OSRS F2P Ironman Money Making Guide: Best Methods for 2025
For Ironman players in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) Free-to-Play (F2P), making money is a unique challenge. Without access to the Grand Exchange or trading with other players, you’re limited to self-sufficient methods to earn gold. Whether you’re a new Ironman looking to fund early gear or a seasoned player saving for a bond, this guide covers the best F2P Ironman money-making methods in 2025. These strategies are practical, efficient, and tailored to the restrictions of Ironman mode, ensuring you can thrive in Gielinor without spending real money. Let’s dive into the top ways to stack coins as an F2P Ironman!
Unlike regular accounts, Ironmen can’t rely on flipping items or trading for quick cash. Gold is essential for buying supplies like runes, arrows, and early-game equipment from shops, as well as funding skills like Construction if you ever go P2P with a bond. In F2P, your options are limited to what you can gather, craft, or kill, making efficient money-making a core part of progression. The methods below focus on accessibility, profitability, and low competition, perfect for Ironmen at any stage.
Early-Game Gold Needs
As a fresh Ironman, you’ll need coins for basic gear like a steel axe (200 gp) or mithril armor from shops. Early gold also helps stockpile feathers or runes for training.
Long-Term Goals: Bonds and Beyond
Saving for a bond (roughly 5-6M gp in 2025) is a big motivator. While it takes dedication in F2P, the methods here can get you there with consistent effort.
Top Low-Level Money Making Methods
Starting out as an F2P Ironman can feel slow, but these beginner-friendly methods will get your coin pouch growing. They require minimal skills and gear, making them ideal for new accounts fresh off Tutorial Island.
Collecting Cowhides in Lumbridge
Killing cows in Lumbridge is a classic F2P money maker that shines for Ironmen. Each cow drops a cowhide, which sells for around 100-150 gp at the general store.
- Location: Lumbridge cow field, east of the river.
- Requirements: None (basic weapon recommended).
- Profit: 10k-15k gp/hour.
- Tip: Bank hides until you have a full inventory, then sell in bulk at the Lumbridge general store.
This method doubles as early combat training, and the beef drops can be cooked for food.
Mining and Selling Iron Ore
Mining iron ore is a reliable way to earn gold while leveling a key skill. Iron ore sells for 50-70 gp each at the Falador general store.
- Location: Al Kharid mine or Varrock southeast mine.
- Requirements: Level 15 Mining, pickaxe.
- Profit: 8k-12k gp/hour.
- Tip: Upgrade to a steel pickaxe (200 gp) for faster mining.
It’s low-effort and pairs well with early Smithing training if you smelt bars later.
Fishing and Selling Raw Lobsters
Fishing lobsters in Musa Point offers steady gold and Fishing XP. Raw lobsters fetch 70-100 gp each at the general store.
- Location: Musa Point (Karamja), use the stile from Draynor.
- Requirements: Level 40 Fishing, lobster pot.
- Profit: 10k-15k gp/hour.
- Tip: Cook some for food, sell the rest raw for max profit.
Bring 30 gp for the boat to Karamja, and bank via world-hopping if needed.
Mid-Level Money Making Strategies
Once you’ve got some levels under your belt (20-40 in combat or skills), these methods ramp up your earnings. They’re still accessible in F2P and perfect for Ironmen looking to scale their profits.
Killing Hill Giants for Big Bones
Hill Giants in the Edgeville Dungeon drop big bones (150-200 gp each) and occasional limpwurt roots (300-400 gp). This is a solid combat-based earner.
- Location: Edgeville Dungeon (use a brass key for quick access).
- Requirements: 20-30 Combat, decent gear (mithril recommended).
- Profit: 15k-20k gp/hour.
- Tip: Train Prayer with the bones if you don’t need cash immediately.
The dungeon can get crowded, so hop worlds for less competition.
Smiting Steel Platebodies
Smithing steel platebodies is a profitable way to turn bars into gold. Each platebody sells for 800-1000 gp at the Varrock armor shop.
- Location: Varrock anvil, near the west bank.
- Requirements: Level 48 Smithing, 5 steel bars per platebody.
- Profit: 20k-25k gp/hour (assuming you mine/smelt bars).
- Tip: Mine coal and iron yourself to cut costs.
This method scales with your Smithing level and resource-gathering efficiency.
High-Level Money Making Methods
For Ironmen with 50+ levels in combat or skills, these methods offer the highest F2P profits. They require more investment but reward dedication with serious gold.
Killing Ogress Warriors in Corsair Cove
Ogress Warriors drop valuable runes, mithril gear, and coins, making them a top-tier F2P Ironman money maker.
- Location: Corsair Cove Dungeon (south of Feldip Hills).
- Requirements: 50+ Combat, RuneScape gear (rune recommended).
- Profit: 30k-40k gp/hour.
- Tip: Bring food (lobsters or swordfish) and bank via Corsair Cove Resource Area.
Stack runes for Magic training or sell excess to shops like Aubury in Varrock.
High Alching Fletched Bows
Fletching yew longbows and high alching them is a standout method once you unlock High Alchemy. Each yew longbow alchs for 768 gp.
- Location: Anywhere with yew trees (e.g., Varrock Palace).
- Requirements: 55 Magic, 40 Fletching, nature runes, bowstrings.
- Profit: 25k-35k gp/hour (net after rune costs).
- Tip: Chop yew logs yourself to maximize profit.
Craft nature runes at the Air Altar (level 44 Runecrafting) to keep costs low.
Comparing F2P Ironman Money Makers
To help you choose the best method, here’s a quick comparison of profitability, requirements, and effort.
| Method | Profit/Hour | Level Requirements | Effort Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cowhides | 10k-15k gp | None | Low |
| Iron Ore | 8k-12k gp | 15 Mining | Low |
| Lobsters | 10k-15k gp | 40 Fishing | Medium |
| Hill Giants | 15k-20k gp | 20-30 Combat | Medium |
| Steel Platebodies | 20k-25k gp | 48 Smithing | Medium |
| Ogress Warriors | 30k-40k gp | 50+ Combat | High |
| Yew Longbows (High Alch) | 25k-35k gp | 55 Magic, 40 Fletching | Medium |
Choosing the Right Method for You
Low-level players should start with cowhides or iron ore for simplicity. Mid-tier Ironmen can transition to Hill Giants or steel platebodies for better returns. High-level players should focus on Ogress Warriors or high alching for maximum gp/hour.
Tips to Maximize Earnings as an F2P Ironman
Success as an F2P Ironman isn’t just about picking a method—it’s about optimizing your approach. Here are some pro tips to boost your gold gains.
Stack Resources Efficiently
Bank items like hides, ore, or bones until you can sell in bulk. This saves trips and maximizes profit per run.
Train Skills Synergistically
Pair money makers with skill training—e.g., mine iron for Smithing, fish lobsters for Cooking, or kill Hill Giants for Prayer.
Use General Stores Strategically
Sell to specialty shops (e.g., Varrock armor shop for platebodies) when possible—they often pay more than general stores.
Plan for a Bond
At 30k gp/hour, a 6M gp bond takes 200 hours. Mix high-profit methods like Ogress Warriors with AFK options like fishing to stay motivated.
With these methods and tips, you’re set to build a solid gold stack as an F2P Ironman in OSRS. Start small, scale up, and enjoy the self-sufficient grind—Gielinor awaits!