How to Get a Rune Scimitar as an Ironman in OSRS

How to Get a Rune Scimitar as an Ironman in OSRS

For Ironman players in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), securing a rune scimitar is a major milestone. This melee weapon, requiring 40 Attack to wield, is one of the best free-to-play (F2P) options due to its speed and strength. However, Ironmen can’t rely on the Grand Exchange, making the grind more challenging. This guide covers the most efficient ways to obtain a rune scimitar as an Ironman, tailored for both early-game and mid-game players. Whether you’re questing, smithing, or slaying monsters, we’ve got you covered with detailed strategies.

The rune scimitar is a game-changer for Ironman accounts. With its +45 slash attack and +44 strength bonus, it outshines most F2P weapons, offering high damage per second. For Ironmen, who must be self-sufficient, getting this weapon early can boost training efficiency and make tougher challenges—like bosses or quests—more manageable. Unlike members’ weapons like the dragon scimitar, the rune scimitar is accessible in F2P, making it a prime target for standard and hardcore Ironmen alike.

Comparing the Rune Scimitar to Alternatives

Before diving into how to get it, let’s look at why the rune scimitar is worth your time compared to other options:

  • Rune Sword: Available at the Champions’ Guild for 32 quest points, it’s easier to obtain but has lower DPS due to its slower attack speed.
  • Barronite Mace: Requires Below Ice Mountain quest and 1,500 barronite shards. It’s a solid alternative but needs significant grinding at Camdozaal.
  • Adamant Scimitar: Dropped by monsters or obtained via The Feud quest, it’s weaker but viable for lower-level players.

The rune scimitar’s balance of accessibility and power makes it the go-to choice for most Ironmen until they unlock members’ content.

Questing for a Rune Scimitar

OSRS Iron man series Episode 2 The hunt for Rune Scimitar YouTube

Questing is often the fastest way to gear up as an Ironman, and while no quest directly rewards a rune scimitar, certain quests unlock access to shops or provide XP to help you wield it. Here’s how to approach it.

Champions’ Guild and the Rune Sword Shortcut

The closest quest-related path to a rune scimitar is unlocking the Champions’ Guild, which sells a rune sword—a decent stepping stone. You need 32 quest points to enter. Here’s a suggested quest list to hit that mark quickly:

  • Vampyre Slayer: Grants 4,825 Attack XP, potentially boosting you to 20 Attack to wield better weapons early.
  • The Grand Tree (members): Offers combat XP and 5 quest points if you’re dipping into P2P temporarily.
  • Rune Mysteries: Easy 1 quest point with no combat required.
  • Imp Catcher: Another quick 1 quest point for early-game players.

Once you hit 32 quest points, head to Scavvo’s Rune Store in the Champions’ Guild to buy a rune sword. Train to 40 Attack, and you’re ready to pursue the scimitar via other methods.

Below Ice Mountain for Barronite Mace

If you’re not quite ready for the rune scimitar grind, consider the Below Ice Mountain quest. It unlocks the Camdozaal Mines, where you can gather barronite shards to craft a barronite mace. While not a scimitar, it’s a strong alternative requiring 40 Attack and offers comparable stats. Completing this quest takes about 20 minutes and requires no combat, making it ideal for low-level Ironmen.

Smithing Your Own Rune Scimitar

Smithing is a reliable but grind-heavy method for Ironmen to craft a rune scimitar. You’ll need level 90 Smithing and 2 runite bars, which is a steep requirement for early-game players. However, it’s a guaranteed way to get the weapon without relying on RNG drops.

Grinding to 90 Smithing

Reaching 90 Smithing as an Ironman takes dedication. Here’s a quick roadmap:

  1. Levels 1–30: Smelt bronze and iron bars at the Lumbridge furnace. Mine your own ore for self-sufficiency.
  2. Levels 30–50: Craft steel items like platebodies for decent XP. Use coal from the Mining Guild if accessible.
  3. Levels 50–70: Move to mithril or adamant bars, focusing on high-XP items like platelegs.
  4. Levels 70–90: Smelt runite bars (requires 85 Mining for runite ore). Stockpile bars for the scimitar.

Tip: Boost with a dwarven stout (+1 Smithing) at 89 Smithing to craft the scimitar early, saving hours of grinding.

Sourcing Runite Bars

Runite bars are the bottleneck. You can:

  • Mine runite ore at level 85 Mining (Fossil Island or Wilderness are good spots).
  • Kill monsters like fire giants or ogresses, which occasionally drop runite bars.
  • Loot 2 runite bars from Bryophyta (F2P boss) with some luck.

Smithing is best for high-level Ironmen who already have the skills, but most players will find monster drops faster.

Farming Monster Drops for a Rune Scimitar

Killing monsters is the most popular way to get a rune scimitar as an Ironman, especially for early-game players. Several monsters drop it, but some are better suited for low-to-mid-level accounts. Below are the top options, ranked by accessibility and efficiency.

Zamorak Warriors (Ourania Altar)

Zamorak warriors, located near the Ourania Altar west of Ardougne, are the best choice for low-level Ironmen. They have a 1/50 drop rate for the rune scimitar and can be safespotted, making them ideal for players with limited gear.

  • Level: 45 Combat
  • Weakness: Magic (use Fire Strike or Bolt spells).
  • Safespot: Lure them to the ladder area and attack from a distance.
  • Recommended Stats: 40+ Magic, 30+ Hitpoints, 20+ Defence.

Strategy: Bring cheap magic gear (wizard robes, staff of fire) and plenty of runes. Expect 30–60 minutes on average, though RNG can stretch this to a couple of hours. Their low HP (47) means kills are quick, and the safespot minimizes risk for Hardcore Ironmen.

Fire Giants (Waterfall Dungeon)

Fire giants in the Waterfall Dungeon are another option, with a 1/128 drop rate. They’re tougher but viable for mid-level players with better gear.

  • Level: 86 Combat
  • Weakness: Slash or Magic.
  • Requirements: Start Waterfall Quest to access the dungeon.
  • Recommended Stats: 50+ Attack/Strength, 40+ Defence, 50+ Magic for safespotting.

Strategy: Safespot using ranged or magic near the dungeon’s rocks. Bring food (lobsters or better) as their max hit is 11. Fire giants are less efficient than Zamorak warriors due to the lower drop rate and higher combat level, so prioritize them only if you’re training Slayer or need other drops like runes.

Other Monsters

If you’re struggling with the above, consider these alternatives:

  • Cockroach Soldiers (Stronghold of Player Safety): 1/128 drop rate, level 83. Risky for low levels due to high damage.
  • Ogress Warriors/Shamans (Corsair Cove Dungeon): Drop rune scimitars and bars. Safespottable, but requires starting The Corsair Curse.

Zamorak warriors remain the best bet for most Ironmen due to their accessibility and drop rate.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Getting a rune scimitar as an Ironman can test your patience, but these tips will improve your odds and efficiency.

Optimizing Your Setup

Regardless of method, gear up smartly:

Slot F2P Ironman Gear
Weapon Mithril scimitar (Zeke’s Superior Scimitars) or staff for magic
Armour Green d’hide body, studded chaps, coif (Champions’ Guild)
Amulet Amulet of power (craft at 70 Crafting or buy from shops)
Food Lobsters or swordfish (fish your own)

For Hardcore Ironmen, prioritize safespots and bring a teleport (e.g., Lumbridge Home Teleport).

Managing RNG Frustration

Monster drops rely on luck, and going dry (no drop after many kills) is common. To stay sane:

  • Track Kills: Use a notebook or in-game counter to monitor progress.
  • Combine Goals: Train Magic or Slayer while farming Zamorak warriors.
  • Take Breaks: Switch to questing or skilling if you’re burning out.

Reddit posts from the ironscape community suggest some players get the scimitar in 10 kills, while others take 500+. Stay persistent!

Transitioning After the Scimitar

Once you have your rune scimitar, focus on training to 50 Attack/Strength for better DPS. If you’re F2P, stick with it until you can afford membership for a dragon scimitar (requires Monkey Madness). The scimitar will carry you through Hill Giants, Ogresses, and early bosses like Obor.

Which Method Should You Choose?

Your choice depends on your account’s progress:

  • Low-Level (1–40 Combat): Quest for 32 quest points and buy a rune sword, then farm Zamorak warriors for the scimitar.
  • Mid-Level (40–60 Combat): Try fire giants if you have the gear, but Zamorak warriors are still faster.
  • High-Level (70+ Skills): Consider smithing if you’re close to 90 Smithing and 85 Mining.

For most Ironmen, Zamorak warriors are the fastest and safest option. A 1/50 drop rate means you’re likely to get the scimitar in under an hour, compared to days of smithing or riskier grinds.

With your rune scimitar in hand, you’ll be slicing through OSRS’s challenges in no time. Happy grinding, and may RNG be on your side!