Your cart is empty
OSRS Thieving Guide: How to Reach Level 99 Fast in 2025

Welcome to the ultimate guide for achieving level 99 Thieving in Old School RuneScape (OSRS)! Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, this comprehensive walkthrough will help you master the Thieving skill efficiently. Thieving is a members-only skill that lets you pickpocket NPCs, steal from stalls, and unlock exclusive content while raking in gold. With the right methods, you can hit 99 fast and profit along the way. Let’s dive into the best strategies, quests, and tips to make your journey to 99 Thieving a breeze in 2025!
Thieving isn’t just about snagging loot—it’s a gateway to some of OSRS’s most exciting content. High Thieving levels unlock profitable skilling methods, essential quest requirements, and even Achievement Diary perks. Plus, it’s one of the most engaging skills, blending click-intensive challenges with AFK-friendly options.
Key Benefits of Leveling Thieving
- Quest Access: Quests like Desert Treasure (level 53), Monkey Madness II (level 70), and Dragon Slayer II (level 70) require Thieving.
- Money-Making: Pickpocketing elves or vyres can net you millions of GP per hour at high levels.
- Achievement Diaries: Level 91 is needed for the Achievement Diary Cape, with boosts like the Ardougne Diary improving success rates.
- Unique Unlocks: Access hidden areas, disarm traps, and steal rare items.
Is Thieving Worth It?
Absolutely! Beyond the practical rewards, Thieving offers a satisfying grind with diverse training methods. Whether you’re chasing XP or gold, this skill delivers.
Fastest Path to 99 Thieving
If speed is your goal, this section outlines the most efficient training methods from level 1 to 99. These steps assume optimal gear and focus, but don’t worry—we’ll cover alternatives later!
Levels 1–5: Pickpocketing Men and Women
Start by pickpocketing men or women in cities like Lumbridge or Varrock. Each success gives 8 XP, and you’ll need 49 pickpockets to reach level 5. It’s quick—about 10 minutes—and requires no setup.
- Tip: Use the RuneLite Menu Entry Swapper plugin to set “Pickpocket” as your left-click option.
Levels 5–25: Bakery Stalls in Ardougne
Head to East Ardougne’s market and steal from the bakery stall. Stand under the baker to avoid guards, netting around 19k XP/hour. You’ll hit level 25 in about 30 minutes, and the cakes you steal are handy for later training.
Levels 25–45: Fruit Stalls in Hosidius
At 25 Thieving and 15% Hosidius favor, steal from the fruit stalls in Great Kourend. Trap the guard dogs by luring them between the stall and a post for a 100% success rate. Expect 30k XP/hour, taking you to 45 in a couple of hours.
Levels 45–91: Blackjacking Bandits
Unlock blackjacking after starting The Feud quest (15k XP reward bumps you to 37). In Pollnivneach, knock out and pickpocket bandits for insane XP rates: 140k/hour at 55 (non-bearded bandits) and up to 250k/hour at 65 (Menaphite thugs). This takes about 25–30 hours to reach 91.
- Gear: Blackjack, dodgy necklaces, food (e.g., jugs of wine).
- Tip: Practice the knock-out/pickpocket rhythm to maximize efficiency.
Levels 91–99: Pyramid Plunder
From 91, Pyramid Plunder in Sophanem offers the fastest XP in the game—up to 270k/hour at 99. Start Icthlarin’s Little Helper for access, or use a Pharaoh’s Sceptre. Loot urns and chests in the final rooms, avoiding snakes with antipoison. It takes around 35–40 hours from 91 to 99.
- Gear: Stamina potions, antipoison, lockpick.
- Bonus: Chance at the rare Pharaoh’s Sceptre drop!
Alternative Training Methods
Not everyone loves blackjacking’s intensity or Pyramid Plunder’s RNG. Here are some chill or profitable alternatives to mix up your grind.
Levels 38–55: Ardougne Knights
Pickpocket Knights of Ardougne for a relaxed 50k–80k XP/hour. Lure one into a house, close the door, and spam-click with dodgy necklaces and the Ardougne Hard Diary bonus (10% success boost). It’s semi-AFK and profitable with coin pouches.
Levels 49–65: Stealing Artefacts
In Port Piscarilius (75% favor required), steal artefacts for Captain Khaled. With a lockpick and stamina potions, you’ll get 130k–150k XP/hour. It’s less click-intensive and pairs well with skilling like alching or fletching.
Levels 82–99: Pickpocketing Vyres
After Sins of the Father, pickpocket vyres in Darkmeyer for 120k–180k XP/hour and over 3M GP/hour. Use rogue equipment, dodgy necklaces, and Redemption prayer to stay efficient. It’s slower but a goldmine.
Essential Thieving Gear and Boosts
The right equipment can turbocharge your XP rates and success chances. Here’s what to grab:
Must-Have Items
Item | Effect | How to Get |
---|---|---|
Rogue Equipment | Doubles pickpocket loot | Rogues’ Den minigame (50 Thieving/Agility) |
Dodgy Necklace | 25% chance to avoid stun on failure | Grand Exchange |
Gloves of Silence | +5% pickpocket success (Hunter 54) | Grand Exchange or crafting |
Ardougne Cloak | 10% pickpocket boost (Medium/Hard Diary) | Ardougne Diary rewards |
Useful Spells and Potions
- Shadow Veil: 15% chance to avoid stun (Arceuus Spellbook, 47 Magic).
- Stamina Potions: Keep run energy up for mobile methods.
- Antipoison: Essential for Pyramid Plunder.
Thieving Quests for Early XP
Quests can skip the early grind and boost your levels fast. Here are the best ones for Thieving XP:
Top Quests to Complete
- Biohazard: 1,250 XP (level 1 to 13).
- Hazeel Cult: 1,500 XP (level 13 to 18).
- Fight Arena: 2,175 XP (level 18 to 22).
- The Feud: 15,000 XP (level 30 to 37).
- Total: Over 29k XP, jumping you to 37+!
Questing Tips
Knock these out early—they’re low-requirement and save hours of pickpocketing. Check the OSRS Wiki for full guides if needed.
Tips and Tricks for Success
Maximize your Thieving grind with these pro tips:
Optimizing Your Training
- Use RuneLite: Plugins like Menu Entry Swapper and Inventory Viewer streamline your clicks.
- Bank Strategically: Drop low-value loot (e.g., fruit) to save trips.
- Stay Stocked: Carry food (cakes, pies) and stamina potions for long sessions.
- Diary Boosts: Complete Ardougne Medium/Hard Diaries ASAP for that sweet 10% success bonus.
Avoiding Burnout
Mix methods to keep it fresh—alternate blackjacking with Pyramid Plunder or throw in some vyre pickpocketing for profit. Take breaks if the grind gets real!
Final Word: Hitting 99 Thieving in OSRS is a rewarding journey, blending speed, strategy, and loot. Stick to the fastest path if you’re XP-hungry, or explore alternatives for a more relaxed pace. With this guide, you’re set to become a master thief by 2025. Happy stealing!