Early Game Money Making OSRS – Best Methods for Beginners in 2025

Welcome to the world of Old School RuneScape (OSRS), where gold pieces (GP) are the key to unlocking better gear, skills, and adventures in Gielinor. As a beginner, earning money can feel daunting, especially in the early game when your skills are low and your bank is empty. This guide dives into the best early game money-making methods for both free-to-play (F2P) and pay-to-play (P2P) players, focusing on low-requirement, accessible strategies to help you build your fortune in 2025. Whether you’re a noob in Lumbridge or an Ironman starting fresh, these methods will jumpstart your wealth without requiring high levels or massive investments.

In OSRS, gold is the backbone of progression. It funds better equipment, skill training, and even membership bonds for F2P players. Early game money-making is crucial because it helps you overcome the initial hurdle of limited resources, letting you tackle quests, train skills, or take on tougher monsters. The methods below are beginner-friendly, require minimal startup costs, and can be done with low combat or skill levels, making them perfect for new players.

Free-to-Play (F2P) Money Making Methods

F2P players face restrictions on skills, quests, and Grand Exchange access (requiring 7 quest points or 24 hours of playtime), but there are still plenty of ways to make gold. These methods are simple, low-risk, and ideal for players just starting out.

Collecting and Tanning Cowhides

One of the most iconic F2P money-making methods is collecting cowhides in Lumbridge. Cows are easy to kill (or you can pick up hides left by other players), and tanning them into leather is a straightforward way to profit.

• Location: Lumbridge cow field, east of the castle.
• Requirements: None, but completing Prince Ali Rescue (3 quest points) removes the Al Kharid gate toll for faster banking.
• Method: Kill cows or collect 27 cowhides, run to Al Kharid, pay Ellis the tanner 1 GP per hide to tan them into soft leather, then sell at the Grand Exchange (GE).
• Profit: Approximately 100-150k GP/hour, depending on GE prices.

Tip: Avoid overcrowded worlds to reduce competition from bots and other players.

Mining and Selling Iron Ore

Mining is a classic F2P skill that doubles as a money-maker. Iron ore is in steady demand and requires minimal effort to mine.

• Location: Al Kharid mine or Varrock southeast mine.
• Requirements: 15 Mining (for iron ore), pickaxe (bronze is fine).
• Method: Mine iron ore until your inventory is full, bank in Al Kharid or Varrock, and sell at the GE.
• Profit: Around 50-100k GP/hour.???€?s a bit slow, but profits are steady.

Tip: Use F2P worlds for less competition at mining spots.

Cooking and Selling Food

Cooking is a beginner-friendly skill that can turn raw resources into profitable food items like cooked lobsters or shrimp.

• Location: Karamja fishing spot (lobsters) or Lumbridge (shrimp).
• Requirements: 1-40 Cooking, fishing rod, bait, or lobster pot.
• Method: Fish shrimp (level 1 Fishing) or lobsters (level 40 Fishing), cook them at a range (Lumbridge Castle range reduces burning), and sell at the GE.
• Profit: 50-80k GP/hour for shrimp, up to 150k GP/hour for lobsters.

Tip: Complete Cook???€?s Assistant to unlock the Lumbridge range for better cooking efficiency.

Pay-to-Play (P2P) Money Making Methods

P2P players have access to more skills, areas, and methods, making early game money-making faster and more varied. These methods are still accessible for low-level players with minimal requirements.

Woodcutting Yew Logs

Woodcutting yew logs is a semi-AFK method that offers decent profits and trains a useful skill.

• Location: South of Falador or near Catherby (P2P).
• Requirements: 60 Woodcutting, any axe (rune recommended).
• Method: Chop yew trees, bank logs in Falador or Catherby, and sell at the GE.
• Profit: 60-80k GP/hour, depending on Woodcutting level and axe quality.

Tip: Check less populated worlds to avoid bot-heavy yew tree spots.

Flipping at the Grand Exchange

Flipping involves buying low and selling high at the GE, a method that requires some starting capital but no skill levels.

• Location: Grand Exchange in Varrock.
• Requirements: 500k-1M GP starting capital, GE access.
• Method: Use tools like GE Tracker to find items with good profit margins, buy at a low price, and sell higher.
• Profit: 100-300k GP/hour with practice and market knowledge.

Tip: Start with low-risk items like runes or feathers to learn the market.

Ironman Money Making Strategies

Ironman accounts can???€?t trade or use the GE, making money-making more challenging. However, there are effective methods to gather gold early on.

Stronghold of Security

The Stronghold of Security is a one-time method to earn starting gold for Ironmen.

• Location: Barbarian Village, enter the hole in the center.
• Requirements: None, but basic combat gear helps.
• Method: Navigate four levels, answer security questions, and claim 10k GP upon completion.
• Profit: 10k GP (one-time).

Tip: Bring food for lower combat levels to survive monster attacks.

High Alchemy with Shop-Bought Items

High Alchemy turns items into gold, and buying from shops can be profitable for Ironmen.

• Location: Varrock staff or rune shops.
• Requirements: 55 Magic, nature runes, fire staff.
• Method: Buy items like battlestaves or runes from shops, cast High Alchemy, and profit from the difference.
• Profit: Varies, typically 50-100k GP/hour with enough runes.

Tip: Check shop stock and alchemy values using OSRS Wiki.

Comparing Money Making Methods

Choosing the right method depends on your playstyle, account type, and time commitment. Below is a table comparing the methods discussed:

Method	Account Type	Requirements	Profit (GP/hour)	AFK Level
Cowhides	F2P/P2P	None	100-150k	Low
Iron Ore	F2P/P2P	15 Mining	50-100k	Medium
Cooking	F2P/P2P	1-40 Cooking/Fishing	50-150k	Medium
Yew Logs	P2P	60 Woodcutting	60-80k	High
Flipping	P2P	500k-1M GP	100-300k	Low
Stronghold	Ironman	None	10k (one-time)	Low
High Alchemy	Ironman	55 Magic	50-100k	Medium

Tips for Maximizing Profits

To make the most of these early game methods, keep these strategies in mind:

• Use F2P Worlds: Less crowded for resource gathering like mining or cowhides.
• Complete Early Quests: Quests like Prince Ali Rescue or Cook???€?s Assistant unlock efficiencies that boost money-making.
• Monitor GE Prices: Use tools like GE Tracker to stay updated on item prices, as they fluctuate daily.
• Reinvest Profits: Use early earnings to buy better gear or supplies to access higher-profit methods.
• Join a Clan: Clans offer tips, world recommendations, and sometimes free supplies for new players.

Final Thoughts

Making money in OSRS???€?s early game doesn???€?t have to be a grind. By focusing on simple, low-requirement methods like tanning cowhides, mining iron ore, or flipping at the GE, you can build a solid gold stack to fuel your adventures. For Ironmen, options like the Stronghold of Security and High Alchemy provide a self-sufficient path to wealth. Experiment with these methods, track your profits, and reinvest to unlock even more lucrative opportunities as you progress. Start small, stay patient, and soon you???€?ll be funding your first bond or shiny new armor in no time!