OSRS: Splashing Guide

Splashing in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a popular method for training the Magic skill, especially for players seeking an AFK-friendly approach to leveling up. While recent updates have made some changes to splashing, it remains an effective method for training Magic in both the Free-to-Play (F2P) and Pay-to-Play (P2P) worlds. This guide will cover the necessary steps, gear setups, and training spots for splashing in both F2P and P2P environments.

What is Splashing?

Splashing involves using a Magic spell on an enemy, but with a deliberately low Magic attack bonus to ensure that the player doesn't hit, thus preventing any combat. Despite not landing hits, players still gain Magic experience from the spell being cast. It's a popular method for AFK training, particularly when using mobile devices, as it requires minimal attention.

However, a 2019 update in OSRS changed the dynamics of splashing. The update stated that players cannot gain Magic experience if their Magic accuracy is too low to deal damage in most areas around Lumbridge. While this restriction applies to Lumbridge, splashing is still viable in other areas with slight adjustments.

General Requirements for Splashing

Magic Spell: You need a Magic spell to cast, usually Fire Strike or one of its variants (Air, Water, or Earth Strike).

Low Magic Attack Bonus: The key to splashing is a negative Magic attack bonus. You'll want to use gear that lowers your Magic accuracy to ensure you don't land a hit. A Magic attack bonus of -64 to -65 is typically required.

AFK Aspect: You'll need to make a game action (such as interacting with the game or clicking) every 20 minutes to prevent the system from considering your account idle.

Location: Certain areas work better than others for splashing, as enemies must be aggressive and able to withstand the splash damage.

OSRS Splashing Guide for F2P Worlds

For F2P players, splashes can be achieved at lower levels with specific gear setups:

Required Gear for F2P Splashing

Full Iron Armor Set (Iron Full Helm, Platebody, Platelegs, and Kiteshield)

Green Vambraces (requires 40 Ranged for full benefits)

Fire Staff (or equivalent staff for Fire Strike)

To achieve the necessary -65 Magic attack bonus:

If you do not have 40 Ranged, use a Goblin Staff from Diango's Toy Store in Draynor Village to reach the required Magic attack bonus.

Optimal Splashing Location (F2P)

Chicken Farm (Northwest of Draynor Village): This is one of the most efficient and easy-to-reach spots for splashing in F2P. The chickens here will continuously aggro and take minimal damage from your attacks, making it an ideal AFK location.

Using this method, expect an average hourly experience rate of 11,000 Magic XP. It's a simple setup and works great for AFK training.

OSRS Splashing Guide for P2P Worlds

P2P players generally have access to better gear and more efficient splashing spots. Here's what you'll need:

Required Gear for P2P Splashing

Robin Hood Hat (for magic attack bonus reduction)

Rune Platebody, Rune Platelegs, Rune Kiteshield

Rune Boots

Snakeskin Vambraces

Smoke Battlestaff (provides unlimited Air and Fire runes)

If you can't use the vambraces, Cursed Goblin Staff will help you achieve a -64 Magic attack.

Optimal Splashing Location (P2P)

Edgeville Monastery: The monks here are an excellent splashing target. They heal themselves, making them perfect for consistent splashing without the need for constant interaction. While they can't be completely AFK'd for hours (due to the 20-minute rule), this location remains one of the most effective for high-level Magic players looking for a low-effort training method.

Note that you can't splash indefinitely if your Magic level is above 80, but with this setup, you'll still be able to splash effectively, taking about 20 minutes to kill one monk.

Splashing XP Rates and Efficiency

Here are the XP rates and estimated times to reach Level 99 Magic using Fire Strike in both F2P and P2P worlds:

Air Strike: 1973 hours, 7.1 million GP

Water Strike: 1446.9 hours, 5.2 million GP

Earth Strike: 1142.3 hours, 4.1 million GP

Fire Strike: 943.6 hours, 3.4 million GP

Fire Bolts: 482.8 hours, 28.9 million GP

While Fire Strike is the preferred choice, the experience rates vary depending on the spell and the gear used. While not an efficient method in terms of GP per hour, splashing offers a passive way to train Magic without requiring constant attention.

Splashing as an Ironman

Ironman accounts can also splash, though it's generally considered inefficient for them. If you're an Ironman, you can use Ironman armor from the Lumbridge Tutors, or the Cursed Goblin Staff to reach the required Magic attack bonus. However, Ironman accounts often avoid splashing due to its inefficiency and lack of cost-effectiveness. Many prefer more active training methods due to the self-sufficient nature of the account type.

Is the Harmonized Nightmare Staff Worth It?

For those with large amounts of GP, the Harmonized Nightmare Staff can be a great addition to splashing. It's unique due to its autocasting feature and faster tick rate of 4 ticks compared to the regular 5 ticks of other staves. It allows for a smoother AFK experience and helps optimize the efficiency of splashing, but it is an expensive investment.

Conclusion

Splashing remains one of the most effective AFK training methods in OSRS, particularly for players who want to level up Magic without constant attention. While the update in 2019 slightly altered how it works in certain areas, the method is still viable in various F2P and P2P locations. Whether you are using Fire Strike or another spell, splashing is a passive way to level up, but it comes with significant time and cost investment.

Make sure to consider your account type, goals, and available resources before deciding if splashing is the right method for you. For players with a significant amount of GP, investing in higher-tier gear such as the Harmonized Nightmare Staff can further enhance your splashing experience.

Lastly, if you're looking to make this process more efficient, consider buying OSRS Gold or specific OSRS items from trusted sources to help acquire better gear, potions, or supplies.