Mining gold ore (free-to-play)

If you’re looking for a straightforward and effective method to earn gold in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), mining gold ore is an excellent choice, especially for free-to-play players. This method combines ease of access with decent profit margins, making it an appealing option for those wanting to enhance their in-game wealth. By mining gold ore, players can expect to earn anywhere from 50K GP per hour at lower levels to an impressive 150K GP or more as they become more efficient and skilled in their mining abilities, depending on their location and the demand for gold ore in the market.

Mining gold ore not only provides a steady flow of income but also allows players to enjoy the scenic landscapes of Gielinor while honing their skills. The average profit typically falls around 100K GP per hour when considering the selling prices at the Grand Exchange. For those willing to put in the effort and time, this method can be a reliable source of income, especially during peak times when gold ore is in high demand.

Requirements

To effectively utilize money-making methods in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), players should meet certain prerequisites to maximize their efficiency and profitability. Below are the key requirements:

• Combat Level: A minimum combat level of 70 is recommended for engaging in most lucrative activities, ensuring you can handle tougher monsters and quests.
• Skill Levels: Specific skills are often required or beneficial:
  • Fishing: Level 76 for sharks or level 90 for anglerfish.
  • Mining: Level 85 for rune ore, which has a high market value.
  • Woodcutting: Level 75 for magic logs, which are sought after for fletching and firemaking.
• Quests: Completion of particular quests may be required to access certain areas or methods. For example:
  • Fairy Tale II – Cure a Queen: Required for accessing the fairy ring network.
  • Animal Magnetism: Needed for thebonecrusher, which can enhance experience rates and profit margins.
• Gear: Appropriate gear can greatly enhance efficiency:
  • Combat gear suitable for your level, such as Void Knight gear or Barrows equipment.
  • Skill-specific gear, like the dragon pickaxe for mining or a fishing rod with a harpoon for fishing.
• Potions and Food: Stocking up on potions (like prayer potions and super restore potions) and food to sustain your activity can significantly impact your overall profit.
• Access Requirements: Some areas require particular items to enter or unlock:
  • The ability to use the Abyss for runecrafting requires completion of the Enter the Abyss miniquest.
  • Access to the Lunar Isle for lunar spells requires completion of the Lunar Diplomacy quest.

Meeting these requirements will help you efficiently embark on your chosen money-making method in OSRS, maximizing both your profit and enjoyment of the game.

Required Items

To effectively engage in money-making methods in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), having the right items is crucial. Below is a detailed list of essential items you may need based on various methods:

• Fishing Equipment:
  • Fishing Rod: Necessary for catching fish such as trout and salmon.
  • Harpoon: Required for catching larger fish like tuna and swordfish.
  • Net: Used for catching shrimp and anchovies.
  • Feather: Useful for fletching arrows or as bait for fishing.
• Smithing Tools:
  • Hammer: Essential for smithing ores into bars and creating items.
  • Anvil: Required for forging metal bars into weapons and armor.
  • Goldsmith Gauntlets: Increases experience and efficiency when smelting gold.
• Herblore Materials:
  • Vials: Used to store potions made from herbs.
  • Herbs: Various herbs like Guam, Marrentill, and Tarromin are needed for potion-making.
  • Secondary Ingredients: Items like red chinchompas for specific potions.
• Woodcutting Gear:
  • Axe: Different axes for chopping various types of trees.
  • Woodcutting Outfit: Provides experience bonuses while cutting logs.
• Mining Equipment:
  • Pickaxe: Required for mining ores; higher-tier pickaxes yield better results.
  • Prospector Kit: Increases experience gained while mining.
  • Lantern: Useful for mining in dark areas like caves.
• Combat Gear:
  • Weapon: A good weapon is essential for defeating monsters and securing loot.
  • Armor: Provides protection during combat, allowing for more efficient kills.
  • Food: High-healing food like sharks or brews for sustaining health during fights.
• Teleportation Items:
  • Runes: Needed for teleports if you’re using magic for quick travel.
  • Teleport Jewelry: Rings of wealth, amulets, and other items that provide quick access to key locations.

Having these items will greatly enhance your efficiency and success in various money-making activities in OSRS.

Required Quests

For many money-making methods in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), completing specific quests is essential. These quests often unlock access to areas, items, or abilities that significantly enhance your ability to earn gold. Here’s a breakdown of some common money-making methods and their required quests:

• Merlin’s Crystal:

  Required to access the Camulet, which allows for quick travel to the Camelot area, beneficial for runecrafting and farming.

• Dragon Slayer:

  Unlocks the ability to wear the iconic Dragon equipment, which can be used in various money-making methods, such as killing green dragons for their hides and bones.

• Animal Magnetism:

  This quest is necessary to obtain the Ava’s Device, which increases your efficiency in collecting items from the ground when training Ranged.

• The Grand Tree:

  Completing this quest allows you to access the Gnome Stronghold, where you can engage in profitable activities such as tree chopping or herb farming.

• Lost City:

  This quest unlocks the ability to enter the Lost City, which is essential for accessing the Dragon weapons and training options that can lead to high profits.

• Plague City:

  Required for accessing the West Ardougne, a key area for profitable activities such as collecting herbs and managing your farming patches.

• Family Crest:

  This quest is essential for obtaining the Goldsmith gauntlets, which boost experience when smelting gold bars, leading to increased profits from smithing.

Completing these quests not only opens up various profitable activities but can also enhance your overall gameplay experience in OSRS. Prioritize these quests based on your desired money-making method to maximize your efficiency.

Locations

When it comes to maximizing your gold-making potential in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the choice of location can be as crucial as the method itself. Here are some prime locations for various money-making methods:

• Al Kharid Mine:

  This location is ideal for mining various ores, especially copper and tin. Its proximity to a bank makes it a convenient spot for players looking to smelt ores into bars.

• Varrock West Mine:

  Another popular mining location, offering access to iron ore. The nearby bank in Varrock allows for efficient banking of ores, maximizing your profit per hour.

• Feldip Hills:

  Great for collecting herbs and hunting, this area is abundant in herb spawns, particularly for players focusing on herb farming or potion making.

• Karamja Volcano:

  This location is excellent for players looking to mine gold ore. The nearby bank on Karamja Island enables quick trips to sell your mined gold.

• Grand Exchange:

  The central hub for all trading activities in OSRS. Selling your gathered items here can yield the best prices due to its high player traffic.

• Wilderness:

  For those who are more daring, the Wilderness offers lucrative opportunities, such as the chance to loot high-value items from monsters or other players. However, be prepared for player-versus-player (PvP) encounters.

• Giant Mole Lair:

  A great spot for PvM (Player vs. Monster) money-making, where you can farm the Giant Mole for high-value drops like mole skins and other valuable items.

• Barrows:

  This location offers a high-risk, high-reward money-making method. You can obtain valuable items and runes, with the added thrill of potential death from the Barrows brothers.

• Spirit Trees:

  Used for transportation, these trees allow easy access to various locations around the game, making them essential for efficient money-making methods that require travel.

Choosing the right location based on your method can greatly enhance your efficiency and profits in OSRS. Always consider the proximity to banks, safety from PvP, and accessibility when selecting your spot.

Output

The output from your chosen money-making method in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) can vary significantly based on several factors such as efficiency, market demand, and player competition. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

• Hourly Profit: Depending on the method, you can expect to earn anywhere from 100,000 to over 1,000,000 GP per hour. For example, high-level methods such as Barrow runs can yield upwards of 1 million GP per hour, while lower-tier methods may offer around 200,000 GP.
• Items Generated: The specific items you collect can vary. For instance, if you’re engaging in dragon killing, you might receive dragon bones, hides, and other valuable loot. The average loot per hour can include items worth 200,000 – 500,000 GP, depending on your luck and the specific dragon.
• Experience Gained: Many money-making methods also grant experience in relevant skills, which can be an additional benefit. For example, while fishing for sharks can net you around 1,000 GP per fish, you’ll also gain 100,000 fishing experience per hour.
• Market Fluctuations: The output can also be affected by market trends. Prices for certain items can fluctuate based on supply and demand. For instance, herb prices tend to rise after events such as updates or holidays, which can enhance your profit margins if you time your sales correctly.
• Competition: The output is influenced by how many players are engaged in the same money-making method. If a particular method is crowded, your profits may decrease due to shared resources and market saturation.

In conclusion, by carefully selecting your money-making method and keeping an eye on the market trends, you can optimize your output in OSRS and significantly boost your in-game wealth.

Tips for Efficiency

• Plan Your Route: Before starting your money-making method, plan the most efficient route. Use tools like the OSRS Wiki’s map or a route planner to minimize travel time between locations.
• Use Teleports: Make use of teleportation items, such as the Amulet of Glory or tablets, to quickly reach key locations. For example, if you’re mining in the Lumbridge Swamp, keep a teleport to Lumbridge handy for quick bank trips.
• Optimal Inventory Setup: Configure your inventory to maximize the number of items you can gather or craft. For example, if you’re fishing, carry the highest capacity net or equipment to reduce time spent on bank trips.
• Utilize Boosts: Take advantage of temporary boosts like potions or food that can enhance your skills. For instance, using a Rocktail can improve your fishing efficiency by providing an additional fishing level for a short time.
• Join a Clan: Collaborate with a clan that focuses on your money-making method. Members can provide valuable insights, tips, or even assist in gathering resources or completing tasks faster.
• Time Your Activities: Pay attention to in-game time and events. For example, certain fish are more abundant during specific times of the day, or certain items may sell better during game updates or events.
• Stay Updated on Market Prices: Regularly check the Grand Exchange for fluctuations in item prices. Tools like the GE Tracker can help you identify the best times to buy and sell items for maximum profit.
• Minimize Downtime: Keep your character active by alternating between tasks. For instance, while waiting for resources to respawn, consider engaging in a secondary skill that complements your main money-making method.
• Practice Efficient Skill Training: Focus on skills that complement your money-making method. If you’re gathering materials, train your relevant skills to improve yields and efficiency.
• Learn from Others: Watch video guides or streams of experienced players. They often share their strategies and tips for maximizing efficiency in various money-making methods.

Market Trends

Understanding the market trends in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is crucial for maximizing your profit while engaging in money-making methods. Prices in the Grand Exchange can fluctuate based on various factors, including player demand, seasonal events, and updates from Jagex. Here are some key points to consider:

• Player Demand: Certain items are consistently in demand due to their use in popular activities, such as bossing, skilling, or PvP. For example, items like Sharks and Super restore potions see a stable demand since they are essential for healing during high-level combat.
• Seasonal Events: Events like Christmas or Halloween can lead to spikes in demand for specific items. For instance, during the Winter Summit, festive items and decor may see increased prices, making it a lucrative time to trade.
• Updates and Patches: Regular updates from Jagex can impact item prices significantly. For example, the release of new quests or bosses often leads to a surge in demand for certain gear or consumables. Keeping an eye on update notes can help you anticipate price changes.
• Market Saturation: Be cautious of market saturation, where the supply of an item exceeds demand, leading to price drops. Items like Dragon bones can become oversaturated if too many players are training Prayer, resulting in lower profits.
• Price History: Utilize tools like the OSRS Wiki or tools like GE Tracker to analyze historical price data for items. This information helps identify trends over time, allowing you to buy low and sell high effectively.
• Investment Opportunities: Some players invest in rare or discontinued items, betting that their value will increase over time. For instance, items like Party hats or Santa hats have historical value due to their limited availability.
• Price Manipulation: Be wary of price manipulation tactics by players or clans who may artificially inflate or deflate prices. Always do your research and ensure you’re buying or selling at a fair market value.

By staying informed about market trends, you can make more educated decisions, maximize your profits, and enhance your overall experience in OSRS.

Alternative Methods

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), there are numerous ways to make gold apart from your primary method. Here are some alternative methods that players often utilize:

• Flipping Items: This involves buying items at a lower price and selling them at a higher price in the Grand Exchange. To be successful, players should monitor market trends and price fluctuations closely. Items like Dragon bones and Twisted bows can yield substantial profits if flipped correctly.
• Skilling: Engaging in various skills can be a lucrative source of income. For example, Woodcutting allows players to cut down and sell logs, while Fishing can provide valuable fish like Sharks and Anglerfish. High-level skills often yield better profits, so focus on leveling up your skills.
• Monster Hunting: Slaying specific monsters can lead to valuable drops. For instance, killing Abby Demons can yield Abbysal whips, while Serachnis can drop Serachnis’ spider leg. Utilizing bossing methods can also be profitable if you can handle the challenge.
• Crafting: Making items through crafting can also be profitable. Players can create Amulets of glory or Dragonhide armor to sell. This often requires gathering resources like Leather or Dragon bones, but the profit margins can be worth the effort.
• Runecrafting: This skill enables players to create runes, which are in high demand for magic users. Crafting high-level runes like Blood or Death runes can yield significant profits, especially if paired with the Runecrafting Guild.
• Engaging in Events: Seasonal events often introduce unique items or activities that can be profitable. For example, the Christmas event often brings items that can be traded for a good profit in the weeks following the event.
• Treasure Trails: Completing clue scrolls can yield valuable rewards, including unique cosmetics and items that can sell for hefty sums. Hard and elite clue scrolls often provide the best rewards, and participating in these can diversify your income stream.
• Merchandising: Similar to flipping items, merchandising involves buying items in bulk and selling them for a profit over time. This requires knowledge of the market and patience, as it may take time for prices to rise.

By exploring these alternative methods, players can maximize their income and keep the game experience fresh and exciting. Diversifying your strategies not only enhances your gold-making potential but also provides a richer gameplay experience.