Combat, a set of trainable skills in the MMORPG RuneScape, is the act of battling opponents, whether they are non-player characters or other players. Combat between players and NPCs can take place in most locations in RuneScape, while combat among players can take place only in designated areas.

 

Levels and skills

The combat level of a player is calculated internally by the game engine using the seven combat skills. The maximum combat level in RuneScape is 126. In RuneScape Classic, the maximum combat level is 123. In both versions of RuneScape, the minimum combat level upon departure from Tutorial Island is three. As a player progresses, it becomes more time-consuming to obtain combat levels, due to the exponential progression of levels.

Attack is trained by using the "accurate" style of combat. Attack level determines how often a player's attack hits the opponent as well as the weapons a player can wield in combat.

Strength is trained by using the "aggressive" style of combat. Strength level determines the maximum damage a player deals in melee combat. Higher strength levels are required to wield certain weapons and armour.

Defence is trained by using the "defensive" style of combat when fighting, by using the long-range style with most ranged weapons, and by having a spell selected when using a magic staff or wand in the defensive style. Defence level determines the chance of avoiding damage during an opponent's attack as well as the armour that a player can wear.

Hitpoints, which determines how much damage players can sustain before they die, is trained during any combat. Hitpoints lost in battle can be restored by eating various foods. Hitpoints also regenerate automatically as time passes. The rate of regeneration can be hastened by the use of prayer.

Magic is trained by using runes to cast spells. Magic level determines the spells a player can use, the amount of damage a spell deals in combat, and how often a spell hits an opponent. Many spells, such as teleport and enchant spells, are not combat related; therefore, magic can be trained when players are not actively engaged in combat.

Ranged is trained by using ranged weapons in combat. Ranged level determines the chance of hitting an opponent with a projectile weapon, the amount of damage done, and the ranged armours and weapons that can be worn and wielded.

Prayer is trained by honouring the dead in various ways. Prayer level determines which prayers the player may use as well as how long prayers will remain active before players must recharge their prayer points at an altar. Prayer was originally called necromancy in the extremely early stages of RuneScape. At its highest levels, prayer can be used to damage opponents under certain conditions.

 

Classes and styles

Unlike most games in the MMORPG genre, RuneScape does not require players to choose a character class. Players are not bound to a specific category of combat, and they may freely change between the three styles of combat at any time simply by switching weapons, armours, or the form and focus of attack. Players can carry the weapons and armours of the three combat categories in their inventories, switching between or even combining the styles at will.