Battling in Runescape: Where To Start

Even if you wish to eventually be an all-powerful Mage or Archerin Runescape, I strongly recommend all low-level players start with developing Attack, Strength and Defense skills, which are all improved by fighting in hand-to-hand combat, with some kind of sword, scimitar, dagger, maul, or whatever it is you're going to bash your opponent to death with. Advancing magic and ranger skills are expensive, but having a good solid melee combat base will allow you time to collect runes and arrows in between your bouts as a Ranger or a Mage.

Now that you've got some fighting equipment (and if you don't, Get Chopping wood and contact me!), let's talk about great places to get started against opponents!

Goblins, Lvl 2

In Lumbridge, and between Lumbridge and Draynor Village (where the nearest bank is), there are a number of level 2 goblins running around. They are non-aggressive (meaning, they don't initiate battles when you walk by them) and drop runes as well as low-level armors, as well as bones and coins. The low-level armors can be sold at the shop to build up your money stores, and the runes can be stored in your bank account for use when you decide to practice your magical skills.

Chickens and Cows, Lvl 2

To the northeast of Lumbridge, across the river from where you originally started the game (and where you re-start if you die), there are not only goblins, but chickens and cows as well.

These areas were discussed in a previous entry about aquiring food on Runescape without begging, but at that time I was focussing my attention on picking up raw beef and raw chickens that other players have left behind in their own battles.

This time, the attention is on being among those players slaying the poor innocent farm animals for experience, adventure, and glory!

Chickens also offer a bonus that was not discussed earlier - feathers, which are used in fly fishing and, if you're a member, in fletching for the creation of arrows. Keep those feathers around, since you never know when you might need them or could sell them for up to 10gp a feather!

Cows also offer a bonus in that they drop cow hides which are used to improve the Crafting skill, but the hides don't "stack" the same way the feathers do and your inventory fills up rather quickly, meaning lots of trips to the bank. However, just like in collecting raw beef from what other players have killed, you can collect cow hides and make that, instead of fighting the cows, your specific goal. It's likely you can sell each cow hide for 10-20 gold once you've collected 100 or more.

Giant Rats, lvl 3

Just to the west (outside) of Lumbridge Castle is an area with a few level 3 giant white rats, and a few level 1 mice running around. Mainly, you get raw rat meat and bones from these rats, but occasionally you may luck out and receive a rat tail. It's important to know where rat meat is as at least one quest asks for it, but I much prefer the previous opponents due to the better "drops" they offer.

Other non-grouped monsters

In Lumbridge there are a couple level 4 Women who reset in the houses. In general, Women and Men are great opponents to start against, and they offer decent "drops" including occasional clues to treasure trails!! For this reason you may find competition stiff for the Men and Women on Runescape.

That should give you a great start!