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Ironman Magic Training in OSRS: The Ultimate Guide for 2025

Training Magic as an Ironman in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a unique challenge that requires careful planning, resource management, and a bit of creativity. Unlike regular accounts, Ironmen can’t rely on the Grand Exchange to stock up on runes or gear, making self-sufficiency the name of the game. Whether you’re a standard Ironman, Hardcore, or Ultimate, this guide will walk you through the best methods to level your Magic skill efficiently in 2025. From early-game questing to late-game Slayer bursting, we’ve got you covered with practical tips and strategies tailored for Ironman accounts.
Magic is one of the most versatile skills in OSRS, especially for Ironmen. It’s not just about combat—it’s a gateway to teleports, utility spells, and even passive skilling. For Ironmen, Magic unlocks faster travel options (think teleports like Varrock or Camelot), boosts combat efficiency, and synergizes with Slayer training. Plus, with the right approach, you can train it without breaking the bank—or your sanity.
Key Benefits of Magic for Ironmen
- Faster Travel: Teleport spells save time, crucial when you’re gathering resources solo.
- Combat Power: Spells like Iban’s Blast or Ice Barrage dominate PvM scenarios.
- Utility: High Alchemy and Superglass Make turn junk into gold or resources.
- Passive Gains: Train Magic while working on Slayer or other skills.
Early-Game Magic Training (Levels 1–55)
The early levels of Magic training as an Ironman can feel slow due to limited rune access, but there are smart ways to kickstart your progress. Focus on quests and low-cost combat spells to build a foundation without draining your resources.
Questing for Quick Levels
Quests are a goldmine for early Magic XP. They’re free, require minimal gear, and often unlock useful spells or areas. Here’s a list of beginner-friendly quests to get you to level 34 Magic:
- Witch’s Potion: 325 XP (Level 1)
- Imp Catcher: 875 XP (Level 1)
- The Grand Tree: 2,150 XP (Level 25 Agility required, boosts to ~Level 10 Magic)
- Fairytale I – Growing Pains: 1,000 XP (Level 17 Farming, boosts to ~Level 20)
Complete these in order, and you’ll hit level 34 with no rune costs. Most fights are safespottable, so grab a staff from Zaff’s in Varrock and start casting.
Combat Training: Strike Spells
Once you’ve got some levels from quests, switch to combat. Strike spells (Wind, Water, Earth, Fire) are cheap and effective. Use an elemental staff to save on runes—Zaff’s Staffs sells them for 1,000 coins after Varrock Diary tasks.
- Where to Train: Cows (Lumbridge), Goblins (near Draynor), or Ogress Warriors (Corsair Cove).
- Rune Sources: Pick up 30 air and mind runes every 30 minutes from the Magic Tutor in Lumbridge.
- Tip: Ogress Warriors drop laws, natures, and cosmics—perfect for early Ironmen.
Fund runes by collecting the 10,000 coins from the Stronghold of Security or pickpocketing H.A.M. members for cash.
Mid-Game Magic Training (Levels 55–77)
By level 55, you’ve unlocked High Alchemy, a game-changer for Ironmen. This is where Magic starts to pay off, both in XP and gold. You’ll also dip into the Mage Training Arena and Slayer for variety.
High Alchemy: Profit and XP
High Alchemy (55 Magic) turns junk into coins while netting 65 XP per cast. Stockpile nature runes from Slayer drops or buy them from shops like Ali Morrisane in Al Kharid (post-The Feud). Alch while doing passive activities like Agility or birdhouse runs.
Item | Alch Value | Source |
---|---|---|
Rune Scimitar | 15,000 gp | Ogress Warriors |
Mithril Platebody | 3,120 gp | Smithing or Slayer |
Adamant Kiteshield | 5,440 gp | Slayer Drops |
Pro Tip: Use a fire staff to cut rune costs and craft nature runes at 44 Runecrafting for self-sufficiency.
Mage Training Arena
The Mage Training Arena (MTA) offers decent XP and unlocks like Bones to Peaches (60 Magic). Start at 33 Magic with Telekinetic Grab, then move to High Alchemy at 55. Later, use enchanting spells (Level 57+ for Lvl-4 Enchant) to earn points.
- XP Rates: Up to 127,000 XP total while unlocking Bones to Peaches.
- Rune Needs: Law, nature, and cosmic runes—stock up from Lundail’s shop in the Wilderness (risky for HCIM).
- Rewards: Infinity boots, master wand, or mage’s book for late-game upgrades.
Slayer Synergy
Pair Magic with Slayer for passive gains. Use Fire Bolt (35 Magic) or Iban’s Blast (50 Magic, post-Underground Pass) on tasks like trolls or ogres. You’ll earn Magic XP, Slayer XP, and rune drops to offset costs.
Late-Game Magic Training (Levels 77–99)
At 77 Magic, you’ve got access to powerful spells like Superglass Make and Ice Burst. This is where training accelerates, especially if you lean into Slayer or PvM.
Superglass Make: Passive XP
Superglass Make (77 Magic, Lunar Spellbook) converts seaweed and sand into molten glass, granting ~5,000–6,000 Magic XP per hour alongside Crafting XP. It’s perfect for Ultimate Ironmen with limited inventory space.
- Materials: Gather seaweed from Fossil Island and sand from Yanille.
- Profit: Glass items can be alched or sold to shops.
Bursting and Barraging
Ancient Magicks (post-Desert Treasure) shine here. Ice Burst (70 Magic) and Ice Barrage (94 Magic) are ideal for Slayer tasks like dust devils or nechryaels in the Catacombs of Kourend.
- XP Rates: Up to 200,000 Magic XP/hour with Barrage.
- Cost: High rune use—craft blood runes (77 Runecrafting) to save gold.
- Tasks: Dust devils, nechryaels, smoke devils—great loot offsets costs.
HCIM Note: Stick to safespots to avoid risky multi-combat zones.
Bossing with Magic
Magic shines in PvM. Use Trident of the Seas (87 Magic) or Sanguiesti Staff (82 Magic) at bosses like Kraken or Barrows. You’ll gain XP while hunting for gear upgrades like Ahrim’s robes.
Ironman-Specific Tips and Tricks
Ironmen face unique hurdles, but these strategies will keep you ahead of the curve.
Rune Management
Runes are your lifeline. Here’s where to get them:
- Shops: Aubury (Varrock), Betty’s (Port Sarim), Void Knight (Pest Control).
- Wilderness: Lundail’s Arena-side Rune Shop (laws, natures, cosmics—beware PKers).
- Drops: Slayer monsters like nechryaels or Barrows runs.
- Runecrafting: Craft laws (54 RC) or bloods (77 RC) for sustainability.
Gear Progression
Upgrade your Magic gear as you go:
Level | Gear | Source |
---|---|---|
1–20 | Wizard Robes, Staff | Drops or Zaff’s |
50+ | Iban’s Staff | Underground Pass |
70+ | Ahrim’s Robes | Barrows |
87+ | Trident of the Seas | Kraken |
Balancing Efficiency and Fun
Don’t burn out—mix methods. Alch during downtime, burst on Slayer, and quest when you need a break. Ironman is about the journey, so enjoy the grind!
Conclusion
Training Magic as an Ironman in OSRS is a rewarding grind that blends combat, utility, and resourcefulness. From questing your way to 34, alching to 77, and barraging to 99, there’s a method for every stage. With rune management and gear progression locked down, you’ll be teleporting across Gielinor and blasting bosses in no time. Ready to start? Grab your staff, stock up on runes, and let’s make some Magic happen in 2025!