F2P OSRS High Alch Guide: Maximize Profits in Free-to-Play Old School RuneScape

F2P OSRS High Alch Guide: Maximize Profits in Free-to-Play Old School RuneScape


High Alchemy, often called “High Alch,” is one of the most iconic and profitable methods in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) for training Magic and making gold, even in the free-to-play (F2P) world. For F2P players, it’s a game-changer—offering a way to turn items into coins while leveling up your Magic skill. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned veteran looking to optimize your F2P experience, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about High Alching in F2P OSRS. From the best items to alch to practical tips for maximizing profits, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

High Level Alchemy is a spell in OSRS that transforms items into coins based on their “alchemy value,” which is typically 60% of their shop price. It requires level 55 Magic, one Nature Rune, and five Fire Runes per cast (though you can save on Fire Runes with a Fire Staff). Each cast grants 65 Magic XP, and you can perform up to 1,200 casts per hour if you’re efficient. For F2P players, High Alch is especially valuable because it’s one of the few reliable ways to generate gold without relying solely on combat or resource gathering.

Why High Alch Matters in F2P

In the F2P world, money-making options are limited compared to members’ content. High Alch stands out because it combines skill training with profit potential. You can buy items from the Grand Exchange (GE), alch them for more coins than you paid, and pocket the difference—all while gaining Magic XP. It’s a passive, low-effort method that fits perfectly into the grind-heavy F2P lifestyle.

Requirements for High Alching in F2P

Before you start, here’s what you need:

  • Magic Level 55: Unlock the High Alchemy spell in your spellbook.
  • Nature Runes: One per cast—stock up via GE or drops.
  • Fire Staff (Optional but Recommended): Eliminates the need for Fire Runes, boosting profit margins.
  • Starting Capital: At least 500k-1M GP to buy items in bulk.

Best F2P Items to High Alch in OSRS

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Finding profitable items is the key to success with High Alch in F2P. The goal is to buy items below their alchemy value, factoring in the cost of Nature Runes (around 200-250 GP as of April 2025). Below are some of the best F2P items to alch, based on consistent profitability and availability.

Top Profitable F2P High Alch Items

Here’s a curated list of items that often yield profits in F2P:

Item GE Price (Approx.) High Alch Value Profit per Alch (w/ Nature Rune ~250 GP) Buy Limit (4 Hours)
Rune 2H Sword 37,000 GP 38,400 GP 1,150 GP 70
Rune Chainbody 28,800 GP 30,000 GP 950 GP 70
Mithril Platebody 2,600 GP 3,120 GP 270 GP 125
Green D’hide Body 4,300 GP 4,680 GP 130 GP 125
Rune Med Helm 11,000 GP 11,520 GP 270 GP 70

Note: Prices fluctuate daily, so always check the GE before buying. Use a High Alch calculator like the one on OldSchool.tools to stay updated.

How to Choose the Right Items

Not every item is worth alching. Here’s how to pick winners:

  • Profit Margin: Aim for at least 200-300 GP profit per alch after Nature Rune costs.
  • Buy Limits: Higher limits (e.g., 125 for Mithril Platebodies) let you alch longer without waiting.
  • Availability: Rune items are popular drops, keeping GE prices competitive.

How to High Alch Efficiently in F2P

Maximizing your High Alch profits in F2P isn’t just about picking the right items—it’s also about streamlining the process. Here’s how to do it like a pro.

Step-by-Step High Alch Process

  1. Stock Up: Buy your chosen items from the GE. Start with small batches (e.g., 100) to test profitability.
  2. Equip a Fire Staff: Save on Fire Rune costs—every GP counts in F2P.
  3. Set Up Your Inventory: Keep Nature Runes and your alch items ready. Place the spell icon near your inventory for quick clicks.
  4. Alch Away: Click the High Alch spell, then the item. Repeat every 3 seconds (5 game ticks) for maximum efficiency.
  5. Bank and Repeat: When you run out, head back to the GE or Varrock West Bank to restock.

Best Locations for High Alching

Location matters for convenience and safety:

  • Grand Exchange: Ideal for buying and alching in one spot.
  • Varrock West Bank (World 308): A hotspot for trading alchables directly with players, bypassing GE buy limits.
  • Lumbridge Castle: Quiet and close to a bank for a low-key session.

Profit and XP Potential of F2P High Alch

High Alch in F2P isn’t just about gold—it’s a dual-purpose method that boosts your Magic level too. Let’s break down the numbers.

Gold Per Hour (GP/H)

Profit depends on your item choice and efficiency:

  • Low-End (e.g., Mithril Platebody): 270 GP x 1,200 casts = ~324,000 GP/H.
  • High-End (e.g., Rune 2H Sword): 1,150 GP x 1,200 casts = ~1,380,000 GP/H.
  • Realistic Average: 400,000-600,000 GP/H with mid-tier items like Rune Chainbodies.

These figures assume you’re using a Fire Staff and buying at optimal GE prices. Trading directly with players on World 308 can sometimes net even better margins.

Magic XP Per Hour

Every cast gives 65 XP, so at 1,200 casts per hour, you’re looking at:

  • 78,000 Magic XP/H: One of the fastest F2P Magic training methods, rivaling teleports or combat spells.

From level 55 to 70 Magic, you’ll need about 250,000 XP, or roughly 32 hours of alching—potentially earning 12-15M GP in the process.

Tips and Tricks for F2P High Alch Success

To take your High Alch game to the next level, here are some pro tips tailored for F2P players.

Optimizing Your Setup

  • Use RuneLite: This client offers a High Alch plugin that highlights profitable items and tracks your GP/XP gains.
  • Multi-Task: Alch while watching a movie or doing AFK skills like Fishing to make the grind feel shorter.
  • Buy Low, Alch High: Place GE offers slightly below market price and wait overnight for bulk purchases.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

  • Price Fluctuations: Check prices daily—items like Green D’hide Bodies can crash if too many players alch them.
  • Overstocking: Don’t buy thousands of an item unless you’re sure it’ll stay profitable.
  • Scams on World 308: Double-check trades to avoid being swapped lower-value items (e.g., Adamant 2H for Rune 2H).

Scaling Up Your Profits

Once you’ve got a rhythm, consider these strategies:

  • Craft and Alch: Make Ruby Necklaces (Gold Bar + Ruby) at Edgeville Furnace, then alch them for ~100-150 GP profit each.
  • Ogress Drops: Kill Ogress Warriors in Corsair Cove Dungeon, alch their Rune drops, and profit from other loot.
  • Bond Goals: Use your earnings to buy a bond (around 6-7M GP in 2025) and unlock P2P content for even bigger gains.

High Alching in F2P OSRS is a tried-and-true method that blends profit with progress. Whether you’re aiming to fund a bond, boost your Magic, or just enjoy the F2P grind, it’s a strategy worth mastering. Start small, experiment with items, and watch your coin stack grow. Happy alching!