Crafting XP Per Hour in OSRS – Best Methods to Level Up Fast

Crafting XP Per Hour in OSRS – Best Methods to Level Up Fast

Crafting in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is one of those skills that feels like a grind but can be super rewarding once you get the hang of it. Whether you’re aiming for that shiny level 99 cape or just want to make some decent gear, knowing how to maximize your crafting XP per hour is key. As someone who’s spent countless hours in Gielinor grinding this skill, I’ve learned a thing or two about what works and what doesn’t. Let’s dive into the best methods to level up crafting, from low levels to the endgame, with tips, tricks, and personal stories to keep you motivated. Ready to craft like a pro? Let’s go!

Crafting isn’t just about making pretty jewelry or snazzy leather armor. It’s a core skill that ties into quests, money-making, and even combat gear. Ever tried to complete a high-level quest like Song of the Elves without a decent crafting level? It’s a pain! Plus, crafting can be a goldmine if you know which items to make. But here’s the thing: crafting can feel slow if you don’t pick the right methods. So, how do you get the most XP per hour without losing your mind? Stick with me, and I’ll break it down.

My Crafting Journey

When I first started playing OSRS, I underestimated crafting. I thought, “Why bother when I can just buy gear?” But then I hit a wall with quests like Fremennik Isles that required crafting levels. I remember spending hours cutting gems in Falador, feeling like I was getting nowhere. That’s when I decided to get serious and figure out the fastest ways to level up. Spoiler: it’s not just about grinding one method forever. Mixing it up and planning ahead makes all the difference.

Best Crafting XP Methods by Level

OSRS Money Making Method 875K An Hour w 70K Cooking XP An Hour

Crafting XP rates vary depending on your level, budget, and how much effort you’re willing to put in. Below, I’ll cover the best methods for different level ranges, including XP per hour, costs, and my personal take on each. I’ve also thrown in a table for quick reference.

Levels 1-20: Getting Started with Leather and Gems

Starting out, crafting is dirt cheap, but the XP rates are slow. Your best bet is leatherworking or cutting gems. Here’s how they stack up:

  • Leather Armor (Levels 1-18): Grab some thread and leather from the Al Kharid Tanner. Making leather gloves, boots, or armor gives around 10,000-15,000 XP per hour. It’s not fast, but it’s affordable. I used to do this while chatting with friends in-game, which made the grind feel less tedious.

  • Cutting Sapphires (Levels 20+): If you’ve got some gold to spare, buy uncut sapphires from the Grand Exchange and cut them. This gives about 20,000 XP per hour and is a nice step-up. Pro tip: do this in a bank with a good rhythm to avoid clicking fatigue.

Personal Tip: I started with leather because I was broke back then. Watching my XP bar creep up while crafting leather chaps felt satisfying, even if it wasn’t the fastest. If you’re new, stick with leather until you hit level 20.

Levels 20-40: Glassblowing and More Gems

Once you hit level 20, things get interesting. Glassblowing is a game-changer for low-level crafters. You’ll need a glassblowing pipe (buy it from the Grand Exchange or a general store) and some seaweed and buckets of sand. Here’s the deal:

  • Unpowered Orbs (Level 46, but start earlier for practice): Craft these at the furnace in Edgeville or Falador. You’ll get around 30,000-40,000 XP per hour. It’s click-intensive, but the rhythm is oddly satisfying once you get it down.

  • Cutting Emeralds or Rubies: If glassblowing isn’t your vibe, keep cutting gems. Emeralds (level 27) and rubies (level 34) give slightly better XP than sapphires, pushing you toward 25,000-30,000 XP per hour.

My Experience: Glassblowing was my go-to at this stage. I’d collect seaweed on Fossil Island and smelt glass in Falador, pretending I was some master artisan. The XP felt decent, and selling the orbs helped offset costs. Ever tried glassblowing while half-asleep? Don’t. I misclicked so many times!

Levels 40-60: Battlestaves and Jewelry

Now we’re talking serious XP. At this point, battlestaves and jewelry are your best friends. These methods are faster but cost more, so plan your budget.

  • Air Battlestaves (Level 66, but prep at 40): You’ll need air orbs (charged at the Air Altar) and battlestaves. Crafting these in Al Kharid gives 100,000-120,000 XP per hour if you’re efficient. It’s pricey, but the XP is worth it.

  • Gold Jewelry (Level 40-56): Craft gold rings, necklaces, or amulets at the furnace. This nets 40,000-60,000 XP per hour and is cheaper than battlestaves. I liked making amulets because they sold decently on the Grand Exchange.

Quick Table: XP Rates for Levels 40-60

Method

Level Req

XP per Hour

Cost (Approx)

Air Battlestaves

66

100,000-120,000

High

Gold Jewelry

40-56

40,000-60,000

Moderate

Cutting Rubies

34

25,000-30,000

Low-Moderate

Personal Story: I saved up for weeks to afford battlestaves. The first time I crafted a full inventory of air battlestaves, I felt like a millionaire (until I checked my bank balance). The XP gains were addictive, though!

Levels 60-99: The Big Leagues

This is where crafting gets FUN. High-level methods like black dragon leather and gem cutting shine here. If you’re chasing that 99, these are your go-to options.

  • Black Dragonhide Armor (Level 84): Crafting black dragonhide bodies gives 200,000-250,000 XP per hour. It’s expensive (around 2-3M GP per hour), but the XP is unmatched. You’ll need a needle, thread, and black dragon leather. Do this in a bank with a fast-click setup.

  • Cutting Dragonstones (Level 55+): If you’re balling on a budget, cutting dragonstones gives 100,000-120,000 XP per hour. It’s less click-intensive than dragonhide and can even turn a profit if you enchant the jewelry later.

My Grind to 99: I went all-in on black dragonhide bodies for my 99 push. I’d park myself at the Edgeville bank, blasting music, and craft for hours. The XP ticks were so satisfying, but my wallet cried. One time, I miscalculated and ran out of leather mid-session. Had to telegrab some cash from my bank to keep going. Worth it? Absolutely.

Tips to Maximize Crafting XP

Want to level faster? Here are some tricks I’ve picked up over the years:

  • Use Bank Presets: Set up a preset for your crafting materials. It saves SO much time. I wish I’d known this when I started.

  • Portable Forges: If you’re doing jewelry or glassblowing, use a portable forge from the Grand Exchange. They give a small XP boost and save you trips to the furnace.

  • Combine with Money-Making: Craft items like dragonstone amulets or air battlestaves, then enchant and sell them. I made back half my crafting costs this way.

  • Take Breaks: Crafting is repetitive. I used to burn out after an hour of glassblowing. Short sessions with breaks kept me sane.

Question: Ever zoned out while crafting and missed a whole inventory? I have! Short answer: set a timer to stay focused.

Cost vs. Speed: What’s Your Playstyle?

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Cost vs. Speed: What’s Your Playstyle?

Crafting in OSRS is a balancing act between speed, cost, and your patience level. Some methods burn through your gold pile faster than a dragon’s fire breath, while others are slower but kinder to your wallet. So, how do you choose? Let’s break it down with some options and my own take on what worked for me.

Budget-Friendly Crafting

If you’re like I was early on, scraping by with a bank balance that barely covered teleports, you’ll want to focus on low-cost methods. These won’t get you to 99 in a week, but they’re sustainable and still pack decent XP.

  • Molten Glass: At level 46, you can make molten glass for unpowered orbs, which I mentioned earlier. The cost is minimal—seaweed and sand are dirt cheap if you collect them yourself. You’re looking at 30,000-40,000 XP per hour. I used to spend lazy afternoons on Fossil Island gathering seaweed, feeling like a beachcomber in Gielinor. It’s relaxing, but the XP isn’t the fastest.

  • Cutting Gems (Sapphires to Rubies): From levels 20 to 50, cutting gems like sapphires, emeralds, or rubies is a solid choice. You can get 20,000-30,000 XP per hour, and the gems are often affordable. Plus, you can sell cut gems to recoup some costs. I remember buying a stack of sapphires thinking I’d make bank, only to realize the market crashed. Lesson learned: check GE prices daily!

Why Go Budget?
If you’re saving up for that abyssal whip or a fancy outfit for your character, budget methods let you grind crafting without going broke. They’re also great for casual players who don’t want to commit to hours of clicking.

Fast-Track to 99: High-Cost, High-Reward

If you’ve got millions of GP to spare and want to race to 99, high-cost methods are the way to go. These are the ones that got me those big XP drops that made my heart race.

  • Black Dragonhide Bodies (Level 84): I can’t stress enough how awesome this method is. You’re getting 200,000-250,000 XP per hour, but it’ll cost you 2-3M GP per hour. I once spent an entire weekend crafting these, and my fingers ached, but seeing my crafting level jump from 80 to 85 in a day was worth it. Pro tip: buy leather in bulk when prices dip on the GE.

  • Dragonstone Jewelry (Level 55+): Crafting dragonstone amulets gives 100,000-120,000 XP per hour, and if you enchant them into amulets of glory, you can sell them for profit. I used to do this while watching movies—click, craft, repeat. It’s a great way to multitask.

Quick Table: Budget vs. Fast-Track Methods

Method

Level Req

XP per Hour

Cost (Approx)

Best For

Molten Glass

46

30,000-40,000

Low

Budget players

Cutting Gems

20-50

20,000-30,000

Low-Moderate

Beginners

Black Dragonhide

84

200,000-250,000

High

XP chasers

Dragonstone Jewelry

55

100,000-120,000

Moderate-High

Profit seekers

Personal Take: I mixed budget and fast-track methods depending on my bank balance. Early on, I stuck to gems because I could afford them. Later, I splurged on black dragonhide when I had some extra cash from slayer tasks. What’s your budget like? Got some GP to burn, or are you saving up?

Quest Requirements and Crafting

Crafting isn’t just about XP—it’s a gateway to some of OSRS’s best content. Many quests require specific crafting levels, and hitting those milestones can open up new adventures. Here are a few key ones:

  • Fremennik Isles: Requires level 46 to craft a yak-hide armor. I remember rushing to hit this level just to start the quest. The XP from glassblowing got me there in a couple of days.

  • Song of the Elves: You’ll need level 70 crafting, which feels like a stretch early on. I was stuck at 65 for weeks before I buckled down with battlestaves.

  • Lunar Diplomacy: Level 61 is needed for some ceramic work. This one caught me off guard, but cutting dragonstones saved the day.

Pro Tip: Check the quest requirements on the OSRS Wiki and plan your crafting around them. It’s satisfying to knock out a quest and gain XP at the same time. Ever been locked out of a quest because of a skill level? It’s the worst!

Tools and Boosts to Level Up Faster

To squeeze out every bit of XP, you need to use every advantage. Here are some tools and boosts that made my crafting grind smoother:

  • Portable Forges: These are a lifesaver for jewelry and glassblowing. They give a small XP boost and let you craft anywhere. I used to set one up in Lumbridge and chat with random players while crafting.

  • Crafting Cape (Level 99): If you make it to 99, the crafting cape gives a teleport to the Crafting Guild. It’s not a huge XP boost, but it’s a flex. I’m still chasing that cape myself!

  • Inventory Management: Use bank presets to load your inventory instantly. I didn’t discover this until level 70, and it was a game-changer. Why didn’t anyone tell me sooner?

Question: Do you use portable forges yet? If not, grab one from the GE. They’re cheap and worth every GP.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made my fair share of crafting mistakes, and I don’t want you to repeat them. Here’s what to watch out for:

  • Buying Overpriced Materials: Always check GE prices before buying in bulk. I once overpaid for dragon leather because I was too excited to start crafting. Ouch.

  • Ignoring Fatigue: Crafting is repetitive, and it’s easy to burn out. I used to push through 3-hour sessions and end up hating the game. Take breaks every 30-60 minutes.

  • Not Selling Products: If you’re crafting jewelry or battlestaves, enchant and sell them. I hoarded a stack of air battlestaves for weeks before realizing I could’ve made millions.

Quick Story: One time, I crafted 500 gold rings without checking the market. Turns out, they were selling for less than the gold bars. I felt like such a noob. Always double-check!

Making Money While Crafting

Crafting doesn’t have to drain your bank. Some methods can actually make you money if you play it smart. Here’s how:

  • Dragonstone Amulets: Craft and enchant them into amulets of glory. They sell like hotcakes on the GE. I made about 1M GP profit over a week doing this.

  • Battlestaves: Air, water, and fire battlestaves often sell for more than their crafting cost. I used to craft air battlestaves during double XP weekends and made a killing.

  • Cut Gems for Profit: Dragonstones and onyx can sometimes turn a profit if you buy uncut gems at a low price. I got lucky once and made 500k off a batch of dragonstones.

My Advice: Keep an eye on the GE tracker websites. Prices fluctuate, and you don’t want to craft at a loss. Ever made a bad GE trade? Share your pain—I’ve been there.

Community Tips and Tricks

The OSRS community is full of crafting wisdom. I’ve picked up some gems (pun intended) from Reddit and Discord. Here are a few:

  • Reddit Tip: “Craft in small batches to stay focused. I do 10 inventories, then switch to slayer for a break.” This helped me avoid burnout.

  • Discord Advice: “Use a metronome app to time your clicks for glassblowing. It’s weirdly effective.” I tried this, and it’s like a rhythm game!

  • Clan Chat Hack: Join a crafting-focused clan chat for live market tips. I found one that alerted me to a dragon leather price drop, saving me 200k.

Question: Got any community tips to share? I’m always looking for new tricks!

My Top 5 Crafting Tips for Beginners

If you’re just starting out, here’s what I wish I knew when I began:

  1. Start Cheap: Leather and gems are your friends at low levels. Don’t blow your bank on battlestaves yet.

  2. Plan for Quests: Check quest requirements and aim for those crafting levels first.

  3. Use Presets: Save time with bank presets. Trust me, it’s a lifesaver.

  4. Sell Smart: Craft items that sell well, like amulets of glory or black dragonhide bodies.

  5. Have Fun: Crafting can feel grindy, so mix it up with music or friends. I used to craft while in a Discord call with my clan.

Personal Note: My biggest beginner mistake was ignoring presets. I spent so much time clicking through my bank. Don’t be like me!

Final Thoughts

Crafting in OSRS is a journey, not a race. Whether you’re cutting sapphires at level 20 or churning out black dragonhide bodies at level 84, there’s a method for every budget and playstyle. My grind to 99 was full of ups and downs—burnt fingers from glassblowing, empty wallets from dragon leather, and those glorious moments when the XP bar jumped. The key is to find a balance between speed, cost, and fun. Experiment with different methods, join a clan chat, and don’t be afraid to splurge when you can afford it.

What’s your favorite crafting method? Drop a comment on my blog, and let’s swap stories. Keep crafting, and I’ll see you in Gielinor!