OSRS Gemstone Crab Guide: The Ultimate AFK Combat Training | Tons of XP Blog

Q: What is the Gemstone Crab?

The Gemstone Crab is a giant, high-health, non-aggressive boss in the Tlati Rainforest of Varlamore. It's designed specifically for AFK combat training. It remains in one of three locations for 10 minutes before moving, allowing for long periods of uninterrupted combat.

Q: What are the requirements to fight the Gemstone Crab?

You only need to complete the 'Children of the Sun' quest to access Varlamore. There are no other combat or skill requirements, making it accessible to a wide range of players.

Q: Is the Gemstone Crab better than Sand Crabs or Ammonite Crabs?

Yes, for AFK training, it is generally better. Because it has effectively infinite health and doesn't die, you never lose ticks waiting for a respawn. This results in higher, more consistent XP rates over time compared to other crab-based training methods.

Q: Do you get any loot from the Gemstone Crab?

The top 16 players who deal the most damage in the 10-minute cycle get to mine the crab's shell when it moves. This gives three random, un-noted gems, from Opal to Dragonstone. The primary reward, however, is the combat XP.

Discover the Gemstone Crab, Varlamore's new AFK combat training method. Our guide covers its location, mechanics, and how to maximize your XP rates.

Published on: August 20, 2025 by Tons of XP Team

Tags:

osrs

gemstone crab

afk combat

combat training

varlamore

skilling

OSRS Gemstone Crab Guide: The Ultimate AFK Combat Training

For years, players seeking to train their combat skills AFK have flocked to Sand Crabs, Ammonite Crabs, and the Nightmare Zone. With the release of Varlamore, there's a new king of low-effort training: the Gemstone Crab.

This massive, glittering crustacean offers the most consistent and AFK combat experience in the game. This guide will tell you where to find it and how to get the best XP rates.

What is the Gemstone Crab?

The Gemstone Crab is a huge, stationary boss located in the Tlati Rainforest. It has effectively infinite health and is permanently aggressive.

The Mechanic: The crab stays in one of three designated mining spots for exactly 10 minutes. During this time, players can attack it without interruption. After 10 minutes, it burrows and moves to the next location.
Why it's the Best AFK Method:
- No Respawns: Unlike other crabs that die and need to respawn, the Gemstone Crab never dies. This means you never waste time "overkilling" it or waiting for another to spawn, leading to higher and more consistent XP.
- 10-Minute Timer: You can attack for a full 10 minutes without needing to interact with the game, perfect for AFK training.

Location and How to Get There

The Gemstone Crab spawns in one of three mines in the Tlati Rainforest.

Teleports:
- The quickest way is via the Quetzal Transport System to Tal Teklan.
- A charged Pendant of Ates can teleport you north of Kastori.
- The fairy ring code AIS takes you to the Auburn Valley, a short run away.
Finding the Crab: When the crab moves, it burrows underground. You can enter a cave passage at any of the three mine locations, and it will always lead you directly to the crab's new active spot.

The Strategy: Gear and XP Rates

The strategy is simple: wear your best Strength-boosting gear for melee, or your best damage-boosting gear for Ranged, and start attacking.

XP Reduction: To balance its AFK nature, you only gain 87.5% of the normal combat XP per point of damage. However, the lack of downtime means the overall XP per hour is still higher than other AFK methods.
Melee: A Saradomin Godsword is excellent here, as its passive healing can allow for extremely long trips. Otherwise, use your best crush weapon.
Ranged: A Toxic Blowpipe with amethyst darts is a cost-effective way to train.
No Slayer Bonus: The crab does not count for a crab Slayer task, so a Slayer Helmet provides no benefit.

Rewards: More Than Just XP

While combat experience is the main draw, there is a small reward for participating.

Mining the Shell: After the 10-minute cycle, the crab leaves behind a piece of its shell. The top 16 players who dealt the most damage during that cycle can mine the shell for three random, un-noted gems. These can range from Opal all the way up to Dragonstone.

Conclusion

The Gemstone Crab is a fantastic addition for players who want to make progress on their combat stats with minimal effort. It takes the popular "crab training" meta and perfects it, providing a consistent, high-uptime, and extremely AFK training loop. If you're looking for the best place to park your character while you work or watch a movie, the Tlati Rainforest is your new home.

Want to max your combat stats without spending hundreds of hours clicking crabs? Our team can handle it.

→ OSRS Combat Training Services
→ Compare this to other methods like the popular Nightmare Zone Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

+What is the Gemstone Crab?

The Gemstone Crab is a giant, high-health, non-aggressive boss in the Tlati Rainforest of Varlamore. It's designed specifically for AFK combat training. It remains in one of three locations for 10 minutes before moving, allowing for long periods of uninterrupted combat.

+What are the requirements to fight the Gemstone Crab?

You only need to complete the 'Children of the Sun' quest to access Varlamore. There are no other combat or skill requirements, making it accessible to a wide range of players.

+Is the Gemstone Crab better than Sand Crabs or Ammonite Crabs?

Yes, for AFK training, it is generally better. Because it has effectively infinite health and doesn't die, you never lose ticks waiting for a respawn. This results in higher, more consistent XP rates over time compared to other crab-based training methods.

+Do you get any loot from the Gemstone Crab?

The top 16 players who deal the most damage in the 10-minute cycle get to mine the crab's shell when it moves. This gives three random, un-noted gems, from Opal to Dragonstone. The primary reward, however, is the combat XP.