OSRS Fletching Yew Longbow Ultimate Guide for Profit and XP
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), fletching yew longbows is a popular method for training the Fletching skill while potentially making a tidy profit. Whether you’re aiming for level 99 Fletching or just looking to earn some gold pieces (GP), this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about fletching yew longbows, from requirements to strategies for maximizing efficiency. Let’s dive into the details of this rewarding skill activity!
Fletching yew longbows is a go-to method for many players because it balances decent experience rates with the potential for profit. At level 70 Fletching, you unlock the ability to craft these bows, which are stronger than maple longbows and can be sold or alched for GP. This makes it an attractive option for both skill grinders and money-makers.
Key Benefits of Fletching Yew Longbows
- Profit Potential: Depending on Grand Exchange prices, you can earn significant GP by selling unstrung or strung yew longbows.
- Decent XP Rates: Each yew longbow provides 150 XP (75 for fletching, 75 for stringing), making it a solid choice for leveling.
- AFK-Friendly: Fletching is semi-AFK, allowing you to multitask or relax while training.
- Accessibility: Yew logs and bowstrings are readily available on the Grand Exchange, requiring minimal setup.
Requirements for Fletching Yew Longbows
Before you start fletching yew longbows, ensure you meet the necessary requirements and have the right materials. This section covers what you need to get started.
Fletching Level
You need at least level 70 Fletching to craft yew longbows. If you’re not there yet, consider fletching maple longbows (level 55) or other lower-tier bows to build your skill.
Materials Needed
- Yew Logs: Purchased from the Grand Exchange or obtained via Woodcutting (level 60 recommended).
- Bowstrings: Buy from the Grand Exchange or craft them from flax using the Crafting skill.
- Knife: A basic tool available for cheap on the Grand Exchange or from general stores.
Optional Items
- Dragonfruit Pie: Boosts Fletching by +4, allowing you to craft yew longbows at level 66 (with Preserve prayer to extend the boost).
- High Alchemy Runes: Nature runes and fire runes for alching strung bows if selling isn’t profitable.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fletching Yew Longbows
Fletching yew longbows involves two main steps: cutting yew logs into unstrung bows and stringing them with bowstrings. Here’s how to do it efficiently.
Step 1: Fletching Unstrung Yew Longbows
- Purchase yew logs from the Grand Exchange (approx. 249–281 GP each, check live prices).
- Equip a knife and have yew logs in your inventory.
- Use the knife on a yew log, select “Yew Longbow (u)” from the interface, and craft up to 1,500 unstrung bows per hour, depending on speed.
- Each unstrung bow grants 75 Fletching XP and can be sold for around 397 GP or alched for 384 GP.
Step 2: Stringing Yew Longbows
- Buy bowstrings from the Grand Exchange (approx. 70–168 GP each).
- Combine unstrung yew longbows with bowstrings by using one on the other.
- Stringing takes about 45 seconds per inventory (14 bows), yielding up to 2,400 strung bows per hour.
- Each strung bow grants an additional 75 Fletching XP (total 150 XP per log) and can be sold for around 506 GP or alched for 768 GP.
Tips for Efficiency
- Bank at the Grand Exchange: Train at the Grand Exchange for quick buying and selling of materials.
- Use Mouse Keys: Speed up clicking for faster fletching on PC.
- Check Prices: Grand Exchange prices fluctuate, so always verify costs and profits before investing heavily.
- AFK Strategy: Stringing is more click-intensive but faster; fletching unstrung bows is more AFK-friendly.
Profit and XP Analysis
Fletching yew longbows can be profitable, but your earnings depend on whether you sell or alch the bows and current market prices. Below is a detailed breakdown.
Profit from Unstrung Yew Longbows
Fletching unstrung yew longbows is less click-intensive and often profitable. Here’s an example based on recent data:
| Item | Cost/Price (GP) | Quantity/Hour | Total (GP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yew Logs | 249 | 1,500 | -373,500 |
| Unstrung Yew Longbows | 397 | 1,500 | +595,500 |
| Profit/Hour | 222,000 GP | ||
| XP/Hour | 112,500 XP | ||
Note: Alching unstrung bows (384 GP each) may result in a loss if nature runes cost more than the profit margin (e.g., 217 GP each).
Profit from Strung Yew Longbows
Stringing yew longbows is more click-intensive but offers higher XP and often better profits:
| Item | Cost/Price (GP) | Quantity/Hour | Total (GP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unstrung Yew Longbows | 299 | 2,400 | -717,600 |
| Bowstrings | 70 | 2,400 | -168,000 |
| Strung Yew Longbows | 506 | 2,400 | +1,216,800 |
| Profit/Hour | 331,200 GP | ||
| XP/Hour | 180,000 XP | ||
High Alchemy Option: Alching strung bows (768 GP each) can yield additional Magic XP (80,000/hour) but may reduce profits depending on nature rune prices.
Factors Affecting Profit
- Market Fluctuations: Prices for yew logs, bowstrings, and bows vary daily. Check the Grand Exchange tracker before starting.
- Alching vs. Selling: Selling is usually more profitable, but alching is viable if you want Magic XP or if GE prices drop.
- Speed: Faster clicking increases your hourly output, boosting both XP and GP.
Advanced Strategies and Alternatives
If you’re looking to optimize your fletching or explore other methods, here are some advanced tips and alternatives to yew longbows.
Boosting Fletching Efficiency
- Quest Rewards: Complete quests like Big Chompy Bird Hunting for Fletching XP to reach level 70 faster.
- Seers’ Village Task: Crafting a yew longbow from scratch in Seers’ Village completes a Kandarin Hard Diary task, offering extra rewards.
- Portable Fletchers: Use these for a chance to save logs or bowstrings, though they’re rare and costly.
Alternative Fletching Methods
If yew longbows aren’t profitable or you want variety, consider these options:
- Maple Longbows (Level 55): Cheaper materials, slightly lower XP (130,000/hour), and up to 320,000 GP/hour.
- Magic Longbows (Level 85): Higher XP (200,000/hour) and up to 390,000 GP/hour, but more expensive.
- Broad Arrows: Fast XP (600,000/hour at high levels) but often a loss; ideal for Ironmen.
- Redwood Shields (Level 92): Profitable via high alchemy, with 168,000 XP/hour.
Ironman Considerations
For Ironmen, fletching yew longbows is a great money-making method since you can’t use the Grand Exchange. Chop yew logs (Varrock or Catherby trees are ideal), spin flax for bowstrings via Lunar spells or Temple Trekking, and high alch the bows for profit.
Fletching yew longbows in OSRS is a fantastic way to train your Fletching skill while potentially earning millions in GP. With the right setup, you can achieve up to 180,000 XP and 331,200 GP per hour by stringing bows, or opt for a more AFK approach with unstrung bows. Always check Grand Exchange prices, experiment with alching versus selling, and consider your playstyle (active or AFK) to maximize efficiency. Ready to start fletching? Grab your knife, stock up on yew logs, and get crafting!