Top 5 Most Tedious OSRS Skills to Train (& How to Speed Them Up)

Old School RuneScape is all about that satisfying feeling of progress, leveling up skills, and unlocking new stuff. But let's be honest, not all skills are fun to train. Some grinds feel rewarding, while others... well, they just feel like pulling teeth. They're a big part of why maxing takes so long.

Based on what the community often complains about, and how much time you sink in versus how engaging it is, here are arguably the Top 5 Most Tedious OSRS Skills to train. We'll also give tips to make them less awful – including how OSRS services can be a lifesaver.

1. Agility

Often called the "pointless clicking" skill, Agility training mostly means running the same rooftop courses thousands of times.

  • Why it Sucks: Super low XP rates, extremely repetitive, needs constant attention (not really AFK), the rewards (shortcuts, run energy restore) are useful eventually, but the training itself is mind-numbing.
  • Making it Less Painful (DIY): Always use the highest level course you can. Focus on efficient clicks. Use stamina potions. Hallowed Sepulchre (later levels) offers better XP and engagement but requires high focus and skill. Check our Agility Guide.
  • Service Solution: Agility is probably the #1 skill people use services for. Let a 100% hand-trained professional from Tons of XP handle the endless laps while you do literally anything else.

2. Runecrafting (Traditional Methods)

Before the Guardians of the Rift (GotR) minigame and maybe the ZMI Altar, Runecrafting was easily the king of slow, tedious skilling. Running back and forth from banks to altars for tiny XP drops tested everyone's patience.

  • Why it Sucks (Traditional): Horribly slow XP/hr, constant running, can involve risky areas (Abyss).
  • Making it Less Painful (DIY): Guardians of the Rift is MUCH better – decent XP, more engaging, good rewards (like the RC outfit). ZMI/Ourania Altar is faster XP than traditional methods but can be costly or still require risky running. Daeyalt Essence helps boost XP slightly. See our RC Guide.
  • Service Solution: If even GotR feels like too much, or you just need levels fast, a Runecrafting Service handled safely and manually is always an option.

3. Mining (Non-Efficient Methods)

Clicking rocks over and over isn't exactly thrilling gameplay. While fast XP methods exist, standard rock mining or even early Motherlode Mine (MLM) can feel incredibly slow and boring.

  • Why it Sucks: Slow XP (especially early), rocks run out quickly making you hop worlds or run, can still be click-heavy depending on the method.
  • Making it Less Painful (DIY): Fastest XP is Power-mining Iron (but you get no usable ore). Motherlode Mine is more AFK and gives okay rewards. Volcanic Mine (group activity) is very fast XP but needs high attention. Blast Mine is decent XP and profit. Always use the best pickaxe you can wield (check gear progression).
  • Service Solution: Need a specific Mining level for a quest or diary but hate clicking rocks? Mining Services can dig through those levels for you efficiently.

4. Fishing (Super AFK Methods)

While some find fishing chill, methods like AFK Monkfish or Anglerfish offer extremely slow XP rates. You could spend hundreds of hours just occasionally clicking a fishing spot.

  • Why it Sucks: Extremely slow XP progress for the AFK methods, almost zero engagement. Active methods like Barbarian Fishing (fly fishing) or the Tempoross minigame are faster but require more attention.
  • Making it Less Painful (DIY): Do faster methods! 3-tick Barbarian Fishing is click-intensive but great XP. Tempoross is a fun minigame with good rewards. Aerial Fishing is another active option.
  • Service Solution: If you need high Fishing for diaries or quests but want to skip the super slow, low-intensity grind, Fishing Services can reel in those levels while you're away.

5. Hunter (Early Levels / Specific Annoying Methods)

Catching butterflies, birds, or salamanders takes focus and can feel unrewarding, especially at lower levels before you unlock better creatures or methods.

  • Why it Sucks: Can be click-heavy, needs attention, traps fail a lot at low levels, some methods involve annoying mechanics (like tracking) or annoying locations.
  • Making it Less Painful (DIY): Follow efficient guides – do birdhouse runs consistently! Move to better methods like Maniacal Monkeys (requires Monkey Madness II - see quest unlocks) or Herbiboar (tracking minigame) as soon as you meet the requirements.
  • Service Solution: Stuck needing Hunter levels for quests like MM2 or diary tasks? Hunter Skilling Services can trap those levels safely for you.

Conclusion: You Have Options!

While these skills often feel like chores, OSRS usually offers ways to make them less terrible. But if even the "better" methods feel like too much of a slog, remember that safe, 100% Hand-Trained OSRS Services from Tons of XP offer a reliable way out. Save your precious gaming time for the content you actually enjoy! You can even calculate the value.

Tired of the endless clicking on these tedious skills? Let us handle the grind!

>> Explore Tons of XP's Safe OSRS Skilling Services <<