Early Ironman Goals OSRS Beginner Guide

Starting out as an Ironman in Old School RuneScape can feel overwhelming at first. You’re on your own, no Grand Exchange handouts or trading with buddies. Everything you get, you earn through sweat and grinding. As someone who’s sunk thousands of hours into OSRS, playing multiple Ironman accounts, I remember my first one like it was yesterday. I was clueless, dying to goblins left and right, but sticking to those early goals turned it all around. This guide breaks down the key early Ironman goals to set you up for success. We’ll cover skills, quests, gear, and more, all in a way that’s easy to follow.

Why bother with Ironman mode anyway? It’s the purest form of the game. No pay-to-win vibes, just you against Gielinor. But let’s dive right in.

First things first, complete Tutorial Island. Yeah, it’s basic, but it gives you those initial tools and skills. Once you’re in Lumbridge, your immediate goal is survival. Grab a bronze axe from Bob’s shop, chop some trees, and make a fire. Cook shrimp on it to heal up. Simple, right?

What about combat? Early on, focus on chickens or cows. They’re easy kills and drop feathers or hides you can use later. I always tell new players to aim for level 20 in Attack, Strength, and Defence before venturing far. Why? Because you’ll die less, and that’s HUGE for an Ironman where every death means running back for your stuff.

In my early days, I wasted so much time dying to hill giants because I rushed. Learn from my mistake: build a solid base.

Essential Early Quests

Quests are your best friend in Ironman mode. They give XP, items, and unlock areas without needing rare drops. Start with Cook’s Assistant. It’s quick and boosts your Cooking level.

Next, tackle Romeo and Juliet for some easy Prayer XP. But the real gem is Waterfall Quest. No requirements, and it jumps your Attack and Strength to 30 each. I did this on day one of my last Ironman and it saved me hours of grinding.

Ever wonder why quests matter so much? Because as an Ironman, you can’t buy lamps or boosts. Quests are free progress.

• Sheep Shearer: Easy wool for crafting.
• Goblin Diplomacy: Unlocks goblin armor, which is decent early defence.
• Vampire Slayer: Garlic and a stake for future use, plus Attack XP.

Aim to knock out 10-15 quests in your first week. It’ll feel rewarding.

Skilling Goals for Self-Sufficiency

Skilling is the backbone of Ironman life. You need resources for everything, from food to weapons. Let’s break it down by priority.

Combat Skills

Hit level 40 in Attack, Strength, and Defence ASAP. Use quests to skip the boring low levels. Then, train on flesh crawlers or experiments for better XP.

What weapon should you use? Start with iron, then mithril. Smith them yourself after mining the ores.

In one of my accounts, I grinded Mining to 40 early just for mithril. It paid off when I could make my own scimitar. Felt like a boss.

Gathering Skills

Woodcutting and Fishing go hand in hand. Chop oaks for logs, fish trout and salmon for food. Goal: Level 50 in both by week two.

Mining is crucial. Get to 15 for iron ore, then 30 for coal. You’ll need bars for smithing.

Firemaking? Burn those logs for 40-50 levels. It’s fast and helps with Wintertodt later.

Ever tried Wintertodt as a low-level Ironman? It’s risky but rewards big with supplies. I died a few times my first go, but now it’s my go-to for early seeds and gems.

Crafting and Smithing

Craft leather armor from cowhides. Tan them in Al Kharid. Aim for level 30 Crafting.

Smithing: Make bronze to iron gear. Goal is mithril by level 40 Smithing.

Here’s a quick table of early smithing goals:

This setup kept me geared without relying on drops.

Unlocking Key Areas and Items

As you progress, think about unlocks. Barrows gloves? Too far, but start the path.

Varrock and Falador

Teleport runes? Runecraft air runes early. Get to level 9 for Varrock tele.

Falador: Mine there for better ores. Complete Knight’s Sword for a blurite sword and Smithing XP.

I once spent a whole evening mining blurite. Cold, but worth it for that jump to 29 Smithing.

Magic and Ranged

Don’t neglect these. Magic: Level to 13 for teleports. Use strike spells on safe spots.

Ranged: Make your own bows and arrows. Fletch logs into shafts, add feathers.

Goal: Level 30 Ranged for green d’hide.

Question: Is Magic worth early investment? Absolutely, for teleports and combat variety.

Mid-Early Goals: Levels 40-60

By now, you’re not a total noob. Push for 50-60 in combats.

Slayer for Direction

Unlock Slayer at level 3 Combat. Turael gives easy tasks. It’s great for varied training.

My first Slayer task was banshees. Got earmuffs from a drop lucky me.

Aim for 30-40 Slayer. Unlocks better tasks and points for items like broad bolts.

Farming and Herblore

Farming: Start with allotments in Catherby. Seeds from pickpocketing master farmers.

Herblore: Make potions from herbs you grow. Goal: Level 26 for energy pots.

This combo sustains long grinds.

List of early farms:

• Potatoes for food.
• Marigolds for protection.
• Guam for attack pots.

Short and sweet: Farm daily.

Bossing and Minigames

Ready for excitement? Early bosses like Obor or Bryophyta. Need keys from giants/moss giants.

I soloed Obor at level 50 combats. Dropped a giant champion scroll first try. Luck? Maybe, but preparation matters.

Wintertodt: As mentioned, great for supplies. Aim for 500 points per run.

Barrows? Wait till 60+ combats, but prep by getting prayer to 43 for protection.

Money-Making as Ironman

No GE, so how do you get coins? Clue scrolls, thieving, or high alch.

Thieve from stalls in Ardougne. Level 42 for knights, good GP.

I made my first 100k thieving silk. Bought runes for alching.

Ever high alch your own smithed items? It’s efficient.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Don’t rush bosses without food. Stockpile cooked fish.

Burnout is real. Mix activities.

In my experience, setting daily goals helps. Like, today: 10 quests.

What if you die? Use rings of life, but craft them first.

Long-Term Mindset

Early goals set the foundation. By level 60 totals, you’ll have decent gear, skills, and unlocks.

Remember my first Ironman? Hit 1k total in a month. You can too.

Keep grinding, ask in clans if stuck. OSRS community is awesome.

Advanced Early Tips

Push for graceful outfit. Agility to 50+, rooftops.

Rune pouch: Slayer points.

Fairy rings: Quest Fairy Tale II.

These open the map.

Table for agility goals:

Graceful changes everything mobility-wise.

Wrapping Up

There you have it, a solid plan for early Ironman goals in OSRS. From basics to mid-game pushes, focus on self-sufficiency. I’ve been there, grinding nights away, and it’s rewarding.

Got a specific goal in mind? Like, how to get adamant gear early? Drop a comment.

Keep playing smart. Gielinor awaits.

Now, let’s talk about Prayer. Often overlooked early, but get to 31 for ultimate strength. Bury bones from kills.

Short answer: Yes, Prayer boosts combat hugely.

In longer terms, training Prayer means big bones from hill giants. I farmed hundreds, got to 43 in a weekend. Unlocks protect from melee, game-changer for bosses.

What about Runecrafting? Hated it at first. But essence from mining, craft at air altar. Goal: 23 for lava runes, useful for later.

I once ran essence for hours. Boring, but necessary.

Construction: Start at 1, build chairs for XP. Get planks from sawmill.

Why? For mahogany tables later, but early, it’s for teleports to house.

Mix it up.

Gear Progression

Start with iron, move to black from drops.

Strongly recommend: Amulet of strength from imps.

Helmet: Berserker from warriors guild, but need 45 Defence.

Rings: Explorer’s from Lumby.

Boots: Climbing from quests.

Gloves: Klank’s from Underground Pass, but that’s advanced.

In table form:

Upgrades feel amazing.

Ever quest for Dragon Slayer? Do it for rune platebody. I failed the maze first time, laughed it off.

Pushed through.

Community and Motivation

Join Ironman discords. Share progress.

I post my gains, keeps me motivated.

Question: Stuck on a skill? Watch guides, but play your way.

Sometimes, short breaks help.

Long story: My Ironman hit a wall at 1500 total. Took a week off, came back stronger.

Don’t quit.

Final Thoughts

This guide covers the essentials for OSRS early Ironman goals. Build skills, complete quests, unlock items. As an expert, I say consistency wins.

You’ve got this. Grind on.

Wait, one more: Hunter for chinchompas later, but start at 1 with birds.

Simple.# OSRS Early Ironman Goals for Beginners

Jumping into Ironman mode in Old School RuneScape is like starting fresh in a world where everything’s earned the hard way. No trading, no Grand Exchange crutches just you grinding for every item. I’ve played a few Ironman accounts over the years, and let me tell you, those early days are make-or-break. Mess up your priorities, and you’ll be stuck forever. But get them right, and you’ll snowball into mid-game like a pro. This post lays out solid early goals to aim for, based on what worked for me and tons of other players.

What’s the big deal with early goals anyway? They keep you focused and prevent burnout. Let’s get into it.

Starting Strong Right After Tutorial Island

Right out the gate, head to Lumbridge and grab basics. Pick up a bronze axe, some pots, and start chopping trees. Cook shrimp on fires you make. It’s simple, but it builds Cooking and Firemaking fast.

In my first Ironman run, I ignored this and died to goblins non-stop. Lesson learned: survival comes first.

Aim for level 10 in Woodcutting, Fishing, and Cooking within hours. Why? Food sustains you for combats.

Key Quests to Knock Out Early

Quests are gold for Ironmen. They skip grinds and give free XP. Start with Cook’s Assistant it’s over in minutes and boosts Cooking.

Then Waterfall Quest. No reqs, but jumps Attack and Strength to 30. I did this day one every time huge time-saver.

Other must-dos:

• Romeo and Juliet for Prayer XP.
• Sheep Shearer easy Crafting start.
• Goblin Diplomacy unlocks goblin mail.

Ever tried rushing quests without prep? Don’t. Stock food first.

From what I’ve seen in community talks, quests like these set up your base stats without endless training.

Building Combat Foundations

Combat‘s core in OSRS, especially for Ironmen who farm their own gear. Goal: base 40s in Attack, Strength, Defence.

Train on chickens, then cows, then goblins. Use safe spots if you’re squishy.

What weapon? Smith your own bronze dagger, then iron scim.

I remember grinding flesh crawlers in Stronghold of Security. Got me to 40s quick, plus bones for Prayer.

Prayer matters too. Bury bones to 31 for superhuman strength. It’s REALLY a game-changer in fights.

Gear Progression Tips

Don’t rely on drops alone smith and craft.

Early gear table:

Upgrade to mithril by level 30 Smithing. Mine ores in Varrock.

In one account, I hit mithril gear by week two. Felt unstoppable.

Skilling Goals for Resources

Skills fuel everything. Focus on gathering first.

Mining and Smithing

Mine copper/tin to 15, then iron to 30. Smith bars into gear.

Goal: 40 Mining for coal, then steel items.

Why steel? Better than iron, preps for mith.

Fishing and Cooking

Fish shrimp to trout. Cook everything.

Hit 40 Fishing for lobsters great food for training.

I fished karambwan later, but early? Stick to basics.

Woodcutting and Firemaking

Chop oaks, burn for XP. Aim 50 Woodcutting for willows.

Firemaking to 50 unlocks Wintertodt. That’s a BIG early unlock crates give seeds, gems, tons of stuff.

Question: Worth risking Wintertodt low-level? Yes, but bring food. I died once, but supplies were worth it.

Unlocking Areas and Minigames

Open the map early. Teleports help.

Runecraft air runes to 9 for Varrock tele.

Do Knight’s Sword for blurite sword and Smithing jump.

Falador tele? Level 37 Magic.

Ardougne cloak 1 from easy diary huge bonuses.

In my experience, diaries are underrated. Easy Varrock for battlestaves daily.

Magic and Ranged Training

Don’t melee only. Variety wins.

Magic: Strike spells on cows. Goal 13 for teles.

Ranged: Make bows, fletch arrows. Train on monks.

Level 30 Ranged for studded leather.

Ever safe-spot giants for keys? That’s Obor prep early boss for runes.

Short para: Do it.

Longer one: On my hardcore Ironman, I grinded Ranged early to avoid deaths. Got green d’hide from crafting dragonhide drops. Saved my butt in quests like Vampire Slayer.

Slayer and Variety

Unlock Slayer at Burthorpe. Turael tasks are easy.

Goal: 20-30 Slayer for points. Buy broad bolts later.

Tasks mix training keeps it fun.

I loved banshee tasks got slayer helmet pieces early.

Farming and Herblore Basics

Pickpocket master farmers for seeds.

Plant herbs in Catherby. Goal 26 Herblore for energy pots.

Farming to 35 for spirit trees.

List of starter crops:

• Potatoes for food.
• Guam herbs for attack pots.
• Marigolds to protect.

Daily farms build supplies.

Early Bossing and Rewards

Ready for bosses? Obor and Bryophyta at 50 combats.

Farm keys from giants.

Rewards: Big bones, runes.

Wintertodt for crates do 50 games.

I soloed Obor at 55 total. Dropped champion scroll lucky break.

Money Methods Without GE

Thieve stalls for coins. Ardougne bakery to 25.

High alch drops.

Clue scrolls from HAM members.

Made my first 50k thieving silk. Bought essence for Runecrafting.

Common Mistakes to Dodge

Don’t skip quests. They’re free progress.

Avoid burnout mix activities.

Stock food always.

In my runs, rushing bosses without prep killed me literally, on hardcore.

What if you die? Grave runs suck, so use protection prayers.

Pushing to Mid-Game

By 800-1000 total, aim base 50s.

Graceful from agility rooftops.

Rune pouch from Slayer.

Fairy rings via quests.

These open Gielinor.

Agility table:

Run rooftops daily.

Mindset for Success

Consistency is key. Set daily goals like 5 levels or 3 quests.

Join Ironman communities for tips.

I’ve maxed one Ironman took years, but early focus sped it up.

Stuck? Watch guides, but play your style.

Question: Ready for group Ironman? Try it with friends for fun.

Short: Grind smart.

Longer: Remember my first max party? Felt epic. You start with these goals, you’ll get there. Mix grinds with fun, like By Release series for inspiration. OSRS rewards patience.

Final Push Advice

Wrap up with diaries. Easy Lumby for ring.

Prayer to 43 for protects.

Construction basics for house teles.

You’ve got the blueprint. Now execute.

One more: Hunter for birds early, builds to chins.

Simple stuff.

In wrapping, these early Ironman goals quests, skills, unlocks set you up. As someone who’s been through the grind, trust me, it’s worth it. Gielinor‘s your oyster.