Best Place to Smith Cannonballs in OSRS

Smithing cannonballs in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a popular method for training Smithing while earning a decent profit. With the right setup, location, and tools, you can maximize efficiency, experience, and gold per hour. This guide explores the best places to smith cannonballs, optimal strategies, and tips to make the process as AFK or profitable as possible. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned veteran, you’ll find everything you need to know to get started.
Cannonballs are ammunition for the Dwarven Multicannon, a powerful Ranged weapon used in Slayer and combat training. After completing the Dwarf Cannon quest, players with 35 Smithing can craft cannonballs using steel bars and an ammo mould. This method is favored for its low-effort, semi-AFK nature and consistent profits, as one steel bar (around 473 coins) produces four cannonballs (worth approximately 688 coins total), yielding a profit of about 215 coins per bar .
Key Benefits of Smithing Cannonballs
- Profitability: Earn 116,100–522,000 GP per hour depending on setup and location.
- Smithing XP: Gain up to 14,000–27,000 Smithing XP per hour.
- Low Requirements: Only 35 Smithing and partial completion of Dwarf Cannon.
- AFK-Friendly: Minimal input makes it ideal for multitasking.
Best Locations for Smithing Cannonballs
The efficiency of smithing cannonballs depends heavily on the furnace’s proximity to a bank. Below, we rank the top locations based on accessibility, requirements, and output.
Edgeville Furnace: The Go-To Choice
The Edgeville furnace, located west of Varrock, is the most popular choice due to its proximity to a bank (14 tiles away) and lack of quest requirements. It’s ideal for new players or those avoiding lengthy questlines.
- Output: 2,160–2,400 cannonballs/hour (116,100–129,000 GP/hour).
- Requirements: None.
- Access: Teleport with an Amulet of Glory, Fairy Ring (code DKR), or walk from Varrock.
- Tip: Use the “Make All” option by clicking the red text above the steel bar for faster smithing .
Port Phasmatys Furnace: Fastest with Morytania Legs
The Port Phasmatys furnace is the closest to a bank (10 tiles) when paired with Morytania Legs 2, which doubles smithing speed for cannonballs. This makes it the fastest location, producing up to 35 trips per hour .
- Output: Up to 3,780 cannonballs/hour with Morytania Legs 2.
- Requirements: Medium Morytania Diary, Ghosts Ahoy (optional for free bank access), Ghostspeak Amulet (unless Hard Diary is completed).
- Access: Ectophial teleport or Fairy Ring (code ALQ).
- Tip: Wear Morytania Legs 2 to halve smithing time, significantly boosting XP and GP.
Shilo Village Furnace: Mobile-Friendly Option
The Shilo Village furnace is 11 tiles from a bank and requires only 20 coins per use (free with Karamja Elite Diary). It’s particularly suited for mobile players due to its straightforward camera angles .
- Output: 2,160–2,400 cannonballs/hour (slightly faster than Edgeville).
- Requirements: Shilo Village quest, 20 coins per use (unless Karamja Elite Diary is completed).
- Access: Karamja Gloves 3/4, Shilo Village cart system, or Fairy Ring (code CKR).
- Tip: Use for a balance of accessibility and efficiency if you lack Morytania Legs.
Neitiznot Furnace: Scenic and Quiet
The Neitiznot furnace is the second-closest to a bank (11 tiles) and offers a peaceful environment with great music and scenery. It’s less crowded than Edgeville .
Prifddinas Furnace: High-End Option
The Prifddinas furnace is the second-closest to a bank (12 tiles) and offers high output with the double ammo mould. It’s a premium choice for players who’ve unlocked Prifddinas .
- Output: Up to 4,320–4,800 cannonballs/hour with double ammo mould (469,800–522,000 GP/hour).
- Requirements: Song of the Elves quest.
- Access: Teleport Crystal or Spirit Tree.
- Tip: Pair with the double ammo mould for maximum efficiency.
Optimizing Cannonball Smithing with the Double Ammo Mould
The double ammo mould, unlocked after completing Sleeping Giants and purchasing it for 2,000 Foundry Reputation from Giants’ Foundry, is a game-changer. It allows you to smith eight cannonballs per two steel bars, doubling production and XP rates .
Double Ammo Mould Benefits
- Increased Output: 4,320–4,800 cannonballs/hour at top furnaces.
- Higher XP: Up to 27,000 Smithing XP/hour.
- Profit Boost: 469,800–522,000 GP/hour at Prifddinas or Port Phasmatys.
- Drawback: Requires banking twice as often, reducing AFK time.
How to Unlock the Double Ammo Mould
- Complete the Sleeping Giants quest (no major requirements).
- Participate in Giants’ Foundry minigame to earn 2,000 Foundry Reputation.
- Purchase the double ammo mould from the Giants’ Foundry Reward Shop.
Comparing Furnace Locations
Choosing the right furnace depends on your quest progress, diary achievements, and whether you prioritize speed or AFK time. Here’s a comparison:
Location | Tiles to Bank | Cannonballs/Hour (Regular Mould) | Cannonballs/Hour (Double Mould) | Requirements |
---|---|---|---|---|
Edgeville | 14 | 2,160–2,400 | 4,320–4,800 | None |
Port Phasmatys | 10 | 3,780 (with Morytania Legs 2) | ~7,560 (with Morytania Legs 2) | Medium Morytania Diary, Ghosts Ahoy (optional) |
Shilo Village | 11 | 2,160–2,400 | 4,320–4,800 | Shilo Village quest |
Neitiznot | 11 | 2,160–2,400 | 4,320–4,800 | The Fremennik Isles |
Prifddinas | 12 | 2,160–2,400 | 4,320–4,800 | Song of the Elves |
Tips for Efficient Cannonball Smithing
Maximize your efficiency with these practical tips:
General Efficiency Tips
- Check Grand Exchange Prices: Verify steel bar and cannonball prices before investing, as margins fluctuate .
- Use Shortcuts: Click the red “Make All” text or hold the “1” key at the bank to speed up actions .
- Stockpile Steel Bars: Buy in bulk (e.g., 1,000 bars cost ~473,000 GP) to avoid price spikes.
- Avoid Smelting Bars: Smelting iron ore and coal is too slow and less profitable than buying steel bars .
AFK vs. Active Play
Smithing cannonballs is semi-AFK, with each inventory (27 bars) taking ~2 minutes 48 seconds to process . For a more AFK experience, use the regular mould at Edgeville or Neitiznot. For active players, the double ammo mould at Port Phasmatys or Prifddinas maximizes output but requires more clicks.
Alternative Uses for Cannonballs
Besides selling, consider using cannonballs for:
- Slayer Training: Use in crowded areas like Stronghold Slayer Cave or Ape Atoll for fast XP .
- Granite Cannonballs: Combine with granite dust (level 50 Smithing) for higher damage, though this yields no XP .
Conclusion
Smithing cannonballs in OSRS is a reliable, low-effort way to train Smithing and earn gold. The Port Phasmatys furnace with Morytania Legs 2 is the best location for maximum output, while Edgeville is perfect for accessibility. Unlock the double ammo mould for a significant boost in XP and profit, especially at Prifddinas or Port Phasmatys. With the right setup, you can earn up to 522,000 GP and 27,000 Smithing XP per hour. Start smithing today and watch your bank grow!