How to High Alch in OSRS: A Complete Guide to Mastering High Level Alchemy

High Level Alchemy, often called “High Alch” or simply “alching,” is one of the most popular methods in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) for training Magic while potentially earning gold. Whether you’re a beginner looking to level up your Magic skill or a seasoned player aiming to maximize profits, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to High Alch in OSRS. From requirements and setup to profitable items and advanced tips, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the world of alchemy and turn your items into gold!

High Level Alchemy is a non-combat spell in OSRS that converts items into coins. It’s available in the standard spellbook and is a go-to method for players who want to train Magic efficiently while managing their in-game economy. When you cast High Alch, the item you target is destroyed, and you receive coins equal to 60% of its value (based on specialty store prices, not Grand Exchange prices). Plus, each cast grants 65 Magic experience, making it a steady way to level up.

Why Use High Alch?

High Alching serves dual purposes: it’s a reliable Magic training method and a way to make (or at least offset) gold. Here’s why players love it:

• Magic XP: 65 XP per cast adds up quickly—up to 78,000 XP per hour if you’re efficient.
• Profit Potential: By choosing the right items, you can earn gold instead of losing it.
• Flexibility: You can High Alch almost anywhere, even while doing other activities like walking or skilling.

Requirements for High Alch

Before you start alching, you’ll need to meet these basic requirements:

• Magic Level: 55 Magic to unlock the spell.
• Runes: 1 Nature Rune and 5 Fire Runes per cast (unless using gear to reduce costs).
• Items: Something in your inventory to alch—more on choosing these later!

How to Cast High Level Alchemy in OSRS

Casting High Alch is straightforward once you’ve got the setup. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

Step 1: Unlock the Spell

If you’re not yet at 55 Magic, train up using lower-level spells like Fire Strike or Curse. Once you hit 55, High Alch becomes available in your standard spellbook.

Step 2: Gather Your Runes

You’ll need Nature Runes and Fire Runes for each cast. A single High Alch costs 1 Nature Rune and 5 Fire Runes. Nature Runes are the pricier component, so stock up via the Grand Exchange or craft them if you’re an Ironman.

Step 3: Equip Helpful Gear

To save on Fire Runes, equip a staff that provides unlimited Fire Runes, such as:

• Staff of Fire
• Fire Battlestaff
• Mystic Fire Staff

For even more efficiency, consider Bryophyta’s Staff, which reduces Nature Rune costs slightly when combined with a Tome of Fire (more on this later).

Step 4: Start Alching

Open your spellbook, click the High Alch icon, then click the item in your inventory you want to alch. The spell takes 5 game ticks (3 seconds) to cast, allowing up to 1,200 casts per hour if you’re on point with your timing.

Choosing the Best Items to High Alch in OSRS

The key to successful High Alching lies in picking the right items. You want items where the High Alch value exceeds the cost of buying them plus the rune costs. Here’s how to approach it:

Factors to Consider

• High Alch Value: Check an item’s alchemy value (available on the OSRS Wiki or calculators).
• Grand Exchange Price: Compare this to the alch value to calculate profit or loss.
• Rune Costs: Factor in Nature Rune prices (Fire Runes are free with a staff).
• Buy Limits: Some items have low GE buy limits, slowing down your stock-up process.

Top Profitable Items to High Alch

Here’s a table of some consistently profitable items as of April 2025 (prices fluctuate, so always double-check):

Item	GE Price (Approx.)	High Alch Value	Profit (w/ Nature Rune ~200 GP)	Buy Limit (4 Hours)
Rune Longsword	18,500 GP	19,200 GP	500 GP	70
Air Battlestaff	8,900 GP	9,300 GP	200 GP	8,000
Yew Longbow	600 GP	768 GP	-32 GP (Break-even option)	12,000
Rune Kiteshield	32,000 GP	32,640 GP	440 GP	70

Note: Profit assumes a Staff of Fire is used, and Nature Rune cost is subtracted.

Where to Find Alchable Items

• Grand Exchange: Buy in bulk for convenience.
• Slayer Drops: Rune items like swords or armor are common drops.
• Crafting: Make items like battlestaves or bows if you have the skills.

Maximizing Efficiency and Profits While High Alching

High Alching can be tedious, but with the right setup and strategies, you can boost both your XP and GP gains. Here’s how:

Use the Best Gear

Invest in these items to cut costs:

• Bryophyta’s Staff: Saves 1/3 of Nature Runes (requires 50 Attack/Magic and Mossy Key to unlock).
• Tome of Fire: Provides unlimited Fire Runes and boosts fire spell damage (pairs well with Bryophyta’s Staff).
• Explorer’s Ring 4: Grants 30 free High Alchs per day (no runes needed).

Optimize Your Clicking

To hit that 1,200 casts-per-hour mark:

• Mouse Keys: Enable them (Windows: Alt + Left Shift + Num Lock) and press “5” to click faster.
• Inventory Setup: Place your noted items directly under the High Alch spellbook icon to minimize mouse movement.

Combine with Other Activities

High Alch doesn’t interrupt most actions, so pair it with:

• Agility: Alch while running courses.
• Fishing/Woodcutting: Alch during downtime between catches or chops.
• Traveling: Alch while walking between locations.

Avoid Common Mistakes

• Overpaying: Don’t rush buys on the GE—set low offers and wait.
• Accidental Alchs: Adjust your valuable item warning (right-click the spellbook icon) to avoid alching gear worth over 30,000 GP.
• Ignoring Rune Costs: Always calculate profit with current Nature Rune prices.

Advanced High Alching Tips for OSRS Pros

Ready to take your alching game to the next level? These advanced strategies will help you squeeze out every bit of value.

High Alch at the Fountain of Rune

Located in the Wilderness, the Fountain of Rune lets you cast High Alch without any rune costs. You won’t gain XP, but it’s pure profit. Beware of PKers—stick to low-risk worlds and bring minimal gear.

Stun-Alching for Extra XP

Combine High Alch with the Stun spell (requires 80 Magic) on a trapped monster (e.g., the Lesser Demon in Wizards’ Tower). Wear negative Magic bonus gear to splash Stun, alternating with High Alch for up to 150,000 XP per hour.

Monitor Market Trends

OSRS prices fluctuate. Use tools like GE Tracker or Alchmate to spot items dropping below their alch value. Stock up when prices dip for maximum profit later.

Ironman Considerations

For Ironmen, focus on alching Slayer drops (e.g., Rune items) or crafted goods (e.g., battlestaves from unpowered orbs). You can’t use the GE, so self-sufficiency is key.

High Level Alchemy in OSRS is a timeless skill that blends Magic training with economic savvy. Whether you’re alching for XP, profit, or both, this guide equips you with the knowledge to succeed. Start small with affordable items like Air Battlestaves, then scale up to Rune gear as your bank grows. With practice and the right setup, you’ll be turning junk into gold in no time. Happy alching!