How to Make Mind Runes in OSRS A Step-by-Step Guide
Learning how to make mind runes in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a fantastic way for low-level players to dive into the Runecrafting skill while earning some experience and useful runes for magic spells. Mind runes are essential for casting strike spells like Wind Strike, Water Strike, Earth Strike, and Fire Strike, as well as Magic Dart. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to craft mind runes efficiently, from gathering materials to optimizing your runs. Whether you’re a free-to-play (F2P) player or a member, we’ve got you covered with practical tips to make the process smooth and rewarding.
Mind runes are low-level catalytic runes used primarily for beginner combat spells. They’re craftable at level 2 Runecrafting, making them accessible to new players. Crafting mind runes gives 5.5 Runecrafting experience per essence, which is a decent starting point for leveling the skill. Since they’re used in early magic training, they’re always in demand, especially for F2P players.
Why Craft Mind Runes?
Crafting mind runes is ideal for players who want to:
- Train Runecrafting early: Low level requirement (2 Runecrafting).
- Save gold: Crafting your own runes is cheaper than buying them.
- Stock up for magic: Mind runes fuel early combat spells for training.
- Earn small profits: Selling extras on the Grand Exchange can net some coins.
Requirements for Crafting Mind Runes
Before you start, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements and gather some items. The good news? It’s super beginner-friendly.
Skill and Quest Prerequisites
- Runecrafting Level 2: Needed to craft mind runes. If you’re below this, craft air runes (level 1) for a quick boost.
- Rune Mysteries Quest: Unlocks access to Runecrafting and the rune essence mine. Start by talking to Duke Horacio in Lumbridge Castle.
Essential Items
You’ll need the following to craft mind runes:
| Item | Purpose | How to Obtain |
|---|---|---|
| Mind Talisman or Mind Tiara | Access the Mind Altar | Dropped by goblins, imps, or bought from Grand Exchange |
| Rune Essence or Pure Essence | Material for crafting runes | Mined from rune essence mine after Rune Mysteries |
| Pickaxe | Mine rune essence | Any pickaxe works; buy from general store or Grand Exchange |
Optional but Helpful Gear
- Boots of Lightness: Reduces weight for faster running (obtained from Temple of Ikov quest).
- Energy Potions: Restores run energy to minimize downtime.
- Runecrafting Pouches: Members-only, increases essence capacity (small pouch available at level 1).
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Mind Runes
Now that you’re prepared, let’s break down the process of crafting mind runes in OSRS. Follow these steps for maximum efficiency.
Step 1: Complete Rune Mysteries Quest
Head to Lumbridge Castle and talk to Duke Horacio to start the Rune Mysteries quest. This short quest unlocks access to the rune essence mine and introduces you to Runecrafting. It takes about 10-15 minutes and has no skill requirements, so it’s perfect for new accounts.
Step 2: Obtain a Mind Talisman or Tiara
You need a mind talisman or mind tiara to enter the Mind Altar. Here’s how to get one:
- Kill monsters: Goblins (Lumbridge) or imps (south of Falador) drop mind talismans.
- Buy from Grand Exchange: A talisman costs around 100-200 gp, a tiara about 50-100 gp.
- Make a tiara: Combine a mind talisman with a silver tiara at the Mind Altar for 27.5 Runecrafting XP.
Pro Tip: Use a tiara to save inventory space, as talismans take up a slot.
Step 3: Mine Rune Essence
After completing Rune Mysteries, speak to one of these NPCs to teleport to the rune essence mine:
- Aubury: Varrock rune shop, south of east bank (best for banking).
- Sedridor: Wizards’ Tower, south of Draynor Village.
- Cromperty: East Ardougne (members-only).
Mine rune essence with a pickaxe. Each essence crafts one mind rune. Fill your inventory (28 essence without pouches) and teleport back using the NPC’s portal.
Step 4: Travel to the Mind Altar
The Mind Altar is located north of Falador, between Goblin Village and Ice Mountain, near the Wilderness border. From Falador:
- Exit Falador’s north gate.
- Head north past the statue of Saradomin.
- Look for the mysterious ruins east of Goblin Village.
Use your mind talisman on the ruins or click “Enter” while wearing a mind tiara. Warning: The altar is close to the Wilderness, so watch out for PKers if you stray too far north.
Step 5: Craft Mind Runes
Inside the Mind Altar, click the altar and select “Craft-rune.” This converts all rune or pure essence in your inventory into mind runes, granting 5.5 XP per essence. A full inventory (28 essence) gives 154 XP. Exit via the portal, bank, and repeat.
Optimizing Your Mind Rune Runs
To craft mind runes faster and level up Runecrafting efficiently, use these strategies to streamline your runs.
Banking Efficiently
The closest bank to the Mind Altar is Falador West Bank. Here’s the optimal route:
- After crafting, exit the altar and run south to Falador West Bank.
- Deposit mind runes, withdraw essence (or teleport to mine if needed).
- Run back north to the altar (takes about 30-40 seconds with decent agility).
Alternative: Use Aubury in Varrock to teleport to the essence mine, mine essence, then teleport to Falador with a Falador Teleport (requires 37 Magic, members-only).
Using Runecrafting Pouches (Members-Only)
Runecrafting pouches let you carry more essence per trip, boosting XP rates. The small pouch is available at level 1 and holds 3 extra essence. Get it by killing abyssal creatures in the Abyss (accessed via Edgeville’s Wilderness lever). At higher levels:
- Medium Pouch: Level 25, holds 6 essence.
- Large Pouch: Level 50, holds 9 essence.
- Giant Pouch: Level 75, holds 12 essence.
Pouches degrade over time, so repair them by talking to the Dark Mage in the Abyss.
Boosting Run Energy
Runecrafting involves a lot of running, so keep your energy up:
- Wear lightweight gear: Boots of Lightness and Graceful outfit (members) reduce weight.
- Use energy potions: Buy from Grand Exchange or make with Herblore (level 26).
- Train Agility: Higher Agility restores energy faster (aim for level 30+).
Scaling with Levels
As your Runecrafting level increases, you craft more mind runes per essence:
| Runecrafting Level | Runes per Essence |
|---|---|
| 2 | 1 |
| 22 | 2 |
| 44 | 3 |
| 66 | 4 |
| 88 | 5 |
At level 98, you can craft up to 8 runes per essence, but this is overkill for mind runes since higher-level runes like chaos or death are more profitable then.
Tips and Tricks for Success
Here are some final pointers to make your mind rune crafting smoother and more enjoyable:
Free Runes from Magic Tutor
If you’re low on mind runes, visit the Magic Tutor in Lumbridge (north of the castle). She gives 30 free mind runes and 30 air runes every 30 minutes, provided you have none in your inventory or bank. Drop runes nearby, claim more, and pick them up to stockpile.
Alternative Rune Sources
Don’t feel like crafting? You can:
- Buy from shops: Aubury’s Rune Shop (Varrock), Betty’s Magic Emporium (Port Sarim), or Void Knight Magic Store (Pest Control Island).
- Kill monsters: Dark wizards (south of Varrock) or hill giants (Edgeville Dungeon) drop mind runes.
- Grand Exchange: Mind runes are cheap, around 3-5 gp each.
Profit Potential
While mind runes aren’t a goldmine, they can turn a small profit. Rune essence costs ~10 gp, and mind runes sell for ~3-5 gp. At higher levels (e.g., 44), you craft 3 runes per essence, netting ~5-10 gp profit per essence after costs. It’s not much, but it adds up for F2P players.
Combine with Other Training
To multitask, train Magic while crafting by casting spells like Wind Strike during runs. Or, mine essence while training Mining (no level requirement). This maximizes your time in-game.
Crafting mind runes in OSRS is a great way to kickstart your Runecrafting journey. It’s simple, accessible, and teaches you the basics of the skill while supplying runes for magic training. Stick to Falador for banking, grab a tiara for convenience, and consider pouches if you’re a member. With a bit of practice, you’ll be churning out mind runes like a pro. Happy runecrafting!