How to Get a Rune Axe as an Ironman in OSRS

How to Get a Rune Axe as an Ironman in OSRS

For Ironman players in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), securing a rune axe is a pivotal step toward efficient Woodcutting training. Unlike regular accounts, Ironmen can’t rely on the Grand Exchange, making the journey to obtain this mid-tier axe both challenging and rewarding. Whether you’re a free-to-play (F2P) or pay-to-play (P2P) Ironman, this guide outlines the most effective methods to get your hands on a rune axe, optimized for early- to mid-game progression. Let’s dive into the strategies, requirements, and tips to make your grind as smooth as possible.

The rune axe is a game-changer for Ironmen, requiring level 41 Woodcutting to use and offering a significant boost over lower-tier axes like steel or adamant. It’s the best-in-slot axe for F2P players (alongside the gilded axe) and the third-best option for P2P players, behind only dragon, 3rd age, and infernal axes. For Ironmen, who often rely on Woodcutting for logs to train Fletching, Firemaking, or Construction, the rune axe’s faster cutting speed can save hours of grinding. This section explores the primary methods to obtain it, tailored to both F2P and P2P Ironmen.

Key Benefits of the Rune Axe

  • Increased Efficiency: Cuts trees 17% faster than an adamant axe.
  • Versatility: Doubles as a melee weapon requiring 40 Attack.
  • Accessibility: Obtainable through multiple methods, even for low-level Ironmen.

Method 1: Farming Tree Spirits (P2P Only)

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For P2P Ironmen, one of the most efficient ways to get a rune axe is by farming Tree Spirits in the Enchanted Valley. This method is ideal for low- to mid-level players due to its relatively low requirements and favorable drop rate.

How to Access Tree Spirits

Tree Spirits spawn when you chop trees in the Enchanted Valley, accessible via the Fairy Ring network (code: BKQ). To unlock Fairy Rings, you’ll need to start the Fairy Tale II – Cure a Queen quest up to the point where you gain access (no completion required). Alternatively, a one-time teleport to Zanaris via the quest Lost City can get you there, but Fairy Rings are more sustainable.

Requirements and Gear Setup

  • Combat Level: 20–40+ (Tree Spirits scale to your level, from 14–159).
  • Recommended Stats: 30+ Attack, Strength, and Defence for melee; 30+ Ranged or Magic for safespotting.
  • Gear: Budget melee gear (e.g., mithril armor, amulet of strength) or a crossbow with iron bolts for Ranged. Mages can use elemental staves.
  • Inventory: Food (lobsters or better), a teleport (e.g., Games Necklace), and a steel axe to trigger spawns.

Strategy and Drop Rate

Once in the Enchanted Valley, chop any tree to spawn a Tree Spirit. They have a 1/32 drop rate for rune axes, meaning you could get one in as few as 10–20 kills, though RNG varies. Safespotting is key: lure the Tree Spirit behind a tree or mushroom to attack from a distance with Ranged or Magic, minimizing damage. Melee users should bring food to tank hits. Alongside the axe, Tree Spirits drop useful items like herbs, seeds, and nature runes, making this grind worthwhile even if it takes longer.

Pros and Cons

Pros Cons
Low combat requirements Requires Fairy Ring access
Decent drop rate (1/32) RNG-dependent
Additional loot (herbs, runes) Not available for F2P

Method 2: Purchasing from the Woodcutting Guild (P2P Only)

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If combat isn’t your style or you’ve already hit higher Woodcutting levels, buying a rune axe from the Woodcutting Guild in Great Kourend is the most straightforward method. This option guarantees the axe but requires significant preparation.

Requirements for the Woodcutting Guild

Steps to Unlock the Guild

  1. Gain Hosidius Favor: Plow fields in Hosidius (fastest at low levels) or cook in the Mess Hall until 75%. This can take 4–6 hours depending on your method.
  2. Train Woodcutting: Chop oaks or willows in Draynor Village or Varrock to reach level 60. Using a steel or adamant axe, expect 10–15 hours of grinding.
  3. Travel to the Guild: Located west of Hosidius. Use a Skills Necklace teleport or walk from the Hosidius teleport (if you have Xeric’s Talisman).
  4. Purchase the Axe: Visit Perry’s Chop-chop Shop inside the Guild to buy the rune axe for 40,960 coins.

Tips for Efficiency

Earning 40,960 coins as an Ironman can be tricky early on. Consider these methods:

  • Thieving: Pickpocket Master Farmers or steal from Ardougne’s cake stalls.
  • Agility Pyramid: Nets up to 200,000 coins per hour at 30+ Agility.
  • High Alchemy: At 55 Magic, alch items like mithril armor dropped by monsters.

If you’re close to 60 Woodcutting, this method is faster than farming drops, as it’s guaranteed. However, the grind to 60 Woodcutting with a lower-tier axe can feel tedious.

Method 3: Crafting Your Own Rune Axe (F2P and P2P)

For F2P Ironmen, crafting a rune axe via Smithing is the only viable option, as monster drops and the Woodcutting Guild are P2P-exclusive. P2P Ironmen can also use this method, but it’s generally less efficient due to high skill requirements.

Skill and Resource Requirements

  • Smithing Level: 86.
  • Mining Level: 85 (to mine runite ore).
  • Resources: 1 runite ore, 8 coal, a hammer, and access to a furnace and anvil.

Step-by-Step Crafting Process

  1. Mine Runite Ore: Head to the Wilderness (level 46, near Lava Maze) for F2P’s only runite rocks. P2P players can try the Mining Guild or Heroes’ Guild. Expect heavy competition and a long respawn time (12–24 minutes).
  2. Gather Coal: Mine 8 coal per runite ore in the Mining Guild (P2P) or Lumbridge Swamp (F2P).
  3. Smelt the Bar: Use a furnace (Edgeville for P2P, Al Kharid for F2P) to smelt 1 runite ore and 8 coal into a runite bar.
  4. Smith the Axe: At level 86 Smithing, use the runite bar on an anvil (Varrock or Burthorpe) with a hammer to craft the rune axe.

Challenges and Alternatives

Reaching 86 Smithing and 85 Mining is a massive grind, often taking 50–100 hours depending on your methods. For F2P Ironmen, the Wilderness runite spot is risky due to PKers, so bring minimal gear and bank frequently. P2P players might consider boosting Smithing with a Dwarven Stout at 84 (lowers the requirement to 85), but this still demands significant effort. Given the time investment, most P2P Ironmen prefer Tree Spirits or the Guild unless they’re already training high-level Mining and Smithing.

Method 4: Monster Drops from Other Sources (P2P Only)

If Tree Spirits aren’t yielding results or you’re tackling Slayer, other monsters can drop rune axes. This method is less focused but viable during broader grinding.

Viable Monsters and Drop Rates

  • Ancient Zygomites: 1/45 drop rate, requires 57 Slayer and access to Fossil Island.
  • Steel Dragons: 1/45 drop rate, found in Brimhaven Dungeon. High combat (80+ recommended) and an anti-dragon shield required.
  • Kurasks: 1/45 drop rate, requires 70 Slayer and Fremennik Slayer Dungeon access.

Best Approach

These monsters are tougher than Tree Spirits and have worse drop rates, making them inefficient as primary targets. However, if you’re assigned them for Slayer or already farming them for other drops (e.g., dragon bones from Steel Dragons), keep an eye out for the rune axe. Always prioritize Tree Spirits if your sole goal is the axe, as their 1/32 drop rate is superior.

Tips for Choosing the Best Method

Selecting the right method depends on your account’s progress, playstyle, and membership status. Here’s a breakdown to guide your decision:

F2P Ironman Considerations

F2P players are limited to crafting, so focus on Mining and Smithing early if you want the rune axe. Alternatively, consider upgrading to P2P for faster methods like Tree Spirits or the Guild, as the crafting grind can be demotivating.

P2P Ironman Decision Tree

  • Low Combat (20–50): Farm Tree Spirits for the best balance of accessibility and speed.
  • High Woodcutting (50–60+): Grind to 60 Woodcutting and 75% Hosidius favor to buy from the Guild.
  • Slayer or High Combat: Check for rune axe drops while fighting Zygomites, Steel Dragons, or Kurasks.
  • High Mining/Smithing: Craft the axe only if you’re already pursuing these skills.

General Tips for Success

  • Bank Extra Axes: If you get multiple rune axes (e.g., from Tree Spirits), keep spares to avoid regrinding if you lose one.
  • Combine Grinds: Farm Tree Spirits while collecting nature runes or herbs to maximize efficiency.
  • Monitor RNG: Drop-based methods rely on luck, so set realistic expectations and take breaks if needed.

By choosing the method that aligns with your goals—whether it’s combat, skilling, or a mix—the rune axe will soon be yours, paving the way for faster Woodcutting and smoother Ironman progression. Happy chopping!