The Maniacal Monkeys in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) have become a popular training method for players seeking extremely fast Prayer XP rates. Found on Ape Atoll after completing certain quests, these aggressive enemies offer an intense but highly rewarding experience for those willing to invest time, supplies, and attention. Understanding the XP rates available, the strategies involved, and the gear required is crucial for anyone hoping to maximize efficiency during their time with these primates. Whether you’re working toward 99 Prayer or just want to know how to get the most out of your bones, Maniacal Monkeys offer one of the best XP rates in the game.
What Are Maniacal Monkeys?
Maniacal Monkeys are found in the Monkey Madness II caves, which become accessible after completing the ‘Monkey Madness II’ quest. These monkeys are aggressive and constantly respawn in waves, making them ideal targets for those looking to train Prayer by using bones on a gilded altar or, in this case, by using the Ectoplasmator in combination with area-of-effect damage.
The primary reason they’re used for Prayer training is the fact that they drop monkey bones, which the Ectoplasmator automatically uses for passive Prayer XP. When combined with high-damage magic or chinchompa attacks, this creates an efficient, semi-AFKable method of leveling up quickly.
XP Rates at Maniacal Monkeys
Prayer XP Rates
Players can expect very high Prayer XP per hour at Maniacal Monkeys, especially when using the Ectoplasmator. While individual results vary based on gear, inventory, and attention to detail, the general Prayer XP rates are as follows:
- Average players: Around 200,000 – 250,000 Prayer XP per hour
- Optimized setups: Up to 300,000+ Prayer XP per hour
These rates depend heavily on maximizing kills per hour through burst or barrage spells and keeping your Ectoplasmator charged with enough ecto-tokens. Keeping Prayer active with gear like Proselyte or Prayer-boosting items also helps maintain long trips.
Magic XP Rates
Since most players use Ice Burst or Ice Barrage to deal with large groups of monkeys, significant Magic XP is also gained during this process. Typical XP rates for Magic include:
- Ice Burst: 150,000 – 200,000 Magic XP per hour
- Ice Barrage: 250,000 – 350,000 Magic XP per hour
Using Ice Barrage with max gear and optimal positioning can yield even higher rates, especially with good tick manipulation and auto-retaliate setups. This makes the method not only great for Prayer but also efficient for training Magic at high levels.
Hitpoints XP Gains
As a secondary benefit, players will also gain Hitpoints XP while using area spells. You can expect around 30,000 to 60,000 Hitpoints XP per hour depending on your setup. While not the main goal, it contributes passively to total combat XP.
Recommended Requirements
To achieve high XP rates at Maniacal Monkeys, certain requirements should be met. These include:
- Completion ofMonkey Madness II(unlocks the cave)
- High Magic level (preferably 94+ for Ice Barrage)
- Access toEctoplasmator(from the Shades of Mort’ton minigame)
- Plenty ofecto-tokensto charge the Ectoplasmator
- High Prayer level with unlocked protection prayers
Players should also be comfortable with combat zones and have good knowledge of prayer flicking, safespotting, and inventory management.
Optimal Gear Setup
Magic Damage Boosting Gear
Since you’ll be relying on Ice Barrage or Ice Burst, maximizing your magic damage output is key. The best gear options include:
- Helmet: Ancestral hat or Ahrim’s hood
- Chest: Ancestral robe top or Ahrim’s robe top
- Legs: Ancestral robe bottom or Ahrim’s robe skirt
- Weapon: Kodai wand, Staff of the Dead, or Master Wand
- Shield: Mage’s book or Arcane spirit shield
- Amulet: Occult necklace
- Ring: Seers ring (imbued)
- Cape: Imbued god cape or Mage Arena 2 cape
- Boots: Eternal boots
- Gloves: Barrows gloves
This setup is focused on maximizing Magic damage bonus, which increases the number of monkeys you can hit and kill in each cast, thereby boosting XP rates.
Inventory Suggestions
- Plenty of food (Sharks or higher)
- Prayer potions or Super restores
- Teleport runes or tablets
- Runes for Ice Barrage or Ice Burst
- Charged Ectoplasmator
- Rune pouch (for compact rune management)
Bringing a healing familiar or using the blood barrage variant can also help extend trips by reducing food consumption.
Best Strategies for Maximum XP
Proper Positioning
Standing in a good location where you can hit multiple Maniacal Monkeys at once is crucial. Many players use corners or spawn-heavy areas to draw attention and keep respawns close. The tighter the grouping, the more efficient your spells become.
Spell Timing
Timing your barrage spells when large groups are surrounding you ensures you get the most value per cast. Avoid wasting casts on small numbers or single targets. Some players use manual casting to better control the rhythm of attacks.
Using Auto-Retaliate
Turning on auto-retaliate while standing in the middle of a group allows you to automatically keep casting when attacked. This helps keep up the pace, especially during longer sessions where attention may wane.
Pros and Cons of Training at Maniacal Monkeys
Pros:
- Very fast Prayer XP rates
- High Magic XP gains
- Semi-AFK method when using optimal setup
- Efficient use of Ectoplasmator and bones
Cons:
- Requires Monkey Madness II completion
- Expensive (Ice Barrage and gear costs)
- Dangerous if not prepared
- Can drain Prayer and supplies quickly
Despite the downsides, many high-level players consider Maniacal Monkeys to be one of the most efficient methods for Prayer training, especially if you already have strong Magic and access to high-tier gear.
The Maniacal Monkeys Prayer training method offers some of the highest XP rates in OSRS when done correctly. By combining fast respawning enemies, powerful area-of-effect spells, and the Ectoplasmator, players can achieve 250k to 300k+ Prayer XP per hour. With the added benefit of Magic XP and relatively low risk when properly geared, it’s no surprise that this method is highly regarded in the community. Whether you’re grinding to 99 Prayer or simply looking for the best XP per hour, investing in a solid strategy for Maniacal Monkeys will yield incredible results over time.