OSRS 1-99 Crafting Guide Fast and Profitable Methods
Crafting in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a versatile skill that allows players to create jewelry, armor, pottery, and more. Whether you’re a free-to-play (F2P) player or a member, this guide covers the fastest, cheapest, and most profitable methods to reach level 99 Crafting. From low-level grinding to high-level money-making, we’ll break down every step to help you achieve your goals efficiently.
Crafting is essential for creating valuable items like amulets, rings, and leather armor, which are used in combat, skilling, and quests. It’s also a requirement for several achievement diaries and unlocks profitable methods at higher levels. While it can be expensive, strategic training can minimize costs or even turn a profit.
Benefits of High Crafting Levels
- Quest Requirements: Skills like Crafting are needed for quests such as “The Fremennik Trials” and “Monkey Madness II.”
- Achievement Diaries: High Crafting levels unlock rewards like the Falador Shield.
- Money-Making: Crafting dragonhide armor or cutting gems can yield significant profits.
F2P vs. P2P Crafting
Free-to-play players are limited to basic methods like leatherwork and jewelry, while members have access to glassblowing, battlestaves, and dragonhide armor. This guide includes options for both to ensure everyone can progress.
Fastest Crafting Methods (Levels 1-99)
If speed is your priority, these methods will get you to 99 Crafting quickly, though they may require a hefty budget. Below is a step-by-step breakdown for pay-to-play (P2P) players, with F2P alternatives where applicable.
Levels 1-20: Leather and Gold Jewelry
Start with leather gloves (level 1) or gold rings (level 5) at the Al Kharid furnace for quick experience. These are accessible to F2P players and require minimal investment.
- Leather Gloves: 13.8 XP per glove, craft at Edgeville or Al Kharid.
- Gold Rings: 15 XP per ring, smelt gold bars into rings.
Levels 20-54: Cutting Gems
Cutting sapphires (level 20) and emeralds (level 27) offers decent XP rates. Buy uncut gems from the Grand Exchange and cut them with a chisel. This method is viable for both F2P and P2P players.
| Gem | Level Required | XP per Cut |
|---|---|---|
| Sapphire | 20 | 50 |
| Emerald | 27 | 67.5 |
Levels 54-99: Black Dragonhide Shields
From level 54, crafting black dragonhide shields is the fastest way to 99, offering up to 300k XP per hour. You’ll need black dragon leather and thread, crafted at a bank with a needle in your inventory.
- XP per Shield: 258 XP (86 XP per body x 3).
- Cost: Expensive, but selling shields can offset losses.
Cheapest Crafting Methods
Not everyone wants to spend millions on Crafting. These budget-friendly methods are slower but ideal for players with limited gold or Ironmen.
Levels 1-28: Pottery
Pottery is a cheap F2P method. Mine clay, use a fountain to make soft clay, and craft pots or pie dishes at the Barbarian Village or Crafting Guild.
- Pots: 6.25 XP (firing: 6.25 XP).
- Pie Dishes: 10 XP (firing: 15 XP).
Levels 28-61: Glassblowing
Glassblowing is a P2P method requiring a glassblowing pipe, buckets of sand, and soda ash. Make molten glass at a furnace, then craft unpowered orbs or lanterns.
| Item | Level Required | XP per Item |
|---|---|---|
| Unpowered Orb | 46 | 52.5 |
| Lantern Lens | 49 | 55 |
Levels 61-99: Battlestaves
Crafting battlestaves (level 54+) is cost-effective and can break even. Buy unpowered orbs and battlestaves from the Grand Exchange, charge orbs at the Obelisk of Water, and combine them.
- Water Battlestaff: 100 XP per staff.
- Cost: Minimal loss or slight profit depending on market prices.
Profitable Crafting Methods
Some Crafting methods can make you money while training. These are slower but perfect for players who want to fund other skills.
Levels 40-99: Dragonhide Armor
Crafting dragonhide armor (green, blue, red, or black) is profitable, especially at higher levels. Buy dragon leather and thread, craft bodies, and sell them back.
- Black D’hide Body: 258 XP, often profitable.
- Tip: Check Grand Exchange margins before crafting.
Levels 61-99: Gem Cutting for Profit
Cutting high-value gems like rubies (level 34) or diamonds (level 43) can yield profits if you buy uncut gems cheaply. Use the Grand Exchange tracker to time your purchases.
| Gem | Level Required | XP per Cut | Approx. Profit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruby | 34 | 85 | Varies |
| Diamond | 43 | 107.5 | Varies |
Tips and Tricks for Efficient Crafting
Maximize your Crafting efficiency with these strategies to save time, money, and effort.
Useful Items and Boosts
- Crafting Cape: At level 99, teleports you to the Crafting Guild for faster pottery or jewelry training.
- Portable Forge: Increases jewelry crafting efficiency for P2P players.
- Clan Wars Portal: Use for free bank teleports to speed up training cycles.
Quest XP Rewards
Complete these quests for early Crafting XP to skip low levels:
- The Fremennik Trials: 2,812 XP (level 40).
- Dwarf Cannon: 750 XP (level 8).
- Recipe for Disaster: 2,500 XP (level 10).
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Don’t waste gold on inefficient methods like crafting gold amulets without checking prices. Always use the Grand Exchange to compare costs and profits before committing to a method. For F2P players, stick to leather or pottery early on to avoid overspending.
Reaching 99 Crafting in OSRS is a rewarding journey, whether you’re blasting through with black dragonhide shields or taking the scenic route with pottery and battlestaves. Choose a method that fits your budget and goals, and don’t forget to leverage quests and boosts to save time. With this guide, you’re equipped to master Crafting and unlock its full potential in Gielinor.