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Attack Styles
By clicking on the crossed sword icon (shown in the below picture), you'll be able to see which attack style you're currently using, and you'll be able to switch between the different styles. Each attack method is named differently depending on what weapon you are using. Usually, the order of attack styles is Accurate, Aggressive, Controlled, and Defensive. You can find out the exact name for each style by hovering your cursor over the button. The pictures of each style will also help you to determine how you want to attack.
You will also notice the Auto Retaliate button. Auto Retaliate basically tells your character what to do when you are attacked by another force. If you have this option on, then your character will instantly start fighting back. If this option is off, then your character will stand and do nothing, until you right click on the force and select the option to “Attack”.
When you select an attack type, you'll gain experience in that combat skill when you cause damage to an enemy. You will always earn experience in Hitpoints. You can earn experience in attack, defense, strength, or all 3, depending on the style you use.
Accurate - hits more often; gives 4 exp to Attack per damage point.
Aggressive - stronger but slightly slower; gives 4 exp to Strength per damage point.
Defensive - increases the chance to block; gives 4 exp to Defense per damage point.
Controlled - a combination of all; gives 1.33 exp to Attack, Defense and Strength per damage point.
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Attack Classes
If you select the body icon (in the above picture), you'll see the equipment you are wearing. At the bottom of the body menu, you should find a button labeled “Show Equipment Stats”. Clicking that button will pop up a box showing what you’re wearing, an enlarged picture of yourself, and your stats. For now, we'll only discuss the Attack Bonuses, but you'll also see Defense Bonuses.
Attack Bonuses will give you more power with attacks of that type. So for instance, in the above picture there is an added +98 attack bonus for Slash attacks. This means that the Dragon Scimitar is a good Slashing Weapon. The higher the bonus, the better a weapon is when using that attack style.
Stab - a penetrating attack, common with Daggers. Effective against chainmail.
Slash - a very common "swiping" attack. Effective against light armor like robes or Dragonhide.
Crush - a common attack with Maces, Hammers and Mauls. It's very effective against heavy armor like platemail.
Magic - often negated by armor and weapons, but can be increased with staffs. Allows you to hit harder with Magic.
Ranged - Often negated by full helmets and armor. It allows you to hit harder with ranged equipment.
Strength - This effects how hard you hit. Better metals will give higher strength bonuses.
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Weapons
This section will describe the different weapons in RuneScape.
Daggers
The dagger is the most basic weapon in the game. In Tutorial Island you will be given a bronze one for free. A fast and versatile weapon, the dagger is most useful when poisoned. Its speed will give you an advantage over low defense monsters and players. It is one handed.
Types: Daggers come in all metal. (Bronze-Dragon)
Advantage: Speed and the ability to be poisoned.
Attack Styles:
Stab (Accurate)
Lunge (Aggressive)
Slash (Aggressive)
Block (Defensive)
Recommended Attack Style: Stab
Training Short Sword
In Lumbridge, you'll come across an Attack Tutor, who will give you a free Training Short Sword. This item (like all other Training items) can't be dropped or traded to other players.
Types: Training
Advantage: Speed
Attack Styles:
Stab (Accurate)
Lunge (Aggressive)
Slash (Aggressive)
Block (Defensive)
Recommended Attack Styles: Stab