1-99 Defence Training Guide OSRS

By Expos.GG Team · 2026-01-29

Complete Defence training guide for OSRS. Learn the best methods, gear progression, and tips for reaching 99 Defence efficiently.

Overview

Defence determines your damage reduction and what armor you can wear. Higher Defence means better survivability in all combat situations.

Why Train Defence?

- Wear better armor - Take less damage - Required for PvM - Enables tanking roles

Training Methods

Levels 1-40: Questing

These quests give Defence XP: - Dragon Slayer I: Required for rune - Varrock Museum: Easy XP - The Fremennik Trials: Good XP - Holy Grail: Prayer + Defence

Levels 40-70: Sand/Ammonite Crabs

Same methods as Attack/Strength: - XP/Hour: 30-65k - Very AFK - Use defensive combat style

Levels 70-99: Nightmare Zone

- XP/Hour: 80-100k - Use defensive style - Absorption method works - Very AFK

Alternative Methods

Chinning (Expensive but Fast)

Use chinchompas in MM2 tunnels: - XP/Hour: 300k+ (split between ranged/def) - Very expensive - Best done on long bones task

Slayer

Train Defence through Slayer: - Money making - Varied gameplay - Best long-term option

Barraging (Magic + Defence)

Use Ice Barrage in MM2 tunnels: - XP/Hour: 200k+ (split) - Good for mage builds

Armor Progression

| Level | Armor Set | |-------|-----------| | 1 | Bronze | | 5 | Iron | | 10 | Steel | | 20 | Mithril | | 30 | Adamant | | 40 | Rune | | 60 | Dragon | | 65 | Bandos/Barrows | | 70 | Justiciar |

Should You Train Defence?

Mains Yes - you need Defence for: - Raids - High-level PvM - General gameplay

Pures No - stay 1 Defence for: - PvP combat brackets - Specific account builds

Zerkers Stop at 45 - for: - Berserker helm - PvP bracket optimization

Defensive Prayers

- Thick Skin (+5%) - Rock Skin (+10%) - Steel Skin (+15%) - Chivalry (+20%) - Piety (+25%)

Time to 99

| Method | Hours | |--------|-------| | Crabs | 200+ | | NMZ | 100-120 | | Slayer | 150+ | | Chinning | 30-50 (expensive) |

Tips

1. Train last - Attack and Strength first 2. Use defensive style - Many forget this 3. NMZ for points - Get imbues while training 4. Consider barrage - If you have the GP

Professional Training

Let us handle your Defence grind while you focus on the fun content.