Ultimate OSRS Smithing Guide for Free-to-Play Players

Smithing is a vital skill in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) that allows players to create weapons, armor, and various metal items. For free-to-play (F2P) players, mastering this skill can greatly enhance your gameplay, offering opportunities for combat and crafting. This guide aims to provide comprehensive insights into the fundamentals of smithing and effective strategies for leveling up in the game, specifically tailored for F2P players.
To start leveling your Smithing skill as a free-to-play player in OSRS, you first need to access a furnace and an anvil. The primary locations for these are in Varrock and Edgeville. Begin by mining ore, which is essential for smelting bars and crafting items. You can mine copper and tin ores, which are abundant in the Lumbridge Swamp and Varrock mines.
Once you have gathered enough ores, head to a furnace to smelt them into bars. For F2P players, the best ores to use are copper and tin, which can be combined to create bronze bars. Smelting requires 1 Smithing level and provides experience points, making it an excellent starting point. Aim to smelt at least 100 bronze bars as this will yield a significant amount of experience.
After obtaining bronze bars, you can start creating bronze items at an anvil. The most efficient items to craft for experience are bronze daggers and bronze plateskirts. Crafting weapons like daggers gives decent experience, while making armor pieces like plateskirts provides a bit more. Each bronze dagger crafted gives 1.3 experience points, while a bronze plateskirt gives 12.5 experience points. Focus on crafting these items until you reach level 30 Smithing.
As you progress, consider switching to iron ore and bars once you reach level 15 Smithing. Iron bars can be smelted from iron ore, which can be mined from various locations, including the Al Kharid mine. Unlike bronze, iron requires higher levels, but it provides significantly more experience. Craft items such as iron scimitars and iron kiteshields, which give more experience per item compared to bronze.
To maximize your efficiency, always keep an eye on your inventory. Instead of running back and forth to the bank, you can use the deposit box near the Edgeville furnace. This saves time and allows for uninterrupted smithing sessions. Additionally, consider using a grinding wheel to create arrow tips from iron bars for even more experience. This method is especially useful in preparing for ranged training.
Lastly, remember to check out the OSRS community for tips, guides, and resources. Engaging with fellow players can provide valuable insights and strategies to help you level up your Smithing skill faster. By following these techniques and focusing on efficient practices, you can quickly gain levels in Smithing as a free-to-play player and enjoy the benefits of crafting your own gear.
3. Essential Smithing Equipment and Tools
When diving into Smithing in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), having the right equipment and tools can make all the difference. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need to get started on your Smithing journey.
1. Anvil: The anvil is a crucial piece of equipment for any Smith. You’ll use it to forge your metal bars into various items. In F2P, you can find anvils in several locations, including:
2. Hammer: A hammer is necessary for utilizing the anvil. You can purchase a hammer from any general store or find it in various locations across Gielinor. Always carry a spare just in case you misplace one!
3. Metal Bars: You’ll need metal bars to smith items. As a F2P player, you mainly work with:
- Bronze Bars (made from copper and tin)
- Iron Bars
- Steel Bars (available only for members, but they’re good to know for future reference)
4. Furnace: While not strictly required for Smithing, having access to a furnace allows you to smelt ores into bars. F2P players can use furnaces located in:
With these essential items, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle Smithing in OSRS as a free-to-play player. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to forge away!
4. Best Locations for Smithing in F2P
Finding the right location for Smithing can streamline your experience and help you level up faster. Here are some of the best spots for free-to-play players to sharpen their Smithing skills:
Location | Nearby Amenities | Access |
---|---|---|
Varrock | Bank, Shops | Central location, easy to access |
Falador | Bank, Furnace | Accessible via the southern entrance |
Edgeville | Bank | Convenient for players near the Wilderness |
Al Kharid | Furnace, Bank | Quick access for those with a load of ores |
Each of these locations has its perks. For instance, Varrock is often bustling with players and provides easy access to a bank for depositing your bars. Falador offers a furnace close to the anvil, making it convenient for smelting iron bars into items. Edgeville is a quieter spot, perfect for those looking to smith without distractions.
No matter where you choose to set up shop, make sure you have a plan for managing your ores and bars efficiently. Happy Smithing!
5. Understanding Smithing Experience Rates
When it comes to leveling up your Smithing skill in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), understanding experience rates is crucial. Experience (XP) determines how quickly you can progress, and knowing which methods yield the best rates can save you time and effort.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of XP rates for various Smithing activities:
Activity | Experience per Action | Estimated XP per Hour |
---|---|---|
Bronze Bar | 6 XP | 1200 XP |
Iron Bar | 12 XP | 2400 XP |
Steel Bar | 17.5 XP | 3500 XP |
Black Bar | 20 XP | 4000 XP |
Gold Bar | 22.5 XP | 4500 XP |
As you can see, the XP rates increase with the quality of the bars you’re smelting. If you’re looking to maximize your experience gains, focus on Iron and Steel bars, as they provide a good balance of availability and XP per hour. Remember, the higher the bar level, the more resources you’ll need, so plan accordingly!
6. Popular Smithing Methods for F2P
As a free-to-play (F2P) player in OSRS, you have a limited selection of Smithing methods at your disposal. However, there are still plenty of effective ways to level up your skill. Here are some popular methods:
- Smelting Iron Bars: This is one of the most efficient methods for F2P players. Collect iron ores, head to a furnace, and start smelting. You’ll earn 12 XP per bar, allowing you to quickly rack up experience.
- Making Steel Bars: If you can gather enough iron and coal, smelting steel bars is a great option. It gives you 17.5 XP per bar and is a good way to earn extra gold.
- Crafting Bronze and Iron Items: After smelting your bars, you can create various items like bronze and iron daggers, swords, or plates. Each item crafted gives you additional XP and can even be sold for profit.
- Completing Quests: Some quests reward Smithing XP. Make sure to check the requirements and complete them for a helpful boost!
By focusing on these methods, you’ll be well on your way to mastering Smithing in OSRS, even as a free-to-play player!
7. Crafting Bars and Equipment: A Step-by-Step Guide
Crafting bars and equipment in OSRS is a crucial part of the Smithing skill. If you’re a free-to-play player, you’ll want to maximize your efficiency, so here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Step 1: Mining Ores
Before you can craft bars, you need to mine ores. The most common ores available to free-to-play players are:
- Bronze Ore
- Iron Ore
- Coal
- Silver Ore
Head over to a mining site such as the Varrock South Mine or the Lumbridge Swamp Mine to gather these ores. Remember, you’ll need a pickaxe to mine.
Step 2: Smelting Ores into Bars
Once you have your ores, it’s time to smelt them into bars. You can do this at any furnace. Here’s how to smelt different ores:
Ore Type | Required Level | Bar Produced |
---|---|---|
Bronze Ore | 1 | Bronze Bar |
Iron Ore | 15 | Iron Bar |
Coal | 30 | Steel Bar (requires Iron Bar) |
Silver Ore | 20 | Silver Bar |
Just use the ores on the furnace, and you’ll have your bars ready!
Step 3: Crafting Equipment
Now that you have your bars, it’s time to craft some equipment. Here are some items you can create:
- Bronze Sword
- Iron Platebody
- Steel Scimitar
To craft these items, you’ll need to use an anvil. Simply click on the anvil, select the bar, and choose the item you want to create. Make sure you have the required Smithing level for each item!
8. Smithing Quests and Rewards
Engaging in Smithing quests is a fantastic way for free-to-play players to boost their skill level and earn rewards. Here’s a breakdown of some key quests you can tackle.
1. The Knight’s Sword
This quest is excellent for gaining Smithing experience. You’ll need to help the knight, Sir Amik Varze, retrieve the sword. Completing this quest will reward you with:
- 12,725 Smithing experience
2. Doric’s Quest
In this quest, you help Doric, a dwarf, by bringing him various ores. The rewards include:
- 1,000 Smithing experience
- Access to Doric’s Anvil
3. The Restless Ghost
While this quest is primarily for Prayer experience, it also offers a small Smithing experience reward. Completing it will earn you:
By completing these quests, you not only gain valuable experience but also unlock further opportunities in the Smithing skill. Plus, who doesn’t love a good quest?
9. Frequently Asked Questions about F2P Smithing
When diving into the world of Smithing in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), especially as a free-to-play (F2P) player, you might have a few burning questions. Let’s go through some of the frequently asked questions to clear up any confusion and help you on your smithing journey.
- What is the best way to train Smithing as a F2P player?
The most efficient way is to smelt bronze and iron bars. Start by mining copper and tin ores, then smelt them into bars. As you level up, you can transition to iron ores for faster experience gain. - Can I make money with Smithing?
Absolutely! You can create items like iron and steel items, which can be sold on the Grand Exchange. Just keep an eye on the market trends to maximize your profits. - What are the best items to smith for experience?
Generally, iron items provide the best experience for F2P players. Consider smithing items like iron plates or iron scimitars for a good balance of experience and profit. - Do I need to use a furnace, or can I just smith anywhere?
You’ll need to use a furnace to smelt ores into bars. You can find furnaces in various locations, such as Varrock and Falador, which are easily accessible for F2P players. - Are there any quests that can help with Smithing?
While there are limited quests for F2P players, completing the ‘Knight’s Sword’ quest can give you a significant boost in Smithing levels, making it a worthwhile endeavor.
10. Conclusion: Mastering Smithing in OSRS
In conclusion, mastering Smithing in OSRS as a free-to-play player is not only achievable but also an incredibly rewarding experience. With the right strategies, you can level up your skills efficiently and even make some money along the way.
Remember these key points:
- Start by focusing on mining copper and tin to create bronze bars.
- Transition to iron ores for better experience and profit as you level up.
- Keep an eye on the Grand Exchange for selling your crafted items.
- Utilize your time efficiently by planning your mining and smelting activities.
Ultimately, Smithing is a skill that opens up various opportunities within the game. Whether you want to create powerful weapons, armors, or even make some gold, investing time in Smithing will pay off. So grab your pickaxe, head to the mines, and start crafting your way to success in OSRS!