99 Woodcutting Guide OSRS: Fastest Methods to Max Your Skill
Woodcutting is one of the most iconic and accessible skills in Old School RuneScape (OSRS). Whether you’re chopping trees for profit, gathering resources, or aiming for that coveted 99 skill cape, this guide will walk you through the fastest and most efficient methods to reach level 99 Woodcutting. From early levels to endgame strategies, we’ve got you covered with detailed steps, tips, and tricks to optimize your journey. Let’s dive into the world of axes, trees, and XP gains!
Before we chop into the methods, let’s explore why Woodcutting is worth your time. It’s a low-effort skill that pairs well with other activities, offers decent money-making opportunities, and unlocks useful perks like the Woodcutting Guild. Plus, who doesn’t love the satisfaction of watching logs pile up?
Benefits of High Woodcutting Levels
Reaching higher Woodcutting levels opens doors to better trees, faster XP rates, and more profitable logs. Here’s what you gain:
- Faster XP: Higher-tier trees like Teaks and Redwoods provide massive XP drops.
- Profit: Logs like Magic and Yew can net you a tidy sum on the Grand Exchange.
- Quests & Diaries: Skills like Woodcutting are often required for quests (e.g., “The Fremennik Trials“) and achievement diaries.
- Prestige: That 99 Woodcutting Cape isn’t just a flex—it boosts your resource gathering!
Is Woodcutting Profitable?
Yes, but it depends on your method. Early levels won’t make you rich, but once you hit Yews (level 60) or Magics (level 75), the gold starts rolling in. For pure profit, consider banking logs instead of dropping them—more on that later.
Best Axes for Woodcutting
Your axe is your best friend in Woodcutting, and upgrading it speeds up your progress. OSRS offers a range of axes, from bronze to dragon, each with its own level requirement and efficiency boost.
Axe Progression Table
Here’s a breakdown of the best axes and when to use them:
| Axe | Woodcutting Level | Attack Level (to Wield) | Where to Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze Axe | 1 | 1 | Bob’s Axes (Lumbridge) |
| Iron Axe | 1 | 1 | Bob’s Axes |
| Steel Axe | 6 | 5 | Bob’s Axes |
| Mithril Axe | 21 | 20 | Grand Exchange |
| Adamant Axe | 31 | 30 | Grand Exchange |
| Rune Axe | 41 | 40 | Grand Exchange |
| Dragon Axe | 61 | 60 | Grand Exchange (Expensive!) |
Pro Tip: Grab a Dragon Axe as soon as you can afford it—it’s the best in slot until 99 and offers a special attack that boosts your XP temporarily.
Where to Buy Axes
Early axes are cheap and available at Bob’s Brilliant Axes in Lumbridge. For higher-tier options like Rune or Dragon, head to the Grand Exchange or check player-to-player trades for deals.
Fastest Methods to 99 Woodcutting
Now, the meat of the guide: how to hit 99 Woodcutting as fast as possible. These methods balance XP rates with accessibility, so you can choose based on your level and playstyle.
Levels 1-15: Regular Trees
Start with the basics—regular trees. They’re everywhere, from Lumbridge to Varrock, and give 25 XP per log.
- Location: South of Lumbridge Castle or near the Grand Exchange.
- Strategy: Chop and drop logs to save time.
- XP/Hour: ~10k-15k.
Levels 15-30: Oak Trees
Oaks offer 37.5 XP per log and are a step up in efficiency.
- Location: West of Varrock or Draynor Village.
- Strategy: Drop logs unless you’re banking for Fletching.
- XP/Hour: ~20k-25k.
Levels 30-45: Willow Trees
Willows are your first taste of decent XP—67.5 per log.
- Location: Draynor Village (near the bank) or Port Sarim.
- Strategy: Bank logs if you want profit; otherwise, drop them.
- XP/Hour: ~30k-40k.
Levels 45-60: Teak Trees
Teaks are a game-changer, offering 85 XP per log and fast respawn rates.
- Location: Ape Atoll (requires “Monkey Madness I” partial completion) or Hardwood Grove (Tai Bwo Wannai).
- Strategy: Use the 3-tick method (more on this below) for max XP.
- XP/Hour: ~60k-80k (up to 110k with 3-tick).
Levels 60-99: Redwood Trees
Redwoods are the AFK king of Woodcutting, giving 380 XP per log at level 90+.
- Location: Woodcutting Guild (requires 60 Woodcutting).
- Strategy: Chop and relax—perfect for multitasking.
- XP/Hour: ~70k-90k.
Note: For faster XP, stick with Teaks using 3-tick until 99 if you’re willing to put in the effort.
Advanced Techniques for Max XP
Ready to push your XP rates to the limit? These advanced methods require more focus but deliver top-tier results.
3-Tick Woodcutting Explained
The 3-tick method exploits game ticks to chop trees faster. Here’s how:
- Equip a knife and bring swamp tar, a pestle and mortar, and logs.
- Click the tar, then the log, then the tree in a 3-tick rhythm.
- Repeat to maintain the cycle.
XP Boost: Up to 110k-120k/hour with Teaks at high levels.
Location: Teak trees on Ape Atoll or Fossil Island.
Woodcutting Guild Perks
At level 60, unlock the Woodcutting Guild in Hosidius (Great Kourend). Benefits include:
- +7 invisible Woodcutting boost.
- Access to Redwoods and other trees.
- Nearby bank for profit-focused players.
Dragon Axe Special Attack
The Dragon Axe’s special attack gives a temporary +3 level boost, speeding up your chopping. Use it every 5 minutes (100% special energy) for a small but consistent XP edge.
Tips for Efficient Training
Maxing Woodcutting isn’t just about chopping—it’s about optimizing your time and resources. Here are some final tips to streamline your grind.
Inventory Management
Decide whether to bank or drop logs:
- Banking: Great for profit (e.g., Yews, Magics). Use a nearby bank like Draynor or the Guild.
- Dropping: Faster XP, especially with Teaks or early trees.
Boosting XP with Outfits
The Lumberjack outfit (from Temple Trekking) gives a 2.5% XP boost when fully equipped. It’s a must-have for serious trainers.
Quest Rewards for Early Levels
Knock out these quests for bonus XP to skip early grinding:
- The Grand Tree: 2,150 XP (level 10+).
- Monk’s Friend: 2,000 XP (level 10+).
- Animal Magnetism: 2,500 XP (level 18+).
Avoiding Burnout
Woodcutting can get repetitive. Mix it up with AFK Redwoods, profitable Yews, or 3-tick Teaks to keep things fresh. Watch a movie or chat with friends while you chop!
Final Thoughts: Hitting 99 Woodcutting in OSRS is a rewarding journey, whether you’re in it for the XP, gold, or glory. Stick to Teaks for speed, Redwoods for ease, and use the right axe and techniques to get there efficiently. Which method will you try first? Chop away, and enjoy that skill cape—you’ve earned it!