OSRS New Account Grand Exchange Guide: Mastering the Market from Scratch
Starting a new account in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is an exciting journey, and one of the most powerful tools at your disposal is the Grand Exchange (GE). Whether you’re a fresh adventurer stepping off Tutorial Island or a returning player dusting off your skills, the Grand Exchange offers a gateway to wealth, gear, and progression. This guide dives deep into how new OSRS accounts can leverage the GE effectively, even with restrictions, to kickstart their Gielinor adventure. Let’s explore how to navigate this bustling marketplace and turn your humble beginnings into a thriving empire.
The Grand Exchange, located northwest of Varrock, is the central trading hub in OSRS where players buy and sell nearly every tradeable item. For new accounts, it’s a game-changer—allowing you to acquire essential gear, supplies, and resources without grinding endlessly. However, as a new player, you’ll face some limitations that shape how you interact with this system. Let’s break it down.
What is the Grand Exchange?
Introduced on February 26, 2015, after a community poll, the GE revolutionized trading in OSRS. It replaced older methods like the Trading Post and manual marketplaces in Varrock and Falador. Members get eight trade slots, while free-to-play (F2P) players are limited to three, making strategic planning crucial for newcomers.
New Account Trade Restrictions
New F2P accounts come with trade restrictions to combat bots and black-market goods. You can’t sell certain items on the GE until you meet one of these milestones:
- 20 hours of logged-in game time
- 10 quest points
- 100 total skill level
These hurdles might seem daunting, but they’re manageable with the right approach. Completing beginner quests like Cook’s Assistant, Sheep Shearer, and can quickly net you 10 quest points, unlocking full GE access in just a couple of hours.
Getting Started with the Grand Exchange as a New Player
Once you’ve cleared the initial restrictions—or if you’re just buying items—the GE becomes your best friend. Here’s how to hit the ground running and make the most of it from day one.
First Steps After Tutorial Island
After finishing Tutorial Island, you’ll spawn in Lumbridge with a small starter kit. Your immediate goal is to gather some gold (GP) to fund GE purchases. Kill cows in the Lumbridge pasture for cowhides, which sell for around 100-150 GP each. A quick trip to the GE (via Varrock Teleport or walking) lets you turn those hides into cash.
What to Buy First
With your initial GP, prioritize these early-game essentials:
| Item | Approx. Price (GP) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Iron Scimitar | 100-200 | Melee combat training |
| Leather Armor Set | 50-100 | Basic defense |
| Fly Fishing Rod + Feathers | 10 + 5 each | Fishing for food or profit |
These items boost your combat and skilling efficiency, setting a solid foundation for further gains.
Making Money with the Grand Exchange on a New Account
The GE isn’t just for spending—it’s a goldmine for earning GP, even as a beginner. Here’s how to turn raw materials and basic items into profit.
Low-Level Gathering and Selling
Focus on gathering resources that sell well on the GE. Here are some beginner-friendly options:
- Cowhides: Kill cows, sell for 100-150 GP each.
- Feathers: Kill chickens, sell for 2-5 GP each (high demand for fishing).
- Logs: Chop trees, sell regular logs for 50-100 GP each.
These methods require minimal skill levels and gear, making them perfect for new accounts.
Flipping Basics for Beginners
Flipping—buying low and selling high—is a classic GE money-making method. As a new player, start with low-risk, high-volume items like:
- Arrows (e.g., Bronze Arrows)
- Runes (e.g., Air Runes)
- Ores (e.g., Copper Ore)
Check the market price, buy slightly below it, and sell slightly above. With only 1,000 GP, you can flip 500 Bronze Arrows (2 GP each) and make a small profit. Scale up as your bank grows.
Overcoming New Account Limitations
The GE’s restrictions can feel like roadblocks, but they’re surmountable with smart strategies. Here’s how to work around them and thrive.
Fast-Tracking Quest Points
To bypass the 20-hour playtime restriction, focus on quests. Here’s a quick plan:
- Cook’s Assistant: 1 QP, 15 minutes
- Sheep Shearer: 1 QP, 20 minutes
- : 5 QP, 30-40 minutes
- Goblin Diplomacy: 5 QP, 20-30 minutes
Total: 12 QP in under 2 hours. You’ll unlock full GE selling privileges and gain some XP along the way.
Using Membership to Your Advantage
If you grab a membership (via a bond or real money), you’ll jump from three to eight GE slots. This lets you diversify your trades—buying gear, selling resources, and flipping items simultaneously. Early member activities like mining coal or cutting oak logs can fetch higher profits on the GE.
Advanced Tips for New Players on the Grand Exchange
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, it’s time to level up your GE game. These tips will help you maximize efficiency and profits as your account grows.
Timing Your Trades
The GE market fluctuates based on player activity. Sell high-demand items like feathers or food (e.g., cooked trout) during peak hours (evenings or weekends) for better prices. Buy crafting materials like leather during off-hours when prices dip.
Investing in Bonds
Bonds, which grant 14 days of membership, are tradeable on the GE. At around 7-8M GP (as of April 2025), they’re a long-term goal for F2P players. Save up by selling bulk resources, then use a bond to access members-only content and accelerate your progress.
Leveraging Item Sets
For members, compress armor into item sets (e.g., full Mithril armor) via the GE clerk’s “Sets” option. This frees up slots, letting you trade more items at once. Right-click the clerk, select “Sets,” and exchange components for a single tradeable set.
Mastering the Grand Exchange as a new OSRS account holder is about starting small, learning the market, and scaling up. From gathering cowhides to flipping runes, every GP counts. With patience and strategy, you’ll turn your fledgling account into a market-savvy powerhouse. So, grab your starter gear, head to Varrock, and dive into the bustling world of the GE—your fortune awaits!