Fastest Way to 99 Farming in OSRS

Farming in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) can feel daunting, but it’s one of the most rewarding skills when approached strategically. Known for its passive training style, Farming lets you gain massive experience with minimal active time. This guide dives into the fastest methods to reach level 99 Farming, focusing on efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and practical tips to streamline your journey. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, these strategies will help you maximize XP and minimize grind.
Farming stands out as a skill that blends AFK (away-from-keyboard) training with high XP potential. Unlike active skills like Fletching or Prayer, Farming rewards patience, planning, and short bursts of activity. The fastest path to 99 typically takes 3–4 months with consistent effort, primarily through tree runs, supplemented by quests and alternative methods. Expect to invest time in daily routines, but the payoff includes access to profitable herb runs, the Farming Skillcape, and the coveted Tangleroot pet.
Key Benefits of Level 99 Farming
- Profit Potential: Herb runs can net millions in gold over time.
- Passive XP Gains: Plant crops, log off, and still progress.
- Unlocks: High-level patches like the Farming Guild enhance efficiency.
- Fashionscape: The Farming Skillcape offers a 5% disease protection boost.
Early Levels: Quests and Low-Level Strategies
Starting from level 1, the early grind can be tedious, but quests and low-cost methods can skip the slog. Completing specific quests grants enough XP to jump straight to level 38, unlocking effective tree runs early. If you’re on a budget, alternative methods like bagged plants or composting patches offer decent XP without breaking the bank.
Questing for a Head Start
Quests are the fastest way to bypass low-level Farming’s monotony. Here’s a list of quests that reward Farming XP, totaling 32,500 XP:
Quest | Farming Level Required | XP Reward |
---|---|---|
Goblin Generals (Recipe for Disaster subquest) | None | 1,000 |
Fairytale I – Growing Pains | None | 3,500 |
Forgettable Tale… | 17 | 5,000 |
The Garden of Death | 20 | 5,000 |
Garden of Tranquillity | 25 | 5,000 |
Enlightened Journey | 30 | 3,000 |
My Arm’s Big Adventure | 29 | 5,000 |
Completing these quests not only boosts your level but also unlocks useful items like Magic Secateurs, which increase crop yield by 10%.
Budget-Friendly Early Training
If quests aren’t your style or you’re saving gold, try these methods:
- Bagged Plants: Plant bagged plants in your Player-Owned House (POH). Each bagged plant costs around 1,000–5,000 coins and grants 10–70 XP. This method is expensive but doesn’t require waiting for crops to grow.
- Composting Patches: Apply regular compost (18 XP), supercompost (26 XP), or ultracompost (36 XP) to patches. Composting 31 patches to level 15 costs about 16,213 coins and takes minimal time.
Tree Runs: The Core of Fast Farming XP
Tree runs are the backbone of Farming training, offering unmatched XP for minimal effort. By planting high-tier trees, fruit trees, and special crops, you can earn 200,000–400,000 XP per day in just 10–15 minutes. The key is consistency—doing 1–2 runs daily over 3–4 months will get you to 99.
Optimal Tree Run Setup
To maximize XP, plant the highest-level saplings you can afford and access. Here’s a recommended progression based on level:
Level | Tree Type | XP per Check | Patch Locations |
---|---|---|---|
15 | Oak Tree | 467.3 | Falador, Taverley, Lumbridge, Varrock |
30 | Willow Tree | 1,456.5 | Same as Oak |
45 | Maple Tree | 3,403.4 | Same as Oak |
60 | Yew Tree | 7,069.9 | Same as Oak |
75 | Magic Tree | 13,768.3 | Same as Oak |
For fruit trees (unlocked at 27), prioritize:
- Apple (27): 1,199.5 XP
- Banana (33): 1,750.5 XP
- Pineapple (51): 4,605.7 XP
- Palm (68): 10,150.1 XP
- Dragonfruit (81): 17,335 XP
Special Trees for Extra XP
Special trees like Calquat (72), Celastrus (85), and Redwood (90) offer significant XP boosts. For example, a Redwood tree yields 22,450 XP per check. Plant these in their unique patches (e.g., Farming Guild for Redwood) alongside regular runs.
Tips for Efficient Tree Runs
Streamline your runs with these strategies:
- Teleportation: Use Spirit Trees (after The Grand Tree), Ardougne Cloak, or Slayer Rings to zip between patches.
- Protection Payments: Pay farmers with noted items (e.g., coconuts for palm trees) to prevent disease.
- Inventory Setup: Carry a rake, spade, saplings, coins, and teleports. Store payments with the Tool Leprechaun.
- Compost: Always use ultracompost to boost yield and reduce disease chance.
Supplementing with Herb Runs and Tithe Farm
While tree runs dominate XP gains, herb runs and the Tithe Farm minigame add variety and profit. Herb runs are especially lucrative, funding your tree runs, while Tithe Farm offers active training for those waiting on crops.
Herb Runs for Profit and XP
Herb runs involve planting high-value herb seeds (e.g., Ranarr, Snapdragon) in allotment patches. Each run takes 5–10 minutes and can yield 10,000–30,000 XP plus 100,000–500,000 gold. Start at level 32 with Toadflax and scale up to Torstol at 75.
Best Herb Patches:
- Catherby
- Ardougne
- Falador
- Farming Guild (45+)
- Trollheim (after My Arm’s Big Adventure)
Use Magic Secateurs and ultracompost to maximize yield. Aim for 3–4 runs daily, as herbs grow in 80 minutes.
Tithe Farm for Active Training
Unlocked at level 34, Tithe Farm is the only non-AFK Farming method. Plant Golovanova seeds (34), Bologano (54), or Logavano (74) for up to 100,000 XP per hour. It’s click-intensive but ideal between tree runs. Rewards like Gricoller’s Can (200 points) and the Farmer’s Outfit (400 points) boost efficiency elsewhere.
Advanced Tips and Unlocks for Efficiency
As you progress, unlocking specific content accelerates your grind. From teleports to gear, these additions shave time off your runs and enhance XP rates.
Essential Unlocks
Prioritize these for faster farming:
- Tree Gnome Village & The Grand Tree: Access Spirit Trees for quick travel.
- Bone Voyage: Unlocks Fossil Island’s hardwood patches (Teak/Mahogany).
- Plague City: Enables Ardougne Teleport for faster patch access.
- Farming Guild (45): Offers contracts and exclusive patches.
Gear and Boosts
Equip these to optimize runs:
- Graceful Outfit: Reduces weight for faster travel.
- Magic Secateurs: Boosts herb yield by 10%.
- Farmer’s Outfit: Grants 2.5% bonus XP from Tithe Farm.
- Stamina Potions: Maintain run energy during long routes.
Farming Guild Contracts
At level 45, start Farming Guild contracts. These tasks reward seed packs and XP, often aligning with your tree/herb runs. Advanced contracts (85+) can yield high-value seeds, offsetting costs.
By combining tree runs, herb runs, Tithe Farm, and smart unlocks, you’ll hit 99 Farming in no time. Stay consistent, plan your routes, and watch your levels soar while your bank grows. Happy farming!