Best F2P OSRS Money Making Methods for 2025: Top Free-to-Play Gold Strategies

If you’re diving into Old School RuneScape (OSRS) as a free-to-play (F2P) player, making money can feel like a daunting task. With limited access to skills, areas, and resources compared to members, finding efficient and profitable methods is key to building your gold stack. Whether you’re saving for a bond, gear upgrades, or just want to enjoy the game without spending real money, this guide covers the best F2P OSRS money making methods for 2025. These strategies are beginner-friendly, require minimal investment, and maximize your gold per hour (GP/H). Let’s explore how to get rich in Gielinor without a membership!
In OSRS, gold is the lifeblood of progress. For F2P players, it’s even more critical since you’re restricted to fewer activities and items. Earning gold allows you to buy better gear, train skills faster, and eventually afford a bond (around 6-7M GP in 2025) to unlock the full game. The methods below are tailored to F2P limitations, focusing on accessibility and profitability.
The Challenges of F2P Money Making
F2P worlds are crowded with bots and competition, and you’re limited to basic skills like Mining, Fishing, and Crafting. High-level methods often require significant time investment upfront. However, with the right approach, you can still make hundreds of thousands of GP per hour.
Goals for F2P Players
- Short-Term: Fund basic gear (e.g., Rune armor).
- Mid-Term: Build a cash stack for flipping or skilling.
- Long-Term: Save for a bond to become a member.
Top F2P Money Making Methods for Beginners
Starting fresh? These methods require little to no skills or capital, making them perfect for new accounts looking to earn their first million GP.
Collecting Cowhides and Tanning Leather
Requirements: None (400K GP recommended for faster tanning)
GP/H: 100K-150K
Method: Head to the Lumbridge cow field, kill cows, and collect their hides. Take them to Ellis in Al Kharid to tan into soft leather (1 GP per hide) or hard leather (3 GP per hide). Sell on the Grand Exchange (GE).
Why It Works: Cowhides are free to gather, and tanning adds value. With 2,000-3,500 hides tanned per hour, this scales well with minimal effort.
Tips:
- Use weight-reducing gear (e.g., Boots of Lightness) to run longer.
- Bank in Al Kharid for efficiency.
Telegrabbing Wines of Zamorak
Requirements: 33 Magic, Air Staff, Law Runes
GP/H: 200K-300K
Method: Go to the Chaos Temple north of Falador. Use Telekinetic Grab (level 33 Magic) to snatch Wines of Zamorak from the altar, avoiding monk aggression. Sell them on the GE for 1K-1.5K each.
Why It Works: Wines are in demand for Herblore training by members, and this method is low-risk in F2P worlds.
Tips:
- Bring a few Wizard Mind Bombs to boost Magic if under 33.
- Bank frequently to avoid losing your stack.
Skilling-Based F2P Money Making Methods
For players willing to train skills, these methods offer steady profits and XP gains, making them a dual-purpose grind.
Mining Iron Ore
Requirements: 15 Mining, Pickaxe (Steel or higher recommended)
GP/H: 50K-100K
Method: Mine iron ore at the Al Kharid or Varrock South-East mining spots. Bank and sell on the GE for around 100-150 GP each.
Why It Works: Iron ore is always in demand for Smithing, and mining is AFK-friendly for casual players.
Tips:
- Upgrade to a Black or Mithril Pickaxe as your Mining level increases.
- Drop ore instead of banking for faster XP if GP isn’t your focus.
Crafting Gold Amulets
Requirements: 8 Crafting, Amulet Mould, 150K-400K GP startup
GP/H: 100K-150K
Method: Buy gold bars from the GE, head to the Edgeville furnace, and craft gold amulets (unstrung). Sell them back on the GE.
Why It Works: Low Crafting requirement and decent margins make this accessible and profitable.
Tips:
- Check GE prices daily—margins fluctuate.
- Craft in bulk to save time banking.
Cutting Oak Logs
Requirements: 15 Woodcutting, Axe (Steel or higher)
GP/H: 50K-80K
Method: Chop oak trees near Falador or Varrock, bank the logs, and sell them on the GE for 100-150 GP each.
Why It Works: Oak logs are a staple for Firemaking and Construction training, ensuring steady demand.
Tips:
- Bank at Falador for proximity.
- Pair with Firemaking for extra XP if you don’t need the GP.
Combat-Based F2P Money Making Methods
Got some combat stats? These methods leverage fighting to bring in solid gold while keeping things exciting.
Killing Ogress Shamans
Requirements: 40+ Combat (Melee recommended), Food
GP/H: 150K-200K
Method: Head to the Corsair Cove Dungeon (after Corsair Curse quest). Kill Ogress Shamans for drops like runes, gems, and big bones. High alch rune items and sell the rest.
Why It Works: Consistent drops and a nearby fire for cooking tuna make this sustainable.
Tips:
- Wear Green D’hide armor for Magic defense.
- Bring runes for High Alchemy to maximize profits.
Collecting Steel Platebodies in the Wilderness
Requirements: Knife, 20+ Combat (optional), Food
GP/H: 100K-150K
Method: Go to the Lava Maze in level 40-45 Wilderness. Slash the web, grab the steel platebody spawn, and hop worlds. High alch (12K GP) or sell on the GE.
Why It Works: Fast respawn and high alch value make this a sleeper hit, despite the PKer risk.
Tips:
- Bank often to avoid losing stacks to PKers.
- Use Varrock teleport runes for quick escapes.
High-Level F2P Money Making Methods
For veterans with higher stats, these methods offer the best GP/H in F2P, though they come with steeper requirements or risks.
Mining Runite Ore in the Wilderness
Requirements: 85 Mining, Rune Pickaxe
GP/H: 300K-450K
Method: Mine runite rocks north of the Lava Maze (level 46 Wilderness). Bank in Edgeville and sell for 10K-12K GP each.
Why It Works: Runite is the rarest F2P ore, fetching top prices due to Smithing demand.
Tips:
- World hop to beat competition.
- Stay alert for PKers—only bring what you can lose.
High Alching for Profit
Requirements: 55 Magic, 10M+ GP startup, Nature/Fire Runes
GP/H: 200K-500K
Method: Buy items with good margins (e.g., Rune Med Helms, Mithril Platebodies) from the GE, cast High Alchemy (level 55 Magic), and profit from the difference.
Why It Works: Scales with capital and requires no travel—just click and profit.
Tips:
- Test small batches to confirm margins.
- Pair with AFK training for efficiency.
Comparing the Best F2P Money Making Methods
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose the right method for your playstyle and goals.
Method | GP/H | Requirements | Risk Level |
---|---|---|---|
Cowhides | 100K-150K | None | Low |
Wines of Zamorak | 200K-300K | 33 Magic | Low |
Mining Iron | 50K-100K | 15 Mining | Low |
Ogress Shamans | 150K-200K | 40+ Combat | Medium |
Runite Ore | 300K-450K | 85 Mining | High |
How to Maximize Profits
- Check GE Prices: Prices fluctuate—always verify margins before investing.
- Hop Worlds: Beat competition by switching servers.
- Combine Methods: High alch while skilling or collecting.
With these F2P OSRS money making methods, you’re equipped to build a fortune in 2025. Start small with cowhides or iron ore, then scale up to high-level grinds like runite mining or alching. Whatever your level, there’s a method here to get you closer to that bond or dream gear. Happy grinding, and may your coin pouch overflow!