Best F2P Money Making Methods for OSRS Ironman in 2025

Playing Old School RuneScape (OSRS) as a free-to-play (F2P) Ironman is a unique challenge. With restrictions on trading, using the Grand Exchange, and picking up loot from other players’ kills, making money requires creativity and self-sufficiency. This guide dives into the best F2P money-making methods for Ironman accounts, tailored for both new and experienced players looking to fund their adventures in Gielinor without spending real-world cash. Whether you’re saving for supplies or aiming to buy a bond for membership, these strategies will help you build your coin stack efficiently.

Ironman mode prevents you from trading with other players or using the Grand Exchange to sell items, which limits your options compared to regular accounts. In F2P, the lack of access to members’ content like high-value skilling methods or bosses further narrows your choices. You’ll need to rely on activities that directly generate coins or items that can be sold to NPC shops. The key is finding methods that balance effort, skill requirements, and profit while staying within F2P restrictions.

Understanding Ironman Restrictions

As an Ironman, you can’t:

• Trade with other players (except for specific quest items).
• Use the Grand Exchange to buy or sell items.
• Pick up loot from monsters killed by others.
• Use bonds for membership unless purchased on another account.

These rules force you to focus on self-sustained methods like crafting, combat, and shop-selling strategies.

Crafting-Based Money Making Methods

Crafting is one of the most reliable ways to make money as an F2P Ironman. By creating items like jewellery or leather gear, you can sell them to general stores or specialty shops for consistent profits. These methods are accessible early on and scale with your skill level.

Mining and Crafting Gold Jewellery

Requirements: 20 Mining, 20 Smithing, 16 Crafting (40+ recommended for better profits)

Hourly Profit: 50,000–100,000 GP

Mining gold ore and crafting it into jewellery is a solid starter method. Head to the Al Kharid mine to gather gold ore, smelt it into bars at the Al Kharid furnace, and craft items like gold rings or necklaces using moulds from Dommik’s Crafting Store. Sell the finished jewellery to the general store in Al Kharid for a profit.

• Pros: Low skill requirements, close proximity of mine and furnace.
• Cons: Mining can be slow without a high-level pickaxe.

Tip: At 40 Crafting, switch to gold amulets for better experience and slightly higher profits, but check store prices as they vary.

Leather Crafting

Requirements: 1 Crafting (higher levels for better items), needle, thread

Hourly Profit: 30,000–60,000 GP

Kill cows in Lumbridge or Burthorpe to collect cowhides, then tan them into leather at the tanner in Al Kharid. Use a needle and thread to craft leather gloves, boots, or cowls, which can be sold to general stores. This method doubles as combat training if you’re starting fresh.

• Pros: Accessible at level 1, combines combat and skilling.
• Cons: Tanning costs add up, and inventory management is key.

Combat-Based Money Making

Combat offers a way to earn money while training your stats, making it ideal for Ironmen who want to multitask. F2P monsters drop items like runes, bones, and equipment that can be sold to shops, providing a steady income stream.

Killing Ogress Shamans

Requirements: 40 Combat (melee recommended), decent gear

Hourly Profit: 80,000–120,000 GP

Ogress Shamans in the Corsair Cove Dungeon are a fantastic option for mid-level Ironmen. They drop rune items, gems, coins, and big bones, which can be sold to general stores or used for Prayer training. Melee is cost-effective since it saves on ammunition.

• Pros: High-value drops, safe spot available for ranged.
• Cons: Requires completion of The Corsair Curse quest.

Tip: Bank the big bones if you’re training Prayer, but sell runes and gems for quick cash.

Giant Frogs in Lumbridge Swamp

Requirements: 20+ Combat

Hourly Profit: 20,000–40,000 GP

Giant Frogs are great for low-level Ironmen. They drop big bones, which sell for decent money to general stores, and their low defense makes them easy to kill. Bring a woodcutting axe and tinderbox to cook nearby giant rat meat for food if needed.

• Pros: Low requirements, good for early combat training.
• Cons: Lower profit compared to Ogress Shamans.

Skilling for Profit

Skilling methods like mining and smithing can generate coins by producing items that NPCs will buy. These are often AFK-friendly, making them perfect for players who want to relax while earning.

Mining Iron Ore

Requirements: 15 Mining, pickaxe

Hourly Profit: 20,000–50,000 GP

Mine iron ore at the Al Kharid Mine or the Mining Guild (if you have 60 Mining). Sell the ore to the general store or smelt it into bars for smithing. Iron ore is in demand for F2P smithing, so stores often pay well.

• Pros: AFK-friendly, scales with mining level.
• Cons: Slow at low levels, requires banking trips.

Tip: Use world-hopping to avoid competition at popular spots.

Smithing Rune Items

Requirements: 99 Smithing, 40 Mining

Hourly Profit: 150,000–200,000 GP

For high-level Ironmen, smithing rune items like platelegs or two-handed swords is incredibly profitable. Mine rune ore (requires 85 Mining), smelt it into bars, and smith at the Varrock west bank anvil. Sell to Horvik’s Armour Shop for maximum profit.

• Pros: High profits, trains multiple skills.
• Cons: Requires significant time to reach 99 Smithing.

Collecting and Selling Items

Some money-making methods involve collecting items from spawns or shops and selling them for profit. These are low-effort but can be competitive or time-sensitive.

Telegrabbing Nature Runes

Requirements: 33 Magic, law runes

Hourly Profit: 100,000–130,000 GP

In the Wilderness (level 20), nature rune spawns can be telegrabbed and sold to shops like Ali Morrisane in Al Kharid. Hop worlds to collect runes quickly, but carry only a few law runes to minimize risk from PKers.

• Pros: High profit for low effort, trains Magic.
• Cons: Wilderness risk, requires law runes.

Tip: Use 43 Prayer (Protect from Melee) if you’re worried about PKers.

Shop-Selling Maple Longbows

Requirements: None (access to noted maple longbows)

Hourly Profit: 100,000–200,000 GP

Buy maple longbows from the Grand Exchange on a main account, note them, and transfer them to your Ironman via a bond. Sell small quantities (3–5) to the Rimmington shop, hopping worlds to refresh stock. This method skirts Ironman restrictions but is widely accepted for F2P.

• Pros: Fast and consistent profits.
• Cons: Requires a main account and initial investment.

Comparing F2P Ironman Money Making Methods

To help you choose the best method, here’s a comparison of the methods discussed:

Method	Requirements	Hourly Profit (GP)	Skills Trained	Risk Level
Gold Jewellery	20 Mining, 20 Smithing, 16 Crafting	50,000–100,000	Mining, Smithing, Crafting	Low
Leather Crafting	1 Crafting	30,000–60,000	Crafting, Combat	Low
Ogress Shamans	40 Combat	80,000–120,000	Combat	Medium
Giant Frogs	20+ Combat	20,000–40,000	Combat, Prayer	Low
Mining Iron Ore	15 Mining	20,000–50,000	Mining	Low
Smithing Rune Items	99 Smithing, 40 Mining	150,000–200,000	Mining, Smithing	Low
Telegrabbing Nature Runes	33 Magic	100,000–130,000	Magic	High
Maple Longbows	None	100,000–200,000	None	Low

Note: Profits vary based on efficiency, world competition, and store stock. Always test methods to find what works best for your playstyle.

Tips for Maximizing Profits

Here are some general tips to boost your earnings:

• Multitask: Combine money-making with skill training (e.g., crafting jewellery while leveling Mining).
• Quest Early: Complete quests like The Knight’s Sword for 29 Smithing to unlock better methods faster.
• Manage Inventory: Keep your inventory light for skilling methods like mining to maximize trips.
• Use Specialty Shops: Sell items to shops like Horvik’s (armour) or Ali Morrisane (runes) for higher prices.
• Stay Safe: Avoid risky methods like Wilderness telegrabbing until you’re confident in your setup.

Final Thoughts

Making money as an F2P Ironman in OSRS is challenging but rewarding. By focusing on crafting, combat, and skilling, you can build a steady income to fund your journey. Start with low-requirement methods like leather crafting or Giant Frogs, then progress to high-profit options like Ogress Shamans or smithing rune items as your skills grow. Experiment with these strategies, adapt to your account’s needs, and enjoy the self-sufficient thrill of Ironman mode. Happy grinding!