Reaching 99 Strength in Old School RuneScape often requires patience, consistency, and a reliable training method. One of the most underrated but highly effective ways to level Strength from 60 all the way to 99 is by fighting the Monkey Guards in Marim. These durable creatures offer fast, steady XP with minimal downtime, making them a favorite for players who enjoy active combat training.

This guide breaks down why Monkey Guards are such an efficient target, how to access them, and the optimal strategies for turning this area into one of your best melee-training spots.

Monkey Guards are level 167 with 130 Hitpoints, putting them in an excellent balance zone:tanky enough to give good XP per kill, but not so dangerous that mid-level players struggle to survive.

The only requirement to begin training here is having started Monkey Madness I, which grants access to Ape Atoll and the temple where the guards reside. Once you have your monkey greegree, you can safely enter the area without being attacked by every nearby NPC.

What Makes Monkey Guards Efficient?

High Hitpoints → High XP per kill

Safe-spot environment with an altar nearby

Aggressive, quick respawns for constant combat

Minimal travel and setup time

50,000–70,000 XP per hour depending on your gear and level

Although the guards don't drop valuable loot, their XP rate makes up for the lack of OSRS gold income.

Getting Set Up for Training

Before heading to Marim, make sure you're properly equipped. Preparation is the key to maintaining long, uninterrupted training sessions.

Essential Item:Monkey Greegree

This transforms you into a monkey, allowing you to move freely through Ape Atoll without being attacked by monkeys or guards that would normally be hostile. Without it, training here becomes impossible.

Recommended Gear

Bring your strongest melee setup focusing on Strength bonus and melee accuracy. Good options include:

Dragon or higher tier weaponry

Fighter Torso, Bandos Chestplate, or similar Strength-boosting armor

Barrows gloves, Berserker ring, and Strength amulet

The more damage you deal, the faster your XP gains will rise.

Inventory Considerations

Plenty of food (Sharks, Karambwans, etc.)

Antipoison or Super Antipoison

Super Strength or Super Combat potions

Optional:Prayer potions before you reach the altar

Poisonous spiders populate the surrounding area, and getting poisoned mid-fight can interrupt your session, so anti-poison consumables are crucial.

Training Strategy for Maximum XP

Once inside the temple, Monkey Guards will be readily available. With constant respawns and tight spaces, you'll rarely find yourself waiting for enemies.

1.Use Prayer Liberally

An altar sits conveniently nearby, meaning you can recharge Prayer at any time. This enables almost constant use of:

Piety (max damage + accuracy)

Protect from Melee (if you're overwhelmed)

Ultimate Strength and Incredible Reflexes (if Piety is unavailable)

Since Prayer regeneration is free and unlimited, make it part of your strategy.

2. Stay in Aggressive Combat Mode

Your objective is consistent, rapid damage output. Use your best Strength gear and a solid weapon and keep auto-retaliate on. The guards hit without special mechanics, making them ideal for spray-attacking.

3. Control Your Positioning

Even though Monkey Guards aren't dangerously strong, getting swarmed can chip away at your HP fast. Move strategically to avoid large clusters. Stick to rooms where you can easily circle around obstacles if needed.

4. Expect High XP Rates

Most players see:

50k XP/hr with mid-level gear

60k–70k XP/hr with higher tier setups and Piety

For a training method with virtually zero travel time and no bank runs (thanks to the altar), these numbers make Monkey Guards incredibly competitive.

Should You Train Here from 60–99?

If your priority is consistent Strength XP rather than profit, Monkey Guards are absolutely worth grinding. They provide:

Low risk combat

Near-constant Prayer access

Non-stop kills and XP

Zero need for Slayer tasks, cannon, or expensive supplies

The only downside is the lack of meaningful drops, so players must come prepared to absorb the food and potion costs

Strength training between levels 60 and 99 becomes far more manageable when you take advantage of Ape Atoll Monkey Guards. Their high Hitpoints, steady respawn rate, and buy OSRS gold the convenience of the altar make Marim one of OSRS smoothest, most consistent melee training locations.

Gear up, grab your monkey greegree, and dive into the temple-with the right approach, you'll see your Strength levels climb faster than almost any other mid-game method.