3rd Age Axe OSRS GE Price Guide and Insights

3rd Age Axe OSRS GE Price Guide and Insights

The 3rd Age Axe in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is one of the rarest and most coveted items in the game, known for its unique design and high value on the Grand Exchange (GE). Whether you’re a seasoned player looking to invest or a curious adventurer wanting to understand its worth, this guide dives into everything you need to know about the 3rd Age Axe, its GE price trends, uses, and market dynamics. Let’s explore this iconic axe and why it’s a hot topic in the OSRS community.

The 3rd Age Axe is a piece of 3rd Age equipment, a group of rare items obtained exclusively through Treasure Trails. It requires 65 Attack to wield and 61 Woodcutting to use, sharing the same cutting speed and special attack as the Dragon Axe. Its rarity and aesthetic appeal make it a status symbol, often traded for billions of gold pieces (GP) on the GE.

Key Features of the 3rd Age Axe

  • Rarity: Obtainable only from Master Clue Scrolls with a drop rate of approximately 1 in 313,168 per roll.
  • Stats: Matches the Dragon Axe in performance, offering no practical advantage but immense prestige.
  • Special Attack: “Lumber Up” boosts Woodcutting by 3 levels temporarily, consuming 100% special attack energy.
  • Tradeable: Can be bought and sold on the GE or through player-to-player trades, often in World 302.

Lore Behind the 3rd Age Axe

Lore-wise, 3rd Age equipment hails from the Third Age of Gielinor, a time of ancient wars and craftsmanship. The axe’s intricate design reflects its historical significance, making it a collector’s dream for players who value OSRS’s rich narrative.

Current GE Price Trends for the 3rd Age Axe

As of April 2025, the 3rd Age Axe’s GE price fluctuates significantly due to its rarity and market manipulation. Recent estimates place its value around 4 billion GP, though prices can spike or crash based on supply and demand. Let’s break down the factors influencing its price.

Historical Price Overview

The 3rd Age Axe has seen dramatic price swings over the years:

  • 2021: Prices hovered around 600–900 million GP.
  • 2023: Spiked to max cash (2.147 billion GP) due to speculation around Forestry updates.
  • 2025: Stabilized near 4 billion GP, with occasional jumps during high-demand periods.

Factors Driving Price Volatility

Several elements contribute to the axe’s fluctuating value:

  1. Limited Supply: With so few axes in circulation (estimates suggest 100–200 exist), any trade impacts the market.
  2. Market Manipulation: Players and clans sometimes hoard axes, artificially inflating prices before dumping them.
  3. Game Updates: Speculation around updates like Forestry or new axes can cause price surges or drops.
  4. Collector Demand: Wealthy players buy 3rd Age items as status symbols, pushing prices higher.
3rd Age Axe Price Trends (Approximate)
Year Price Range (GP) Key Event
2021 600M–900M Stable collector market
2023 900M–2.147B Forestry speculation
2025 3.5B–4.5B Post-Forestry stabilization

How to Obtain a 3rd Age Axe

Getting your hands on a 3rd Age Axe is no easy feat. Here’s how you can try your luck or secure one through trading.

Master Clue Scrolls

The primary way to obtain a 3rd Age Axe is through Master Clue Scrolls, which are part of the Treasure Trails minigame. These scrolls require completing complex puzzles, combat, and skilling challenges. The drop rate is extremely low, making it a grind-heavy endeavor.

  • Tip: Boost clue scroll efficiency by using high-level gear and completing clues in bulk.
  • Requirement: High combat and skilling stats recommended for faster completion.

Buying on the Grand Exchange

For most players, buying a 3rd Age Axe is the only realistic option. Here’s how to approach it:

  • World 302: Visit the southern end of the GE in World 302, where rare items like 3rd Age equipment are traded.
  • GE Tracker: Use tools like GE Tracker to monitor price trends and avoid overpaying.
  • Patience: Prices can fluctuate daily, so wait for dips if possible.

Risks of Buying

Investing in a 3rd Age Axe carries risks:

  • Price Crashes: Sudden dumps by hoarders can tank the price.
  • GE Tax: High-value trades incur significant taxes, eating into profits.
  • Scams: Be cautious of shady deals outside the GE, especially in player-to-player trades.

Uses of the 3rd Age Axe in OSRS

While the 3rd Age Axe is primarily a status item, it has practical uses for Woodcutting enthusiasts. Let’s explore its functionality and whether it’s worth using over cheaper alternatives.

Woodcutting Performance

The 3rd Age Axe performs identically to the Dragon Axe, offering a 7.1% faster chopping rate than a Rune Axe. Its special attack, Lumber Up, temporarily boosts Woodcutting by 3 levels, which can be useful for players between 58–61 Woodcutting (though 65 Attack is still required to wield it).

  • Best Use Case: Training Woodcutting efficiently at high levels.
  • Limitation: Boosts above level 99 don’t improve chopping speed, only pet and clue nest chances.

3rd Age Felling Axe Variant

Players can convert a 3rd Age Axe into a 3rd Age Felling Axe by combining it with a Felling Axe Handle near an anvil. This variant retains the same chopping speed but offers unique Forestry bonuses when carrying Forester’s Rations:

  • 10% XP Boost: Gain extra Woodcutting experience per chop.
  • 20% No-Log Chance: Reduces log drops (or roots in Forestry events) for faster XP at the cost of rations.

Note: The conversion is irreversible, but the Felling Axe remains tradeable, appealing to players active in Forestry events.

Why Use It?

Practically, the 3rd Age Axe offers no advantage over a Dragon Axe, which costs under 100K GP. Its real value lies in flexing wealth or completing a collection. If you’re a high-level player with billions to spare, wielding it while skilling adds flair to your gameplay.

Investment Potential and Market Risks

The 3rd Age Axe is a popular investment item, but it’s not without pitfalls. Here’s a balanced look at its potential as a long-term hold.

Why Invest in the 3rd Age Axe?

Several factors make the axe an attractive investment:

  • Rarity: Its scarcity ensures long-term value as new axes enter the game slowly.
  • Prestige: Demand from collectors and flexers keeps prices high.
  • Historical Growth: Prices have risen from hundreds of millions to billions over years.

Risks to Consider

Despite its allure, investing isn’t foolproof:

  • Manipulation: Clans can pump and dump, leaving buyers with losses.
  • Game Updates: New axes or Treasure Trail changes could reduce demand.
  • Liquidity: Selling a 4B item can take time, especially during price dips.

Tips for Smart Investing

If you’re considering buying a 3rd Age Axe for profit, follow these strategies:

  1. Track Prices: Use OSRS Exchange or Theoatrix’s price tools for real-time data.
  2. Avoid Hype: Don’t buy during price spikes driven by speculation.
  3. Diversify: Spread investments across multiple items to reduce risk.
  4. Long-Term Hold: Plan to hold for months or years to maximize gains.

Community Insights

Reddit discussions reveal mixed sentiments about the axe’s investment potential. Some players swear by its long-term growth, citing its rarity, while others warn of manipulation, with prices sometimes inflated by 50M increments through coordinated trades. Always research community forums like r/2007scape for the latest buzz before buying.

The 3rd Age Axe is more than just a Woodcutting tool—it’s a symbol of wealth, dedication, and market savvy in OSRS. Whether you’re chasing one for its looks, planning to flip it on the GE, or just curious about its value, understanding its price trends and risks is key. With prices around 4 billion GP in 2025, it’s a high-stakes item that demands careful consideration. Happy chopping, and may your Treasure Trails be lucky!