opponent's defence, and has a chance to apply a bleed effect, causing the enemy to take damage over time.

The Torture Sword's off-hand counterparts, such as the lingua-lingu-u or lingua-restaur-animus, are just as formidable and work exceptionally well when paired with their respective swords. This combination provides significant accuracy and damage bonuses, making it a force to be reckoned with in end-game PvM encounters.

In the vast realm of Old School RuneScape, mastering melee combat is a journey filled with sword swings, shield slams, and a never-ending pursuit of power. As your character grows stronger, so too will your arsenal, with each new weapon marking a significant milestone in your journey. Embrace the challenge, adapt your tactics, and above all, enjoy the thrill of OSRS melee combat. Happy training!