How Much Exp to 99 OSRS Complete Guide

Getting a skill to level 99 in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a badge of honor. It’s that golden cape you wear with pride, showing off your dedication. But the big question is: how much experience (exp) does it take to hit 99? As someone who’s grinded multiple 99s over the years, I can tell you it’s a journey filled with sweat, tears, and a whole lot of clicking. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to follow, with some personal stories and tips to make your grind smoother.

Before we dive into the numbers, let’s talk about why you’d even want to chase 99. For me, it started with Woodcutting. I was chopping yews in Seers’ Village, dreaming of that shiny cape. There’s something satisfying about watching those exp drops stack up. Plus, a 99 unlocks perks like skill capes, better money-making methods, and bragging rights in the clan chat. So, what’s your goal? Is it the prestige, the rewards, or just the grind? Whatever it is, knowing the exp needed is step one.

The Magic Number: Exp to 99

Every skill in OSRS requires the same amount of experience to reach level 99: 13,034,431 exp. That’s right, whether you’re swinging a pickaxe in Mining or casting spells in Magic, the exp goal is identical. But here’s the kicker: not all skills feel the same. Some, like Prayer, can drain your bank account faster than a bad day at the Duel Arena, while others, like Fishing, are chill but slow. Let’s look at how this number breaks down.

Exp Per Level Breakdown

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a table showing the exp needed for some key levels on your way to 99. This is the same for all skills:

Level	Total Exp Needed	Exp to Next Level
1	0	83
30	13,363	3,973
50	101,333	14,833
70	737,627	54,823
90	5,346,332	388,703
99	13,034,431	–

As you can see, the exp curve gets brutal at higher levels. Going from 98 to 99 takes 1,986,068 exp, which is more than the total exp from 1 to 83! I remember hitting 90 Woodcutting and thinking, “I’m almost there!” Nope. That last stretch was a marathon.

Why Does the Exp Curve Feel So Cruel?

Have you ever wondered why leveling feels so slow at the end? It’s because OSRS uses an exponential exp curve. Each level requires more exp than the last, and it ramps up fast after 90. When I was grinding Fletching, I could knock out 1-70 in a day, but 90-99 took weeks. The grind teaches patience, trust me.

Fastest vs. Slowest Skills to 99

Not all skills are created equal. Some are lightning-fast with the right methods, while others make you question your life choices. Here’s a breakdown based on my experience and what I’ve seen in the OSRS community.

Fast Skills to 99

1. Cooking: With wines or sharks, you can hit 200k-300k exp per hour. I got 99 Cooking in a week by making wines in the Cooking Guild. Pro tip: don’t bank, just drop the jugs!

2. Fletching: Stringing bows or cutting logs can push 400k exp per hour. I spent hours in the Grand Exchange buying unstrung bows. It’s brain-dead but effective.

3. Firemaking: Wintertodt is your friend. You can get 300k+ exp per hour while barely paying attention. I got 99 Firemaking while watching Netflix. Multitasking for the win!

Slow Skills to 99

1. Runecrafting: Even with the best methods, like lava runes, you’re looking at 50k-70k exp per hour. I tried this once and gave up at 77. My thumbs still hate me.

2. Agility: Rooftop courses give 40k-60k exp per hour, but it’s click-intensive. I got 99 Agility at Canifis, and my mouse-clicking finger was sore for days.

3. Prayer: Offering bones at a gilded altar is fast (200k+ exp per hour), but it costs millions. I burned through 20m gp getting 99 Prayer. Worth it? Maybe.

Which skill are you tackling first? If it’s a slow one, brace yourself!

My Personal Journey to 99

Let me share a story. My first 99 was Woodcutting, back when I was a noob with a dragon axe I couldn’t afford. I spent hours at the yew trees south of Falador, dodging bots and chatting with random players. The exp was slow—maybe 40k per hour—but every level felt like a victory. When I finally hit 99, I ran to Draynor to buy my cape. The moment I put it on, I felt like a king. That’s what keeps us going, right? That feeling of accomplishment.

Another skill I loved was Magic. I got to 99 by high-alching yew longbows in the Grand Exchange. It wasn’t just about the exp; I made a profit too! But I’ll admit, I messed up plenty. One time, I accidentally alched my fire staff. Lesson learned: always double-check your inventory.

How to Plan Your 99 Grind

So, how do you tackle that 13m exp? Here’s my step-by-step guide, forged from years of grinding:

Step 1: Pick the Right Method

Research the fastest or cheapest method for your skill. For example, in Mining, you can grind volcanic ash for decent exp and profit, but Motherlode Mine is more afk. I spent hours at Motherlode Mine because I could chat with friends while mining. Find what fits your playstyle.

Step 2: Set Milestones

Breaking the grind into chunks helps. Aim for 70, then 80, then 90. When I was going for 99 Fishing, I celebrated every 10 levels with a small reward, like buying myself a new cosmetic from the GE. It kept me motivated.

Step 3: Manage Your Bank

Some skills, like Herblore or Prayer, are crazy expensive. I saved up 15m gp before starting Herblore, and it still wasn’t enough! Plan your budget or focus on money-making first. Killing Vorkath helped me fund my Prayer grind.

Step 4: Use Boosts

Items like the Dragon Pickaxe or Graceful Outfit can speed things up. When I trained Agility, Graceful was a lifesaver. Also, check for events like Bonus Exp Weekends (if they’re active). They’re rare, but they shave off hours.

Step 5: Stay Sane

The grind can burn you out. Take breaks, switch skills, or do some quests. I once spent a whole day doing Agility and nearly quit OSRS. Mixing in some Slayer helped me stay focused.

What’s your go-to method for staying motivated? I’d love to hear your tips!

Exp Rates for Popular Skills

Here’s a quick table of average exp rates for some popular skills, based on efficient methods. These are rough estimates from my experience and community guides:

Skill	Method	Exp per Hour	Notes
Woodcutting	Teak trees	60k-80k	AFK, decent profit
Fishing	Barbarian Fishing	50k-70k	Good for Strength exp too
Magic	High Alchemy	60k-80k	Can profit if you alch smart
Slayer	Task-specific (e.g., Gargoyles)	50k-70k	Profitable but depends on tasks
Runecrafting	Lava runes	50k-70k	Intense, needs high focus

These rates assume you’re using optimal setups. Your mileage may vary based on gear, level, or how much you’re paying attention.

Tips to Make the Grind Fun

Grinding 13m exp isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about enjoying the ride. Here are some tricks I’ve learned:

• Join a Clan: Chatting with clanmates makes slow skills like Runecrafting bearable. My clan used to have “grind parties” where we’d all train the same skill and compete for exp.

• Listen to Music or Podcasts: I blasted lo-fi beats while fishing at Barbarian Village. It’s relaxing and keeps you in the zone.

• Mix Up Locations: Don’t stick to one spot. For Woodcutting, I switched between yews, magics, and teaks to keep things fresh.

• Track Your Progress: Use a spreadsheet or an exp tracker. Seeing how close you are to 99 is motivating. I checked my exp gains daily during my Slayer grind.

What do you do to make grinding fun? Got any weird habits?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made plenty of blunders on my way to 99s. Here are some to watch out for:

1. Ignoring Quests: Quests like Monkey Madness or Desert Treasure give huge exp rewards. I skipped quests early on and regretted it.

2. Burning Cash: Don’t blow your bank on expensive methods without a plan. I once spent 5m on dragon bones for Prayer, only to realize I could’ve used cheaper bones.

3. Not Using Boosts: Gear like the Lumberjack Outfit or Prospector Kit gives exp bonuses. I didn’t bother with them at first, and it slowed me down.

FAQs About Getting to 99

Q: How long does it take to get 99?
It depends on the skill and method. Fast skills like Cooking can take 40-50 hours, while Runecrafting might take 200+ hours. I got 99 Cooking in a week, but Agility took me months.

Q: Is it worth getting 99?
Absolutely! The cape, the perks, and the sense of achievement are unmatched. Plus, it opens up new content like maxed player-owned houses.

Q: What’s the easiest 99?
Cooking or Fletching. They’re fast, cheap, and don’t require much focus. I’d pick Cooking if you’re starting out.

Final Thoughts

Hitting 99 in OSRS is a massive achievement, but it’s not just about the 13,034,431 exp. It’s about the journey, the late-night grinds, and the moments you share with other players. Whether you’re chopping trees, slaying dragons, or alching in the GE, every exp drop gets you closer to that cape. My advice? Pick a skill you enjoy, set small goals, and don’t be afraid to take breaks. You’ll get there, just like I did with my Woodcutting cape all those years ago.

Which skill are you grinding for 99? Drop a comment or hit me up in-game. Let’s share the pain and the glory!