Keep Your Skillcape Untrimmed OSRS Tips and Tricks

So, you’ve hit that glorious level 99 in a skill in Old School RuneScape (OSRS). First off, massive congrats! That grind was no joke, right? Now, you’re standing at the cusp of getting that shiny skillcape, but there’s one question burning in your mind: How do I keep it untrimmed? For those who don’t know, an untrimmed skillcape is a badge of honor in OSRS. It means your level 99 skill is your first, and it comes without the fancy gold trim that shows up when you max another skill. Keeping it untrimmed is a flex, a way to show off your dedication to that one skill. As someone who’s been playing OSRS for years and proudly kept my first skillcape (Fishing, baby!) untrimmed, I’m here to share everything I’ve learned to help you do the same.

This guide is packed with tips, tricks, and personal stories from my time in Gielinor. Whether you’re a skilling purist or just want that clean, untrimmed look, I’ll walk you through the process in simple English, with a conversational vibe. Let’s dive in!

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s clear up what an untrimmed skillcape actually is. In OSRS, when you hit level 99 in a skill, you can buy a skillcape from the skill’s master for 99,000 coins. If this is your first 99, the cape comes untrimmed, meaning it has a plain, single-color design. If you get another skill to 99, all your skillcapes get a gold trim automatically. That trim looks cool, but for many players (like me), keeping that first cape untrimmed is a point of pride. It’s like saying, “This was my first love, and I’m sticking to it.”

Why does it matter? Well, back when I got my Fishing skillcape, I remember showing it off at the Fishing Guild. Other players noticed the untrimmed cape and gave me nods of respect. It’s a rare sight these days, with so many players maxing multiple skills. But keeping it untrimmed isn’t easy, especially if you’re tempted to grind other skills. So, how do you do it? Let’s break it down.

Why Keep Your Skillcape Untrimmed?

You might be wondering, Why bother? Isn’t a trimmed cape cooler? Sure, the gold trim looks flashy, but an untrimmed cape tells a story. It screams dedication to one skill without dipping into others. For me, it was about proving I could stick to Fishing without getting distracted by Combat or Slayer (tempting as they were). Plus, untrimmed capes are rare, and rarity equals bragging rights in OSRS.

Here’s why you might want to keep your cape untrimmed:

• Bragging Rights: An untrimmed cape shows you’re a specialist in one skill.

• Nostalgia: It’s a reminder of your first big achievement in OSRS.

• Community Respect: Other players, especially old-school ones, will notice and appreciate it.

• Personal Challenge: It’s a fun way to test your discipline in the game.

How to Keep Your Skillcape Untrimmed

Now, let’s get to the meat of it: how do you actually keep that cape untrimmed? The key is simple but tricky: don’t level any other skill to 99. Sounds easy, right? But in OSRS, experience points (XP) can sneak up on you. One minute you’re chopping trees for a quest, and the next, you’re dangerously close to 99 Woodcutting. I’ve been there, and I almost messed it up. Here’s how to avoid that.

Step 1: Know Your Risky Skills

First things first, you need to know which skills are close to 99. When I got my Fishing cape, I checked my skill tab religiously. My Mining was sitting at level 85, and I knew I had to be careful. Any skill above 70 or 80 can be a danger zone if you’re not paying attention. Here’s what to do:

• Check Your Levels: Open your skill tab and note any skills above level 70.

• Track XP: Use the in-game XP tracker or a third-party tool like RuneLite to monitor how close you are to 99 in other skills.

• Avoid High-XP Activities: Steer clear of activities that give big XP drops in other skills, like quests or training methods.

Step 2: Plan Your Gameplay

Keeping your cape untrimmed means playing smart. When I was working on my Fishing cape, I made a rule: no quests unless I was sure they wouldn’t give XP in other skills. For example, I avoided quests like “Dragon Slayer” because they give Attack and Strength XP. Here’s how to plan:

• Stick to Your Skill: Focus on activities related to your 99 skill. For me, it was fishing lobsters and sharks at Catherby. Find a method you enjoy and stick with it.

• Avoid Quests with XP Rewards: Check the OSRS Wiki for quest rewards before starting. Some quests, like “Waterfall Quest,” can dump thousands of XP into combat skills.

• Use XP Lamps Wisely: If you get an XP lamp or book (like from “Recipe for Disaster“), use it on your 99 skill or a low-level skill far from 99.

Pro tip: If you’re worried about accidental XP, you can lock your XP in certain skills using the in-game settings. This feature is a lifesaver, but it’s only available for Ironman accounts, so keep that in mind.

Step 3: Be Careful with Combat

Combat skills are the biggest threat to your untrimmed cape. Trust me, I learned this the hard way. I was killing crabs for some extra cash and didn’t realize how much Strength XP I was racking up. By the time I checked, I was at 90 Strength! Here’s how to avoid this:

• Train Combat Safely: If you need to train combat, use methods that let you control XP. For example, use a bronze dagger and focus on one skill like Attack.

• Avoid Slayer: Slayer tasks often give XP in multiple combat skills, pushing you closer to 99.

• Check XP Rates: Use RuneLite to see how much XP you’re gaining per hour. If it’s too high, switch to a safer method.

Step 4: Manage Quests and Diaries

Quests and Achievement Diaries are XP minefields. I remember sweating bullets when I did the Lumbridge Diary because I wasn’t sure if it’d give me Cooking XP. Spoiler: it didn’t, but I checked the Wiki first. Here’s what to do:

• Research Quests: Use the OSRS Wiki to check XP rewards. Avoid quests like “Fremennik Trials” that give XP in skills you don’t want.

• Skip Diaries with XP: Some diaries, like the Varrock Diary, give XP lamps. Save these for your 99 skill or a safe skill.

• Plan Your Path: If you’re going for a Quest Cape, prioritize quests with no XP rewards, like “Animal Magnetism.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best players slip up. Here are some mistakes I’ve made or seen others make when trying to keep their capes untrimmed:

• Not Checking XP: I once did a random event and got a lamp that almost pushed my Prayer to 99. Always check what you’re redeeming.

• Grinding Without a Plan: AFK training in skills like Woodcutting or Mining can sneak up on you. Set a timer to check your XP.

• Ignoring Minigames: Some minigames, like Pest Control, give XP in combat skills. Be cautious.

My Personal Journey with an Untrimmed Fishing Cape

Let me share a quick story. When I started playing OSRS back in 2013, I fell in love with Fishing. There’s something so chill about standing by the water, clicking every few seconds, and watching your inventory fill up. I decided early on that I wanted my Fishing cape to stay untrimmed. It wasn’t easy. I had to skip a lot of fun quests, avoid Slayer, and constantly check my XP. But when I finally bought that cape from Master Fisher at the Fishing Guild, it was worth it. I still wear it proudly, and every time someone asks, “Is that untrimmed?” I get to grin and say, “Yup!”

One time, I almost ruined it. I was doing some low-level Slayer tasks for cash, and my Attack hit 92 before I realized it. I immediately stopped, switched to fishing, and thanked my lucky stars I caught it in time. That’s why I’m so passionate about sharing these tips. I don’t want you to make the same mistakes!

Tips for Long-Term Success

Keeping your cape untrimmed is a marathon, not a sprint. Here are some extra tips to help you stay on track:

• Join a Clan: Clans like mine were super supportive when I was going for my untrimmed cape. They’d remind me to avoid risky activities and cheer me on.

• Use RuneLite Plugins: Plugins like “XP Tracker” and “Skill Calculator” are lifesavers for monitoring your progress.

• Set Goals: Decide what you want after your cape. For me, it was getting 200m Fishing XP while keeping my cape untrimmed.

• Have Fun: Don’t let the grind stress you out. Enjoy the journey, and the untrimmed cape will feel even sweeter.

What If You Accidentally Get Another 99?

It happens. You’re chopping yews, and boom, 99 Woodcutting sneaks up on you. Don’t panic! Your cape will get trimmed, but you can still enjoy the game. If you really want another untrimmed cape, you can start a new account (like an Ironman) and aim for it again. I know players who’ve done this, and they say it’s just as rewarding the second time around.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your skillcape untrimmed in OSRS is a challenge, but it’s one worth taking. It’s not just about the cape; it’s about the discipline, the planning, and the pride of showing off your first 99. Whether you’re fishing like me, mining, or even training Runecrafting (you brave soul), these tips will help you keep that cape clean and untrimmed. So, what’s your first 99 going to be? And how are you planning to keep it untrimmed? Let me know in the comments, and happy skilling!