How to Make Iron Bars in OSRS: A Comprehensive Guide

Iron bars are essential materials in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) used for crafting, smithing, and building various items. Players often seek to create iron bars due to their versatility and the demand for iron-based products in the game. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how to make iron bars efficiently, along with the necessary requirements and steps involved in the process.

To make iron bars in OSRS, you need to meet several requirements that include skills, materials, and access to specific locations. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Smithing Level: You need a minimum Smithing level of 1 to create iron bars. Leveling up your Smithing skill can be achieved by smelting ores and creating various items.
Materials Needed: To smelt iron bars, you require iron ore. Each iron bar requires one iron ore. You can mine iron ore from various locations around Gielinor, such as the Al Kharid Mine, the Varrock South Mine, or the Mining Guild.
Furnace Access: You must have access to a furnace to smelt iron ore into iron bars. There are several furnaces located throughout the game, including those in Al Kharid, Varrock, and Edgeville. Ensure you choose a location that is convenient for you, especially if you plan to make multiple bars.
Coal (Optional): While not necessary for making iron bars, having coal can be beneficial if you plan to create steel bars later on since steel bars require iron and coal.
Time and Inventory Space: Smelting iron bars is a quick process, taking only a few seconds per bar. However, make sure you have enough inventory space to hold your iron bars and ores before starting your smelting session.

Once you have met these requirements, you are ready to begin the process of making iron bars. It’s a straightforward method that can significantly enhance your crafting and smithing capabilities in OSRS.

3. Gathering Iron Ore

Gathering iron ore is the first step in making iron bars in Old School RuneScape (OSRS). Iron ore can be found in various locations throughout Gielinor, and it’s crucial to know where to look. Here’s how to effectively gather iron ore:

Mining Locations: Some of the best spots to mine iron ore include:

Rimmington Mine: Located south of Falador, this mine is a popular choice due to its proximity to a bank.
Varrock South Mine: This area has several iron rocks and is close to the Varrock East bank.
Al Kharid Mine: Found just south of Al Kharid, it’s great for players who want to mine with minimal competition.
Mining Guild: Requires level 60 mining to enter, but it offers an abundance of iron ore.

Equipment Needed: To mine iron ore, you’ll need a pickaxe. The higher the pickaxe’s tier, the faster you’ll mine. Here’s a quick tier list:

Bronze Pickaxe
Iron Pickaxe
Steel Pickaxe
Rune Pickaxe
Dragon Pickaxe

Mining Tips: To maximize your efficiency:

Use the best pickaxe available to you.
Look for world hopping opportunities to find less crowded worlds.
Consider using a mining potion to boost your mining level temporarily.

4. Using a Furnace to Smelt Iron Bars

Once you’ve gathered enough iron ore, the next step is to smelt it into iron bars. This process takes place at a furnace and is quite straightforward. Here’s how to do it:

Finding a Furnace: Furnaces are located in various locations across Gielinor. Some popular spots include:

Falador Furnace: Close to the bank, making it a convenient choice.
Al Kharid Furnace: Located near the Al Kharid mine, perfect for quick smelting.
Edgeville Furnace: A good option if you’re near the bank and need to smelt quickly.

Smelting Process: To smelt iron bars:

Make sure you have at least one iron ore in your inventory.
Right-click on the furnace and select the ‘Smelt’ option.
Choose ‘Iron Bar’ from the list. If you have the required ore, the smelting will begin.

Experience Points: Smelting iron bars grants you 12.5 experience points per bar, which is a great way to level up your Smithing skill.

Remember, efficiency is key! If you’re planning on making a lot of bars, consider bringing along a coal bag or using a portable forge if you have access to one.

5. Boosting Your Smithing Level

Boosting your Smithing level in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) can significantly enhance your ability to create iron bars, making the process more efficient and less time-consuming. There are several methods to achieve a temporary increase in your Smithing level:

Smithing Potions: Consuming a Smithing potion grants a +3 boost to your Smithing level for a limited time. These potions can be made by players with the Herblore skill or purchased from other players.
Cooking Gauntlets: While not directly affecting Smithing, wearing these gauntlets while cooking can lead to better overall efficiency in your resource gathering, allowing you to focus more on Smithing.
Temporary Boosts: Some quests or items provide temporary boosts to your Smithing level. For instance, the “All Fired Up” quest can give a small boost when using the furnace.
Obtain the Varrock Armor: If you have completed certain levels of the Varrock achievements, wearing the Varrock Armor can provide a chance to smelt bars for free, which indirectly helps your Smithing level by saving resources.

Consider using these methods strategically, especially when you’re close to leveling up or during busy gaming sessions. Combining these boosts with high-level ores will maximize your production of iron bars.

6. Tips for Efficient Iron Bar Production

Producing iron bars efficiently in OSRS involves not just knowledge of the smelting process but also clever planning and time management. Here are some tips to streamline your iron bar production:

Use the Nearest Furnace: Always smelt your ores at the nearest furnace to your mining location. This reduces travel time and maximizes your output.
Inventory Management: Keep your inventory organized. Always carry the maximum number of ores you can smelt at once, ideally full inventories of iron ores.
Utilize the Blast Furnace: If you have access to the Blast Furnace in Keldagrim, use it! It allows you to smelt multiple ores at once and is more efficient than traditional furnaces.
Plan Your Time: Set a timer or schedule for your smelting sessions. This helps you stay focused and ensures you maximize your gameplay time.
Join a Clan or Community: Engaging with others can provide tips, resources, and even assistance in gathering ores or smelting.

By implementing these strategies, you’ll find that your iron bar production becomes much smoother and more efficient, allowing you to focus on leveling up and enjoying the game!

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to making iron bars in OSRS, even seasoned players can trip up. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

Not using the correct furnace: Always check that you’re using an iron furnace or a blast furnace, as these provide the best efficiency for smelting iron ore.
Overlooking your inventory: Make sure you have enough iron ores in your inventory before heading to the furnace. It’s frustrating to get there and realize you have only a few ores left!
Ignoring the need for a pickaxe: You can’t mine iron ore without a proper pickaxe. Ensure you have one equipped before you venture into the mines.
Forgetting to bank: When your inventory fills up, don’t forget to bank your ores. It can save you a lot of time and trips back to the mines.
Not considering your location: Some locations are safer and more efficient for mining iron ore than others. Researching hot spots can greatly increase your efficiency.
Underestimating the benefits of the blast furnace: The blast furnace uses coal and is more efficient, smelting bars faster and using less ore. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

Avoiding these common pitfalls will help you streamline your iron bar-making process, saving you time and resources. Remember, practice makes perfect!

8. Conclusion and Next Steps

Congratulations! You’ve made it through our comprehensive guide on how to make iron bars in OSRS. Now that you know the steps, tips, and common mistakes to avoid, you’re ready to get started. Here’s what you can do next:

Gather Resources: Head to the mines and stock up on iron ore and coal. Make sure your inventory is prepared for a productive session.
Choose Your Method: Decide whether you’ll be using a standard furnace or the blast furnace. Each has its own advantages, so choose based on your level and resources.
Level Up Your Smithing: Use your newly created iron bars to craft items. This will help increase your smithing level and unlock even more crafting possibilities.
Engage with the Community: Join forums, chat with other players, and share your experiences. You can learn new tips and tricks from those who have been there.
Set Goals: Whether it’s reaching a certain smithing level or crafting a specific item, having goals will keep your gameplay focused and enjoyable.