Infernal Axe OSRS Worth It A Comprehensive Guide

Infernal Axe OSRS Worth It A Comprehensive Guide

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the Infernal Axe is a unique tool that combines Woodcutting efficiency with passive Firemaking experience. But with its high creation cost and specific requirements, many players wonder: is the Infernal Axe worth it? This guide dives into its mechanics, benefits, drawbacks, and whether it’s a smart investment for your OSRS journey. Whether you’re chasing 99 Woodcutting, Firemaking, or just looking to optimize your gameplay, we’ll help you decide if this fiery tool is right for you.

The Infernal Axe is a special axe created by combining a smouldering stone with a dragon axe. It requires level 61 Woodcutting to wield and level 85 Firemaking to craft, granting 350 Firemaking and 200 Woodcutting experience upon creation. Its standout feature is a 1/3 chance to burn logs as they’re chopped, awarding 50% of the Firemaking experience you’d get from manually burning them. The axe can burn 5,000 logs before degrading into an uncharged state, where it functions as a regular dragon axe.

How to Create the Infernal Axe

Crafting the Infernal Axe is straightforward but costly:

  • Requirements: 61 Woodcutting, 85 Firemaking (unboostable).
  • Materials: One dragon axe (approximately 40,000 GP) and one smouldering stone (around 1.5M–2M GP, depending on Grand Exchange prices).
  • Process: Use the smouldering stone on the dragon axe to create the Infernal Axe.

Once degraded, you can recharge it with another smouldering stone or a dragon axe, with the latter being significantly cheaper (around 40,000 GP).

Special Attack: Lumber Up

The Infernal Axe shares the “Lumber Up” special attack with the dragon, 3rd age, and crystal axes. It boosts your Woodcutting level by +3 for 2–3 minutes (extendable to 4.5 minutes with the Preserve prayer), consuming 100% special attack energy. This provides a roughly 1% increase in Woodcutting experience per hour if used every 5 minutes. However, boosts above level 99 are capped, offering no additional benefit beyond pet or clue nest chances.

Benefits of the Infernal Axe

The Infernal Axe offers several advantages that make it appealing for specific playstyles, particularly for players focused on Woodcutting and Firemaking.

Passive Firemaking Experience

The axe’s ability to burn logs automatically provides passive Firemaking experience, which is a major draw for players who dislike traditional Firemaking training methods like Wintertodt or burning logs manually. For example:

  • Redwood logs: Normally grant 350 Firemaking XP when burned; the Infernal Axe gives 175 XP per log burned.
  • Magic logs: Normally 303.8 XP; Infernal Axe gives 151.9 XP.
  • Yew logs: Normally 202.5 XP; Infernal Axe gives 101.25 XP.

This passive XP can add up significantly, especially when cutting high-XP logs like redwoods or teaks. One fully charged Infernal Axe (5,000 logs) can yield around 875,000 Firemaking XP if burning high-level logs like redwoods.

Increased AFK Time

Since the Infernal Axe burns 33% of logs, you collect fewer logs, effectively increasing your inventory space by 33%. This makes Woodcutting more AFK-friendly, as you spend less time banking or dropping logs. This is particularly useful for trees like redwoods or teaks, where players prioritize experience over profit.

Clue Scroll Utility

The Infernal Axe is required for a specific master clue scroll step, making it a valuable tool for clue hunters. Its untradeable nature means you can’t simply borrow one, so owning an Infernal Axe ensures you’re prepared for this requirement.

Drawbacks of the Infernal Axe

Despite its benefits, the Infernal Axe has notable downsides that may deter some players.

High Initial Cost

The smouldering stone’s price (1.5M–2M GP) makes the Infernal Axe a significant investment. For Ironmen, obtaining a smouldering stone via Wintertodt or hellhounds is time-consuming, and the 85 Firemaking requirement can be a hurdle for players with lower levels.

Comparison to Alternatives

The Infernal Axe’s Woodcutting efficiency is identical to a dragon axe, which is far cheaper. For players solely focused on Woodcutting, the crystal axe (requiring 71 Woodcutting and Song of the Elves) offers a 15% efficiency boost, making it superior for raw XP rates. Additionally, the felling axe provides a 10% Woodcutting XP boost and a 20% chance to not receive logs, though it requires forester’s rations and lacks Firemaking XP.

Axe Woodcutting Level Efficiency Boost Secondary XP Approx. Cost
Infernal Axe 61 10% over rune axe Firemaking (50% of normal) 1.5M–2M GP
Crystal Axe 71 15% over rune axe None 1.6M GP + 120–180 shards
Felling Axe (Dragon) 61 10% XP boost None 10M+ GP for handle

Limited Use Cases

The Infernal Axe doesn’t burn certain items like bruma roots (Wintertodt), sulliuscep mushrooms, or celastrus bark, where it acts as a regular dragon axe. This limits its utility in specific training methods. Additionally, if you’re not training Firemaking or don’t need the AFK benefit, the axe’s primary perk is less valuable.

Is the Infernal Axe Worth It?

Whether the Infernal Axe is worth it depends on your goals, playstyle, and account type. Here’s a breakdown:

Best Scenarios for the Infernal Axe

The Infernal Axe shines in these situations:

  • High-level Woodcutting with Firemaking goals: If you’re aiming for 99 Woodcutting and Firemaking, the passive XP is a game-changer.
  • AFK Woodcutting: The reduced log collection makes it ideal for low-effort training, especially on redwoods or teaks.
  • Clue scroll hunters: The master clue step requirement makes it a must-have for dedicated clue enthusiasts.
  • Ironmen with surplus dragon axes: Recharging with dragon axes (around 40,000 GP) is cost-effective for Ironmen who can farm them.

When to Skip It

You might want to pass on the Infernal Axe if:

  • Budget constraints: The 1.5M–2M GP cost is steep for players with limited funds.
  • Firemaking not a priority: If you’re already 99 Firemaking or don’t care about it, the axe’s main benefit is wasted.
  • Access to better axes: The crystal axe or felling axe may offer superior Woodcutting XP for specific setups.
  • Profit-focused Woodcutting: Burning logs reduces profit from valuable trees like magic or yew.

Tips for Maximizing the Infernal Axe

If you decide to invest in the Infernal Axe, here are some tips to get the most out of it:

Optimize Log Choice

Choose logs that balance Woodcutting and Firemaking XP. Redwoods are ideal for AFK training and high Firemaking XP (175 XP per burn), while teaks offer faster Woodcutting XP for tick-manipulating players. Avoid low-XP logs like oak unless you’re specifically training early levels.

Recharge Strategically

Always recharge with a dragon axe instead of a smouldering stone to save millions of GP. Stock up on dragon axes from monster drops (e.g., Dagannoth Kings) if you’re an Ironman.

Use the Pyromancer Outfit

The Pyromancer outfit (from Wintertodt) boosts Firemaking XP from the Infernal Axe’s log-burning effect, increasing your passive gains. Combine this with the axe for maximum efficiency.

Leverage the Special Attack

Use the Lumber Up special attack every 5 minutes to maintain the +3 Woodcutting boost, especially when cutting high-level trees. Pair it with the Preserve prayer to extend the boost duration.

Conclusion: The Infernal Axe is a worthwhile investment for players who value passive Firemaking XP, AFK Woodcutting, or need it for clue scrolls. However, its high cost and niche benefits make it less appealing for budget players, profit-focused woodcutters, or those with access to better axes like the crystal or felling variants. Weigh your goals and resources carefully to decide if this fiery tool fits your OSRS adventure.