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OSRS 99 Woodcutting Guide: Fastest Methods to Level Up in 2025

Woodcutting in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is one of the most iconic gathering skills, offering a relaxing yet rewarding path to level 99. Whether you’re aiming for the prestigious Woodcutting skill cape, looking to profit from logs, or simply enjoy the AFK-friendly nature of the skill, this OSRS 99 Woodcutting guide will walk you through the fastest and most efficient methods to reach your goal in 2025. With the Forestry update reshaping the meta, we’ll cover everything from low-level training to advanced tick manipulation techniques, ensuring you chop your way to success.
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of leveling, let’s explore why Woodcutting is worth your time. Beyond the satisfaction of hitting 99, this skill unlocks practical benefits and decent profits, especially for P2P players. Logs fuel other skills like Fletching, Firemaking, and Construction, while rare drops like bird nests can pad your bank. Plus, with Forestry events adding a social twist, Woodcutting is more engaging than ever.
Key Benefits of 99 Woodcutting
- Skill Cape Perks: The Woodcutting Cape offers a 10% chance of extra bird nests and acts as a portable +1 boost.
- Profit Potential: High-level trees like Magic and Redwood yield valuable logs.
- Quest Requirements: Unlocks key quests like Song of the Elves (for Crystal Axe access).
- AFK Training: Perfect for multitasking or casual play.
Getting Started: Levels 1-35
Your journey to 99 Woodcutting begins with the basics. Early levels are quick, and with the right approach, you’ll breeze through them. Here’s how to start strong.
Levels 1-15: Regular Trees
Start chopping regular trees found everywhere in Gielinor—Lumbridge, Varrock, or Draynor Village are great spots. No Woodcutting level is required, and you’ll only need a bronze axe (grab one from Bob in Lumbridge if you’re a newbie). Expect around 10k-15k XP per hour. You’ll need about 80 logs to hit level 15, which takes roughly 20 minutes.
Levels 15-35: Oak Trees
Switch to oak trees at level 15. Locations like west of Varrock or south of Falador work well due to proximity to banks. Oaks give 37.5 XP per log, and with a steel axe (level 6), you’ll see 20k-25k XP per hour. Cut around 534 oak logs to reach level 35, taking about 1-1.5 hours. Stick to dropping logs for speed unless you’re an Ironman banking for later use.
Boosting Early Levels with Quests
For a head start, complete these quests:
- Monk’s Friend: 2,000 XP (Level 1 to 10 instantly).
- Enlightened Journey: 1,500 XP (requires 20 Firemaking, 30 Farming, 36 Crafting).
These can shave off 30-45 minutes of early grinding.
Fastest Path to 99: Levels 35-99
Once you hit level 35, the real grind begins. The fastest route to 99 revolves around teak trees and tick manipulation, though AFK alternatives exist. Let’s break it down.
Levels 35-90: Teak Trees (2-Tick Method)
Teak trees, unlocked at 35, are the king of XP rates when paired with tick manipulation. Head to Ape Atoll (post-Monkey Madness I) or Tai Bwo Wannai (requires trading sticks). Without tick manipulation, teaks offer 60k-70k XP per hour, but the 2-tick method doubles that to 120k-170k XP per hour at higher levels.
How 2-Tick Works: Use an NPC (like swamp crabs on Fossil Island) to attack you every 2 ticks, resetting your chop animation. Click the tree right after the attack lands. This takes practice but slashes the time to 99.
Level | Axe | XP/Hour (2-Tick) |
---|---|---|
35 | Rune | 90k-100k |
61 | Dragon | 130k-150k |
99 | Crystal | 200k-220k |
You’ll need around 153,083 teak logs from 35-99, taking 60-70 hours with 2-tick at peak efficiency.
Levels 65-90: Sulliusceps (Alternative)
If tick manipulation isn’t your style, try sulliusceps on Fossil Island (requires Bone Voyage). These mushrooms offer 90k-110k XP per hour and decent profit from sulliuscep caps and fossils. You’ll need 97,778 chops to hit 99 from 65, taking about 80-90 hours. Watch out for damage from the swamp—bring food or prayer gear.
Levels 90-99: Redwood Trees
At level 90, redwoods in the Woodcutting Guild (75% Hosidius favor required) become the ultimate AFK method. With a dragon or crystal axe, expect 60k-75k XP per hour. Each tree lasts 4 minutes and 24 seconds, making it ideal for multitasking. You’ll need 20,232 logs to reach 99, totaling 100-120 hours from 90.
AFK and Profitable Alternatives
Not everyone wants to sweat over tick manipulation. If you prefer a chill or money-making approach, these methods balance XP and GP.
Levels 60-90: Yew Trees
Yew trees (level 60) are a classic for profit. Chop them in the Woodcutting Guild or north of Varrock Palace for 30k-40k XP per hour and 60k-80k GP per hour. Banking 72,919 logs to 99 nets around 19.5M GP but takes 300+ hours—best for alts.
Levels 75-99: Magic Trees
Magic trees (level 75) in the Woodcutting Guild offer 25k-30k XP per hour and 120k-150k GP per hour. They’re slow (500+ hours to 99) but can yield 30M+ GP if you bank 52,083 logs. Perfect for AFK profit on a secondary account.
Forestry Boosts
Join Forestry worlds (e.g., World 444) for a 20k XP per hour boost during events like Leprechaun or Bee Swarm. Equip a Forestry Kit and Lumberjack Outfit (2.5% XP bonus) for maximum gains. Grab these from the Forestry Shop with Anima-Infused Bark.
Tools and Gear for Success
The right equipment can make or break your grind. Here’s what you need to optimize your Woodcutting journey.
Best Axes for Each Level
- Bronze/Iron (1-5): Starter axes for regular trees.
- Steel (6): Oaks and beyond.
- Rune (41): Affordable and effective up to 61.
- Dragon (61): Boosts speed; special attack gives +3 levels.
- Crystal (71): Best in slot after Song of the Elves; 10% XP boost with felling variant.
- Infernal (61): Burns 33% of logs for Firemaking XP (needs 85 Firemaking).
Recommended Gear
- Lumberjack Outfit: 2.5% XP bonus (Temple Trekking).
- Forestry Kit: Enables event participation.
- Felling Axe Handle: Upgrades axes for 10% XP boost (Forestry Shop).
Total Time and Logs to 99
Method | Levels | Logs Needed | Time (Hours) |
---|---|---|---|
2-Tick Teaks | 35-99 | 153,083 | 60-70 |
Sulliusceps | 65-99 | 97,778 | 80-90 |
Redwoods | 90-99 | 20,232 | 100-120 |
Total XP to 99: 13,034,431. Mix and match methods based on your playstyle!
Whether you’re swinging for max XP with 2-tick teaks or chilling with redwoods, this OSRS 99 Woodcutting guide has you covered. Start chopping today, and that skill cape will be yours before you know it. Happy cutting!