The OSRS Combat Triangle Explained Simply (Melee, Ranged, Magic)

New to Old School RuneScape or just need a quick reminder? Understanding the Combat Triangle is super important for doing well in both Player vs. Monster (PvM) fights and Player vs. Player (PvP) combat. It basically decides how well different attack styles work against different types of armor.

Get it right, and you deal more damage while taking less. Get it wrong, and kills feel slow and frustrating, or you die fast!

The Basic Idea: Like Rock, Paper, Scissors

Think of the OSRS Combat Triangle like that simple hand game:

  1. Melee (Sword icon) is strong against Ranged (Bow icon). (Warriors can chop down Archers up close).
  2. Ranged (Bow icon) is strong against Magic (Staff icon). (Archers can shoot Mages before they get spells off).
  3. Magic (Staff icon) is strong against Melee (Sword icon). (Mages can blast or freeze heavily armored Warriors).

Basically:

  • Melee attacks hit more often against opponents wearing Ranged armor (like Green D'hide).
  • Ranged attacks hit more often against opponents wearing Magic armor (like Wizard Robes).
  • Magic attacks hit more often against opponents wearing Melee armor (like Rune Platebodies).

Why It Matters for PvM (Fighting Monsters)

Most monsters in OSRS follow the Combat Triangle rules and have specific weaknesses. Using the right style makes killing them much faster and easier:

  • Fighting Dragons: Dragons mostly use Melee and Dragonfire breath. They have tough, metal-like hides (similar to Melee armor). So, Magic often splashes (misses). Using Ranged (with special anti-dragon bolts) or certain Melee weapons designed for dragons (like Dragon Hunter Lance/Hasta from our Gear Guide) is usually best. KBD is a good early example on the Bossing Ladder.
  • Fighting Mages: Monsters that mainly use Magic (like Dagannoth Supreme or wizards) often wear robes with low Ranged defence. Using Ranged attacks against them is usually very effective.
  • Fighting Rangers: Monsters that mostly use Ranged attacks (like guards with crossbows or Aviansies in GWD) often have weaker Melee defence. Getting close and using Melee is typically the way to go.

Exceptions: Some monsters cheat the triangle or have special phases (like Zulrah switching forms or Vorkath using multiple attack styles). But the triangle is a great general rule for most monsters. Always check the OSRS Wiki for a specific monster's weakness if you're unsure!

How It Applies in PvP (Fighting Players)

The Combat Triangle is even more important in PvP because players actively change their gear and prayers to beat their opponent:

  • If someone is wearing heavy Melee armor (like Rune or Bandos), a Mage casting spells will likely hit them hard.
  • If someone is shooting you with Ranged while wearing Dragonhide armor, switching to your best Melee gear and attacking them will usually work better.
  • Prayers complicate things! Protect from Melee/Missiles/Magic blocks almost all damage from that style. Good PvP involves switching your attack style to counter their prayer and switching your prayer to block their attacks.

Mastering gear swaps and prayer switches based on what your opponent is doing is key to winning PvP fights.

Conclusion: Know Your Strengths & Weaknesses

Understanding the Combat Triangle is simple but powerful OSRS knowledge. Always think about what your target is likely wearing and attacking with when you choose your own gear and attack style. Hitting their weakness leads to faster kills, using fewer supplies (saving OSRS gold!), and overall having more success in both PvM and PvP.

Need better gear to cover all parts of the triangle? Check out our fast OSRS Gold page or get ideas from our OSRS Gear Progression Guide.

Now go out there and choose your attacks wisely! Good luck!