Best AFK Things to Do in Old School RuneScape for Easy Progress

Best AFK Things to Do in Old School RuneScape for Easy Progress

Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a grind-heavy MMORPG, but not every moment needs your full attention. Away-from-keyboard (AFK) activities let you progress skills, earn gold, or train combat with minimal interaction, perfect for balancing real-life tasks or multitasking. This guide dives into the best AFK methods in OSRS, optimized for efficiency and low effort, so you can make gains while studying, working, or relaxing.

AFK methods are a lifesaver for players juggling busy schedules. They allow you to train skills or make money without constant clicking, preserving the fun of Gielinor without demanding your undivided focus. Whether you’re aiming for a 99 or just want some passive income, these activities maximize your time. Let’s explore the top options across combat, skilling, and money-making.

AFK Combat Training Methods

How to AFK Every Skill in OSRS

Combat in OSRS can be surprisingly AFK-friendly, especially with aggressive monsters that keep attacking. These methods offer decent XP rates while letting you step away for minutes at a time.

Nightmare Zone (NMZ)

The Nightmare Zone is the gold standard for AFK combat training. After completing quests like Vampyre Slayer or The Grand Tree, you can fight bosses you’ve defeated in a dream world. Using absorption potions and high-level gear, you can AFK for up to 20 minutes, earning solid combat XP and NMZ points for rewards like herb boxes.

  • Requirements: 43 Prayer, decent combat stats, 5+ quests completed
  • XP Rates: 50k–100k/hour (melee), 30k–60k/hour (ranged/magic)
  • Cost: Absorption potions (~500k–1m/hour with high-end gear)

Sand Crabs

For low- to mid-level players, Sand Crabs on Crabclaw Isle are a budget-friendly AFK spot. They’re aggressive for 10–15 minutes, have high HP, and deal minimal damage, making them ideal for melee training.

  • Requirements: 10k coins for boat, basic combat gear
  • XP Rates: 20k–40k/hour (melee)
  • Cost: Nearly free, just food for low levels

Bandits in the Desert

Wearing a Saradomin or Zamorak item in the Bandit Camp provokes constant aggression from level 74 Bandits. This method suits mid-level players with moderate gear, offering a cheaper alternative to NMZ.

  • Requirements: 53 Thieving (for Rogue’s Den access), god item
  • XP Rates: 30k–50k/hour (melee)
  • Cost: Low, basic food and gear

AFK Skilling for Easy Levels

Skilling is the heart of OSRS, and many methods let you level up passively. These activities are perfect for gaining XP while watching a movie or doing chores.

Fishing: Barbarian Fishing

Barbarian Fishing at Otto’s Grotto is a relaxing way to train Fishing, Strength, and Agility simultaneously. It’s semi-AFK, requiring a click every few minutes to keep fishing.

  • Requirements: 48 Fishing, 15 Strength, 15 Agility
  • XP Rates: 30k–40k Fishing XP/hour, 3k–5k Strength/Agility XP/hour
  • Profit: Minimal, but fish can be cooked for Cooking XP

Woodcutting: Redwood Trees

Redwoods in the Woodcutting Guild are a top-tier AFK Woodcutting method. Their slow depletion rate means you can click once and wait up to 5–10 minutes.

  • Requirements: 90 Woodcutting, 60 Farming for guild access
  • XP Rates: 50k–60k/hour
  • Profit: ~100k–150k/hour with logs

Mining: Rune Essence

For low-level miners, mining Rune Essence after Rune Mysteries is as AFK as it gets. Click once, and you’ll mine a full inventory in about 50 seconds, ideal for early-game players.

  • Requirements: None (Rune Mysteries recommended)
  • XP Rates: ~5k–7k/hour
  • Profit: Low, ~10k–20k/hour

AFK Money-Making Methods

Earning gold passively is a dream for many OSRS players. These methods combine AFK potential with profit, letting you stack GP while barely lifting a finger.

Cooking Sharks

Cooking Sharks in a busy spot like the Rogues’ Den or Hosidius Kitchen is highly AFK and profitable. With 94 Cooking, you rarely burn them, ensuring steady income.

  • Requirements: 80+ Cooking (94 recommended)
  • Profit: ~100k–200k/hour
  • XP Rates: 200k–250k Cooking XP/hour

Fletching Broad Arrows

Fletching Broad Arrows is a go-to for AFK profit. It’s simple, requires minimal setup, and can be done anywhere, making it ideal for mobile players.

  • Requirements: 52 Fletching, Slayer reward unlock
  • Profit: ~200k–300k/hour
  • XP Rates: 100k–150k Fletching XP/hour

Runecrafting: ZMI Altar

Runecrafting is rarely AFK, but the ZMI (Ourania) Altar offers a semi-AFK method. With Lunar Diplomacy and high Runecrafting, you craft random runes for decent XP and profit.

  • Requirements: 71 Runecrafting, Lunar Diplomacy
  • XP Rates: 30k–40k/hour
  • Profit: ~200k–400k/hour

Comparing AFK Methods: Which Suits You?

Choosing the right AFK method depends on your goals, levels, and budget. Below is a table summarizing key options to help you decide.

Method Skill/Goal XP Rates Profit AFK Time Requirements
Nightmare Zone Combat 50k–100k/hour Break-even 15–20 mins 43 Prayer, quests
Sand Crabs Combat 20k–40k/hour Minimal 10–15 mins 10k coins
Barbarian Fishing Fishing 30k–40k/hour Low 2–5 mins 48 Fishing
Redwood Trees Woodcutting 50k–60k/hour ~100k/hour 5–10 mins 90 Woodcutting
Cooking Sharks Cooking 200k–250k/hour ~150k/hour 1–2 mins 80+ Cooking
Broad Arrows Fletching 100k–150k/hour ~200k/hour 1–2 mins 52 Fletching

Tips for Effective AFK Training

To get the most out of AFK methods, keep these in mind:

  • Stay Logged In: Most AFK methods rely on the 5-minute logout timer (or 20 minutes in combat). Click occasionally to avoid disconnection.
  • Optimize Gear: Even budget setups can improve XP rates. For combat, prioritize strength bonuses; for skilling, use tools like the dragon axe.
  • Use Mobile: OSRS’s mobile app makes AFK tasks easier while you’re on the go.
  • Check Prices: For money-making methods, monitor Grand Exchange prices to ensure profitability.

Balancing AFK and Active Play

While AFK methods are great, mixing them with active gameplay keeps OSRS engaging. Use AFK sessions for tedious skills like Fishing or Woodcutting, then dive into quests or bossing for variety. This balance prevents burnout and helps you enjoy Gielinor’s full scope.

AFK activities in OSRS are a fantastic way to progress without constant focus. From Nightmare Zone’s combat grind to Redwood Trees’ passive Woodcutting, there’s something for every player. Experiment with these methods, tweak them to your style, and watch your stats and gold pile up effortlessly.