Best Skill to Make Money in OSRS – Top Profitable Methods for 2025
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) thrives on its vibrant economy, where gold pieces (GP) fuel everything from gear upgrades to skilling adventures. With 23 skills to choose from, picking the best one for making money can feel overwhelming. This guide dives into the most profitable skills in OSRS, focusing on methods that balance effort, accessibility, and rewards. Whether you’re a free-to-play (F2P) newbie or a pay-to-play (P2P) veteran, we’ll explore why certain skills stand out for stacking GP in 2025.
Skilling in OSRS isn’t just about leveling up; it’s a gateway to consistent profits. Unlike bossing or flipping, many skilling methods are low-risk and semi-AFK, letting you earn GP while multitasking. The right skill can turn hours of grinding into millions of GP, opening doors to better gear and faster progression. Let’s break down the top contenders and why they shine.
Skilling vs. Combat for Profit
Combat methods like slaying Vorkath can yield high GP per hour, but they require hefty gear investments and quest completions. Skilling, on the other hand, often has lower barriers to entry, making it ideal for beginners or players with limited time. Skills like Hunter and Farming offer passive or semi-passive income, perfect for steady gains without constant attention.
F2P vs. P2P Opportunities
F2P players can profit from skills like Mining or Smithing, but P2P unlocks higher-tier methods in skills like Runecrafting and Thieving. Membership expands your options, letting you access exclusive content like the Hallowed Sepulchre for Agility or Black Chinchompas for Hunter, which significantly boost hourly rates.
Hunter – The Top Money-Making Skill
After evaluating all 23 skills, Hunter emerges as the best for making money in OSRS in 2025. Its blend of accessibility, high profits, and semi-AFK methods makes it a standout choice for players at various levels. Here’s why Hunter reigns supreme and how to maximize its potential.
Why Hunter Stands Out
Hunter offers some of the highest GP per hour among skilling methods, especially for P2P players. From Black Chinchompas to Moonlight Antelopes, the skill scales well with level progression. It’s also less click-intensive than skills like Runecrafting, letting you relax while racking up profits. Plus, Hunter’s low startup costs make it beginner-friendly.
Best Hunter Money-Making Methods
Here are the top Hunter methods for earning GP, tailored to different skill levels:
- Black Chinchompas (Level 73+): Found in the Wilderness, these yield around 1-1.5M GP/hour. They’re risky due to PKers, but the rewards are worth it for cautious players.
- Moonlight Antelopes (Level 91+): A safer option in Fossil Island, offering 1.2-1.8M GP/hour. Requires completion of Bone Voyage.
- Red Chinchompas (Level 63+): A solid mid-level choice at 500-800K GP/hour, safe and accessible in Feldip Hills.
- Herbiboar (Level 80+): Combines Hunter and Herblore for 400-600K GP/hour plus herb drops, great for Ironmen.
Tips for Maximizing Hunter Profits
To get the most out of Hunter:
- Use stamina potions to maintain run energy for faster trapping.
- Invest in Hunter gear like Larupia outfits for better catch rates.
- For Black Chinchompas, stick to less populated worlds and bring minimal risk items to avoid PKer losses.
- Track Herbiboar for extra herbs, which can stack up in value over time.
Other Profitable Skills to Consider
While Hunter takes the crown, other skills offer strong money-making potential depending on your playstyle and goals. Let’s explore three runner-ups that deserve a spot in your GP-grinding arsenal.
Farming – Passive Profits with Herb Runs
Farming shines for its low time commitment and high returns. Herb runs, especially with Snapdragon or Ranarr, can net 250-300K per run in just 5-10 minutes, scaling to 1-2M GP/hour with multiple runs daily. You’ll need at least Level 32 for Ranarr or 38 for Snapdragon, plus access to farming patches.
Pro Tip: Use ultracompost and magic secateurs to boost yields, and complete quests like My Arm’s Big Adventure for extra patches.
Runecrafting – High Effort, High Reward
Runecrafting is a grind, but it’s a goldmine at higher levels. Crafting Blood Runes (Level 77) yields 2-2.8M GP/hour, while Wrath Runes (Level 95) can hit 3.2M GP/hour. The catch? It’s click-intensive and requires full focus. For F2P, crafting Air Runes at Level 44 offers 200-300K GP/hour, a decent low-level option.
Pro Tip: Use the Abyss for faster trips and wear Graceful gear to reduce stamina drain.
Thieving – Quick Cash with Low Requirements
Thieving is perfect for players who want fast profits without heavy investment. Pickpocketing Ardougne Knights at Level 55 nets 200-300K GP/hour, while stealing from Master Farmers at Level 38 can yield valuable seeds for 100-200K GP/hour. At higher levels, pickpocketing Vyres or Elves boosts profits to 1-2M GP/hour.
Pro Tip: Equip Rogue’s outfit for double loot and use dodgy necklaces to avoid stuns.
Comparing Top Skills for Money Making
Not sure which skill suits you? The table below compares Hunter, Farming, Runecrafting, and Thieving based on key factors to help you decide.
| Skill | GP/Hour (Max) | Level Requirement | Click Intensity | F2P/P2P | Startup Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hunter | 1.8M | 63-91 | Low-Medium | P2P | Low |
| Farming | 1-2M | 32-38 | Very Low | P2P | Medium |
| Runecrafting | 3.2M | 77-95 | High | Both | Low |
| Thieving | 2M | 38-91 | Medium | Both | Very Low |
Key Takeaway: Hunter offers the best balance for most players, but Farming is ideal for passive income, Runecrafting for max profits, and Thieving for quick starts.
How to Start Earning with Your Chosen Skill
Ready to dive in? Follow these steps to kickstart your money-making journey with Hunter or any top skill:
- Train to the Required Level: Use quests like Natural History Quiz for Hunter or early herb runs for Farming to level up efficiently.
- Gear Up Smartly: Invest in lightweight gear (e.g., Graceful) or skill-specific boosts (e.g., Hunter potions) to improve efficiency.
- Learn the Method: Watch YouTube guides or check OSRS Wiki for detailed routes, like Black Chinchompa spots or optimal herb run paths.
- Track Profits: Use a Grand Exchange tracker to monitor item prices, as OSRS markets fluctuate daily.
- Scale Up: As you earn GP, reinvest in better supplies or unlock new methods (e.g., Moonlight Antelopes at Level 91 Hunter).
Managing Risks and Market Fluctuations
OSRS prices can shift rapidly, affecting profits. For Hunter, Chinchompa prices may dip during oversupply periods. Check GE trends before long sessions. For Wilderness methods, bring only what you’re willing to lose, and use protection prayers against PKers. Diversifying across skills (e.g., Hunter and Farming) also hedges against market slumps.
Scaling Profits Over Time
As you level up, profits soar. A Level 63 Hunter might earn 500K GP/hour with Red Chinchompas, but at Level 91, Moonlight Antelopes push you past 1.5M. Similarly, Farming’s returns grow with access to better seeds, and Runecrafting hits peak efficiency at Level 95+. Patience and consistent grinding pay off big.
Final Thoughts on OSRS Money Making
Hunter stands as the best skill for making money in OSRS due to its high profits, scalability, and relaxed gameplay. However, Farming, Runecrafting, and Thieving offer compelling alternatives depending on your time and focus. Experiment with these skills to find what fits your style, and reinvest your earnings to unlock even bigger opportunities. With the right approach, you’ll be swimming in GP in no time!
Ready to grind? Start with Hunter’s Red Chinchompas or a quick herb run, and watch your bank grow. Share your favorite money-making tips in the comments, and happy scaping!