OSRS Ironman Axe Guide: Best Methods to Upgrade Your Woodcutting Gear

OSRS Ironman Axe Guide: Best Methods to Upgrade Your Woodcutting Gear


For Ironman players in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), securing better axes is a critical step in progressing through Woodcutting and unlocking efficient resource gathering. Unlike regular accounts, Ironmen can’t rely on the Grand Exchange or trading, making self-sufficiency the name of the game. This OSRS Ironman axe guide will walk you through the best methods to obtain every axe tier, from bronze to dragon, with practical tips tailored to the Ironman experience. Whether you’re chopping trees for Firemaking XP or gathering logs for Fletching, having the right axe can make all the difference. Let’s dive into the strategies to upgrade your Woodcutting gear and optimize your Ironman journey!

Woodcutting is a foundational skill in OSRS, especially for Ironmen who need logs for Firemaking, Fletching, and Construction. Axes determine how quickly and efficiently you can chop trees, directly impacting your XP rates and resource collection. For Ironmen, obtaining higher-tier axes is a challenge due to the inability to trade, but it’s a rewarding grind that opens up new opportunities. This guide focuses on practical, Ironman-friendly methods to secure each axe, ensuring you’re equipped for every stage of your adventure.

Early-Game Importance of Axes

In the early game, even a small upgrade from a bronze to an iron axe can speed up your Woodcutting significantly. Since Ironmen often tackle Wintertodt for starting cash and supplies, having at least a steel axe by level 50 Firemaking is a common goal. Every tier upgrade shaves off precious seconds per log, making your skilling more efficient.

Mid to Late-Game Axe Goals

As you progress, mid-tier axes like mithril and rune become essential for tackling oak, willow, and yew trees. The coveted dragon axe, a late-game prize, offers the best Woodcutting efficiency and a special attack for a temporary boost. For Ironmen, securing these axes often ties into broader goals like quest requirements or Slayer drops, making the journey multifaceted.

How to Get Early-Game Axes (Bronze to Steel)

PvM progression chart OSRS Old School Runescape Guides

Starting your Ironman account means working with the basics. Fortunately, early-game axes are relatively accessible, even with Ironman restrictions. Here’s how to get your hands on bronze, iron, and steel axes to kickstart your Woodcutting grind.

Bronze Axe: Your Starting Point

Every Ironman begins with a bronze axe, handed to you during Tutorial Island. It’s the weakest axe, requiring no Woodcutting level to use, but it’s enough to chop regular trees and get you to level 15. Hold onto it until you can upgrade—there’s no need to hunt for another one.

Iron Axe: The First Upgrade

The iron axe, requiring level 1 Woodcutting, is a quick and easy upgrade. You can grab one from Bob’s Brilliant Axes in Lumbridge for just 20 coins. Early-game cash from thieving men or completing the Stronghold of Security (10,000 coins) makes this purchase a breeze. Alternatively, low-level monsters like barbarians occasionally drop iron axes, though this is less reliable.

Steel Axe: Wintertodt Ready

The steel axe (level 6 Woodcutting) is a key early-game target, especially if you’re planning to subdue Wintertodt. It’s available at Bob’s Brilliant Axes for 200 coins—affordable after a few thieving runs or selling logs. For free-to-play (F2P) Ironmen, this is your best axe until much higher Smithing levels, as it’s the highest tier sold by NPCs in F2P areas.

  • Bronze Axe: Free from Tutorial Island, no effort needed.
  • Iron Axe: 20 coins at Bob’s, or rare barbarian drops.
  • Steel Axe: 200 coins at Bob’s, perfect for early efficiency.

Upgrading to Mid-Tier Axes (Mithril and Adamant)

Moving into mid-tier axes requires more effort, as Ironmen must rely on drops, shops with requirements, or Smithing. Mithril and adamant axes bridge the gap between early grinding and late-game efficiency, making them worth the investment.

Mithril Axe: Quest and Guild Access

The mithril axe (level 21 Woodcutting) is essential for quests like Animal Magnetism. The easiest way to get one is by reaching level 60 Woodcutting and buying it from the Woodcutting Guild in Hosidius (requires 75% Hosidius favor). It costs 520 coins, a reasonable price after some Agility Pyramid runs. Without guild access, you can:

  • Safespot blue dragons in Taverley Dungeon (rare drop).
  • Kill tree spirits in the Enchanted Valley via fairy ring code BKQ (after partial completion of Fairy Tale II).
  • Smith it at level 51 Smithing using a mithril bar and hammer.

Adamant Axe: A Step Up

The adamant axe (level 31 Woodcutting) offers a noticeable boost. It’s also available at the Woodcutting Guild for 1,280 coins once you hit level 60 Woodcutting. Alternative methods include:

For Ironmen avoiding RNG drops, grinding to 60 Woodcutting for guild access is the most consistent path, doubling as a way to stockpile logs.

Axe Tier Woodcutting Level Best Method Cost/Effort
Mithril 21 Woodcutting Guild 520 coins, 60 WC
Adamant 31 Woodcutting Guild 1,280 coins, 60 WC

Obtaining the Rune Axe: Mid-Game Milestone

The rune axe (level 41 Woodcutting) is a major milestone for Ironmen, offering excellent efficiency for willow, yew, and magic trees. It’s the best axe for F2P Ironmen and a solid choice for members until the dragon axe. Here’s how to snag one.

Woodcutting Guild Purchase

At level 60 Woodcutting, the Woodcutting Guild sells rune axes for 32,000 coins. This is the safest, most reliable method for members, though it requires a decent cash stack. Early money-making like thieving fruit stalls in Hosidius or high-alching drops can fund this purchase.

Monster Drops

If you’re not at 60 Woodcutting or prefer combat, tree spirits in the Enchanted Valley (fairy ring BKQ) drop rune axes at a decent rate. Safespot them with ranged or magic to minimize risk. Alternatively, steel dragons in Brimhaven Dungeon drop rune axes (1/10 chance), but this requires antifire protection and higher combat stats.

Smithing for F2P Ironmen

For F2P Ironmen, smithing a rune axe at level 86 Smithing is the only option. Mine runite ore in the Wilderness (level 85 Mining), smelt it with 8 coal, and smith it on an anvil. This is a long grind, but it’s your ticket to the best F2P axe.

  • Guild: 32,000 coins, reliable but costly.
  • Tree Spirits: RNG-based, combat-focused.
  • Smithing: F2P-only, massive skill investment.

Chasing the Dragon Axe: Late-Game Glory

The dragon axe (level 61 Woodcutting) is the pinnacle of Woodcutting tools for Ironmen, boasting the highest chop speed and a special attack that boosts your level by 3 temporarily. It’s a rare prize, but the grind is worth it for late-game efficiency.

Dagannoth Kings: The Primary Source

The most consistent way to get a dragon axe is by killing Dagannoth Rex, one of the Dagannoth Kings in Waterbirth Island. Rex drops it at a 1/128 rate and can be safespotted with ranged or magic, making it accessible to mid-level Ironmen with some preparation. Requirements include:

Wintertodt: A Lucky Bonus

Subduing Wintertodt offers a very rare chance (1/10,000) to receive a dragon axe from supply crates. While not a practical farming method, it’s a potential reward if you’re already grinding Firemaking to 99. Higher Woodcutting levels improve crate loot, slightly boosting your odds.

Tips for Efficiency

Focus on Rex for the dragon axe, as Wintertodt’s drop rate is too low to rely on. Bring a pet rock and telegrab runes to solo Rex safely, avoiding the other kings. Expect a lengthy grind—many Ironmen spend hundreds of kills chasing this prize.

Final Thoughts: The dragon axe is a game-changer, but it’s a late-game goal. Stick with a rune axe until you’re ready to tackle Dagannoth Kings or get lucky at Wintertodt.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Upgrading your axe as an Ironman in OSRS is a journey of patience and strategy. From the humble bronze axe to the elite dragon axe, each tier brings you closer to mastering Woodcutting and supporting your broader goals. Start with easy purchases like the steel axe, grind to 60 Woodcutting for guild access to mithril, adamant, and rune axes, and aim for Dagannoth Rex for the dragon axe endgame. Along the way, tie your axe hunt into quests, Slayer, and money-making to maximize efficiency. Ready to chop your way to success? Get out there and start swinging!