Melee is usually more AFK than ranged in OSRS, especially for common setups like Nightmare Zone or crabs, because you can often click less and let your character keep swinging for longer. Ranged can still be pretty AFK in some methods, but it’s usually a bit more attention-heavy or resource- dependent.

Why melee is often more AFK

  • Melee AFK methods tend to be straightforward: get into combat, keep auto-retaliate on, and refresh only when needed.
  • AFK melee setups like NMZ are widely used specifically for low-effort training.
  • Melee also has a lot of passive training paths through Slayer or controlled styles, which keeps the input light.

When ranged can feel more AFK

  • Ranged can be very chill if you use the right gear and location, and some players prefer it for safe-spotting or cannon-related training.
  • Some AFK ranged methods exist, but they often depend more on ammo, positioning, or a specific training spot.
  • In practice, ranged is often chosen more for speed or convenience than for pure AFKness.

Simple verdict

If your only goal is least attention required , pick melee. If your goal is range progression with decent AFK , ranged is still solid, just usually not quite as brainless.

Style| Usually more AFK?| Notes
---|---|---
Melee| Yes| Best for NMZ/crabs-style low-input training. 4710
Ranged| Sometimes| Good AFK options exist, but often need more setup or upkeep. 139

TL;DR: Melee is generally more AFK than ranged in OSRS.