OSRS Herblore 99 Guide: Fastest and Cheapest Methods to Max Your Skill

OSRS Herblore 99 Guide: Fastest and Cheapest Methods to Max Your Skill


Welcome to the ultimate OSRS Herblore 99 guide! Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer to Old School RuneScape, reaching level 99 in Herblore is a prestigious milestone that unlocks powerful potions and boosts your gameplay. Herblore is a members-only skill that involves crafting potions from herbs and secondary ingredients, making it essential for PvM, raids, and quests. In this guide, we’ll explore the fastest, cheapest, and most efficient methods to hit 99, tailored for both regular accounts and Ironmen. Let’s dive in and brew our way to mastery!

Herblore might seem like a grind, but it’s a game-changer in OSRS. High-level potions like Super Combats, Saradomin Brews, and Overloads can turn the tide in tough boss fights or PvP encounters. Plus, a 99 Herblore cape isn’t just a flex—it’s a practical tool for endgame content. Here’s why you should prioritize this skill:

For Ironmen, Herblore is even more critical since you can’t trade for potions, making self-sufficiency a must. Ready to start? Let’s unlock the skill first.

Getting Started: Unlocking Herblore

To begin training Herblore, you’ll need to complete the Druidic Ritual quest. This short quest, located in Taverley, has no requirements and rewards 250 XP, boosting you to level 3 instantly. Speak to Kaqemeex at the stone circle north of Taverley, then follow Sanfew’s instructions to gather four enchanted meats for the Cauldron of Thunder. It’s a quick 10-minute task that opens the door to potion-making.

Fastest Pathway to 99 Herblore

If speed is your goal, this section outlines the most efficient route to 99 Herblore. This method assumes you’re buying supplies from the Grand Exchange (GE) and using a bank for quick access. Note that prices fluctuate, so check a GP/XP calculator before diving in. Here’s the breakdown:

Levels 3-26: Questing and Attack Potions

Start by knocking out some early quests to skip the tedious low levels:

From level 13, craft Attack Potions using Guam Leaf (unf) and Eyes of Newt. You’ll need about 309 potions to reach level 26, netting 25 XP each. With a Portable Well (10% XP boost), this takes roughly 8 minutes and can even turn a small profit.

Levels 26-38: Energy Potions

Next, make Energy Potions with Harralander (unf) and Chocolate Dust. Craft 292 potions for 67.5 XP each, reaching level 38 in about 10 minutes. This step might cost 50-60K GP, but it’s quick and keeps the momentum going.

Levels 38-63: Prayer Potions

From level 38, switch to Prayer Potions using Ranarr (unf) and Snape Grass. You’ll need 1,616 potions at 87.5 XP each, costing around 10-15M GP depending on GE prices. This takes about 40 minutes and is a staple for mid-level training.

Levels 63-99: Super Restores and Beyond

At level 63, craft Super Restores with Snapdragon (unf) and Red Spiders’ Eggs. Make 2,102 potions (112.5 XP each) to hit level 69, then transition to high-level potions like Saradomin Brews (level 81, 180 XP each) or Super Combat Potions (level 90, 150 XP each). For the fastest route, expect to make around 50,000-60,000 potions total, costing 150-200M GP and taking 35-40 hours.

Level Range Potion XP Each Quantity Approx. Cost
3-26 Attack Potion 25 309 Profit
26-38 Energy Potion 67.5 292 50-60K GP
38-63 Prayer Potion 87.5 1,616 10-15M GP
63-99 Super Restore 112.5 2,102 20-25M GP

Cheapest Pathway to 99 Herblore

Not everyone has hundreds of millions of GP to burn. If you’re on a budget, this pathway focuses on cost-effective methods, often breaking even or profiting slightly. It’s slower but kinder to your bank.

Levels 3-38: Cleaning Herbs

Clean Grimy Herbs like Guam, Marrentill, and Tarromin. This is click-intensive but profitable, with XP rates of 2.5-5 per herb. Clean 3,000-5,000 herbs to hit level 38, earning up to 150K XP/hour if you’re fast.

Levels 38-60: Prayer Potions or Guthix Rest

Stick with Prayer Potions for a small loss or try Guthix Rest (level 18, 59 XP each) for profit. Guthix Rest requires 2 Guam, 1 Marrentill, and 1 Harralander per tea, yielding 800/hour with focus. It’s intensive but can net 500K-1M GP profit per hour.

Levels 60-99: Mastering Mixology

At level 60, unlock Mastering Mixology in Varlamore (requires Children of the Sun quest). This minigame offers 80K XP/hour and doesn’t need specific herbs or secondaries. Plus, you can earn rewards like the Alchemist’s Amulet, cutting costs further. It’s slower than potion-making but budget-friendly.

Useful Items and Boosts for Herblore Training

To optimize your grind, use these tools and boosts:

  • Portable Well: 10% XP boost, found on World 84 (Lumbridge or GE)
  • Amulet of Chemistry: 5% chance for an extra dose, saving GP on expensive potions
  • Prescription Goggles: 10% chance to save secondaries (from Mastering Mixology)
  • Reagents Pouch: Holds 26 secondaries, doubling AFK time

Keybind your escape key to close interfaces faster, and use bank presets for efficiency. For Ironmen, stockpile herbs via Farming and Slayer.

Tips for Ironmen and Alternative Methods

Ironmen face a unique challenge since they can’t buy supplies. Here’s how to adapt:

Herb Runs and Slayer

Farm herbs at patches (e.g., Catherby, Ardougne) and kill monsters like Nechryaels or Aberrant Spectres for herb drops. Master Farmers (level 94 Thieving) are also great for seeds.

Herbiboar (Level 80 Hunter)

Track Herbiboars on Fossil Island for herbs and small XP gains. It’s slow but sustainable.

Barbarian Potions and Tars

Make Barbarian Potions (add Roe/Caviar to 2-dose potions) or Herb Tars (Swamp Tar + Herbs) for low-cost XP. These are niche but viable for early levels.

For all players, consider stockpiling supplies during off-peak GE prices or using kingdom management (post-Throne of Miscellania) for nests and herbs.

Final Push to 99

Whether you’re blasting through with Super Combats or grinding Mixology, stay consistent. The 99 cape’s +5 boost is worth it, and you’ll never regret those Overloads in raids. Happy brewing, and see you at the top!