Best OSRS AFK Skilling Methods Guide (Easy & Low Effort XP!)

Q: What does "AFK" really mean in OSRS? Can I just leave my computer?

Not quite "Away From Keyboard" entirely! OSRS has a 5-minute idle timer (sometimes longer in combat) that logs you out if you don't interact. "AFK Skilling" methods usually mean activities where you only need to click infrequently (every 1-5 minutes, sometimes longer) to keep going or avoid logging out. You still need to be nearby to click occasionally. RuneLite's Idle Notifier plugin is super helpful for this!

Q: Are AFK methods good XP per hour?

Generally, no. AFK methods almost always offer lower XP rates compared to active, click-intensive methods for the same skill. The trade-off is convenience and low effort. They're great for getting levels while multitasking (work, study, watching movies), but they aren't the "fastest" way to train if speed is your only goal. Check guides like fastest 99s for high-intensity methods.

Q: What are the MOST AFK skills/methods in OSRS?

Some top contenders for maximum AFK time (longest periods between clicks) include: * Combat: Splashing (Magic XP only, zero combat) or Nightmare Zone (NMZ) absorption method (need setup). Sand/Ammonite Crabs (need to reset aggro ~10 mins). * Woodcutting: Redwood Trees (90 WC req, very long AFK), Yew/Magic Trees (slower logs, long AFK). * Fishing: Anglerfish (82 Fish req), Karambwans (needs quest), Monkfish (needs quest). * Mining: Motherlode Mine (MLM) upper level is decently AFK, Amethyst (92 Mine req) is very long AFK. Check specific guides like Fishing or Woodcutting for details.

Want easy OSRS XP while watching shows or working? This guide covers the best AFK skilling methods for skills like Fishing, Woodcutting, Combat, Mining, and more!

Published on: May 6, 2025 by Tons of XP Team

Tags:

afk skilling

osrs guide

efficiency

skilling guide

low effort xp

afk methods

Chill Out & Level Up: Best OSRS AFK Skilling Methods Guide!

Hey Scapers! Love OSRS but sometimes just want to kick back, watch some Netflix, study, or get work done while still making gains? You're in luck! OSRS has tons of AFK (Away From Keyboard) skilling methods that let you train with minimal clicks and attention.

This guide highlights some of the best low-effort ways to level up popular skills while you chill. Remember, AFK doesn't mean totally away – you still need to click occasionally to avoid logging out (usually every 5 mins or so). The RuneLite Idle Notifier is your best friend here!

Important Note: AFK methods are usually slower XP than active methods. You trade speed for convenience! Compare these to our Fastest 99s guide if speed is your main goal.

Top AFK Skilling Categories:

1. AFK Combat Training

Grinding combat stats can be click-intensive, but there are chill options:

Nightmare Zone (NMZ - Absorption Method): After setting up with specific low-hitting quest bosses, you can use Absorption potions to tank hits and Overloads to stay boosted, allowing for very long AFK periods (15-20 mins+) while auto-retaliating. Excellent AFK Melee XP. Requires starting some quests. See our NMZ Guide.
Sand/Ammonite Crabs: These low-defence crabs stay aggressive for ~10 minutes. Find a crowded spot, turn on auto-retaliate, and click back every 10 mins to reset their aggro. Great early-to-mid level AFK combat XP. Needs Fossil Island access for Ammonite Crabs.
Splashing (Magic Only): Equip gear with a high negative Magic Attack bonus (like full metal armour) and autocast low-level spells (like Fire Strike) on low-level NPCs (rats, seagulls). You'll hit constant zeroes but still get base Magic XP very AFK. Requires occasional clicks, very slow XP, but extremely low effort. Check our Magic Guide for other methods.

2. AFK Woodcutting

Chop chop, go AFK!

Redwood Trees (Level 90+ WC): Found in the Woodcutting Guild. These trees never fall down, offering the longest possible AFK sessions (potentially 5+ minutes per inventory) before needing to bank. Decent XP for the effort level. Needs WC Guild access (Hosidius favour). Our Woodcutting Guide has more.
Yew / Magic Trees (Level 60+ / 75+ WC): Slower XP and logs are worth less, but they also provide decent AFK time before depleting compared to lower-tier trees. Good mid-level AFK options.

3. AFK Fishing

Reel in some levels while relaxing:

Anglerfish (Level 82+ Fishing): Caught in Port Piscarilius (needs favour). Very slow XP, but extremely AFK spots and the fish heal more than max HP. See our Angler Outfit Guide.
Infernal/Sacred Eels (Level 73+/87+ Fishing): Requires Fire Cape/Infernal Cape access or high skills. Catch eels, smash them for Tokkul/onyx bolt tips. Good AFK Fishing+Cooking/Firemaking XP, decent profit sometimes. Very click-sparse.
Monkfish (Level 62+ Fishing): Requires Swan Song quest. Decent AFK time, decent healing food, okay XP. Very popular mid-level AFK. See our main Fishing Guide.
Karambwans (Level 65+ Fishing): Requires Tai Bwo Wannai Trio quest. Fast fishing rate but spots move occasionally. Still considered fairly AFK and gives great combo-eating food.

4. AFK Mining

Click rocks... occasionally!

Motherlode Mine (MLM - Upper Level): Requires 72 Mining. Veins here deplete slower than lower level, offering better AFK time (~1-2 mins per vein maybe?). Decent XP and chance at useful nuggets/ores. See our MLM Guide.
Amethyst (Level 92+ Mining): Found in the Mining Guild. Veins last a very long time, offering extended AFK sessions. Good passive profit crafting dart tips etc. XP is slow but super chill. See Mining Guide.

5. AFK Crafting / Fletching / Smithing (Semi-AFK Bank Standing)

These usually involve making items at a bank. The AFK comes from processing a full inventory before needing to click again.

Glassblowing / Jewellery Making: Making molten glass into orbs/vials or crafting bracelets/amulets can be ~1-2 mins AFK per inventory. See Crafting Guide.
Fletching Bows (Unstrung/Stringing) / Cutting Gems / Making Darts: Similar AFK loop to crafting. See Fletching Guide.
Smithing Cannonballs / Dart Tips: Smelting bars at Blast Furnace is active, but making items from bars at an anvil is semi-AFK per inventory. See Smithing Guide.

Conclusion: Make Gains While You Relax!

AFK skilling methods are perfect for busy players or those days when you just want to chill while playing OSRS. While they won't break any XP records, they offer a super low-effort way to make steady progress on your account goals while you focus on other things in-game or IRL. Pick your favourite, grab RuneLite's Idle Notifier, and enjoy the relaxed gains!

Need to skip the grind entirely, even the AFK ones? Tons of XP offers safe, hand-trained skilling services to reach your level goals quickly and efficiently.

→ Level Up Faster with Our OSRS Skilling Services <<

Frequently Asked Questions

+What does "AFK" really mean in OSRS? Can I just leave my computer?

Not quite "Away From Keyboard" entirely! OSRS has a 5-minute idle timer (sometimes longer in combat) that logs you out if you don't interact. "AFK Skilling" methods usually mean activities where you only need to click infrequently (every 1-5 minutes, sometimes longer) to keep going or avoid logging out. You still need to be nearby to click occasionally. RuneLite's Idle Notifier plugin is super helpful for this!

+Are AFK methods good XP per hour?

Generally, no. AFK methods almost always offer lower XP rates compared to active, click-intensive methods for the same skill. The trade-off is convenience and low effort. They're great for getting levels while multitasking (work, study, watching movies), but they aren't the "fastest" way to train if speed is your only goal. Check guides like fastest 99s for high-intensity methods.

+What are the MOST AFK skills/methods in OSRS?

Some top contenders for maximum AFK time (longest periods between clicks) include: * Combat: Splashing (Magic XP only, zero combat) or Nightmare Zone (NMZ) absorption method (need setup). Sand/Ammonite Crabs (need to reset aggro ~10 mins). * Woodcutting: Redwood Trees (90 WC req, very long AFK), Yew/Magic Trees (slower logs, long AFK). * Fishing: Anglerfish (82 Fish req), Karambwans (needs quest), Monkfish (needs quest). * Mining: Motherlode Mine (MLM) upper level is decently AFK, Amethyst (92 Mine req) is very long AFK. Check specific guides like Fishing or Woodcutting for details.