Top Money-Making Methods in OSRS for Low-Level Players

Top Money-Making Methods in OSRS for Low-Level Players


Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a game where gold (GP) is king, and for low-level players, finding effective ways to make money can feel daunting. Whether you’re a fresh account or just starting out, building a solid GP stack early on sets the foundation for better gear, skills, and adventures. This guide dives into the best money-making methods tailored for low-level players in OSRS, ensuring you can start earning without needing high stats or massive time investments. Let’s explore practical, beginner-friendly strategies to fill your coin pouch!

For new or low-level players, money-making isn’t just about wealth—it’s about survival and progression. With limited combat stats, skills, and access to high-tier content, you need methods that match your capabilities. Earning GP early lets you afford basic gear, teleports, and training resources, making your RuneScape journey smoother. Plus, these methods often double as skill-training opportunities, giving you a two-for-one deal.

Benefits of Starting Early

Starting with low-level money-making offers several perks:

  • Quick Cash Flow: Fund your first set of armor or tools.
  • Skill Progression: Many methods level up skills like Fishing or Woodcutting.
  • Low Risk: Minimal chance of losing gear or GP to PvM or PKers.

Challenges for Low-Level Players

Low stats mean you’re locked out of high-profit activities like bossing or advanced skilling. Competition at popular spots and slow GP-per-hour rates can also test your patience. But with the right approach, you can overcome these hurdles and build a fortune step-by-step.

Best Skilling Methods for Low-Level Money-Making

Skilling is a reliable way to earn GP at low levels, especially since it requires little to no combat prowess. Here are some top picks that work with minimal requirements.

Fishing Raw Lobsters

Fishing is a classic money-maker, and raw lobsters are a sweet spot for low-level players. You’ll need level 40 Fishing and a lobster pot, which you can buy from a fishing shop like the one in Port Sarim.

  • Location: Musa Point (Karamja) or Catherby (with membership).
  • Profit: Around 30-50k GP/hour.
  • Tip: Bank your catch in Draynor or use the deposit box on Karamja.

This method also trains your Fishing skill, paving the way for higher-tier fish like monkfish later on.

Woodcutting Yew Logs

Woodcutting yew trees is another solid option once you hit level 60 Woodcutting. It’s slow but steady, and yew logs sell well due to their use in Fletching.

  • Location: South of Falador, Edgeville, or Varrock.
  • Profit: 20-40k GP/hour.
  • Tip: Use a steel or mithril axe for faster chopping.

Pair this with firemaking training by burning logs on-site to save inventory space.

Mining Iron Ore

Mining iron ore at level 15 Mining is a low-barrier method that pays off decently. Iron ore is in demand for Smithing training.

  • Location: Varrock Southeast Mine or Al Kharid Mine.
  • Profit: 25-40k GP/hour.
  • Tip: Drop ore if banking feels too slow, or bank in Varrock.

Combat-Based Money-Making for Low Levels

If you prefer swinging a sword over skilling, combat offers some beginner-friendly money-makers. These methods work with low combat stats (around 20-40) and basic gear.

Killing Cows for Cowhides

Cows are a low-level goldmine. Their hides sell for 100-200 GP each, and they drop raw beef and bones as a bonus.

  • Location: Lumbridge cow field or Crafting Guild (F2P).
  • Profit: 20-35k GP/hour.
  • Tip: Tan hides into leather at Al Kharid for extra profit (requires 1-2 GP per hide).

This also trains your combat stats, making it a win-win.

Looting Chaos Druids

Chaos Druids (level 13) in the Taverley Dungeon drop valuable herbs like ranarr and avantoe. You’ll need around 20-30 combat stats to handle them safely.

  • Location: Taverley Dungeon (bring a dusty key or 70 Agility).
  • Profit: 50-80k GP/hour.
  • Tip: Bring food and a teleport for safety.

Herbs stack, so you can stay longer without banking.

Collecting and Flipping Items

Not into skilling or combat? Collecting items or playing the Grand Exchange (GE) can still net you GP with minimal effort.

Collecting Red Spider Eggs

Red spider eggs respawn in the Varrock Sewers and Edgeville Dungeon, selling for 400-500 GP each. No combat or skill levels are required—just a willingness to run around.

  • Location: Varrock Sewers (bring a knife for webs).
  • Profit: 30-50k GP/hour.
  • Tip: Watch out for low-level spiders if your combat is weak.

Flipping Low-Value Items on the GE

Flipping involves buying items cheap and selling them higher on the Grand Exchange. Start with small investments (e.g., 10-50k GP) and low-risk items like feathers or runes.

  • Requirements: Basic market knowledge and some starting GP.
  • Profit: Varies; 10-100k GP/hour with practice.
  • Tip: Check price trends using the GE interface or tools like GE Tracker.

This method scales with experience, so start small and learn the ropes.

Combining Methods for Maximum Profit

Why stick to one method when you can mix and match? Combining skilling, combat, and collecting can boost your hourly GP while keeping things interesting.

Skilling + Combat Combo

Fish lobsters on Karamja, then kill nearby lesser demons for their rune medium helmet drops (worth 20-30k GP each). You’ll need 40 Fishing and 30-40 combat stats.

  • Profit: 50-70k GP/hour combined.
  • Tip: Bank lobsters via the deposit box and sell helmets at the GE.

Collecting + Flipping

Gather red spider eggs, sell them, and use the profits to flip items like bronze arrows or chaos runes. This requires no stats—just time and a bit of GE savvy.

  • Profit: 40-80k GP/hour total.
  • Tip: Reinvest earnings to scale up your flipping budget.

Low-Level Money-Making Table

Here’s a quick comparison of the methods covered:

Method Requirements Profit (GP/hour) Skill/Combat Trained
Fishing Raw Lobsters 40 Fishing 30-50k Fishing
Woodcutting Yew Logs 60 Woodcutting 20-40k Woodcutting
Mining Iron Ore 15 Mining 25-40k Mining
Killing Cows 10-20 Combat 20-35k Combat
Chaos Druids 20-30 Combat 50-80k Combat
Red Spider Eggs None 30-50k None
GE Flipping Starting GP 10-100k None

Note: Profits vary based on market prices and your efficiency.

Starting your OSRS money-making journey as a low-level player doesn’t have to be overwhelming. From fishing lobsters to slaying cows or flipping items, these methods offer accessible ways to earn GP while building your account. Pick one that suits your playstyle, combine a few for variety, and watch your coin stack grow. With persistence, you’ll soon have enough to tackle bigger challenges in Gielinor. Happy scaping!