OSRS Low Level Money Making for Ironman: Best Methods for 2025

Playing Old School RuneScape (OSRS) as an Ironman is a unique challenge, especially when it comes to making money at low levels. Unlike regular accounts, Ironmen can’t rely on the Grand Exchange or trading with other players, forcing you to get creative with your gold-making strategies. If you’re just starting out and need some cash to fund early-game goals—like gear upgrades, kingdom management, or construction training—this guide is for you. Below, we’ll explore the best low-level money-making methods for Ironman accounts in 2025, designed to be accessible, efficient, and rewarding. Let’s dive into these beginner-friendly OSRS Ironman money-making tips!
For Ironmen, gold isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. You’ll need it to buy planks for Construction, fund your Kingdom of Miscellania, or purchase essential supplies like runes or arrows from shops. At low levels, your options are limited, but with the right methods, you can build a solid cash stack early on. These strategies focus on minimal requirements, low risk, and decent profits, making them perfect for new Ironman accounts looking to get ahead in Gielinor.
The Ironman Challenge: No Trading, No GE
Ironman mode restricts you from trading with others or using the Grand Exchange, meaning every coin must come from your own efforts. This self-sufficient playstyle is what makes money-making so rewarding—and tricky—at low levels. You’ll need to rely on skilling, collecting, or combat drops that can be sold to shops or alched later.
Goals for Early Cash
At the start, aim to gather around 500k-1M GP. This gives you a buffer for early expenses like a rune scimitar, basic armor, or Miscellania investments. The methods below will help you reach that goal without needing high stats or rare gear.
Top Low-Level Money Making Methods for Ironman
Here are five proven methods to make money as a low-level Ironman in OSRS. Each one is tailored for early-game players, with low skill requirements and accessible locations. Let’s break them down.
Method 1: Agility Pyramid (30 Agility)
The Agility Pyramid is one of the best early-game money makers for Ironmen. Located southwest of Nardah (reachable via magic carpet), it’s a simple obstacle course where you climb to the top and collect a pyramid top worth 10,000 GP. You can sell it to Simon Templeton near the pyramid for instant cash.
- Requirements: 30 Agility (higher levels reduce fails)
- Profit: 100k-200k GP/hour
- Bonus: Trains Agility (up to 34k XP/hour)
- Tips: Bring waterskins and desert robes to handle the heat. At 60 Agility, failing becomes rare, boosting efficiency.
This method is low-risk, consistent, and doubles as a great way to train Agility, which helps with shortcuts and run energy later.
Method 2: HAM Store Rooms (20 Thieving)
The HAM (Humans Against Monsters) store rooms in Lumbridge offer a thieving-based money-making option. After partially completing the “Death to the Dorgeshuun” quest, you can pickpocket HAM guards for keys, then unlock chests for loot like jewelry and coins.
- Requirements: 20 Thieving (50+ recommended for Rogue’s Outfit)
- Profit: 50k-100k GP/hour
- Bonus: Trains Thieving and provides alchable jewelry
- Tips: Bank the loot and sell noted jewelry at Port Sarim’s shop for near High Alchemy value. At 50 Thieving with Rogue’s Outfit, you double key drops.
It’s a safe, repeatable method that scales with your Thieving level, making it ideal for early cash and skill training.
Method 3: Collecting Steel Platebodies in the Wilderness
For the brave, the Wilderness offers a steel platebody spawn in the Lava Maze (Level 40-45 Wilderness). Each platebody alchs for 1,200 GP or sells to Horvik’s Armour Shop in Varrock for slightly less. It’s a bit risky due to PKers, but the profit is worth it.
- Requirements: None (decent Hitpoints or 43 Prayer recommended)
- Profit: 50k-80k GP/hour
- Bonus: Minimal skill requirements
- Tips: Bring a knife to cut webs, and hop worlds to grab more spawns. Avoid peak PK times and bank often.
This is a high-reward option for low-level Ironmen willing to take a small gamble. Hardcore Ironmen might skip this one, though!
Method 4: Crafting Gold Jewelry (20 Crafting)
Mining gold ore and crafting it into jewelry is a reliable, low-competition method. Mine at Al Kharid, smelt at the nearby furnace, and craft rings or necklaces to alch or sell at the Port Sarim jewelry shop.
- Requirements: 20 Crafting, 15 Mining
- Profit: 60k-90k GP/hour
- Bonus: Trains Mining and Crafting
- Tips: Focus on gold rings (alch for 210 GP each) and use a staff of fire to save runes if alching.
This method is safe, AFK-friendly, and builds skills you’ll need later. It’s a staple for Ironmen looking to multitask.
Method 5: Twisted Banshees (15 Slayer)
Twisted Banshees in the Catacombs of Kourend are a combat-based option with solid drops. They’re easy to safe-spot and drop alchables, pure essence, and herbs. You’ll need earmuffs from a Slayer master to fight them.
- Requirements: 15 Slayer, 20 Combat
- Profit: 50k-80k GP/hour
- Bonus: Trains Slayer and provides essence/herbs
- Tips: Use a safe spot with Ranged or Magic. Sell drops to shops or save for High Alchemy at 55 Magic.
It’s a great way to dip into Slayer while earning cash and gathering resources for future training.
Comparing the Methods: Which Is Best for You?
Each method suits different playstyles and goals. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
Method | Profit (GP/hr) | Requirements | Risk | Skill Training |
---|---|---|---|---|
Agility Pyramid | 100k-200k | 30 Agility | Low | Agility |
HAM Store Rooms | 50k-100k | 20 Thieving | Low | Thieving |
Steel Platebodies | 50k-80k | None | Medium | None |
Gold Jewelry | 60k-90k | 20 Crafting, 15 Mining | Low | Mining, Crafting |
Twisted Banshees | 50k-80k | 15 Slayer, 20 Combat | Low | Slayer, Combat |
Best for Profit: Agility Pyramid stands out with up to 200k GP/hour.
Best for Safety: HAM Store Rooms and Gold Jewelry are risk-free.
Best for Combat Lovers: Twisted Banshees offer a mix of cash and combat XP.
Tips to Maximize Your Earnings
To get the most out of these methods, follow these Ironman-specific tips:
Prioritize High Alchemy
Unlock High Alchemy (55 Magic) as soon as possible. It turns loot like steel platebodies or gold rings into more GP than shop sales, saving you trips and boosting profits.
Use Shops Wisely
Sell items to specialty shops (e.g., Port Sarim for jewelry, Varrock for armor) for better prices than general stores. Noted items can be sold in bulk, so bank efficiently.
Combine Training and Money Making
Methods like Agility Pyramid and Twisted Banshees let you train skills while earning cash. This dual-purpose approach is key for Ironmen who need to progress efficiently.
Avoid Over-Risking
For Hardcore Ironmen, stick to safe methods like HAM Store Rooms or Gold Jewelry. Wilderness runs are tempting but can end your journey in one unlucky encounter.
Next Steps After Low-Level Money Making
Once you’ve built a small cash stack (1M+ GP), consider transitioning to mid-game methods to scale your earnings:
Unlocking Mid-Game Potential
Train Thieving to 55 for Ardougne Knights (up to 300k GP/hour with Rogue’s Outfit) or Slayer to 70 for Kurasks (alchables and rare drops). These require more effort but offer bigger rewards.
Investing Your Gold
Put your earnings into Kingdom of Miscellania after completing “Throne of Miscellania.” With 10 workers on hardwood or herbs, you’ll gather resources passively, saving time and boosting future profits.
Starting as a low-level Ironman in OSRS doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With methods like the Agility Pyramid, HAM Store Rooms, and Twisted Banshees, you can steadily build your wealth while training essential skills. Pick the method that fits your stats and playstyle, and soon you’ll have the gold to tackle bigger challenges in Gielinor. Happy ‘scaping, Ironmen!