Since its release in 2013, Old School RuneScape’s Nightmare Zone (NMZ) has remained the most efficient AFK combat training method in the game. Originally introduced just months after OSRS launched, NMZ not only reintroduced players to iconic quest bosses but also provided a scalable, low-effort way to train combat to 99. Even in 2025, no other method matches NMZ’s blend of speed, safety, and AFK potential.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know: requirements, setup, boss selection, and optimal training methods for Melee, Ranged, and Magic on your way to max combat.

Why Nightmare Zone is the Best AFK Combat Training

NMZ allows you to re-fight quest bosses in “Rumble” mode, spawning them endlessly without player input. Combined with Absorption potions and the Dwarven Rock Cake, players can set their Hitpoints to 1 and effectively neutralize boss damage. Having enough RuneScape gold will help you reduce damage. Since boss max hits scale with your current HP, each strike only drains 1 point from your Absorption pool, making long AFK sessions possible.

While NMZ is traditionally a Melee-focused method, it also works extremely well for Ranged and, to a lesser extent, Magic. The ability to minimize clicks and maximize XP rates makes it perfect for players who don’t want to spend hundreds of hours manually grinding combat.

Requirements for NMZ

To enter NMZ, you must complete five quests from a pool of 38 that unlock eligible bosses. However, for the optimal setup, most players complete six specific quests. These provide bosses that are easy to kill, single-tile, and XP-efficient:

Ascent of Arceuus → Trapped Soul

Depths of Despair → Sand Snake

Vampyre Slayer → Count Draynor

What Lies Below → King Roald

Tree Gnome Village → Khazard Warlord

Lost City → Tree Spirit

This combination ensures consistency in boss mechanics and maximizes XP rates across all combat styles.

Essential Preparation

Dwarven Rock Cake (Recipe for Disaster – Mountain Dwarf) to reduce HP.

Absorption potions to absorb boss damage.

Overloads for combat boosts, though they require more attention since they expire every 5 minutes.

Pro tip: Always use Hard Mode bosses. They have more HP, meaning fewer kills wasted on “over-hits,” better XP/hour, and significantly more reward points for ring imbues and potions.

Melee Training Guide (60–99)

You should begin NMZ once you hit level 60 Attack/Strength/Defence. From here, the AFK grind begins.

Levels 60–80

Gear Setup: Obsidian armor set + Obsidian Sword (Toktz-xil-ak) with Obsidian Shield. Pair with Berserker Necklace, Dragon Boots, Granite Gloves, Fire Cape/Obsidian Cape, and a Berserker Ring (imbued ASAP).

Strategy: Start with Strength, then move on to Attack and Defence.

XP Rates: 80k–85k XP/hr (averaged).

Levels 80–99

Same setup, same bosses.

XP Rates: 100k–105k XP/hr.

Optional upgrade paths include Dragon Defender from the Warriors’ Guild or switching to Dharok’s later, though Dharok’s requires more upkeep and is less AFK-friendly.

Ranged Training Guide (50–99)

While Ranged has faster methods outside NMZ, the AFK potential makes NMZ the go-to choice for many players.

Levels 50–75

Gear Setup: Snakeskin Bandana + Boots, Dragonhide armor (Blue → Red → Blessed), Ava’s Accumulator, Archer’s Ring (imbued), Necklace of Anguish.

Weapons: Imbued Magic Shortbow with Rune Arrows → upgrade to Blowpipe (75).

XP Rates:

50–60: ~45k–50k XP/hr.

60–75: gradual increases with gear upgrades.

Levels 75–80

Upgrade to Toxic Blowpipe with Amethyst Darts (cost-efficient over Dragon Darts).

XP Rates: 85k–90k XP/hr.

Levels 80–99

Switch to Venator Bow with Rune Arrows + Ancient Essence.

Important: Replace Sand Snake with another single-tile boss to maximize Venator’s bounce effect.

XP Rates: 135k–150k XP/hr.

Magic Training Guide (60–99)

Magic isn’t as efficient in NMZ due to halved XP for damage spells, but it still offers solid AFK training.

Gear Setup

Full Bloodbark Armor, Occult Necklace, Seers Ring (imbued), Malediction Ward, Fire Cape, Holy Blessing.

Mystic combination staff depending on spell choice.

Method

Use the highest elemental combat spell available.

Focus on AFK splashing-style combat rather than DPS efficiency.

XP Rates

~80k–85k XP/hr from 60–99.

While not as strong as Melee or Ranged, NMZ still provides a low-effort path for leveling Magic alongside other combat skills.

AFK Optimization Tips

Auto-Retaliate ON: Essential for AFK sessions.

Imbue Rings Early: Berserker, Archer, and Seer's Rings greatly increase XP/hour.

Balance AFK vs Active Play: Overloads = more clicks, Absorptions = more AFK.

Avoid Non-Single-Tile Bosses: They reduce Venator Bow efficiency and AFK reliability.

Gear Substitutions: Dharok’s is powerful but less AFK; budget setups still work fine.

Final Thoughts

Nightmare Zone has remained king of AFK combat training for over a decade, and in 2025, nothing has dethroned it. With the right quests, setup, and strategy, you can realistically achieve max combat while spending most of your grind AFK.

There’s no single “perfect” path—gear, quest selection, and potion usage can vary. But the general formula stays the same: optimize bosses, keep your HP low, and let NMZ do the heavy lifting. Having a lot of OSRS gold will make the path more perfect.

If you’re aiming for max combat with minimal effort, NMZ is still the ultimate method in Old School RuneScape.