Mining coal (free-to-play)

Mining coal in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a classic and effective money-making method for free-to-play players. With coal being one of the most sought-after resources in the game, players can enjoy the benefits of mining it at various locations, such as the Varrock South Mine or the Rimmington Mine. The demand for coal remains high due to its use in smithing, making it a reliable source of income. Depending on factors like mining level and efficiency, players can expect to make anywhere from 30k GP per hour at lower mining levels, to an impressive 70k-100k GP per hour for those who are more experienced and optimized in their mining strategy.

As you delve into this guide, you’ll discover that mining coal not only provides a steady income but also offers a fulfilling gameplay experience. The method is straightforward, requiring minimal investment, making it an excellent choice for new players looking to build their wealth. With an average profit margin of about 50k GP per hour and the potential to accumulate a significant amount of coal, this method stands out as one of the best for free-to-play miners looking to enhance their financial standing in Gielinor.

Requirements

To effectively utilize the money-making methods in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), players must meet certain requirements that enhance their ability to generate profit. These requirements may vary depending on the method employed, but generally include the following:

• Skill Levels: Proficiency in relevant skills is crucial. For example, if you’re mining, a minimum level in Mining is necessary to access higher-tier ores.
• Equipment: Having the appropriate gear can significantly impact your efficiency. For example, a higher-tier pickaxe allows for faster mining.
• Quests: Certain quests may unlock access to valuable areas or items. For instance, completing the quest “Doric’s Quest” is often a prerequisite for mining iron ore.
• Combat Levels: For methods that involve PvP or dangerous regions, a certain combat level is required to protect yourself from players or monsters.
• Access to Areas: Some methods require access to specific locations that may be gated behind quests or achievements. For instance, entering the Mining Guild requires a Mining level of at least 60 and completion of the appropriate quests.
• Inventory Space: Adequate inventory space is essential for carrying materials or items needed for profit-making activities. Consider using items that provide extra space, like the Rune Pouch or the Beast of Burden.
• Time Commitment: Many money-making methods require a significant time investment to be truly effective. Players should be prepared to spend several hours to maximize their profits.

Meeting these requirements can greatly enhance your efficiency and profitability while engaging in various money-making activities in OSRS.

Required Items

To effectively engage in money-making methods in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), it’s essential to gather the following items:

• Pickaxe: A pickaxe is mandatory for mining ores. The type of pickaxe can influence your mining speed:
  • Bronze/Iron Pickaxe (Level 1): Basic pickaxes for beginners.
  • Steel Pickaxe (Level 6): Offers faster mining than bronze and iron.
  • Black Pickaxe (Level 11): Slightly faster than steel, a good progression choice.
  • mithril Pickaxe (Level 21): Great for mining higher-tier ores.
  • Adamant Pickaxe (Level 31): Faster mining speed for mid-level players.
  • Rune Pickaxe (Level 41): The best non-degradable pickaxe, ideal for efficient mining.
• Light Source: If mining in caves or at night, a light source is necessary:
  • Ghostly Lantern: Can be used when mining in dark areas.
  • Flashlight: Useful for mines that require visibility.
• Food: To sustain yourself during your mining sessions, particularly if you encounter aggressive monsters:
  • Sharks: High healing and beneficial for lengthy mining trips.
  • Food such as Rocktails: Excellent for health recovery.
• Teleportation Items: These items can save time traveling to mining locations:
  • Amulet of Glory: Teleports you to Karamja, close to several mining spots.
  • Games Necklace: Teleports you to the Barbarian Assault area, which is near various mining ores.
  • Varrock Teleport: Ideal for quick access to the Varrock East mine.
• Mining Gear: Wearing specific gear can enhance your mining efficiency:
  • Mining Outfit: Grants a 10% boost to XP gained while mining.
  • Varrock Armor: Offers a chance to double ore yield when worn while mining.

Gathering these essential items will set you up for successful mining sessions and help maximize your profit potential in OSRS.

Required Quests

To efficiently pursue money-making methods in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), certain quests are often prerequisites. Completing these quests can unlock essential skills, areas, or items that significantly enhance your earning potential. Below are some of the key quests you might need to complete:

• Dragon Slayer I: This quest is essential for players looking to wear the Rune Platebody and enables access to Green Dragons, which are lucrative for their bones and hides.
• Mining and Smithing Rework: Completing this will allow you to utilize advanced mining techniques and optimize your profit when mining ores like Runite or Adamantite.
• Tourist Trap: Required for unlocking access to the Agility Arena in the Kharidian Desert, this quest is vital for agility training, which can indirectly increase your money-making efficiency.
• Animal Magnetism: Completing this quest provides you with the Holy Wrench and access to the Void Knights’ Equipment, which can increase your efficiency in training combat skills necessary for money-making.
• Ghosts Ahoy: Completing this quest grants access to the Ghostly Robes, which are useful for training Magic and can provide a good return on investment when used effectively in combat scenarios.
• Monkey Madness I: This quest is crucial for players aiming to utilize the Dragon Scimitar, a highly sought-after weapon for training and combat that can boost profit from combat-related activities.
• Plague City: Required for accessing West Ardougne and the Adept’s Cloak, which can be beneficial for training and money-making through various methods in that region.

Make sure to check the quest requirements before embarking on your money-making journey, as many of these quests may require specific skills or items to initiate. Completing these quests will not only provide immediate rewards but also greatly enhance your overall efficiency in OSRS.

Profit

The profit potential in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) varies significantly depending on the chosen money-making method. For example, mining and selling ores can yield substantial profits, especially with high-demand resources like Adamantite and Runite. Here are some key points to consider:

• Mining Profit: Mining ores such as Runite can provide a profit of around 200,000 to 1,500,000 GP per hour, depending on your Mining level and the current market prices.
• Flipping and Crafting: If you opt for flipping items on the Grand Exchange, you can earn approximately 500,000 to 1,000,000 GP per hour with the right items and market knowledge.
• Herblore and Potion Making: Crafting potions can yield profits of 1,000 to 3,000 GP per potion, depending on the potion type and your investment in herbs.
• Market Trends: Profit margins can fluctuate based on the game’s economy, so always check the Grand Exchange for item price trends. For instance, during double XP weekends, herb prices often increase due to higher demand.
• Passive Income: Consider methods like farming herbs or running a farm, where you can earn an average of 500,000 GP per hour without needing constant attention.

By regularly assessing market demand and adjusting your strategies, you can maximize your profit in OSRS and ensure a steady income as you progress through the game.

Mining Locations

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), mining is a crucial skill that allows players to gather valuable resources. Various mining locations spread across Gielinor cater to different ore types and levels of mining experience. Here are some key mining locations:

• Varrock South Mine: Ideal for beginner miners, this location offers copper and tin ores. It’s conveniently located near Varrock‘s bank for easy banking.
• Al Kharid Mine: This mine contains copper, tin, and iron ores. It’s a popular spot due to its proximity to the Al Kharid bank, making it easy to deposit ores.
• Rimmington Mine: Located southwest of Falador, Rimmington offers copper, tin, and clay. It’s less crowded, making it a great place for uninterrupted mining.
• Miner’s Guild: For players with a mining level of 60 or higher, the Miner’s Guild in Falador is an excellent location for iron and coal ores. It provides a bank deposit box right inside the guild.
• Edgeville Dungeon: Home to a variety of ores, including iron and coal. Accessible through the Edgeville Dungeon, it’s a great spot for those looking to avoid crowded areas.
• Karamja Volcano: Offers a mix of ores including coal and mithril. The area provides a scenic backdrop and is close to a bank in Karamja.
• Mining Sites in the Wilderness: For more experienced players, the Wilderness has several locations with valuable ores including rune and adamantite. Beware of player killers!
• Motherlode Mine: Located in the Crafting Guild, this location is suitable for players of all levels. It provides a unique mining experience with pay-dirt and other valuable resources.

Each of these locations has its unique advantages, such as proximity to banks or the availability of certain ores. Choosing the right location based on your mining level and the type of ore you want to mine can significantly enhance your efficiency and profitability.

Training Tips

Training your Mining skill in OSRS efficiently requires a combination of strategy, location choice, and optimal use of tools. Here are some essential tips to maximize your training experience:

• Use the Best Pickaxe: Always upgrade to the highest tier pickaxe you can use. For example, if you can wield a rune pickaxe at level 41 Mining, this will significantly increase your mining speed compared to a bronze or iron pickaxe.
• Location Matters: Choose mining locations with a high concentration of ores. Popular spots include:
• Varrock South Mine: Great for iron and copper.
• Al Kharid Mine: Features a lot of gold and is close to a bank.
• Rimmington Mine: Offers clay and coal, with quick access to the bank.
• Power-Mining: If you want to focus on experience over profit, consider power-mining. This involves dropping ores instead of banking them, allowing you to mine faster. To do this, use the ‘Drop’ key feature to quickly dispose of ores.
• Utilize the Mining Guild: Once you reach level 60 Mining, access the Mining Guild for quick access to coal and mithril rocks. The guild is also close to a bank, making it ideal for mining and banking.
• Use a Rune or Dragon Pickaxe Special: If you have access to a rune or dragon pickaxe, utilize their special attack to increase your mining speed temporarily, especially on valuable ores like runite.
• Consider the Varrock Achievement Diary: Completing the easy tasks grants you a bonus of 10% more experience when mining in Varrock, which accelerates your training.
• Train with Friends: Mining with friends not only makes the process more enjoyable but can also lead to shared tips and strategies, especially if you’re in a competitive mining environment.
• Stay Hydrated and Rest: While it may sound trivial, taking breaks and staying focused can help maintain your efficiency and enjoyment of the game, leading to longer training sessions.

By following these tips, you can streamline your Mining training in OSRS and make the most of your time spent mining!

Market Demand

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the market demand for ores and bars can fluctuate based on player activity, updates, and overall game economy. Understanding this demand is crucial for maximizing profits when mining and selling resources.

1. Ore Types: Certain ores have consistent demand due to their use in crafting, Smithing, and specific quests. For example, Adamantite and Runite ores are always sought after for high-level equipment, which keeps their prices relatively stable. Conversely, lower-tier ores like Copper and Tin see less consistent demand, primarily used by newer players.

2. Seasonal Variations: Demand can spike during certain times, such as after the release of new content or updates that focus on Smithing or crafting. For instance, when new weapons or armor requiring specific ores are introduced, the demand for those ores can significantly increase, leading to higher prices. Keeping an eye on game updates via the official OSRS news page can help anticipate these trends.

3. Community Events: Events like Double XP weekends can lead to temporary spikes in demand as players rush to level their skills. During these events, players often stock up on ores to maximize their training, which can lead to increased prices in the market.

4. Market Influencers: The prices in the Grand Exchange can be influenced by notable players, streamers, or clans who may focus on mass mining or crafting. Their activities can cause fluctuations in the market, making it essential to monitor trends. Tools like the OSRS Wiki’s Grand Exchange Tracker can provide valuable insights into price changes over time.

5. Geographical Demand: Certain regions in the game might experience higher demand for specific ores. For example, players in higher-level areas often need more Runite ores for crafting powerful gear. Knowing where these players are farming can help you time your sales effectively.

By understanding these factors, you can better navigate the OSRS market, optimizing your mining strategy to align with player demand and maximize your profits.

Alternatives

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), there are numerous alternatives for players looking to maximize their gold-making potential through various methods. Here are some viable options:

• Woodcutting:

  Chopping trees can be a lucrative alternative, especially at higher levels. Players can cut yew or magic trees, which yield logs that can be sold for a decent profit. Consider using a rune axe for faster chopping.

• Fishing:

  Fishing offers various methods to earn money, from catching shrimp early on to training on sharks or anglerfish at higher levels. The fish can be cooked and sold or used for combat training, enhancing their market value.

• Farming:

  Planting and harvesting crops can be a steady source of income. Players can grow herbs, which tend to have high market demand, or even trees like magic trees for woodcutting. The Herblore skill can also complement farming profits through potion-making.

• Crafting:

  Creating items such as jewelry, potions, or other crafted goods can be profitable. Players can mine ores, smelt them into bars, and craft them into items like amethyst jewelry for substantial returns.

• Runecrafting:

  Runecrafting runes can be an excellent source of income. Players can craft high-level runes such as blood or death runes, which are always in demand for spellcasting. Consider using the Ourania Altar for more efficient crafting.

• Slayer:

  Engaging in Slayer tasks yields various monster drops, including unique items and valuable components. Tasks like killing aberrant spectres can drop herbs, while other tasks may yield rare items with significant market value.

• Thieving:

  Stealing from stalls or participating in Blackjacking can yield steady income. Players can target high-value targets like master farmers for seeds or guardians for valuable items.

• Monster Drops:

  Bossing and killing high-level monsters can result in lucrative drops. Consider bosses like Zulrah or Vorkath for rare items like pets or unique equipment that can be sold for considerable profits.

Each of these methods offers unique challenges and opportunities, allowing players to choose based on their skills, interests, and risk tolerance. Exploring multiple avenues can help diversify income and keep gameplay engaging!