Thieving - OSRS Money Making Guide

Thieving is a versatile and rewarding skill in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) that allows players to steal from various NPCs, pickpocket, and unlock various chests and doors. By training your Thieving skill, you can gain access to valuable resources, rare items, and unique rewards that enhance your game experience. Players engage in a variety of activities ranging from pickpocketing unsuspecting townsfolk to stealing from intricate stalls and even engaging in more advanced methods like manipulating the city of Ardougne‘s merchants. As you progress through the Thieving levels, the opportunities for profit and adventure expand dramatically. From the earliest days of learning to snatch coin pouches to mastering the art of thieving high-profile figures, the journey through the Thieving skill is filled with excitement and profit potential. Whether you’re aiming to complete quests that require a certain level of Thieving, seeking to fund your journey through Gielinor, or simply enjoying the stealthy thrill of a successful heist, Thieving remains a unique and fulfilling facet of OSRS.

Understanding Thieving Mechanics

The Thieving skill in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a stealth-based skill that allows players to steal from NPCs, pickpocket, and unlock chests or doors. This skill is essential for various activities in the game and can lead to numerous rewards, including gold and unique items. Understanding the core mechanics of Thieving will not only enhance your gameplay experience but will also help you train this skill more effectively.

1. Experience Points (XP) and Levels

The primary way to train Thieving is by gaining experience points (XP). Different actions reward varying amounts of XP and become available at different Thieving levels. As you progress through levels, you will unlock new methods of training and gain access to more lucrative sources of XP.

2. Pickpocketing

Pickpocketing is one of the most common methods to train Thieving. By attempting to steal from NPCs, players have a chance to gain XP and loot. The success rate of pickpocketing is influenced by:

The player’s Thieving level.
The combat level of the NPC.
The specific type of NPC being pickpocketed.

As you level up, you will be able to pickpocket from higher-level NPCs, which often yield better loot and XP.

3. Stealing and Events

When engaging in Thieving activities, players must contend with various possible outcomes:

Success: You successfully steal an item and gain XP.
Failure: You fail in your attempt; lower-level NPCs may become aggressive, while higher-level NPCs will trigger a random event.
Random Events: Characters such as “The Pickpocket” may spawn and can offer unique rewards or setbacks.

4. Safe Cracking and Other Activities

In addition to pickpocketing, players can also engage in safe-cracking and various other Thieving activities:

Safe Cracking: Certain locations, such as the Thieves’ Guild in Burthorpe, have safes that can be cracked for XP and loot. The level of locks requires a certain Thieving level to attempt cracking.
Tea Stalls and Fruit Stalls: These are popular early-game locations to practice Thieving without the risk of combat.
Merchant Stalls: Stealing from stalls offers varying XP and may provide food or useful items without risking aggressive NPCs.

5. Thieving Gear and Bonuses

Certain items can enhance your Thieving skills and increase your XP gains:

Thieving Outfit: The Rogue set increases the chance of gaining more loot while pickpocketing.
Gloves: Wearing gloves can improve your chance of successfully pickpocketing.
Skill Enhancers: Various items like the Ardougne Cloak provide a Thieving bonus, increasing success rates when pickpocketing specific NPCs.

6. Training Methods and Locations

Choosing the right location and training method is crucial for efficient Thieving. Popular training spots include:

Men and Women: Ideal for low-level players, providing a risk-free experience.
Varrock Guards: Offers decent XP for mid-level Thieving players.
Blackjacking: A more advanced method involving stunning NPCs, resulting in faster experience but requiring a higher Thieving level.

Conclusion

Understanding the mechanics of Thieving is vital for anyone looking to master this skill in OSRS. By familiarizing yourself with different training methods, NPC interactions, gear bonuses, and XP gains, you can effectively and efficiently increase your Thieving level, unlocking numerous rewards and enhancing your overall gameplay experience.

Training Methods for Beginner Thieves

As a beginner in the Thieving skill in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), there are several effective and engaging methods to help you level up quickly and efficiently. Below are some of the most common methods for novice thieves, along with their required levels and other useful tips.

1. Pickpocketing Men and Women (Levels 1-5)

The simplest and most relaxing way to start training Thieving is by pickpocketing Men and Women found in various locations, including Lumbridge and Barbarian Village. Men and Women have a low level of defence, making them easy targets.

Location: Lumbridge, in front of the castle.
Requirements: Level 1 Thieving.
Experience: 8 experience points per successful pickpocket.

Keep an eye on your hitpoints, as they may hit you if caught. You can also use the Thieving Cape of Accomplishment to gain 2% extra Thieving experience.

2. Pickpocketing Farmers (Levels 5-15)

Once you reach level 5 Thieving, you can start pickpocketing Farmers. They can be found in various locations, such as the vicinity of Draynor Village or the farming patches near Edgeville.

Location: Draynor Village.
Requirements: Level 5 Thieving.
Experience: 10 experience points per successful pickpocket.

Farmers have a bit more health than Men and Women, so be mindful of your hitpoints as well. They drop useful items like Potatoes which can also be sold or used for food.

3. Pickpocketing Guards (Levels 40-45)

Once you reach level 40 Thieving, you can transition to pickpocketing Guards. They offer higher experience, but also come with a stricter chance of being caught.

Location: Varrock, next to the east and west gates.
Requirements: Level 40 Thieving.
Experience: 50 experience points per successful pickpocket.

Guards have a higher chance of attacking you, so make sure to keep a close watch on your health. The loot isn’t particularly valuable, but the experience gained will help boost your Thieving level significantly.

4. Stealing from Baker’s Stalls (Levels 1-10)

At level 1 Thieving, you can begin stealing from Baker’s Stalls. This method is beneficial for getting some food items, as well as experience.

Location: Varrock or Falador.
Requirements: Level 1 Thieving.
Experience: 15 experience points per successful thieving attempt.

Tip: When stealing from stalls, you will not get caught, making this an easy way to train without the risk of being attacked.

5. Other Valuable Tips

Use the ‘Gap’ in the Game Mode: Take advantage of the gap when NPCs are interactable to efficiently train the skill.
Equip the Gloves of Silence: At level 25 Thieving, equip the Gloves of Silence if you can get them, as they provide a +10% success rate for pickpocketing.
Utilize Energy-Boosting Items: Carry energy-restoring items such as Energy Potions to keep your run energy up, allowing for faster movement between NPCs.

With these methods, you’ll be able to efficiently level your Thieving skill from the ground up. Whether you prefer pickpocketing or lifting from stalls, there are plenty of options to explore in your early Thieving career.

Intermediate Thieving Strategies

Once you’ve mastered the basics of Thieving in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) and reached level 25, it’s time to delve into more advanced techniques to maximize your experience gains and efficiency. In this section, we will discuss various intermediate strategies ranging from pickpocketing to the use of Thieving items and methods to improve your training speed.

1. Pickpocketing for Experience

One of the most effective ways to train Thieving at the intermediate level is through pickpocketing NPCs. At level 25 Thieving, you can start pickpocketing ustive for a decent experience per hour. To further enhance your training, consider the following:

Utilize the Ardougne Cloak: If you have completed the Ardougne Diary tasks, wearing the Ardougne Cloak increases your pickpocket success rate and adds bonus Thieving experience.
Use the Gloves of Silence: These gloves increase your chances of successful pickpockets and can be obtained from the Thieving activity.
Eat food: Keep a stack of low-level food (like Trouts) in your inventory to heal after potential hits from failed pickpockets.

2. Training with Man and Woman NPCs

Once you reach level 45 Thieving, consider pickpocketing Men and Women in cities like Varrock and Lumbridge. They are non-aggressive NPCs that you can repeatedly pickpocket for good experience:

Location: Varrock West and Lumbridge: Both spots offer easy access to multiple NPCs.
Drawback: You may encounter success rate issues, so always be prepared with food to heal after taking damage.

3. The Art of Looting with Stalls

Another promising method for gaining Thieving experience is to loot stalls. Starting at level 20, you can loots the food stalls in Ardougne for higher returns:

Fish Stalls: At level 20 Thieving, looting fish stalls provides steady Thieving experience and allows you to gather food items while training.
Fruit Stalls: At level 25, fruit stalls located in Varrock are another excellent option, offering a variety of fruits with decent profit margins.

4. Implementing Thieving Gear for Efficiency

As you progress, investing in specific Thieving gear can provide significant boosts to experience rates:

Thieving Outfit: Obtaining the full Stalagmight or Druidic Thieving outfits not only increases your Thieving performance but also helps in maximizing profit potential from pickpockets.
Increased Stats: Certain sets also cater to increased stats like Agility and Strength, which can indirectly benefit your Thieving skills as well.

5. Efficient Training Areas: The Best Spots

Finding the right training ground is critical for mid-level Thieving. Here are some recommended areas for effective training:

Pollnivneach: At level 55 Thieving, the Saradomin monks here provide a great experience per hour, plus they drop valuable items.
Paladins: If you’re around level 70, Paladins are an excellent pickpocketing target due to their great loot and high experience rates.

In conclusion, mastering these intermediate Thieving strategies will not only enhance your training experience but also prepare you for the more challenging aspects of the skill as you strive for higher levels. Remember to balance between pickpocketing, stall looting, and utilizing gear to optimize experience gains effectively!

Advanced Thieving Techniques

Once you’ve mastered the basics of Thieving in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), it’s time to explore advanced techniques to maximize your efficiency and profit. These methods often require higher levels, specific gear, and sometimes a little creativity. Here are some advanced training methods that can significantly enhance your Thieving experience.

1. Blackjacking

Blackjacking is a popular method for training Thieving, especially from levels 45 to 99. It involves knocking out certain NPCs to steal from them without being detected. The best targets for Blackjacking are the various men and women in the Karamja area, particularly those found in the Thieves’ guild.

Requirements: Level 45 Thieving, the ability to complete The Feud quest for access to the Bandit Camp.
How to Blackjack: Equip a blackjack, position yourself behind the NPC, and successfully use the “Knock-out” attack. After they are unconscious, pickpocket them until they wake up.
XP Rates: Blackjacking can yield around 40-70k XP per hour, depending on your agility and efficiency.

2. Prifddinas Pickpocketing

Once you reach level 80 Thieving, you have access to the lucrative pickpocketing techniques in Prifddinas. Here, you can steal from the various high-level NPCs including Elves. This method not only gives good XP but also the chance to obtain rare drops.

Requirements: Level 80 Thieving, completion of Song of the Elves quest.
Tips: Utilize the Ardougne Cloak which doubles your chances of successfully pickpocketing NPCs in Prifddinas.
XP Rates: Expect to achieve 70-90k XP per hour with a steady focus on efficiency.

3. Agility Pyramid

Combining Thieving with Agility at the Agility Pyramid in southern Sinai can be very rewarding. Players can loot gold from the pyramid’s treasure chests while also training Agility.

Requirements: Level 50 Agility and 20 Thieving.
How to Train: Navigate through the pyramid, completing laps to enhance Agility while also looting from gold chests along the way.
XP Rates: Training Thieving and Agility together can result in up to 30k XP per hour for both skills.

4. Thieving Outfit Benefits

To maximize your Thieving XP, consider acquiring the Thieving outfit, which can significantly enhance your success rate. The outfit can be obtained from the Thieving Training activity in the Thieves’ Guild.

Set Bonuses: Wearing the full outfit provides a 4% additional chance to successfully steal items, which compounds your experience gains.

5. Stealing Creation Minigame

Another approach to advanced Thieving is participating in the Stealing Creation minigame where players can earn points and redeem them for rewards that enhance your Thieving skills.

You can often coordinate with other players to maximize your point gains, which can lead to better Thieving rewards.

Utilizing these advanced Thieving techniques can not only expedite your skill training but also open doors to lucrative rewards. Always keep seeking efficient methods, and happy thieving!

Thieving Quests

Quests in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) provide an engaging way to train your Thieving skill while also unlocking new areas, items, and abilities. Below is a list of notable quests that contribute to Thieving training, along with their requirements, rewards, and other pertinent details.

1. The Feud

Requirements: 50 Thieving, 10 Agility, completing the “Plague City” and “Biohazard” quests.

Rewards: 2,000 Thieving experience, ability to pickpocket the Ardougne locals, and access to a new area in the Kharid Desert.

This quest allows players to engage in pickpocketing with much higher success rates, crucial for training Thieving efficiently.

2. The Dust Devils

Requirements: None

Rewards: 1,000 Thieving experience, access to the Karamja Volcano.

This quest includes a section where players can pickpocket certain NPCs, gaining experience while discovering this new area.

3. Animal Magnetism

Requirements: 20 Crafting, completion of the “Druidic Ritual” quest.

Rewards: 1,000 Thieving experience, access to the ability to use a special item in the game.

This quest includes Thieving-related activities and helps diversify your training methods by integrating problem-solving elements.

4. A Kingdom Divided

Requirements: 75 Agility, 50 Thieving, completion of “The Chosen Commander”.

Rewards: 5,000 Thieving experience and the ability to access a training area with higher Thieving yields.

This endgame quest offers extensive Thieving training opportunities, providing a more challenging experience for seasoned players.

5. The Great Brain Robbery

Requirements: 5 Thieving, completion of “A New Source of Life”.

Rewards: 1,000 Thieving experience and access to a range of new pickpocket targets.

The quest not only serves as an introduction to pickpocketing but also sets the stage for more complex Thieving activities, paving the way for efficient training.

Completing these quests can significantly enhance your Thieving experience and grant you access to numerous opportunities for training and higher-tier pickpocketing activities. Each quest contributes distinctively to your journey in mastering the art of Thieving in OSRS!

Thieving Items and Gear

When training your Thieving skill in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), equipping the right gear and utilizing specific items can greatly enhance your efficiency and success rate. Below is a breakdown of essential Thieving items and gear that every aspiring thief should consider.

Equipment

While many players may focus solely on levels when training Thieving, wearing the appropriate gear can significantly improve your gains and overall experience. Here are some recommended items:

Gloves of Silence: These gloves are a must-have for any serious thief. They provide a 20% boost to your pickpocket success rate, making it easier to steal from NPCs without being caught.
Thieving Cape: Once you reach level 99 Thieving, the Thieving Cape becomes available for purchase from the Cape of Accomplishment at a price of 2,270,000 coins. This cape provides a +1 boost to your Thieving level when worn and the ability to teleport to the Thieving Guild.
Black Mask: If you plan to supplement your Thieving training with combat, the Black Mask can be useful. It grants a 15% damage bonus against all monsters when worn, meaning quicker kills and faster experience rates when training at thieves or other related locations.
Agility Equipment: Wearing items that increase your Agility can help you evade guards while pickpocketing. The Spider’s Kiss potion, which grants temporary Agility boosts, can also be handy during those risky pickpocketing sessions.

Useful Items

In addition to gear, various items can assist you while training your Thieving skill:

Rogue‘s Equipment: The Rogue set includes the Rogue‘s Outfit (Rogue‘s Top, Rogue‘s Bottom, Rogue‘s Mask, and Rogue‘s Gloves). Wearing the full set increases the chance of successfully pickpocketing NPCs by 20% and allows you to steal additional loot from chests and stalls.
Stamina Potions: These potions restore your run energy, enabling you to run longer distances, which is especially relevant when pickpocketing in locations with multiple NPCs or evading guards.
Thieving Contracts: Completing Thieving contracts from the Rogue‘s Den can reward you with items that enhance your Thieving experience, alongside valuable loot.
Graceful Outfit: If you aim to reduce run energy depletion while training, the Graceful outfit is a superb choice. Though it doesn’t directly affect Thieving, it allows for sustained mobility, which is essential when evading guards while pickpocketing.

Tips for Using Gear and Items

To maximize your Thieving training:

Stack Buffs: Use multiple items that enhance your Thieving chances. For example, combine the Gloves of Silence with the Rogue‘s Outfit for a significant boost.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on updates or changes in mechanics regarding Thieving gear. Jagex occasionally tweaks item bonuses and effects, which can influence your training methods.
Experiment: If you find yourself training in different locations, experiment with various gear setups to find what works best for you in terms of both success rates and experience per hour.

By utilizing the right Thieving items and gear, you can accelerate your training process and make thieving in OSRS both profitable and enjoyable!

Thieving and Profit: Making Money Fast

Thieving is not just a skill for unlocking chests or sneaking through walls; it’s also one of the most lucrative skills in Old School RuneScape (OSRS). With the right strategies, players can efficiently train their Thieving while raking in serious profits. This guide will cover various methods of Thieving that maximize profit for players looking to fill their coffers quickly.

1. Pickpocketing NPCs

One of the most popular ways to earn money through Thieving is by pickpocketing NPCs. At higher levels, certain NPCs yield better rewards, making this method both efficient in training and profitable. Here are some of the best NPCs to target:

Master Farmers: Starting at level 38 Thieving, players can pickpocket Master Farmers in Draynor Village for a chance to obtain seeds worth a hefty sum.
Elves: At level 85, players can pickpocket Elves in Tirannwn, which can lead to obtaining valuable items like the Galcher, allowing for a profitable Thieving experience.
Zenithians: As players reach level 91, picking off the Zenithians can yield very high rewards, including rare items and a chance at rare seeds.

2. Looting from Stalls

Another efficient method to earn money while training Thieving is by looting from various stalls:

Silk Stalls: Located in Ardougne, players can steal silk from stalls for a decent profit. Each silk sells for about 1,000 coins.
Spice Stalls: Found in Karamja and also in Varrock, stealing from spice stalls can yield spices that are in demand for cooking and potion-making, increasing their resale value.
Scimitar Stalls: Scimitar stalls found in the same general area yield a variety of scimitars, which can sell for a good price on the Grand Exchange.

3. Chests and Lockpicking

As players level up, unlocking chests and safes becomes a viable money-making method:

Ardougne Cloak: At level 50 Thieving, players can use the Ardougne Cloak to gain access to certain chests in Ardougne, which can yield valuable items.
Zombie Chests: With a higher Thieving level, players can open chests in the Wilderness that contain loot, but beware of PvP threats while doing this.

4. The Blackjacking Method

For those looking for a combination of profit and training efficiency, blackjacking can be an excellent choice. Targeting the thievable NPCs in Pollnivneach frequently nets players high amounts of coins while training Thieving quickly:

Bandits: Blackjacking bandits can provide up to 1,000 coins per successful pickpocket, alongside great XP rates.
Desert Thieves: The same goes for desert thieves; however, players need to ensure they have adequate food to sustain their health while doing so.

5. Heists and Agility Roofs

For those who have unlocked the various rooftops around Gielinor, make sure to utilize the rooftop agility courses that also provide Thieving XP:

Agility Course in Varrock: When combined with Thieving tasks, players can maximize both XP gains while making extra coins from the loot available around the rooftops.

Conclusion

Whether you’re pickpocketing NPCs or looting stalls, OSRS offers a multitude of ways to profit from your Thieving skill. With the right strategies, players can turn Thieving into a money-making machine while enjoying the various aspects of the game. Be sure to regularly check the Grand Exchange prices to maximize profits and never miss an opportunity!

Common Challenges in Thieving

Thieving in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) can be a rewarding skill to train, but it comes with its own set of challenges that players must navigate. Understanding these challenges can help improve efficiency and overall success in leveling up your Thieving skill. Below are some of the common difficulties faced by players during their Thieving journey:

1. Low Success Rates

One of the prominent challenges in Thieving is the low success rates associated with stealing from higher-level NPCs or objects. As you approach higher tiers of Thieving, the success rates may drop significantly, especially if your skill level is not high enough compared to the target. It’s crucial to have a strategic plan and potentially use items like gloves of silence or the amulet of glory to increase your chances of success.

2. Aggressive NPCs

Stealing from certain locations often results in increased hostility from NPCs. If you’re caught, you may find yourself in a sticky situation with aggressive guards chasing after you, requiring quick reflexes to escape. It’s vital to be aware of the NPCs in your vicinity and to train in locations that offer the highest rewards with minimal risk of engagement.

3. The Impact of Timer Mechanics

Many Thieving actions have a built-in timer that dictates how quickly you can perform an action. This timer can be your enemy, especially when you are trying to maximize your experience per hour. Players can find themselves struggling to keep their rhythm, making it critical to familiarize themselves with the timing of each action to improve their efficiency.

4. Inventory Management

Thieving often requires a balance between inventory management and success rates. As you steal, you might find it challenging to keep your inventory organized, especially when stealing from stalls or looting chests. Players need to be mindful about what items to keep and what to drop to ensure they are continually able to generate income and experience without being bogged down by unnecessary items.

5. Limited Experience in Some Methods

There are several methods and locations for training Thieving, but not all yield the same experience rates. Some players may prefer pickpocketing over stealing from stalls or chests, while others may find certain quests that offer Thieving experience. The challenge lies in finding the training methods that suit your playstyle without getting bored. Researching and testing different methods is key to avoiding stagnation.

6. Currency and Item Loss

When engaging in Thieving, losing items or currency to NPCs after being caught can be disheartening. Players may find themselves losing important items or hard-earned gold, which can impact their overall training experience. It’s important to remember that the risk is part of the game, so understanding the potential losses and preparing for them can reduce frustration.

7. Competition from Other Players

In areas with high player traffic, such as popular Thieving spots, competition can be fierce. Players may find themselves struggling to steal from stalls or pickpocket NPCs when others are continuously occupying the space. This competition can slow down progress significantly, hence scouting out less busy areas or training times may be required to maximize your gains.

Overall, while Thieving presents various challenges, overcoming these hurdles is part of the fun and experience of OSRS. Adapting strategies, learning from failures, and consistent practice will help you master the Thieving skill over time.

The Role of Thieving in OSRS Economy

Thieving is a unique and pivotal skill within Old School RuneScape (OSRS) that not only enhances a player’s gameplay experience but also significantly impacts the game’s economy. Understanding the role of thieving in the OSRS economy can help players make informed decisions about their training and money-making methods. Here are some key aspects of its influence:

1. Generating Wealth

Thieving allows players to earn coins and valuable items through various activities, such as pickpocketing NPCs, stealing from stalls, and looting chests. The ability to generate wealth quickly makes it an attractive skill for maximizing in-game income. Players can accumulate wealth through:

Pickpocketing: By pickpocketing NPCs, players can acquire gold and several valuable items. Higher-level NPCs offer better loot, which can be a major source of income as players progress.
Stall Stealing: Stealing from stalls, especially in places like Ardougne, can yield items that can be sold for profit, making it an efficient way to generate cash.
Treasure Trails: Completing clue scrolls often requires thieving skills, as players might need to pickpocket specific NPCs or unlock certain areas to access treasure chests containing valuable rewards.

2. Influencing Item Prices

Thieving plays a direct role in the supply of certain items within the OSRS marketplace. Items obtained through thieving activities can alter market dynamics, leading to fluctuations in item prices. For example:

Common Items: Items like the blackjacks and potion ingredients become more abundant as players thieve from relevant NPCs. This increase in supply can drive prices down in the Grand Exchange.
Rare Drops: Pickpocketing certain NPCs can yield rare items. If a significant number of players farm these items, the market can be flooded, affecting their value.

3. Item Accessibility

The items players can obtain through thieving are often integral to various gameplay mechanics and other skills. Being able to steal necessary items can make them more accessible, impacting other parts of the economy:

Crafting Materials: Many players rely on thieving to gather crafting materials that can be used to create a variety of valuable items, allowing for diversification in the economy.
Food Supplies: Certain valuable food items can be stolen, creating an influx of consumables and inducing competition in the food market.

4. Balancing the Economy

The dynamic nature of thieving contributes to the overall balance of the OSRS economy. As players consistently engage in thieving activities, they help to:

Circulate Wealth: The currency generated from thieving activities is redistributed throughout the economy, providing opportunities for other players to purchase various items and services.
Diminish Inflation: By controlling item supply and creating pathways for wealth generation, thieving helps mitigate inflation within the in-game economy.

5. Impact on Player Interactions

Thieving fosters a unique sense of camaraderie and competition among players. The pursuit of valuable targets promotes social interaction and can even lead to:

Trade Opportunities: Players who specialize in thieving may find prospective buyers in the Grand Exchange, allowing them to trade loot for various other items or services.
Collaboration: Players may collaborate during thieving activities, working together to achieve shared goals and optimize results.

In summary, thieving is not just a means to train skills and become rich; it is a vital component of the OSRS economy. Through generating wealth, influencing item prices, and enhancing player interactions, thieving has a lasting impact on the game world. Therefore, understanding its economic role can provide players with a strategic advantage in their OSRS journeys.