How to Make Javelins in OSRS - Complete Guide

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), javelins are a versatile ranged weapon that can be crafted through the Fletching skill, offering players a rewarding way to train skills and make some in-game profit. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, this guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of making javelins, including requirements, materials, and tips for efficiency. Let’s dive into how to craft javelins in OSRS and optimize your gameplay!

Javelins are stackable ranged weapons that require both Fletching and Smithing skills to create, depending on the type. They’re primarily used for training Ranged or as ammunition for specific weapons like the javelin thrower. Javelins come in various tiers, from bronze to dragon, each requiring different skill levels and materials. Crafting javelins is not only a great way to level up Fletching but also a solid moneymaking method if you play the Grand Exchange smartly.

Why Craft Javelins?

Crafting javelins offers several benefits:

Skill Training: Fletching javelins provides decent experience rates.
Profit Potential: Some javelins, like rune or dragon, can be sold for a profit.
Self-Sufficiency: Make your own ammo for Ranged training.
Low Requirements: Even low-level players can start with bronze javelins.

Types of Javelins

OSRS features multiple javelin types, each tied to a specific metal tier. Here’s a quick overview:

Javelin Type	Fletching Level	Smithing Level	Grand Exchange Price (Approx.)
Bronze Javelin	3	5	30-50 GP
Iron Javelin	17	20	20-40 GP
Steel Javelin	32	35	50-70 GP
Mithril Javelin	47	50	80-100 GP
Adamant Javelin	62	65	150-200 GP
Rune Javelin	77	80	400-500 GP
Dragon Javelin	92	95	1,000-1,500 GP

Requirements for Making Javelins

Before you start crafting, you’ll need to meet specific skill levels and gather materials. The requirements vary by javelin type, but the process remains consistent across all tiers.

Skill Requirements

Fletching is the primary skill for crafting javelins, with levels ranging from 3 (bronze) to 92 (dragon). If you’re making javelin heads yourself, you’ll also need Smithing levels to match. For example:

Bronze Javelin: 3 Fletching, 5 Smithing (for heads)
Dragon Javelin: 92 Fletching, 95 Smithing (for heads)

If you’re buying javelin heads from the Grand Exchange, you can skip Smithing entirely.

Tool Requirements

You’ll need a knife for Fletching, which is easily obtainable from general stores or the Grand Exchange for about 100 GP. No additional tools are required for attaching heads to shafts.

Quests and Unlocks

Some javelins, like dragon javelins, require completing specific quests or content:

Monkey Madness II: Unlocks access to dragon javelins.
Tourist Trap: Optional for faster Smithing XP, which helps if you’re making javelin heads.

Gathering Materials for Javelins

Javelins are made by combining javelin shafts and javelin heads. Here’s how to obtain each component.

Javelin Shafts

Shafts are crafted from logs using a knife, requiring Fletching levels starting at 3. The process is simple:

Buy or chop logs (regular logs for all javelin types).
Use a knife on the logs to create shafts (15 shafts per log).

Tip: Regular logs are dirt cheap on the Grand Exchange (20-30 GP each), making shafts easy to mass-produce.

Javelin Heads

You have two options for javelin heads:

Craft Them: Use Smithing to smelt bars into heads at an anvil with a hammer. Each bar makes 5 heads, and the Smithing level matches the javelin tier (e.g., 35 Smithing for steel).
Buy Them: Purchase heads directly from the Grand Exchange to save time, especially for higher tiers like adamant or rune.

Material Costs:

Bronze Bar: ~200 GP
Rune Bar: ~12,000 GP
Dragon Javelin Heads: ~1,000 GP each (GE)

Where to Source Materials

Here are the best ways to gather materials efficiently:

Logs: Chop trees in Lumbridge or buy in bulk from the GE.
Bars: Mine and smelt ores (e.g., Mining Guild for efficiency) or purchase bars.
Grand Exchange: For fast access to heads or bars, especially if training Smithing isn’t your goal.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Javelins

Now that you have the requirements and materials, let’s break down the crafting process.

Step 1: Crafting Javelin Shafts

Follow these steps:

Equip a knife or have it in your inventory.
Click the knife and then a log (or vice versa) to fletch.
Select “Javelin Shafts” from the menu.
Each log yields 15 shafts, granting 5 Fletching XP per log.

Pro Tip: Use a bank preset to withdraw logs and a knife quickly for faster fletching.

Step 2: Obtaining Javelin Heads

If crafting heads:

Smelt bars at a furnace (e.g., Edgeville Furnace).
Take bars and a hammer to an anvil (e.g., Varrock West Anvil).
Select “Javelin Heads” (5 heads per bar).

If buying heads, simply grab them from the Grand Exchange.

XP Rates: Smithing heads gives XP based on the bar type (e.g., 25 XP per bronze bar, 125 XP per rune bar).

Step 3: Combining Shafts and Heads

This is the final step:

Have javelin shafts and matching heads in your inventory.
Use shafts on heads (or heads on shafts).
Each combination creates one javelin, granting Fletching XP (e.g., 1 XP per bronze javelin, 24 XP per dragon javelin).

Efficiency Tip: Craft near a bank (e.g., Grand Exchange or Edgeville) to minimize travel time.

Tips for Maximizing Efficiency and Profit

Crafting javelins can be both a skilling grind and a moneymaker if done right. Here are some strategies to get the most out of it.

Optimizing Fletching XP

Bank Presets: Set up presets for logs, knife, shafts, and heads to reduce clicking.
High-Tier Javelins: Dragon javelins give the best XP per action (24 XP per javelin).
Fletching Cape: If you’re level 99, the cape’s perk speeds up fletching slightly.

Moneymaking Potential

Javelins can be profitable, especially higher tiers. Here’s how to maximize GP:

Buy Low, Sell High: Check GE prices for heads and bars daily, as they fluctuate.
Focus on Rune/Dragon: These have the best margins (e.g., dragon javelins can net ~500 GP profit each).
Bulk Crafting: Craft thousands at once to sell in large stacks for faster sales.

Example Profit: Crafting 1,000 rune javelins might cost 12M GP (bars/heads) but sell for 13M GP, netting 1M profit.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Overbuying Materials: Don’t buy bars/heads in bulk without checking GE trends.
Ignoring XP: If training Fletching, prioritize high-XP javelins over low-profit ones.
Wrong Locations: Stick to banks/anvils close together (e.g., Varrock or GE).

By following this guide, you’re ready to craft javelins in OSRS efficiently, whether your goal is Fletching XP, Smithing XP, or profit. Start with bronze if you’re a beginner, and work your way up to dragon javelins for maximum rewards. Happy crafting, and may your Grand Exchange sales be swift!