OSRS Low Level Alchemy Guide for Beginners
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), Low Level Alchemy—often called “low alch”—is a spell that transforms items into coins, offering a way to train Magic and manage inventory. While it’s overshadowed by High Level Alchemy at higher levels, low alch remains a staple for early-game players. This guide dives into everything you need to know about Low Level Alchemy, from mechanics to practical uses, helping you make the most of this spell in 2025.
Low Level Alchemy is a non-combat spell in the standard spellbook that converts an item into coins equal to 40% of its specialty shop sale price, matching general store buy prices. It’s a beginner-friendly way to dip into Magic training and turn unwanted items into gold pieces (GP). However, its lower coin yield and experience compared to High Level Alchemy make it less efficient later on.
Key Details of Low Level Alchemy
- Magic Level Required: 21
- Runes Needed: 1 Nature rune, 3 Fire runes (or 1 Nature rune with a Fire staff)
- Experience per Cast: 31 Magic XP
- Coins Yield: 40% of an item’s base value (about 2/3 of High Alch’s yield)
- Casting Speed: 3 game ticks (1,800 casts per hour max)
Why Use Low Level Alchemy?
Low alch shines for players under level 55 Magic who can’t yet cast High Level Alchemy. It’s also useful for quickly converting low-value drops from monsters or skilling into GP without needing to visit a shop. Plus, with the Explorer’s Ring, you can cast it for free, making it a budget-friendly training method.
How to Cast Low Level Alchemy Efficiently
Casting Low Level Alchemy requires preparation to maximize XP and minimize costs. Here’s how to set yourself up for success.
Equipment and Setup
To cast low alch, you’ll need access to Nature and Fire runes unless you’re using specific gear. Here’s what to consider:
- Fire Staff: Eliminates the need for Fire runes, saving 20–30 GP per cast.
- Explorer’s Ring: After completing Lumbridge easy achievements, this ring lets you cast low alch 30 times daily without runes, granting 930 XP for free.
- Inventory Management: Use noted items to alch stacks one at a time, speeding up banking.
Step-by-Step Casting Process
- Open your spellbook and select Low Level Alchemy.
- Click the spell, then the item in your inventory to alch it.
- Repeat, positioning your mouse to minimize movement (noted items help here).
- Bank when runes or items run low, restocking efficiently.
Pro Tip: Alch while training other skills like Agility or Fishing, as low alch doesn’t interrupt certain actions unless cast too quickly.
Best Items to Low Alch in 2025
Choosing the right items to alch is crucial to avoid losing GP. Since low alch rarely yields a profit due to Nature rune costs (around 117 GP in 2025), focus on items you get for free or at a low cost. Below are some strategies and item suggestions.
Items from Monster Drops
Slayer tasks and combat training often yield items perfect for low alch. Here are some examples:
| Item | Low Alch Value (GP) | Common Source |
|---|---|---|
| Steel Platebody | 480 | Hill Giants, Skeletons |
| Mithril Sword | 390 | Zombies, Ice Warriors |
| Black Kiteshield | 652 | Ice Giants, Black Demons |
These items are common drops, and alching them turns dead inventory into GP without upfront costs.
Skilling Byproducts
Skilling can produce alchable items, especially from crafting or fletching. Consider these:
- Gold Amulet (u): Crafted at 8 Crafting, alchs for 84 GP. Buy gold bars cheap or mine them.
- Unstrung Bows: Fletch logs into unstrung bows (e.g., oak shortbow alchs for 60 GP).
- Leather Armor: Craft leather from cowhides; leather bodies alch for 6 GP but are nearly free to make.
Tips for Item Selection
- Check Grand Exchange Prices: Avoid buying items unless their market price is far below the low alch value, which is rare.
- Use Free Drops: Alch items from combat or skilling to negate rune costs.
- Avoid High-Value Items: Low alch gives less GP than selling to shops for most expensive items.
Low Level Alchemy vs. High Level Alchemy
Players often wonder whether to stick with low alch or rush to High Level Alchemy. Here’s a breakdown to clarify when low alch makes sense.
Key Differences
| Feature | Low Level Alchemy | High Level Alchemy |
|---|---|---|
| Magic Level | 21 | 55 |
| XP per Cast | 31 | 65 |
| Coins Yield | 40% of value | 60% of value |
| Casts per Hour | 1,800 | 1,200 |
When to Use Low Alch
Low alch is ideal if:
- You’re below level 55 Magic.
- You want faster casting for bulk item conversion.
- You’re using the Explorer’s Ring for free casts.
- You’re alching while skilling to multitask.
Once you hit level 55, High Level Alchemy offers better XP (78,000 per hour vs. 55,800) and more GP per cast, making it the go-to choice for most players.
Cost Considerations
With a Fire staff, both spells cost 1 Nature rune per cast (117 GP in 2025). Low alch’s lower yield means you’re less likely to break even unless alching free items. High alch, however, can be profitable with the right items, like rune armor or battlestaves.
Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Low Level Alchemy
To get the most out of low alch, use these strategies to boost efficiency and cut losses.
Multitasking for XP
Low alch’s non-disruptive nature (when cast slowly) lets you train other skills simultaneously. Try these combos:
- Fishing and Alching: Cast while waiting for fish at spots like Barbarian Village.
- Woodcutting: Alch between chops at Draynor’s willows.
- Agility: Alch during laps at low-level courses like Gnome Stronghold.
Using the Explorer’s Ring
The Explorer’s Ring (from Lumbridge achievements) is a game-changer. Its 30 free daily casts give 930 Magic XP without rune costs. Prioritize high-value drops for these casts to maximize GP, saving runes for bulk alching sessions.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Don’t Alch Stacks Carelessly: Low alch only converts one item at a time, even if noted, unlike RuneScape Classic’s stack-alching risk.
- Watch Rune Costs: Nature runes eat into profits, so alch free or low-cost items.
- Don’t Ignore High Alch: Once you hit level 55, switch unless speed is critical.
Tracking Progress
Use a calculator like OldSchool.tools to estimate XP and GP gains. Monitor Nature rune prices on the Grand Exchange to ensure you’re not overspending. For example, alching 1,000 steel platebodies (480 GP each) costs 117,000 GP in runes but yields 480,000 GP, netting a profit if the items were free drops.
Low Level Alchemy may not be the flashiest spell in OSRS, but it’s a practical tool for beginners building their Magic skill and bank. By focusing on free drops, using the Explorer’s Ring, and multitasking, you can turn this humble spell into a stepping stone toward greater adventures in Gielinor. Whether you’re alching goblin loot or crafted goods, this guide equips you to make smart choices in 2025.