OSRS 1-99 Runecrafting Guide: Fastest Methods to Master the Skill

OSRS 1-99 Runecrafting Guide: Fastest Methods to Master the Skill


Runecrafting in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is notorious for being one of the slowest and most click-intensive skills to train. Yet, it’s also one of the most rewarding, offering massive profits and utility for magic users and ironmen alike. Whether you’re aiming for the coveted level 99 cape, seeking gold-making opportunities, or simply want to craft your own runes, this comprehensive 1-99 Runecrafting guide will walk you through the fastest, most efficient, and profitable methods to master the skill in 2025. Let’s dive into the best strategies to level up quickly while keeping your sanity intact!

Before jumping into the training methods, it’s worth understanding why Runecrafting deserves your time. At higher levels, it unlocks some of the best skilling money-makers in the game, like crafting double nature runes or wrath runes, which can net you over 1.8 million GP per hour. Additionally, Runecrafting is essential for ironmen who need runes for magic spells, and it’s a requirement for key quests and achievement diaries, such as the Fremennik Exiles (level 60) and the Elite Karamja Diary (level 91). Plus, the journey to 99 offers millions of bonus Mining and Crafting XP through methods like Guardians of the Rift. Ready to get started? Let’s break it down.

Key Benefits of High Runecrafting Levels

  • Profitability: Craft high-value runes like wrath, blood, and nature runes for millions in GP.
  • Quest Completion: Unlock the Quest Cape (level 60) and Achievement Diary Cape (level 91).
  • Ironman Utility: Self-sufficiency in rune production for magic training.
  • Bonus XP: Gain Mining and Crafting experience through minigames and altars.

Essential Unlocks and Gear for Runecrafting

To make your Runecrafting grind as smooth as possible, you’ll need to unlock specific items and quests early on. These will boost your XP rates, reduce downtime, and maximize efficiency. Here’s what you should prioritize before diving into serious training.

Must-Have Quests

  • Rune Mysteries: Unlocks the ability to craft runes (mandatory to start).
  • Enter the Abyss: Grants 1,000 XP and access to the Abyss, a hub for faster altar access.
  • Temple of the Eye: Provides 9,210 XP and unlocks Guardians of the Rift, a top-tier training method.
  • Lunar Diplomacy: Unlocks the Astral Altar and NPC Contact spell for pouch repairs.

Recommended Gear and Items

  • Graceful Outfit: Reduces weight to preserve run energy during trips.
  • Stamina Potions: Restores run energy and reduces depletion rate for 2 minutes.
  • Essence Pouches: Increases essence capacity per trip (small, medium, large, giant, colossal).
  • Raiments of the Eye: Boosts rune output by 60% when the full set is worn (from Guardians of the Rift).
  • Ring of Dueling: Quick teleports for banking and altar access (e.g., Fire Altar runs).

Tip: Essence pouches degrade over time—repair them by talking to the Dark Mage in the Abyss or using the NPC Contact spell after Lunar Diplomacy.

Fastest Pathway to 99 Runecrafting

If your goal is to hit level 99 as quickly as possible, this pathway combines quests, early grinding, and the Guardians of the Rift minigame with high-intensity methods like lava runes. Expect around 200-250 hours of total training time, depending on your focus and efficiency.

Levels 1-27: Quests and Early Grinding

Start by completing Rune Mysteries to unlock Runecrafting. Then, tackle Enter the Abyss (1,000 XP, level 9) and Temple of the Eye (9,210 XP, level 27). If you’re short on XP, craft air runes at the Air Altar south of Falador (5 XP per essence) or earth runes at the Earth Altar near Varrock (6.5 XP per essence) until level 23. These are slow but accessible for beginners.

Levels 27-77: Guardians of the Rift

Once you hit level 27, dive into Guardians of the Rift, unlocked via Temple of the Eye. This minigame offers 30,000-55,000 XP per hour, depending on your level and efficiency, and it’s less click-intensive than traditional methods. You’ll also earn rewards like the Raiments of the Eye set and the Abyssal Needle (for the Colossal Pouch). Stick with this until level 77 for the best balance of XP and engagement.

Levels 77-99: Lava Runes

For the final stretch, switch to crafting lava runes at the Fire Altar in Al Kharid. Using a Ring of Dueling, Binding Necklace, and Magic Imbue (level 82 Magic required), you can achieve 65,000-75,000 XP per hour. This method is highly click-intensive and costly (around 2-3 GP per XP), but it’s the fastest way to 99. Teleport to the Duel Arena, craft runes, then bank at Castle Wars—rinse and repeat.

Level Range Method XP/Hour Notes
1-27 Quests + Air/Earth Runes 5,000-10,000 Slow but free; prioritize quests
27-77 Guardians of the Rift 30,000-55,000 Fun, rewarding, semi-AFK
77-99 Lava Runes 65,000-75,000 Fast but expensive and intensive

Profitable Runecrafting Methods

If you’d rather make money while training, Runecrafting shines at higher levels with methods that balance XP and profit. These options are slower than lava runes but can fund your journey to 99—or your entire OSRS career!

Levels 44-91: Nature Runes via Abyss

At level 44, craft nature runes using the Abyss for access to the Nature Altar. With essence pouches and stamina potions, you’ll earn 20,000-25,000 XP per hour and decent profit (up to 500k GP/hour, depending on rune prices). At level 91, you unlock double nature runes, boosting profits to over 1 million GP per hour with the Achievement Diary Cape.

Levels 77-90: Blood Runes

Fromyrate level 77, craft blood runes at the Blood Altar in Arceuus (requires 100% favor). This semi-AFK method yields 35,000-40,000 XP per hour and solid profit (around 700k-1m GP/hour). Mine dark essence blocks, chisel them into fragments, and craft at the altar—perfect for a relaxed grind.

Levels 95-99: Wrath Runes

At level 95, craft wrath runes at the Wrath Altar (requires Dragon Slayer II). Expect 25,000-30,000 XP per hour and up to 1.8 million GP per hour in profit. This method is slower but one of the most lucrative skilling options in OSRS, making it a popular endgame choice.

Pro Tip: Always check Grand Exchange prices for runes before committing to a method—profitability fluctuates daily!

Tips and Tricks for Efficient Runecrafting

Runecrafting can be a grind, but these tips will help you optimize your training and keep burnout at bay.

Maximize Efficiency

  • Use the Colossal Pouch (from Guardians of the Rift) to carry up to 40 essence per trip.
  • Boost Agility to regenerate run energy faster—every level counts!
  • Shift-click drop items like binding necklaces to save time on lava rune runs.

Avoid Common Pitfalls

  • Don’t skip pouch repairs—degraded pouches vanish, costing you replacements.
  • Avoid low-level profitable runes (e.g., chaos runes) unless you’re desperate—they’re inefficient.
  • Watch out for PKers in the Abyss—stick to low-risk worlds and bank valuables.

Alternative AFK Option: Soul Runes

At level 90, crafting soul runes in Arceuus offers 40,000-47,000 XP per hour with moderate profit. It’s slower than lava runes but far less demanding, making it ideal for multitasking or casual play.

With these methods and tips, you’re well-equipped to conquer Runecrafting in OSRS. Whether you prioritize speed, profit, or a mix of both, the path to 99 is yours to choose. Grab your talismans, stock up on essence, and start crafting—level 99 awaits!