OSRS 1-99 Woodcutting Guide Fastest and Most Efficient Methods

Woodcutting in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a relaxing yet rewarding skill that allows players to gather logs for profit, train other skills like Firemaking and Fletching, or simply enjoy the grind to level 99. Whether you’re a free-to-play (F2P) or pay-to-play (P2P) player, this comprehensive guide covers the fastest, most AFK, and profitable methods to reach 99 Woodcutting. With the 2023 Forestry update, new mechanics and events make training more engaging. Let’s dive into the best strategies, equipment, and locations to master this skill.
Woodcutting involves chopping trees to gather logs, with experience rates depending on your level, axe type, and training method. Higher-level trees and better axes yield more experience and faster chopping. The Forestry update introduced timers for tree depletion (e.g., 27 seconds for oaks, 4 minutes 24 seconds for redwoods) and group events for bonus XP and rewards. Always use the best axe available and consider tick manipulation for maximum efficiency.
Essential Equipment
Using the right axe is crucial for optimizing XP rates. Here’s a breakdown of axes and their requirements:
Axe | Woodcutting Level | Attack Level | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Bronze Axe | 1 | 1 | Starting axe, very slow. |
Iron Axe | 1 | 1 | Slightly faster, affordable. |
Steel Axe | 6 | 1 | Good for early levels. |
Mithril Axe | 21 | 1 | Decent for mid-levels. |
Adamant Axe | 31 | 1 | Great for F2P players. |
Rune Axe | 41 | 1 | Best F2P axe, buy from Woodcutting Guild. |
Dragon Axe | 61 | 60 | P2P, dropped by Dagannoth Kings or Wintertodt. |
Infernal Axe | 61 | 60 | Burns logs for Firemaking XP, requires smouldering stone. |
Crystal Axe | 71 | 70 | Fastest axe, requires Song of the Elves quest. |
Pro Tip: The Lumberjack Outfit (obtained from Temple Trekking) or Forestry Outfit (from Forestry events) provides a 2.5% XP boost. The Felling Axe (level 61, 10% XP boost) is also worth getting from the Forestry Shop.
Forestry Events
Forestry worlds (e.g., 388, 444, 487, 510) offer group events like Leprechaun, Bee Hive, and Poacher, providing bonus XP and Anima-Infused Bark. These events spawn while chopping most trees (excluding regular trees, hollow trees, or Woodcutting Guild trees) and are ideal for boosting XP rates, especially on crowded worlds like 444.
Fastest 1-99 Woodcutting Path (P2P)
For players aiming to reach 99 as quickly as possible, tick manipulation and high-intensity methods like Teak trees are key. This path assumes P2P access and prioritizes XP over profit.
Levels 1-15: Regular Trees
Start by chopping regular trees around Lumbridge or Varrock. Each log grants 25 XP, and you’ll need about 110 logs to reach level 15. Drop logs to save time, as banking is inefficient at this stage. Complete the Monk’s Friend quest for 2,000 XP to skip most of these levels.
Levels 15-35: Oak Trees
Switch to oak trees, which yield 37.5 XP per log. Good spots include west of Lumbridge, Draynor Village, or Varrock. Cut approximately 534 oak logs to reach level 35. For faster XP, try 2-tick oak chopping (requires an NPC to attack you every 2 ticks) for up to 100k XP/hour at higher levels.
Levels 35-65: Teak Trees
Teak trees are the fastest XP method, especially with tick manipulation. Locations include Ape Atoll (requires partial Monkey Madness) or Fossil Island (requires Bone Voyage). Without tick manipulation, expect 60-70k XP/hour. With 1.5-tick manipulation (using the best axe), XP rates can reach:
- Level 35 (Adamant Axe): 115k XP/hour
- Level 61 (Dragon Axe): 173k XP/hour
- Level 99 (Crystal Axe): 235k XP/hour
You’ll need around 153,083 teak logs from level 35 to 65. Shift-drop logs to maximize efficiency, and use Forestry worlds for event bonuses.
Levels 65-90: Sulliuscep Mushrooms
Sulliusceps on Fossil Island (requires Bone Voyage) offer 100-110k XP/hour without tick manipulation. They’re located in the Tar Swamp, so bring Ranged defense gear or food to handle Tar Monsters. You’ll need 97,778 Sulliusceps to reach level 90, yielding 970 Sulliuscep Caps, 260k Numulite, and 2,800 Unidentified Fossils, which can be sold for up to 6.5M GP.
Strategy: Chop the active Sulliuscep, then check spawn locations for the next one. Use a defined route to minimize downtime.
Levels 90-99: Redwood Trees
Redwood trees in the Woodcutting Guild (requires 75% Hosidius favor) are the best AFK method, offering 60-75k XP/hour with a Crystal Axe. Each log grants 380 XP (427 with Lumberjack Outfit and Felling Axe). You’ll need 20,232 logs to reach 99, taking about 128 hours. Bank logs for 4-6M GP profit or drop them for faster training.
AFK and Profitable Methods
If you prefer a relaxed pace or want to make money, these methods balance XP and GP. They’re ideal for multitasking or casual play.
Yew Trees (Levels 60-90)
Yew trees (175 XP/log) are profitable, especially in the Woodcutting Guild or Seers’ Village Church. Expect 30k XP/hour and 60k GP/hour (23M GP from level 61 to 99). They’re AFK-friendly, lasting 114 seconds per tree.
Magic Trees (Levels 75-99)
Magic trees (250 XP/log) in the Woodcutting Guild or Tree Gnome Village offer 25k XP/hour but 120k GP/hour. From level 75 to 99, you’ll earn around 46M GP. This is a slow but highly profitable method, perfect for alternate accounts.
Willow Trees (Levels 30-99)
Willow trees (67.5 XP/log) in Draynor Village are decent for F2P players or those wanting a low-effort method. Expect 40-50k XP/hour and 15M GP from level 30 to 99 (192,905 logs). They’re less AFK due to a 30-second depletion timer.
F2P Woodcutting Guide
F2P players have fewer options but can still reach 99 efficiently. Focus on dropping logs for XP or banking for profit.
Levels 1-15: Regular Trees
Chop regular trees (25 XP/log) west of Lumbridge or near Varrock. You’ll need 110 logs. Use an Iron Axe at level 1 and Steel Axe at level 6.
Levels 15-30: Oak Trees
Oak trees (37.5 XP/log) in Draynor Village or Varrock offer 20-30k XP/hour. Cut 534 logs to reach level 30. Use an Adamant Axe at level 31.
Levels 30-60: Willow Trees
Willow trees (67.5 XP/log) in Draynor Village provide 40k XP/hour. You’ll need 2,923 logs to reach level 60. Bank logs for 1-2M GP or burn them for Firemaking XP.
Levels 60-99: Yew Trees
Yew trees (175 XP/log) south of Edgeville Bank or behind Varrock Palace are the best F2P option, offering 30k XP/hour and 39k GP/hour (19.5M GP from level 60 to 99). Use a Rune Axe at level 41 for optimal speed.
Tips for Efficient Woodcutting
Maximize your training with these strategies:
- Complete Quests: Monk’s Friend (2,000 XP) and Enlightened Journey (1,500 XP) provide early XP boosts.
- Use Forestry Worlds: Join worlds 388 or 444 for event XP and rewards.
- Tick Manipulation: Learn 1.5-tick or 2-tick methods for Teak trees to double XP rates.
- Woodcutting Guild: Unlock at level 75 for a +7 level boost and access to Redwoods.
- Infernal Axe: Burns logs for Firemaking XP, saving inventory space.
By combining these methods, you can tailor your Woodcutting journey to your playstyle, whether it’s high-intensity Teak chopping or AFK Redwood training. Happy chopping, and may your axe swing true!