The Best OSRS Melee Skills to Train First

Embarking on your Old School RuneScape (OSRS) adventure and wondering which melee combat skill to train first? You're not alone! With a plethora of melee options like Attack, Strength, and Defense, it can be daunting. Let's break down the best first choice based on efficiency, early game benefits, and long-term returns.

The most beginner-friendly and efficient melee combat skill to train first in OSRS is **Attack**. It opens up more combat options early on, provides decent experience rates, and contributes to your overall effectiveness in combat. Let's delve into why Attack should be your first stop, and explore some key subtopics to enhance your training.

Why Prioritize Attack?

Training Attack first in OSRS offers distinct advantages:

- **Unlocks more combat options**: Higher Attack levels allow you to wield stronger weapons and attack more powerful monsters.

- **Improved experience rates**: Training Attack lets you train other combat skills (like Strength) more efficiently, as you'll be dealing more damage.

- **Boosts combat effectiveness**: Increasing your Attack level increases your combat level, making you stronger overall.

Early Game Attack Training

As a new player, focus on efficiently gaining Attack experience. Effective strategies include:

1. Train on low-level monsters like Hobgoblins (Combat level 7) and Cows (Combat level 1) for early experience.
2. Use the **Attack scroll** from theinn at Varrock or Falador to quickly boost your Attack level.
3. Prioritize proselyting to gain access to the Varrock Diary for early Attack bonuses.

Mid-to-Late Game Attack Training

As you progress, switch to more efficient monsters and methods to train Attack:

• Train on monsters like Hill Giant Mamboo Warriors (Combat level 25), Sand Crabs (Combat level 35), or Soulbuilders (Combat level 57) for efficient experience.
• Use the **Slayer skill** for tailored recommnedations and additional experience by killing monsters with assigned tasks.
• Consider **Questing** for Attack experience rewards and level boosts.

Strength and Defense: Supplementary Skills

While Attack should be your primary focus, don't neglect Strength and Defense entirely. Both skills support your melee capabilities:

- **Strength** boosts your maximum hitpoints and can be trained using the same monsters as Attack. It's particularly useful for high-level PvM and PvP.

- **Defense** reduces incoming damage, making you more survivable in combat. Focus on improving your defensive stats as you progress.

Strength Training: Follow Attack's Pace

After emphasizing Attack, start training Strength using the following methods:

• Use the same monsters you've been training on for Attack.
• Greater demons (Combat level 41) and granite crabs (Combat level 50) are excellent mid-game Strength training options.
• Consider using **Strength potions** to boost your damage output.

Defense: A Gradual Priority Shift

Initially, focus on melee Defense, then transition to Range and Mage for balance:

• Use the same monsters you've been training on for Attack and Strength to build your melee defensive skills.
• Invest in better defensive equipment as your funds allow.
• Later, diversify your defensive training by incorporating Range and Mage consultation.

In the sprawling world of OSRS, choosing Attack as your first melee skill provides a solid foundation. It opens up more combat options and helps you grow stronger, faster. As you progress, balance your training with Strength and Defense to create a versatile and formidable melee combatant. Happy adventuring!