OSRS Splashing: The Ultimate Magic Training Guide for Beginners

November 5, 2025 admin

In the world of Old School RuneScape (OSRS), magic training has always been one of the most flexible yet time-consuming skills. Among the many techniques players have used to level up, OSRS splashing remains one of the most iconic, simple, and nostalgic methods of gaining experience with minimal effort.

While the game has evolved over the years, splashing continues to intrigue new players and veterans alike. Some see it as an efficient way to train magic passively, while others consider it a relic from RuneScape’s early days—a nod to the simplicity that made the game so beloved.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about OSRS splashing—from what it is and how it works, to the best setups, methods, and experience rates. Whether you’re returning to Gielinor after years away or just starting your magical journey, this article will help you master the art of splashing efficiently.

What is OSRS Splashing?

At its core, OSRS splashing is a method of training the Magic skill by deliberately missing your spell attacks. The name comes from the “splash” animation that appears when a spell fails to hit an enemy.

When you splash, you continue casting spells but deal no damage, allowing you to train Magic without worrying about killing the target. This method became popular because it allowed players to gain experience over time with minimal attention — you could essentially go AFK (away from keyboard) while still gaining XP.

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The idea is simple: wear equipment that gives you a -65 magic attack bonus (ensuring you always miss) and continuously cast low-level combat spells on a monster that won’t die easily.

Why Players Use Splashing in OSRS

So, why is OSRS splashing still relevant today? There are several reasons players turn to this method despite newer, faster training techniques:

AFK training: You can splash for hours without clicking constantly, making it ideal for casual players.
Low attention requirement: Unlike active combat training, splashing doesn’t need focus or precision.
Consistent XP gain: Even though it’s slower than high-level methods, it provides steady experience.
Affordable early Magic XP: Great for players who can’t yet afford high-tier runes or equipment.
Nostalgia: Many veteran players enjoy splashing as a throwback to the classic RuneScape days.

Splashing’s simplicity is what makes it timeless—it allows anyone to train Magic without stress or constant input.

How OSRS Splashing Works

Splashing relies on manipulating the game’s combat mechanics. Normally, the chance of hitting an enemy depends on your Magic attack bonus versus the target’s Magic defense. By lowering your magic attack bonus to -65 or lower, your spells will always miss, meaning you continuously “splash.”

To set this up, you’ll need to wear specific gear combinations that reduce your magic accuracy as much as possible. This ensures your spells never land, and your target remains alive indefinitely.

The basic formula:

Low Magic Accuracy (yours) + Low Magic Defense (enemy) = Constant splashing without kills.

Requirements for OSRS Splashing

Before starting, make sure you meet these basic requirements:

Level 1 Magic or higher.
- You can splash from level 1, though some spells require higher levels.
Access to basic combat spells.
- Wind Strike, Water Strike, or any other elemental combat spell works.
Coins for runes and gear.
- Splashing uses runes continuously, so you’ll need a steady supply.
A suitable target.
- You need a monster that won’t retaliate and won’t die from missed hits.
Auto-cast enabled.
- This lets your character automatically repeat the spell indefinitely.

Best Locations for Splashing in OSRS

Although splashing can technically be done anywhere with a safe NPC, certain locations are ideal due to accessibility, low aggression, and convenience. Here are some of the best spots:

Varrock Sewers: Great for splashing on rats. They have low combat levels and won’t kill you.
Lumbridge Basement: The spiders here are non-aggressive and ideal for beginners.
Edgeville Dungeon: Works for players who want to stay away from crowded areas.
Cows near Lumbridge: Classic choice for nostalgic players.

Always make sure you’re in a multi-combat zone where other players won’t interfere.

Best Targets for Splashing

Choosing the right NPC is crucial. Ideal targets are non-aggressive, have high health, and don’t auto-retaliate. Common options include:

Rats – Low combat level, perfect for early training.
Spiders – Do minimal damage, making them good long-term targets.
Seagulls (Port Sarim) – Non-aggressive and convenient.
Cows – Good for low-level players training both combat and magic.

Avoid monsters that wander too far or have special attack behaviors, as these can interrupt your training.

Best Gear Setup for OSRS Splashing

To guarantee consistent misses, you need equipment that minimizes your magic accuracy. Here’s an effective setup:

Helmet: Full iron or steel helm
Chest: Platebody (iron, steel, or rune)
Legs: Platelegs or chainbody
Shield: Kite shield (iron, steel, or bronze)
Weapon: Staff of your chosen element (e.g., Staff of air)
Boots: Iron or steel boots
Gloves: Leather or vambraces (optional)
Amulet: None or amulet of strength (to avoid magic bonuses)

With this setup, your magic attack bonus drops below -65, ensuring every cast splashes.

Spells Used in OSRS Splashing

You can use almost any combat spell for splashing, but certain spells are better depending on your level and budget.

Recommended spells:

Wind Strike (Level 1): Cheapest and best for beginners.
Water Strike (Level 5): Slightly more XP, minor cost increase.
Fire Strike (Level 13): Balanced XP and cost ratio.
Curse or Confuse (Level 3+): Common for those training non-combat magic; targets don’t die.

For most players, sticking with basic strike spells is best since they provide steady XP without draining your runes too quickly.

Experience Rates from Splashing

OSRS splashing is slow but steady. Your XP rate depends on the spell used and whether you’re using auto-cast effectively.

Here’s a general breakdown:

Spell	Magic Level	XP per Hour	Cost Efficiency
Wind Strike	1	3,000–4,000 XP	Very cheap
Water Strike	5	5,000–6,000 XP	Moderate
Fire Strike	13	7,000–9,000 XP	Good balance
Curse	19	10,000–12,000 XP	Efficient
Fire Bolt	35	15,000–18,000 XP	Expensive but effective

Though slower than methods like Superheat Item or High Alchemy, splashing is ideal when you want low-effort, passive experience.

AFK Timer and Inactivity Rules

It’s important to note that splashing can only be semi-AFK. Old School RuneScape has an inactivity timer that logs you out after 20 minutes of no input.

To remain logged in:

Move your mouse occasionally.
Click or type every few minutes.
Use the in-game settings menu periodically.

You cannot completely AFK for hours anymore, but splashing still allows long sessions with minimal input.

Is OSRS Splashing Still Worth It?

Whether splashing is “worth it” depends on your goals. If you want fast experience, there are better alternatives like Superheating, Bursting, or Alching. However, if your goal is low-cost, low-effort training, OSRS splashing remains unmatched.

Pros:

Inexpensive
Minimal attention required
Can train at any Magic level
Great for multitasking players

Cons:

Slow XP rates
Limited engagement
Inactivity logout timer prevents fully AFK training

Despite its drawbacks, many players still use splashing as a background activity while doing other tasks.

Alternatives to Splashing

If you’re ready for faster, more engaging Magic training, consider these alternatives:

High Alchemy: Great XP and profits at level 55+.
Superheat Item: Combines Smithing and Magic training efficiently.
Bursting/Barraging: Fast XP in multi-combat zones.
Teleport Training: Using teleports like Camelot or Varrock for consistent XP.

While these methods cost more and require attention, they dramatically increase XP rates.

Common Mistakes When Splashing

Even though splashing seems easy, players often make avoidable errors:

Wrong gear bonuses: Failing to reach -65 magic attack results in hitting enemies accidentally.
Aggressive NPCs: Picking targets that fight back or move frequently can interrupt your casts.
Rune mismanagement: Running out of runes mid-session stops training.
Ignoring logout timer: Being inactive for too long logs you out, wasting time.

Always double-check your gear, location, and spell setup before starting a long splash session.

Conclusion

OSRS splashing stands as one of the most iconic training methods in RuneScape history. Though slow and simple, it offers players an easy way to build Magic experience without constant attention. For beginners learning the ropes or veterans seeking nostalgia, splashing remains a relaxing and reliable technique.

While modern methods might outshine it in speed, few capture the essence of RuneScape’s old-school charm quite like splashing. It’s a quiet reminder that sometimes, progress doesn’t have to be fast—it just has to be steady.