Melee Leveling Guide for RuneScape 3 (RS3) in 2025

Image Credits: Jagex, RuneScape 3 (RS3)

This simple guide will help you level up your melee combat skills in RS3, from level 1 all the way to 99 (or 120 if you're going for the long haul) as fast as possible as we head into 2025. Here’s how to level your Attack, Strength, or Defence in RuneScape.

Before You Begin: Gear and Tips

• Use a Two-Handed Weapon:

  • Two-handed weapons are great for area-of-effect (AoE) abilities, helping you clear mobs faster.

  • Upgrade your weapon as soon as you can—it makes a bigger difference than upgrading armor.

• Healing Options:

  • Use the Vampyrism Aura or a Blood Amulet of Fury for passive healing.

  • If you’ve unlocked Soul Split, it heals you based on the damage you deal. Otherwise, use Protection Prayers for survivability.

• Ability Bar:

  • Use an optimal ability bar to maximize damage output. Replace higher-level abilities (like Meteor Strike) as they unlock.

• Sustain Gear:

  • If you’re struggling to survive, focus on items like Vampyrism Scrimshaws, food, or potions to help sustain in battle.

Leveling Guide

Levels 1-30: Start with Quests

• Quests:

  • Waterfall Quest: Boosts Attack and Strength to level 30.

  • Tree Gnome Village and Fight Arena: Additional XP for Attack and Strength.

  • Holy Grail: Levels Defence to 30.

• Alternative: If you prefer combat, kill chickens or cows to reach level 30. They’re low-risk and provide decent loot for beginners.

Levels 30-40: Forthos Zombies

• Location: East of Varrock at the Fort Forinthry dig site.

• XP Rate: 20-30k per hour.

• Tips:

  • Equip a Salve Amulet (if available) for bonus damage and accuracy against undead enemies.

Levels 40-60: Ghouls

• Location: Northwest of Canifis Lodestone.

• XP Rate: 40-60k per hour.

• Tips:

  • Use Aggression Potions or a cannon to make them more AFK-friendly.

Levels 60-80: Bound Skeletons

• Location: North of Fort Forinthry, near the Crypt.

• XP Rate:

  • 60-70: 80-120k per hour.

  • 70-80: 150-180k per hour.

• Tips:

  • These are undead, so use a Salve Amulet.

  • They remain aggressive, making them perfect for AFK training.

Levels 80-90: Revenant Ghouls or High-Level Skeletons

• Option 1: Continue training at Bound Skeletons for 250k XP/hour.

• Option 2: Switch to Revenant Ghouls:

  • Location: Northwest of Canifis Lodestone.

  • XP Rate: 450k per hour.

  • Tips: Revenant Ghouls are less AFK and slightly harder, so bring better gear.

Levels 90-99 (or 120): Revenant Ghouls or Abyssal Beasts

• Option 1: Revenant Ghouls:

  • XP Rate: 750k per hour.

  • Fully AFK at this level with T80+ gear.

• Option 2: Abyssal Beasts:

  • Location: Near Wilderness Obelisk (requires 105 Slayer).

  • XP Rate: Over 1M XP/hour with optimal gear (e.g., Masterwork armor, a scythe).

  • Tips: Abyssal Beasts hit harder, so bring good gear and healing options.

Final Tips

• Take It Slow: If higher-tier mobs are too tough, stay at a lower-tier enemy until you’re stronger.

• Upgrade Gradually: Focus on upgrading your weapon first, then your armor.

• Quests Are Worth It: Completing quests early saves you time and unlocks more content later.

By following this guide, you’ll level your melee stats efficiently while keeping things simple and fun. Happy training!

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