How to Get Onyx as an Ironman in OSRS
For Ironman players in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), acquiring an uncut onyx is a significant milestone. This rare gem, second only to zenyte in scarcity, is essential for crafting powerful jewelry like the amulet of fury or ring of stone. However, Ironman restrictions—no trading with other players, no Grand Exchange (except for bonds), and self-sufficiency—make obtaining an onyx a unique challenge. This guide explores the most effective methods to get an uncut onyx as an Ironman, tailored for both early-game and veteran players, with practical tips to streamline your grind.
An uncut onyx is a high-value item requiring 67 Crafting to cut, yielding 167.5 experience. Once cut, it can be crafted into jewelry at a furnace with a gold bar and mold, or combined with a zenyte shard to create an uncut zenyte. For Ironmen, the onyx’s rarity and utility make it a prized asset, but its sources are limited due to mode restrictions.
Why Is the Onyx Valuable for Ironmen?
The onyx’s primary value lies in its endgame jewelry. The amulet of fury, requiring 90 Crafting and 87 Magic to enchant, offers +10 to all attack stats, +15 defense, and +8 strength, making it versatile for combat. The ring of stone, while niche, transforms the wearer into a rock for role-playing or fun. These items are long-term goals, but their power justifies the effort.
Challenges for Ironman Accounts
Ironmen can’t buy an onyx directly from other players or the Grand Exchange, so they must rely on specific activities like purchasing from NPC shops, bossing, or rare drops. The grind often involves gathering resources like Tokkul or tackling high-level content, which can be daunting without proper preparation.
Purchasing an Uncut Onyx with Tokkul
The most reliable method for Ironmen to obtain an uncut onyx is by purchasing it from TzHaar-Hur-Lek’s Ore and Gem Store in Mor Ul Rek for 300,000 Tokkul (or 260,000 with Karamja gloves). This method is accessible to mid- and late-game Ironmen with the right setup.
Gathering Tokkul Efficiently
Tokkul is the currency of the TzHaar, earned through activities in Mor Ul Rek or by selling items to their shops. For Ironmen, the best approach is selling chaos runes to TzHaar-Mej-Roh’s Rune Store, as chaos runes are relatively easy to obtain.
- Chaos Rune Farming: Chaos runes can be gathered via Barrows (common from chests), Slayer tasks, or monster drops like fire giants. Barrows is particularly effective, potentially yielding thousands of runes per hour with decent gear.
- Selling Strategy: Each chaos rune sells for 10 Tokkul (15 with Karamja gloves). To buy an onyx, you’ll need approximately 30,000 chaos runes without gloves or 17,334 with gloves. World-hopping may be necessary to restock the shop’s rune inventory.
- Karamja Gloves Boost: Completing the Karamja medium diary (or higher) grants gloves that reduce the onyx’s Tokkul cost to 260,000, saving significant time.
TzHaar Fight Cave for Tokkul
Completing the TzHaar Fight Cave rewards 8,000 Tokkul per run (16,000 with Karamja elite diary). While slower than selling runes, it’s a viable side method, especially if you’re chasing a fire cape. Expect 1–2 hours per run, meaning 16–32 runs for an onyx without gloves.
| Method | Tokkul per Action | Actions for Onyx (No Gloves) | Actions for Onyx (With Gloves) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sell Chaos Runes | 10–15 | 30,000 runes | 17,334 runes |
| Fight Cave Run | 8,000–16,000 | 38 runs | 17 runs |
Bossing for Onyx Drops
Several high-level bosses drop the uncut onyx, offering a luck-based alternative to Tokkul grinding. These methods suit late-game Ironmen with strong combat stats and gear.
Zulrah
Zulrah, a solo boss in Great Kourend, has a 1/512 chance per roll to drop an uncut onyx, with two rolls per kill. At 1–2 minutes per kill, you might see one every 500–1,000 kills (roughly 20–40 hours). Zulrah also drops valuable resources like herbs and scales, making the grind rewarding even without an onyx.
- Requirements: 80+ Ranged/Magic, 70+ Defense, and completion of Regicide.
- Gear: Trident of the seas, toxic blowpipe, and blessed dragonhide.
Skotizo
Skotizo, a demon in the Catacombs of Kourend, has a 1/400 chance to drop an uncut onyx. You need a dark totem (assembled from totem pieces dropped by monsters in the catacombs) to fight it, which takes time to collect. Each kill takes about 5 minutes, and totem farming can add hours.
Tekton
Tekton, encountered in the Chambers of Xeric, has a rare chance to drop an uncut onyx. However, the drop rate is extremely low (exact rate unknown but estimated at 1/1,000+), and raids are time-intensive, making this a tertiary option for Ironmen already farming raids for other gear.
Rare Drop Methods
Besides bossing, a few obscure methods offer a minuscule chance at an uncut onyx. These are impractical as primary strategies but worth knowing.
Bag Full of Gems
A bag full of gems, obtainable from gem rocks or Dusuri’s Star Shop, contains 40 gems, each with a 1/100,000,000 chance to be an uncut onyx, making the per-bag chance roughly 1/2,500,000. This method is essentially a lottery and not recommended for targeted farming.
Mor Ul Rek Gem Stall
Thieving from the gem stall in Mor Ul Rek has a 1/20,000 chance to yield an uncut onyx. With 50 Thieving required and guards posing a risk, this is inefficient compared to Tokkul or bossing but could be a fun side activity.
Strategic Tips for Ironman Onyx Hunting
Maximizing efficiency is key for Ironmen, given the grind’s demands. Here are actionable tips to optimize your onyx pursuit.
Prioritize Karamja Diaries
Unlocking Karamja gloves (medium diary for 10% Tokkul discount, elite for double Fight Cave rewards) significantly reduces the grind. Focus on quests like Shilo Village and skills like Agility and Mining to meet diary requirements early.
Combine Goals
Align onyx farming with other objectives. For example, Barrows for chaos runes also provides combat gear, while Zulrah offers scales for anti-venom. This multitasking keeps the grind feel productive.
Optimize Gear and Stats
Before tackling bosses like Zulrah, aim for 80+ combat stats, 43+ Prayer (for protection prayers), and mid-tier gear like a rune crossbow or mystic robes. For Tokkul farming, stockpile runes during Slayer tasks to minimize dedicated grinding.
Track Progress
Use a spreadsheet or in-game collection log to monitor Tokkul, runes, or boss kills. This helps maintain motivation, especially for long grinds like Zulrah or Fight Caves.
Which Method Should You Choose?
Choosing the right method depends on your account’s stage and playstyle. Here’s a breakdown to guide your decision.
Early to Mid-Game Ironmen
Focus on Tokkul via chaos rune selling. Barrows and Slayer provide runes without requiring high combat stats, and the TzHaar shop is a guaranteed onyx source. Aim for Karamja gloves to reduce the rune count.
Late-Game Ironmen
Zulrah or Skotizo are better if you’re comfortable with bossing. Zulrah’s consistent loot makes it the most rewarding long-term, while Skotizo is a quicker fight but relies on totem RNG. Tekton is only worth considering if you’re already raiding.
Passive or Casual Players
Stick to Tokkul farming, as it’s low-risk and doesn’t demand intense focus. Thieving or gem bags are too RNG-dependent for serious pursuit but can be fun diversions.
Final Thoughts: Getting an uncut onyx as an Ironman in OSRS is a test of patience and strategy. The Tokkul method offers reliability, while bossing adds excitement and variety. By aligning your grind with other goals and leveraging diaries, you can make the process efficient and rewarding. Whether you’re crafting your first amulet of fury or just chasing the collection log, the journey to an onyx is a true Ironman adventure.