How to Get a Bond in OSRS A Complete Guide for New and Veteran Players

How to Get a Bond in OSRS A Complete Guide for New and Veteran Players

Getting a Bond in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a game-changer. It’s your ticket to membership without spending real money, letting you dive into the full Gielinor experience. As an OSRS veteran who’s been grinding since the 2007 days, I’ve snagged plenty of Bonds through in-game methods, and I’m here to share the best ways to do it. Whether you’re a newbie chopping trees in Lumbridge or a seasoned player slaying bosses, this guide breaks down how to earn a Bond in simple, actionable steps. Let’s jump in!

A Bond is an in-game item you can buy with real money or in-game gold (GP) through the Grand Exchange. Redeeming it gives you 14 days of membership, which unlocks about 90% of OSRS content, like new quests, skills, and areas. Why does this matter? Membership makes the game way more fun, and earning Bonds with GP means you can play without spending a dime in real life.

Why I love Bonds: Back when I started, I was a Free-to-Play (F2P) player, scraping by on chickens and cows. The moment I got my first Bond, it was like unlocking a whole new world. Quests like Monkey Madness and skills like Slayer became my obsession. Trust me, you want that membership!

How Much Does a Bond Cost?

The price of a Bond fluctuates based on supply and demand in the Grand Exchange. As of September 2025, a Bond typically costs around 7-8 million GP. That sounds like a lot, but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with methods to stack that cash.

Quick tip: Prices can spike during events or updates, so check the Grand Exchange regularly to snag a Bond when prices dip.

Getting Started as a New Player

I Will Earn a Bond in F2P Starting From Nothing 12 Free to Play

If you’re fresh off Tutorial Island, earning millions might seem impossible. I remember my first days, wielding a bronze dagger and wondering how I’d ever afford anything. But with some focus, you can make enough GP for a Bond in a week or two. Here’s how to start.

Complete the Stronghold of Security

Why do it? The Stronghold of Security in Barbarian Village gives you 10,000 GP for free, plus some cool boots. It’s a no-brainer for newbies.

How to do it:

  • Gear up: Wear basic armor (like the iron set from Tutorial Island) and bring some food (like trout or salmon).

  • Navigate the maze-like dungeon, answering security questions at each door.

  • Watch out for aggressive monsters (level 12-44). If your combat level is low (under 20), stick to the edges and run.

  • Claim the 10,000 GP from the final chest. You can also grab Fancy Boots or Fighting Boots for a small stat boost.

My experience: I died twice in the Stronghold because I didn’t bring enough food. Lesson learned: always pack extra trout! It took me about 30 minutes, and that 10,000 GP felt like a fortune. It’s a great kickstart for your Bond fund.

Early Quests for Quick Cash

Quests are a fantastic way to earn GP and XP early on. Some F2P quests give rewards you can sell or use to level up skills for better money-making later.

Top F2P quests for beginners:

  • The Restless Ghost: Rewards a Ghostspeak Amulet (sells for a small amount) and Prayer XP.

  • X Marks the Spot: Gives 300 GP and a Treasure Map (small but adds up).

  • Sheep Shearer: Collect wool, spin it, and sell for a few hundred GP.

Pro tip: Do these quests in Lumbridge to stay close to a bank. I used to run around clueless, but sticking to one area keeps things simple.

Question: Can you do quests without high skills?
Answer: Yup! Most F2P quests need little to no skill levels, so dive in.

Skilling for GP The Low-Level Grind

Once you’ve got some starter cash, skilling is your next step. These methods are beginner-friendly and don’t require high stats or fancy gear.

Woodcutting and Firemaking

Chopping trees and burning logs is a classic OSRS grind. It’s AFK (away-from-keyboard), meaning you can chill while earning GP.

How to do it:

  1. Grab a Steel Axe (or better) from the Grand Exchange.

  2. Chop Oak Logs (level 15 Woodcutting) or Willow Logs (level 30) in Draynor Village or near Lumbridge.

  3. Sell logs on the Grand Exchange or burn them for Firemaking XP and sell the ashes.

GP per hour: About 50,000-100,000 GP depending on log prices.
My story: I spent hours chopping willows by Draynor Bank, listening to music, and watching my GP stack grow. It’s not glamorous, but it’s steady.

Fishing for Profit

Fishing is another chill skill that pays off. Lobsters and swordfish are great for F2P players.

Steps:

  1. Get a Lobster Pot (level 40 Fishing) or Harpoon (level 50 for swordfish).

  2. Fish at Musa Point (Karamja). You’ll need 30 GP per trip for the boat.

  3. Bank your fish in Draynor or sell raw lobsters/swordfish on the Grand Exchange.

GP per hour: Around 80,000-150,000 GP.
Personal tip: I used to fish lobsters while chatting with friends on Discord. It’s relaxing, and raw lobsters sell well because P2P players use them for cooking.

Mining and Smithing

Mining ores and smithing bars can be profitable, especially if you’re near a bank.

How to do it:

  1. Mine Iron Ore (level 15 Mining) or Coal (level 30) in the Mining Guild or Lumbridge Swamp.

  2. Smelt into bars (requires Smithing levels) or sell ores directly.

  3. Iron bars or coal fetch decent prices on the Grand Exchange.

GP per hour: 50,000-120,000 GP.
My take: Mining was my go-to when I wanted something low-effort. I’d mine iron in Al Kharid, bank, and repeat. It’s repetitive but builds your GP fast.

Question: Which skill is best for newbies?
Answer: Fishing or Woodcutting. They’re easy, AFK, and don’t need much gear.

Mid-Level Money Makers Stepping Up Your Game

Once you’ve got some levels (around 40-50 in combat or skills), you can try more lucrative methods. These require a bit more effort but get you closer to that Bond.

Killing Hill Giants

Hill Giants in the Edgeville Dungeon are a solid choice for mid-level players. They drop Big Bones, which sell well, and have a chance for rare drops like the Giant Key.

How to do it:

  • Gear: Mithril or Adamant armor, a Rune Scimitar, and food.

  • Location: Edgeville Dungeon (use a Brass Key for quick access).

  • Sell Big Bones (200-300 GP each) and other drops like limpwurt roots.

GP per hour: 100,000-200,000 GP.
My experience: I grinded Hill Giants for hours, aiming for that rare Champion’s Scroll. Never got it, but the bones and keys added up fast!

Tanning Leather

Tanning cowhides into leather is a surprisingly good money-maker for F2P players.

Steps:

  1. Buy Cowhides (100-150 GP each) from the Grand Exchange.

  2. Take them to the tanner in Al Kharid (costs 1 GP per hide).

  3. Sell Hard Leather (200-250 GP each) for a profit.

GP per hour: Up to 300,000 GP if you’re efficient.
Pro tip: I used to do this while watching YouTube. It’s click-intensive but great for steady profits.

Table: F2P Money-Making Methods

Method

Skill/Combat Level

GP per Hour

Requirements

Woodcutting (Willows)

30 Woodcutting

50,000-100,000

Steel Axe, Draynor Village access

Fishing (Lobsters)

40 Fishing

80,000-150,000

Lobster Pot, Karamja access

Mining (Iron/Coal)

15-30 Mining

50,000-120,000

Pickaxe, Mining Guild or Lumbridge

Hill Giants

20-40 Combat

100,000-200,000

Brass Key, basic combat gear

Tanning Leather

None

200,000-300,000

Cowhides, Al Kharid tanner access

Advanced Methods for Veteran Players

If you’ve got high levels (60+ in combat or skills), you can rake in GP faster. These methods are for players comfortable with combat or complex skilling.

Slayer Tasks

Slayer is my favorite skill, and it’s a goldmine. High-level tasks like Ankou or Dust Devils drop valuable items.

How to do it:

  • Train Slayer to at least 50 (I recommend Turael in Burthorpe for early tasks).

  • Use a Slayer Master like Vannaka or Chaeldar for mid-to-high level tasks.

  • Sell drops like runes, herbs, or rare items (e.g., Mystic Robes).

GP per hour: 300,000-1,000,000 GP depending on tasks.
My story: I once got a Mystic Robe Top from Ankou, which sold for 700,000 GP. That single drop pushed me closer to my Bond. Slayer’s risky but rewarding.

High-Level Skilling

High-level skills like Runecrafting or Hunter can be crazy profitable.

Runecrafting:

  • Craft Nature Runes (level 44) or Law Runes (level 54) via the Abyss.

  • GP per hour: 500,000-1,000,000 GP.

Hunter:

  • Trap Chinchompas (level 53) in the Feldip Hills.

  • GP per hour: 400,000-800,000 GP.

Personal tip: I grinded Nature Runes for my first few Bonds. It’s intense, but the GP rolls in fast if you’ve got the stamina.

Question: Is Slayer worth it for Bonds?
Answer: Absolutely. It’s fun, trains combat, and the drops are juicy.

Tips to Maximize Your Bond Grind

No matter your level, these tips will help you get that Bond faster.

  • Check Grand Exchange prices daily: Bond prices change, so time your purchase wisely.

  • Use the OSRS Wiki: It’s a lifesaver for finding the best methods and current prices.

  • Join a clan: Clans share tips, and some even help with group money-making like bossing.

  • Save your GP: Avoid spending on unnecessary gear or items until you’ve got your Bond.

  • Mix it up: Combine skilling and combat to avoid burnout. I’d fish for an hour, then kill Hill Giants to keep things fresh.

My advice: When I was grinding for my first Bond, I set a daily GP goal (like 500,000). It kept me motivated and made the grind feel doable.

What to Do After Getting Your Bond

Once you’ve got your Bond, redeem it for membership and dive into P2P content. Here’s a quick plan:

  1. Start with quests: Do Waterfall Quest or Fight Arena for fast XP.

  2. Train Slayer or Agility to unlock better money-making methods.

  3. Explore new areas like Morytania or Kourend for exclusive content.

My experience: After redeeming my first Bond, I rushed to do Tree Gnome Village for the spirit tree teleport. It made getting around so much easier!

Question: What’s the first thing you should do as a member?
Answer: Quests. They give XP and unlock key features.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made plenty of mistakes, so learn from them:

  • Don’t buy Bonds too early: If you’re struggling to make 100,000 GP, focus on skilling first.

  • Avoid scams: Only buy Bonds through the Grand Exchange, not from players directly.

  • Don’t burn out: Grinding for hours without breaks kills your motivation. Take it slow.

Final Thoughts

Earning a Bond in OSRS is totally doable, whether you’re a newbie or a pro. Start with simple methods like the Stronghold of Security or fishing, then move to bigger grinds like Slayer or Runecrafting. As someone who’s been through the grind, I can tell you it’s worth it. That first Bond unlocks so much, and the feeling of earning it with your own GP is unbeatable. So, what’s your plan? Going to chop some willows or slay some giants? Let me know in the comments, and happy grinding!