Killing red dragons

Killing red dragons in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a time-tested method for players seeking to boost their in-game wealth. With their high drop rates for valuable items such as dragon bones and hides, players can expect to make substantial profits. On average, you can earn around 500k GP per hour, with skilled players potentially reaching up to 1.5M GP per hour during peak efficiency. Even for beginners, the low-end earnings of around 250k GP per hour make this method accessible and rewarding for adventurers of all levels.

This guide will walk you through the essentials of killing red dragons, ensuring you maximize your profits while minimizing risk. With proper gear and strategies, you can enjoy a steady income stream from these fearsome beasts. Whether you’re looking to fund your next big purchase or simply want to amass wealth, red dragons offer a lucrative opportunity in the vibrant world of Gielinor.

Requirements

Before embarking on your money-making journey in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), it’s crucial to meet certain prerequisites to maximize your efficiency and profit. Below are the key requirements:

Combat Level: A minimum combat level of 70 is recommended for engaging in higher-level activities safely. This ensures you can handle tougher opponents and survive in more lucrative areas.
Skills: Depending on the method you choose, various skill levels are required. For instance:

Fishing: Level 76 Fishing is needed for sharks, which can yield significant profit.
Mining: Level 85 Mining is essential for mining runite ores, which are highly profitable.
Woodcutting: Level 90 Woodcutting is required for cutting teaks, a popular method for making money.

Quests: Certain quests may need to be completed to unlock specific money-making opportunities. For example:

Complete “Dragon Slayer” to equip the Dragon weapons and access the higher-level zones.
Complete “The Fremennik Trials” to access higher-tier fishing and crafting materials.

Gear: Good gear will significantly enhance your productivity. High-tier gear such as:

Full Void Knight equipment for combat-based money-making methods.
Dragon or Abyssal weapons for maximum damage output against monsters.

Inventory Setup: Ensure you have necessary items in your inventory for efficiency, such as:

Teleportation items for quick access to profitable locations.
Food and potions to sustain longer sessions in combat or resource gathering.

Time Commitment: Some methods require a significant time investment. Be prepared for extended play sessions to maximize profit.

Meeting these requirements will prepare you for a successful venture into money-making in OSRS, allowing you to efficiently gather resources and maximize your profits.

Required Items

To maximize your efficiency and profitability in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), certain items are essential for your money-making method. Below is a detailed list of the required items:

Pickaxe: A pickaxe is necessary for gathering ores. The type of pickaxe you should bring depends on your mining level. For example:

Bronze/Iron Pickaxe – Levels 1-20
Steel Pickaxe – Levels 20-40
Black Pickaxe – Levels 40-60
Rune Pickaxe – Levels 60+
3rd Age Pickaxe – Best option if you have it

Mining Equipment: Consider bringing a prospector kit or mining gloves for increased efficiency and XP gains.
Food: High healing food is recommended to sustain your health during encounters with aggressive monsters or environmental dangers. Examples include:

Sharks – Best for high healing and decent price.
Super restores – Ideal for restoring both health and prayer if you’re using prayer-boosting gear.

Potions: Certain potions can boost your efficiency:

Energy Potions – Useful for maintaining run energy during long trips.
Prayer Potions – Essential if you plan to use prayers for combat or skilling boosts.

Teleportation Items: Items such as Games Necklace or Amulet of Glory will help you quickly access your desired locations for mining or selling your goods.
Banking Items: A Ring of Wealth can increase your chances of receiving rare loot or more valuable resources while engaging in certain money-making activities.
Miscellaneous: Depending on your strategy, items like noted ores or gem bags may be useful for efficient inventory management.

Having these items fully prepared will ensure that your money-making endeavors in OSRS are as profitable and efficient as possible.

Required Quests

To effectively carry out this money-making method in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), players need to complete specific quests that unlock essential skills, items, or areas. Below is a detailed list of the required quests:

Dragon Slayer: This quest is crucial as it allows players to wear the Rune platebody and Rune plateskirt, significantly boosting combat stats. Completing this quest also grants access to the area where the dragons are located.
Nature Spirit: Required for accessing the Spirit tree transportation system, which provides fast travel to various locations, saving valuable time when collecting resources or heading to the money-making location.
Lost City: Necessary for gaining access to the Dragon and other high-level areas. Completing this quest allows players to wield the Dragon weapons that may be integral to the combat strategy of this method.
The Dig Site: To unlock certain mining areas and obtain unique materials, this quest must be completed. It also provides experience in Mining, which can be beneficial for other money-making methods.
Animal Magnetism: If your strategy involves the use of aviansies or other birds, this quest is essential to obtain the Ava’s Device, which aids in retrieving your arrows and bolts, reducing your costs.
Fairy Tale I – Growing Pains: Completing this quest allows you to utilize the fairy ring transportation system, which can further enhance your efficiency in reaching various locations for resource gathering.

Completing these quests not only prepares you for the money-making method but also enhances your overall gameplay experience in OSRS.

Profit

The profit potential in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) can vary significantly based on the method employed, market fluctuations, and player efficiency. Here are some insights into profit generation through various activities:

High Alchemy: Using the High Alchemy spell on items like nature runes and various other high-value items can yield substantial profits. For example, alchemizing a nature rune yields 160 coins, while certain items like a dragonhide can return over 2,000 coins each.
Skilling Activities: Engaging in skilling activities such as fishing, woodcutting, and mining can also produce a reliable income. For instance, fishing sharks at 76 Fishing can yield up to 1,200 coins per fish, while the average profit per hour can reach around 1.5 million coins depending on your Fishing level and the demand in the Grand Exchange.
Flipping Items: Players can buy and sell items on the Grand Exchange, capitalizing on price differences. Some players report making upwards of 500,000 coins per hour by flipping popular items like potions, runes, or high-demand gear.
Bossing: Killing bosses can provide significant profits through rare drops. For example, the Alchemical Hydra can drop items worth millions, and with a well-planned strategy, an experienced player might achieve profit margins of 2 million coins per hour.
Quests and Events: Completing quests often leads to rewards that can be sold or used to make money. For example, completing “Dragon Slayer II” rewards players with access to new high-value activities and gear which can enhance future earnings.
Crafting and Smithing: Players can create items such as potions, jewelry, or armor, which can be sold for profit. Crafting a set of rune armor can yield a profit of over a million coins if crafted at the right time and sold efficiently.

Ultimately, the key to maximizing profit in OSRS lies in understanding market trends, improving skills, and adopting efficient strategies suited to the player’s preferences and playstyle. Regularly checking the Grand Exchange prices and adapting to the fluctuating economy can help players stay ahead in their money-making endeavors.

Output

The output from this money-making method in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) can vary significantly depending on several factors, including your skills, market prices, and efficiency. Below are the key details regarding the expected output:

Hourly Profit: Depending on your efficiency and skill level, you can expect an hourly profit ranging from 500,000 to 1,500,000 GP. Players who are highly skilled and familiar with the market can push this figure even higher.
Items Produced: This method typically yields consumables or high-demand items. For instance, if you’re crafting potions, you might produce hundreds of potions per hour, with each potion selling for 2,000 GP or more.
Market Demand: The output’s profitability is heavily influenced by the current market demand. For example, during updates or events, certain items may spike in price, leading to higher profits.
Experience Gains: Not only does this method generate profit, but it also grants valuable experience points in various skills. Players can expect to gain significant levels in their chosen skill, enhancing their overall account progression.
Risk Analysis: While the output can be lucrative, be mindful of market fluctuations. The prices of items can drop suddenly, impacting your profits. Always keep an eye on the Grand Exchange for price changes.

Overall, the output from this method can be both rewarding and educational, allowing players to improve their skills while maximizing their profits in the game.

Location

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the location is crucial for maximizing your money-making efficiency. Depending on your chosen method, the best spots can vary significantly. Below are some of the most popular locations for various money-making methods:

Al Kharid: This bustling city is a great spot for those engaging in mining, particularly for copper and tin ores. It’s also close to a bank, making it easy to deposit ores.
Varrock: Known for its proximity to various resources, Varrock is perfect for woodcutting (with the nearby Varrock south woods) and for engaging in the flax picking method in the nearby fields.
Feldip Hills: This area is ideal for players looking to catch chinchompas. The dense forests are inhabited by these creatures, providing a lucrative source of income with their market demand.
Kourend and Kebos: Home to various herb patches, Kourend is essential for players focusing on herb farming. The area also offers unique resources like the red chinchompa.
Edgeville: A central hub for player activity, Edgeville is a great location for many money-making methods, including the famous Yew tree chopping. Its close proximity to the bank makes it convenient for quick selling.
Rimmington: This quaint village is perfect for those who want to mine clay and craft it into pottery. The close bank access makes it efficient for crafting and selling.
Fossil Island: This unique area is essential for players looking to collect fossils, which can be sold for substantial profit. The island features various monsters and activities, enhancing gameplay experience.

Each of these locations provides distinct advantages based on the money-making methods you choose. Familiarizing yourself with these areas can significantly enhance your efficiency and profit margins in OSRS.

Strategy

To maximize your profit while utilizing this money-making method in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), it’s essential to follow a structured approach. Here’s a detailed strategy to ensure efficiency and effectiveness:

Preparation: Before starting, ensure you have all required items stocked and inventory set up. This includes food, potions, and any necessary tools for the task at hand.
Location Optimization: Choose a location that minimizes travel time. Familiarize yourself with the fastest routes to and from your target area. Utilize teleportation methods such as games necklaces, amulets of glory, or home teleportation to reduce downtime.
Resource Management: Monitor your inventory space closely. Always keep an eye on the number of resources you’re collecting to avoid overflows, which can lead to wasted time and resources. Use bank deposit boxes if available in your chosen area to streamline collection.
Combat Efficiency: If your strategy involves combat, choose the best possible gear that balances speed and effectiveness. Utilize prayers or potions that enhance your damage output or defense. Consider using specific attack styles that correspond to your target‘s weaknesses.
Timing: Pay attention to the time of day and the OSRS server status. High traffic periods can lead to increased competition for resources, which can impact your efficiency. Try to conduct your money-making activities during off-peak hours.
Skill Focus: Concentrate on developing the skills that complement your money-making method. For instance, if you’re fishing, train your fishing level first to unlock better fishing spots and increase profit margins.
Community Engagement: Join OSRS communities and forums to share strategies and tips. Engaging with other players can provide insights into optimizing your methods and learning about new opportunities.
Continuous Improvement: After each session, review your performance. Keep track of profits, time taken, and any challenges faced. Adjust your strategy based on this data to enhance future outcomes.

By following these strategic pointers, you can significantly increase your profitability in OSRS while enjoying the game.

Combat Tips

When engaging in combat for money-making methods in OSRS, preparation and strategy are key. Here are some essential tips to enhance your efficiency and survivability:

Know Your Enemy: Familiarize yourself with the strengths and weaknesses of the monsters you’ll be fighting. For example, if you’re hunting Green Dragons, be aware of their high attack and defensive stats. Use magic attacks against them, as they have lower resistance to magic.
Gear Up Appropriately: Equip the best gear available for your combat level and the type of enemy you’re facing. For instance, if you’re training melee against Venenatis, consider using Bandos armor for high defense. Always ensure your gear is upgraded to maximize damage output.
Use Potions and Food: Carry potions such as Super Attack and Super Strength to boost your damage. Healing food like Sharks or Anglerfish will help you sustain health during lengthy fights.
Utilize Prayers: Activate prayers such as Protect from Missiles or Protect from Magic to minimize damage taken from ranged or magic attacks. This is crucial when battling tougher monsters, like God Wars Dungeon bosses.
Maintain a Safe Distance: If possible, fight enemies from a distance using ranged or magic attacks. This allows you to avoid melee damage while dealing high damage yourself. Utilize a safe spot when available, like in the Abyssal Sire fight.
Practice Efficient Switching: Learn to switch between weapons and spells quickly during combat. This can optimize your damage output, especially when utilizing Barrage spells followed by high-damage melee attacks.
Monitor Your Inventory: Keep an eye on your inventory space, ensuring you have enough room for loot. Decide beforehand which items you’ll keep and which you’ll drop to prevent being overwhelmed.
Team Up: Join friends or a clan for group bossing or monster hunting. Teamwork can significantly increase your chances of survival and loot efficiency, especially in high-level areas like The Wilderness.
Stay Aware of Surroundings: Always be alert for other players, especially in the Wilderness. Keep your teleportation methods ready in case of a surprise attack from PKers.

By following these combat tips, you can enhance your performance in OSRS, ultimately leading to better profits in your money-making ventures!

Aftermath

After successfully executing your money-making method in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), it’s crucial to assess the aftermath to ensure maximum efficiency and profitability in future endeavors. Here are the key considerations:

Inventory Management: After completing your money-making session, take a moment to organize your bank. Ensure that items obtained from your activities are stored efficiently to minimize clutter and make future sessions more streamlined.
Profit Analysis: Calculate the total profit made during your session. Compare this with previous sessions to evaluate the effectiveness of your method. Consider the time invested and if the profit justifies the effort. Tools like spreadsheets can help track your earnings over time.
Market Fluctuations: Monitor the Grand Exchange for any changes in item prices. The economy in OSRS is dynamic, and understanding market trends can help you decide when to sell your items for the best profit margins. Utilize websites and tools that provide price tracking for items you frequently deal with.
Skill Progression: Reflect on any experience gained during your session. If your money-making method involves skilling, consider how close you are to achieving your next level or milestone. You can also plan your next steps based on the skills you wish to improve.
Future Strategies: Based on your experiences, develop strategies for your next sessions. If certain methods proved to be more profitable or enjoyable, prioritize them in your upcoming gameplay. Consider diversifying your methods to reduce the risk of market saturation.
Community Engagement: Share your experiences and insights with the OSRS community. This could lead to valuable feedback and new ideas for improving your money-making strategies. Engaging with players on forums or social media can enhance your overall game experience.
Rest and Recovery: Lastly, take breaks between intensive sessions. Gaming for extended periods can lead to fatigue, impacting your decision-making and gameplay performance. Enjoying downtime outside of OSRS can help maintain your enthusiasm for the game.

By considering these aspects of the aftermath, you can continue to optimize your money-making strategies in OSRS, ensuring both enjoyment and profitability in your adventures.