OSRS Blast Furnace Pump Guide for Strength Training

The Blast Furnace in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a popular minigame located in Keldagrim, known for efficient smithing and unique training opportunities. One of its standout features is the pump, which allows players to train Strength without gaining Hitpoints experience, making it a go-to method for pures and specialized accounts. This guide dives into everything you need to know about the OSRS Blast Furnace pump, from requirements and setup to maximizing experience rates and avoiding common pitfalls.
The pump is a key component of the Blast Furnace minigame, used to push hot air from the stove to the melting pot, enabling ore smelting. Operated by a dwarf named Pumpy on official Blast Furnace worlds, it provides 2 Strength experience per game tick (0.6 seconds), translating to approximately 12,000 experience per hour. This method is particularly appealing for players building accounts like pures, where avoiding Hitpoints experience is crucial.
Why Choose the Pump for Strength Training?
- Zero Hitpoints XP: Unlike most combat training methods, pumping grants Strength experience without affecting Hitpoints, ideal for pures.
- AFK-Friendly: The process is low-intensity, requiring minimal clicks, making it one of the most AFK Strength training methods.
- Low Requirements: Only 30 Strength is needed, which can be boosted, allowing early access for new accounts.
How the Pump Works
On official Blast Furnace worlds (e.g., Worlds 352, 355, 358, 386, 387), dwarves handle most tasks, but players can operate the pump for Strength experience. The furnace must be fueled with coke, and experience stops if the coke runs out. Pumping can be done for up to 100 minutes, though logout timers (5 minutes on the official client, up to 25 on third-party clients) limit continuous sessions.
Requirements and Getting Started
Before you can start pumping at the Blast Furnace, you’ll need to meet some basic requirements and prepare your account. Here’s what you need to know.
Quest and Skill Requirements
- Quest: Start The Giant Dwarf quest by speaking to the Dwarven Boatman east of Rellekka to unlock Keldagrim.
- Strength: Minimum 30 Strength (can be boosted, e.g., with a super strength potion).
- Optional Skills: 30 Agility, Crafting, and Firemaking for manual operation on non-official worlds, though not required on dwarf-operated worlds.
Accessing Keldagrim and the Blast Furnace
To reach the Blast Furnace:
- Travel to Keldagrim by starting The Giant Dwarf quest.
- Use the minigame teleport or minecart from the Grand Exchange (fastest methods).
- Alternatively, use Fairy Ring DKS and walk southwest to the Keldagrim entrance.
- Head to the southeast of Keldagrim, enter the building with the furnace icon, and go downstairs.
Recommended Inventory and Gear
Item | Purpose |
---|---|
Coins (72,000/hour) | Pay the coffer for dwarf-operated worlds |
Spade | Add coke to the furnace (optional) |
Super Strength Potion | Boost Strength if below 30 |
Weight-Reducing Gear (e.g., Graceful) | Reduce run energy drain when moving to the pump |
Maximizing Strength Experience
To get the most out of your Blast Furnace pump sessions, focus on efficiency and avoiding interruptions. Here are some tips to optimize your experience rates.
Choosing the Right World
Official Blast Furnace worlds are ideal because dwarves like Pumpy operate the pump automatically, freeing you to focus on training. World 302 is a popular unofficial hub for pump training, often hosting 15–100 players. Check clan chats like “obby elite” for current world recommendations, as worlds can change due to crashes or updates.
Maintaining Coke Supply
The furnace requires coke to function. If it runs out, experience gains halt. To avoid this:
- Monitor Coke Levels: Ensure the furnace is fueled before starting.
- Add Coke Manually: Use a spade to add coke if needed, especially on busier worlds.
- Coordinate with Players: On non-official worlds, players may need to take turns refueling.
Avoiding Crashes and Overheating
Crashers can disrupt pumping by overheating the furnace, stopping experience gains. To minimize issues:
- Hop Worlds: If a crasher is present, switch to another world and turn off private chat to avoid being followed.
- Join a Clan Chat: Some clans offer protected worlds for a fee, reducing crash risks.
- Report Harassment: If a player threatens to crash unless paid, report them for targeted harassment.
Common Challenges and Solutions
While the Blast Furnace pump is straightforward, players often encounter issues that can hinder training. Here’s how to address them.
Dealing with Furnace Downtime
If the furnace runs out of coke or a crasher overheats it, experience stops. Always check the furnace’s status before pumping and be ready to hop worlds if issues persist. On non-official worlds, you may need to repair pipes or add coke yourself, requiring 30 Agility, Crafting, and Firemaking.
Managing Logout Timers
The official client logs you out after 5 minutes of inactivity, while third-party clients like RuneLite extend this to 25 minutes. To maximize session length:
- Use a Third-Party Client: RuneLite is approved and allows longer AFK sessions.
- Avoid FPS Manipulation: Setting RuneLite to 1 FPS to extend sessions can trigger bans for macroing, as seen in a 2021 Reddit case where a player was banned for this practice.
Staying Safe from Bans
Using scripts or bots for pumping is risky and against Jagex rules. A 2021 Sythe.org thread discussed the “low-intensity” nature of pump scripts, but bot detection systems can still flag accounts. Stick to manual clicking to avoid bans, and never use auto-typers or other automation tools.
Alternatives to Blast Furnace Pumping
While the pump is great for AFK Strength training, other methods may suit different account types or preferences. Here’s a comparison:
Method | XP/Hour | Hitpoints XP? | AFK Level |
---|---|---|---|
Blast Furnace Pump | 12,000 | No | High |
Waterfall Quest | ~30,000 (one-time) | Yes | Low |
Pest Control | 20,000–40,000 | Yes | Medium |
Barbarian Fishing | 10,000–15,000 | No | High |
When to Switch Methods
If you’re building a pure and need faster Strength gains, consider completing Waterfall Quest for a quick boost. For long-term AFK training, Barbarian Fishing offers similar benefits but requires 48 Fishing. Weigh your account’s goals and time commitment before sticking solely to the pump.
Final Thoughts: The OSRS Blast Furnace pump is a niche but effective method for Strength training, especially for pures aiming to avoid Hitpoints experience. With low requirements, AFK-friendly mechanics, and a vibrant community on worlds like 302, it’s a solid choice for dedicated players. By preparing properly, managing coke supply, and avoiding crashers, you can make the most of this unique minigame feature. Happy pumping!