OSRS Smithing Gold Bars: Ultimate Guide to Leveling and Profit

OSRS Smithing Gold Bars: Ultimate Guide to Leveling and Profit


Smithing in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a versatile skill that allows players to craft armor, weapons, and valuable items from raw materials. One of the most popular methods for training this skill is smithing gold bars, especially for those aiming to level up quickly or turn a profit. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about smithing gold bars in OSRS, including requirements, methods, experience rates, and money-making potential. Let’s dive into the world of molten gold and anvils!

Gold bars are a standout choice for training Smithing due to their accessibility and the unique mechanics tied to them. Unlike other metals, gold bars can be smelted and smithed into jewelry, offering a fast track to higher levels when paired with specific items like the goldsmith gauntlets. Plus, the products you create can often be sold for a profit or used in other skills like Crafting. Here’s why smithing gold bars is worth your time:

Fast Experience Rates

Smithing gold bars provides some of the fastest experience in the game when optimized. With the right setup, you can gain over 300,000 XP per hour, making it a go-to method for players rushing to 99 Smithing.

Profit Potential

While some Smithing methods drain your gold coins, smithing gold bars into jewelry can actually make you money. Items like gold necklaces and amulets often sell for more than the cost of the raw materials, especially on the Grand Exchange.

Accessibility for All Levels

You don’t need a high Smithing level to start. Smelting gold bars requires only level 40 Smithing, and with boosts like the goldsmith gauntlets, even mid-level players can maximize their gains.

Requirements for Smithing Gold Bars

OSRS Smithing Guide 199 Training Old School Runescape Odealo

Before you start hammering away, you’ll need to meet some basic requirements and gather the right gear. Preparation is key to making this method efficient and cost-effective. Here’s what you need:

Skill Level

To smelt gold bars, you need at least 40 Smithing. This unlocks the ability to use gold ore at a furnace. If you plan to craft jewelry, higher levels (up to 70 for gold amulets) will expand your options.

Equipment and Items

  • Gold Ore: The raw material, mined from rocks or bought from the Grand Exchange.
  • Furnace Access: Available in locations like Al Kharid, Edgeville, or Falador.
  • Goldsmith Gauntlets: Optional but highly recommended (more on this later).
  • Moulds: Jewelry moulds (e.g., necklace, ring, or amulet mould) if crafting items.

Quest Prerequisites

To use the goldsmith gauntlets, you must complete the Family Crest quest. This quest unlocks the gauntlets, which boost your XP per gold bar from 22.5 to 56.2—a massive difference!

How to Smith Gold Bars: Step-by-Step

Ready to get started? Smithing gold bars is straightforward once you know the process. Follow these steps to smelt and craft efficiently:

Step 1: Gather Gold Ore

Mine gold ore from rocks (requires 40 Mining) or purchase it from the Grand Exchange. Mining locations include the Crafting Guild, Al Kharid Mine, or the Brimhaven Dungeon. For speed, buying ore is often the better choice.

Step 2: Equip Goldsmith Gauntlets

After completing Family Crest, visit the gauntlet giver in the quest to claim your goldsmith gauntlets. Equip them before smelting to maximize XP.

Step 3: Smelt at a Furnace

Head to a furnace with your gold ore and gauntlets equipped. The Edgeville furnace is ideal if you have Varrock Armour (from Varrock Diary) for a chance at double bars, but Al Kharid works well too. Smelt your inventory of 27 gold ores into bars.

Step 4: Craft Jewelry (Optional)

Take your gold bars to an anvil with a mould. Craft them into necklaces, rings, or amulets depending on your level and profit goals. Gold amulets (unstrung) at level 70 Smithing are a popular choice for their Grand Exchange value.

Experience and Profit Breakdown

Understanding the numbers behind smithing gold bars helps you decide if it’s worth your time. Let’s break down the XP rates and potential profits based on current Grand Exchange prices (as of April 2025).

Experience Rates

Here’s what you can expect:

Method XP per Bar XP per Hour
Smelting (No Gauntlets) 22.5 ~60,000
Smelting (With Gauntlets) 56.2 ~300,000+

With goldsmith gauntlets and a fast furnace like Edgeville, you can hit over 300K XP per hour, making this one of the fastest Smithing methods in OSRS.

Profit Analysis

Profit depends on whether you sell the bars or craft them into jewelry. Here’s a sample based on approximate GE prices:

  • Gold Ore: ~150 GP each
  • Gold Bar: ~100 GP each (selling bars is usually a loss)
  • Gold Necklace: ~200 GP each (small profit)
  • Gold Amulet (u): ~300 GP each (decent profit)

Crafting gold amulets (unstrung) tends to yield the best return, especially if you buy ore in bulk during price dips.

Cost vs. Speed Trade-Off

Smelting gold bars with gauntlets is expensive—around 4-5 GP per XP when factoring in ore costs. If profit is your priority, consider slower methods like smithing steel or mithril items instead.

Tips and Tricks for Efficient Smithing

To get the most out of smithing gold bars, use these strategies to save time, reduce costs, and boost efficiency:

Optimize Your Route

Use the Edgeville furnace with a bank nearby (via Varrock Teleport or an amulet of glory). This minimizes travel time between banking and smelting.

Stockpile Gold Ore

Buy gold ore when prices drop on the Grand Exchange. Stockpiling during low-demand periods can cut your costs significantly.

Combine with Other Skills

Mine your own gold ore to train Mining simultaneously, or enchant your jewelry post-crafting to level Magic. This multi-skill approach maximizes your time in-game.

Avoid Common Mistakes

Don’t forget to equip your goldsmith gauntlets before smelting—without them, your XP drops dramatically. Also, double-check GE prices before selling to ensure you’re not losing money.

Smithing gold bars in OSRS is a fantastic way to power through Smithing levels or pad your coin pouch with some extra GP. Whether you’re chasing the coveted 99 Smithing cape or just looking to make a quick buck, this method offers flexibility and rewards. Grab your hammer, stock up on gold ore, and start smelting—your Smithing journey awaits!