How to Make Runes in OSRS: A Complete Guide to Runecrafting
Runecrafting in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a skill that lets you craft magical runes used for casting spells. Whether you’re a free-to-play (F2P) player or a paying member (P2P), mastering this skill can save you gold on runes and even turn a profit. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to make runes in OSRS, from gathering materials to crafting at altars. Let’s dive into the world of Runecrafting and unlock its potential for your adventure in Gielinor!
Before you can start making runes, you’ll need to prepare. Runecrafting requires specific items and a basic understanding of the process. Here’s how to kick things off.
Complete the Rune Mysteries Quest
To unlock the Runecrafting skill, you must first complete the Rune Mysteries quest. This beginner-friendly quest is available to all players and introduces you to the basics of the skill. Speak to Duke Horacio in Lumbridge Castle to start. Once completed, you’ll gain access to the Rune Essence Mine and receive an Air Talisman as a reward.
Gather Essential Materials
To craft runes, you’ll need two key items: essence and a talisman (or tiara). Here’s what they are and how to get them:
- Rune Essence: Mined from the Rune Essence Mine. Free players and members with Mining below 30 get this type.
- Pure Essence: Available to members with 30+ Mining. It’s used for all runes, including higher-level ones like Chaos or Law.
- Talisman: A magical item matching the rune type (e.g., Air Talisman for Air Runes). Dropped by monsters or bought from other players.
- Tiara: Crafted by using a talisman on an altar with a blank tiara. It’s an alternative to carrying a talisman.
Accessing the Rune Essence Mine
After Rune Mysteries, NPCs can teleport you to the Rune Essence Mine. Right-click and select “Teleport” on these characters:
- Aubury (Varrock Rune Shop) – Closest to a bank for F2P.
- Wizard Sedridor (Wizards’ Tower) – F2P option south of Draynor.
- Wizard Distentor (Yanille Magic Guild) – Members only.
- Wizard Cromperty (East Ardougne) – Members only.
- Brimstail (Tree Gnome Stronghold) – Members only.
Mine the essence with a pickaxe, then bank it until you’re ready to craft.
Crafting Your First Runes
Once you’ve got your essence and talisman, it’s time to craft runes. The process is straightforward but varies slightly depending on the rune type.
Finding the Right Altar
Each rune type requires a specific altar scattered across Gielinor. Use the “Locate” option on your talisman to find the ruins, then use the talisman on the ruins to enter. Here are some key altars for beginners:
| Rune Type | Level Required | Altar Location |
|---|---|---|
| Air Rune | 1 | South of Falador |
| Mind Rune | 2 | Between Lumbridge and Draynor |
| Water Rune | 5 | Lumbridge Swamp |
| Earth Rune | 9 | Northeast of Varrock |
The Crafting Process
Inside the altar, click the “Craft-rune” option. Your essence will transform into runes based on the altar and your Runecrafting level. For example, at level 11, you can craft two Air Runes per essence at the Air Altar. The higher your level, the more runes per essence you’ll make.
Using Tiaras for Convenience
Instead of carrying a talisman, craft a tiara by using a talisman on its corresponding altar with a blank tiara (bought from shops like Aubury’s). Wear the tiara to enter the altar hands-free, saving inventory space.
Leveling Up Runecrafting Efficiently
Runecrafting is notoriously slow, but with the right methods, you can level up faster. Here’s how to optimize your training.
Early Levels (1-20): Air and Mind Runes
Start with Air Runes (level 1) due to their proximity to Falador and low requirements. Switch to Mind Runes (level 2) for variety. Use the following strategy:
- Mine 28 essence.
- Bank it and repeat until you have 200-300 essence.
- Take a full inventory to the altar and craft all at once.
Mid Levels (20-50): Elemental Runes and Quests
Focus on Water (level 5), Earth (level 9), and Fire Runes (level 14). Complete quests like The Fremennik Trials for early experience boosts. Members can use Pure Essence for better rune options like Chaos (level 35) or Nature (level 44).
High Levels (50-99): Advanced Methods
At higher levels, switch to profitable or faster methods:
- Lava Runes (Level 23): Combine Earth and Fire Runes at the Fire Altar. Requires a Binding Necklace for 100% success.
- Guardians of the Rift (Level 27): Unlocked via the Temple of the Eye quest. Offers up to 55,000 XP/hour.
- Blood Runes (Level 77): High profit and decent XP in Arceuus.
Tools and Tips to Boost Runecrafting
Enhance your efficiency with these tools and tricks tailored for Runecrafting success.
Essence Pouches
Members can use pouches to carry more essence per trip. Obtain them from Abyssal monsters in the Abyss (unlocked via the Enter the Abyss mini-quest). Available sizes:
- Small Pouch: +3 essence (no level requirement).
- Medium Pouch: +6 essence (level 25).
- Large Pouch: +9 essence (level 50).
- Giant Pouch: +12 essence (level 75).
Repair degrading pouches by talking to the Dark Mage in the Abyss or using the NPC Contact spell (Lunar Spellbook, level 67 Magic).
Energy Management
Runecrafting involves a lot of running. Use these to maintain energy:
- Stamina Potions: Restore run energy quickly (members only).
- Graceful Outfit: Reduces weight and boosts energy regeneration.
- Boots of Lightness: Lowers weight by 4.5 kg (F2P friendly).
The Abyss: A Shortcut to Altars
After completing Enter the Abyss, use the Abyss to access altars without talismans (except for certain rifts like Law or Death). Enter via the Wilderness mage north of Edgeville, but beware of PKers!
Making a Profit with Runecrafting
Runecrafting isn’t just about XP—it’s one of OSRS’s best money-makers. Here’s how to cash in.
Best Runes for Profit
Focus on high-demand runes that fetch good prices on the Grand Exchange:
| Rune Type | Level Required | Approx. GP per Rune |
|---|---|---|
| Nature Rune | 44 | 100-150 GP |
| Law Rune | 54 | 150-200 GP |
| Blood Rune | 77 | 300-400 GP |
| Wrath Rune | 95 | 400-500 GP |
Using Runners for Efficiency
For high-level Runecrafting (e.g., Law or Nature Runes), hire “runners” to bring you noted essence at the altar. Trade them crafted runes or GP, then un-note essence at a nearby bank (like Draynor for Air Runes). This method maximizes trips and profits.
Combination Runes for Extra Gains
Craft combination runes like Lava or Mist using a Binding Necklace and Magic Imbue spell (Lunar Spellbook). These sell well and offer decent XP, especially for members.
With this guide, you’re ready to master Runecrafting in OSRS. Whether you’re crafting Air Runes at level 1 or banking millions with Wrath Runes at 95, the skill offers endless opportunities. Start small, optimize your setup, and watch your rune stacks—and profits—grow. Happy crafting!