Defense


 * For information on training this skill, see the Melee training article.

Defense is a combat skill in. This skill, when raised to higher levels, will decrease the chance of an attack inflicting damage on the player. Defense does NOT decrease the amount of damage a player takes from attacks. To increase pure damage survivability, one should instead raise their Hits level.

Defense can be trained in combat with either the Controlled or Defensive buttons on the combat window selected in a fight.

The amount of defense experience gained while in Defensive stance can be found using this formula: $$XP = H \times 3$$

While in Controlled stance, the experience is divided between the three skills (Attack, Strength, and Defense), so you instead use this formula: $$XP = H$$

In both cases, H = the amount of Hits experience received from the kill. This is different for each opponent, and unlike in, is unrelated to the opponents' Hits.

Armour
There are eight general armour types in, each requiring a specific defense level to equip. As players raise their defense levels, they are able to equip better armour that offer a higher Armour bonus. A higher Armour bonus does NOT reduce the damage taken, rather it reduces the chance of being inflicted damage. Some players, more commonly referred to as Pures, choose to have a lower level in Defense (and often Prayer and Magic) in order to have a much higher Hits level with a far lower combat. Doing this is a way to avoid being killed in three hits, and also to increase their potential to defeat a balanced character.

Quests
The following quests give Defense experience rewards:
 * Dragon Slayer - $$XP = Level \times 300 + 1000$$
 * Hero's Quest - $$XP = Level \times 50 + 75$$
 * The Holy Grail - $$XP = (Level + 1) * 300$$
 * Observatory Quest - $$XP = Level \times 25 + 125$$ (optional)


 * "Zonghui" is the first known player to reach level 99 Defense.
 * When a player consumes a Potion of Zamorak, it is recommended to take a drink of Stat restoration Potion to compensate the decrease in defense.