How to Start Farming in OSRS: A Comprehensive Guide

Farming in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a unique skill that allows players to grow crops, raise animals, and harvest resources for their adventures. It offers a blend of strategy, patience, and planning, providing both profit and utility. This guide will help you navigate the essentials of starting your farming journey, ensuring you have a solid foundation to cultivate your skills and reap the rewards.

To begin farming in OSRS, you need to meet certain requirements and gather the necessary tools. First and foremost, you must achieve level 1 Farming, which you can attain by planting a seed in a flower patch or garden. This introductory task can be done without any prior Farming experience.

Next, you will need some basic tools. The primary tool for farming is the spade, which can be obtained from various locations, including general stores. A rake is also essential for clearing patches of weeds before planting. You can purchase these tools at any general store or find them in the game world. Additionally, consider having a watering can, although it’s not always necessary for all crops.

Once you have your tools, head to a farming patch. The game features various patches located throughout Gielinor, including those in Lumbridge, Varrock, and Falador. Each patch allows you to grow different types of crops, herbs, and trees, depending on your Farming level.

After selecting a farming patch, you can begin planting seeds. Seeds can be acquired from various sources, such as monster drops, shops, or by purchasing them from other players. Different seeds correspond to different crops, each with its own growth requirements and timeframes. Familiarize yourself with the types of seeds you want to plant, as they will determine your farming strategy.

As you progress, you may want to explore additional tools and resources. A seed dibber, for instance, allows you to plant seeds in certain types of patches more efficiently. You can also consider using fertilizers or compost to enhance your crop yield, which can be bought from shops or made using organic materials.

Understanding the basic requirements and tools is crucial for starting your farming journey in OSRS. With the right preparations, you’ll be well on your way to cultivating your fields and gaining experience in this rewarding skill.

Choosing Your First Crops

When you’re starting your farming journey in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), picking the right crops is crucial. Your first crops should be easy to grow and yield good experience points (XP) to help you level up faster. Here are some excellent options for beginners:

• Potatoes: These are quick to grow and provide decent XP. Plus, they can be used in various cooking recipes!
• Onions: Another fast-growing crop, onions can be harvested in about 20 minutes. They’re also used in cooking.
• Sweetcorn: Grown in the summer, sweetcorn takes a bit longer but offers good returns when harvested.
• Wheat: If you want to dip your toes into herb farming, wheat is a solid option. It’s also used in making bread.
• Herbs: Starting with low-level herbs like Guam and Marrentill is a smart move. They provide valuable experience and can be used for potion-making.

As you progress, you can explore other crops that require higher Farming levels. But starting with these options helps you get a feel for the mechanics of farming without overwhelming yourself.

Farming Locations and Patch Types

Understanding where to plant your crops is just as important as knowing what to plant. In OSRS, there are various farming patches and locations, each with different crop types. Here’s a breakdown of the main farming patch types:

Patch Type	Location	Crops
Allotment Patch	Varrock, Catherby, and more	Potatoes, Onions, Sweetcorn, etc.
Herb Patch	Varrock, Taverley, and more	Guam, Marrentill, etc.
Tree Patch	Gnome Stronghold, Draynor Village	Oak, Willow, Maple trees, etc.
Fruit Tree Patch	Gnome Stronghold, Catherby	Apple, Banana, Orange trees, etc.

Make sure to check which crops are suitable for each patch. Some patches can only grow specific types of plants, so it’s essential to plan ahead. Over time, you may want to unlock more patches and locations to diversify your farming options and maximize your efficiency!

5. Leveling Up Your Farming Skill

Leveling up your Farming skill in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) can be both rewarding and enjoyable. Unlike other skills, Farming allows you to cultivate your own crops, which can then be used for various purposes such as cooking or crafting potions. Here’s how you can effectively level up your Farming skill:

• Planting Seeds: Start by planting seeds in allotment patches. The more variety you plant, the more experience you gain. Here’s a quick breakdown of seed types:

Seed Type	Level Required	Experience Gained
Potato Seed	1	10
Onion Seed	1	10
Cabbage Seed	1	12.5
Strawberry Seed	36	30

• Harvesting Crops: Once your crops have fully grown, be sure to harvest them. This not only gives you more crops but also grants you experience points.
• Using Fertilizers: To boost the growth rate and experience, consider using fertilizers. This can help you reach higher Farming levels faster.
• Completing Quests: Certain quests provide Farming experience as a reward. Look for quests that specifically mention Farming, as they can give significant boosts.
• Participating in Events: Keep an eye out for in-game events that offer Farming experience or bonuses. These can be great opportunities to level up quickly.

By focusing on planting, harvesting, and completing quests, you’ll find that leveling up your Farming skill can be a straightforward and enjoyable process.

6. Tips for Efficient Farming

Efficiency is key when it comes to Farming in OSRS. Here are some practical tips to help you maximize your Farming experience and make the most out of your time spent in-game:

• Plan Your Crops: Before you start, create a plan for what crops you want to grow. Consider the growth times and experience points. For instance, Ranarr Weeds take longer to grow but yield more experience.
• Utilize Farming Contracts: Farming contracts allow you to earn rewards while growing specific crops. These can provide both experience and valuable items.
• Use the Farming Guild: Once you reach level 45 Farming, head to the Farming Guild. It offers additional benefits and resources that can significantly enhance your Farming efficiency.
• Plant Trees: Trees give high experience and can be planted in patches. While they take longer to grow, the experience gain is worth the wait.
• Time Management: Always keep track of your crop growth times and plan your farming sessions around them. This way, you can maximize your playtime.
• Join a Community: Engaging with other players can provide valuable tips and tricks. Plus, you can exchange resources and even help each other with farming tasks.

By implementing these tips, you’ll not only level up faster but also enjoy the process of farming in OSRS even more!

Advanced Farming Techniques

Once you’ve got the basics of farming down, it’s time to level up your skills with some advanced techniques. These methods can help you maximize your yields, save time, and even earn some extra profit. Here’s what you need to know:

• Herb Runs: One of the best ways to make consistent profit is to regularly plant herbs. Use a combination of super compost and the Herblore Habitat for increased yields.
• Tree Runs: Planting trees yields significant experience. Use trees like Magic Trees for the best returns. Don’t forget to check the tree patches in both Gielinor and Farming Guild.
• Specialized Gear: Equip items like the Farming Outfit or the Magic Secateurs to boost your farming efficiency. These items can significantly increase your harvests.
• Using Teleports: Familiarize yourself with teleportation methods to quickly reach farming patches. The Amulet of Glory and Games Necklace are great for this.
• Farming Boosts: Consider using items like the Farming Potion or the Wishing Well for temporary boosts to your farming level and yield.

With these techniques, you can efficiently manage your farming tasks and reap the benefits of your hard work!

Farming Contracts and Rewards

Farming contracts are a fantastic way to combine your farming skills with some rewarding gameplay. Introduced in the Farming Guild, these contracts allow you to take on specific farming tasks in exchange for unique rewards.

Here’s a brief overview of how they work:

• How to Start: Speak to a farmer in the Farming Guild to receive a contract. You’ll get a task that often involves growing specific crops.
• Contract Types: Contracts can vary, including tasks like growing herbs, trees, or fruit trees. Each contract comes with its own set of requirements.
• Rewards: Completing contracts gives you rewards such as Farming XP, seeds, and sometimes unique items like the Farming Guild Token.
• Increased Reputation: As you complete contracts, you can increase your reputation within the guild, unlocking further rewards and benefits.

Getting into farming contracts not only adds a layer of excitement to your farming journey but also provides you with valuable resources to enhance your gameplay. So, get out there, take on some contracts, and watch your farming skills flourish!

9. Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Farming in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s not without its challenges. Here are some common pitfalls you might encounter and how to tackle them head-on:

• Pest Control: One of the biggest headaches in farming is dealing with pests that can ruin your crops. To combat this, make sure to bring anti-pest items like compost or super compost when planting. Additionally, you can use magic secateurs to enhance your yield and resist pests.
• Time Management: Farming requires a bit of dedication, especially since crop cycles can take time. Use a farming timer or set reminders on your phone to check back on your crops. This will help you maximize your yield and minimize losses.
• Limited Resources: Early on, you may run low on seeds or farming supplies. Consider prioritizing your farming tasks or engaging in other activities like woodcutting or fishing to gather resources. Joining a farming clan can also be beneficial for trading seeds and supplies.
• Competition: With so many players farming, you might find it hard to get the resources you need. To overcome this, try focusing on less popular crops or participating in farming events where you can gain access to exclusive seeds and rewards.

By recognizing these challenges and implementing some of these strategies, you can make your farming experience in OSRS much smoother and more enjoyable!

10. Conclusion: Mastering Farming in OSRS

In conclusion, mastering farming in Old School RuneScape is an exciting journey filled with opportunities. It not only provides you with valuable resources but also contributes significantly to your overall gameplay experience. As you develop your farming skills, you’ll discover:

• Financial Gains: Successfully growing crops can lead to substantial profits, especially if you learn the market trends for certain items.
• Skill Mastery: Farming is a skill that complements many other areas in OSRS, from crafting to cooking.
• Community Engagement: Joining farming clans or participating in group events can enhance your gaming experience by connecting you with like-minded players.
• Personal Satisfaction: There’s something fulfilling about nurturing your crops and watching them thrive through your hard work.

So, whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, embrace the challenges and rewards that come with farming in OSRS. Keep experimenting, learning, and refining your strategies to truly become a master farmer. Happy farming!