OSRS Best Bronze Smithing XP: Fastest Methods for Early Levels

OSRS Best Bronze Smithing XP: Fastest Methods for Early Levels


If you’re just starting your Smithing journey in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), bronze smithing is where it all begins. As a foundational skill, Smithing allows you to craft weapons, armor, and other metal items, and bronze is the first metal you’ll work with at level 1. But what’s the best way to maximize your bronze smithing XP? In this guide, we’ll explore the fastest methods to grind XP with bronze, helping you level up quickly and efficiently while keeping costs low. Whether you’re a free-to-play (F2P) player or a member, this blog post has you covered with actionable tips and strategies.

Bronze smithing is the gateway to training Smithing in OSRS. It’s accessible from level 1, requires only copper and tin ore (both easy to mine), and lets you build a foundation before moving to more advanced metals like iron or steel. While it’s not the most profitable method, it’s perfect for beginners aiming to gain quick XP and unlock better training options. Plus, with the right approach, you can minimize losses and make the grind enjoyable.

Understanding Bronze Smithing Basics

Before diving into the best XP methods, let’s break down how bronze smithing works. You’ll need:

  • Copper Ore: Mined at level 1 Mining.
  • Tin Ore: Also mined at level 1 Mining.
  • Furnace: To smelt 1 copper ore and 1 tin ore into a bronze bar (6.2 XP per bar).
  • Anvil: To smith bronze bars into items for additional XP.

The XP you earn depends on the number of bars used per item. For example, a bronze dagger (1 bar) gives 12.5 XP, while a bronze platebody (5 bars) yields 62.5 XP. The key to fast XP is choosing items that use more bars per action, reducing the time spent clicking and increasing efficiency.

Fastest Bronze Smithing XP Method: Platebodies

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For the best bronze smithing XP rates in OSRS, smithing bronze platebodies is the way to go. Available at level 18 Smithing, platebodies use 5 bronze bars per item, granting 62.5 XP each. This method offers the highest XP per hour for bronze due to fewer actions required compared to 1- or 2-bar items.

How to Smith Bronze Platebodies Efficiently

Here’s a step-by-step guide to maximize your XP with bronze platebodies:

  1. Gather Materials: Mine copper and tin ore (1:1 ratio) or buy them from the Grand Exchange. You’ll need 5 bronze bars per platebody.
  2. Smelt Bronze Bars: Head to a furnace (e.g., Al Kharid or Edgeville) and smelt your ores into bars. Each bar gives 6.2 XP.
  3. Smith at an Anvil: Use the anvil south of Varrock West Bank—it’s the closest to a bank in F2P. Smith platebodies for 62.5 XP each.
  4. Bank and Repeat: Deposit your platebodies, withdraw more bars, and keep going.

With this method, you can achieve up to 50,000 XP per hour in F2P, assuming you’re running between the bank and anvil efficiently. Members can boost this slightly with energy potions or stamina potions to maintain run energy.

XP Rates and Requirements

Item Level Required Bars Used XP per Item Approx. XP/Hour
Bronze Platebody 18 5 62.5 50,000
Bronze Warhammer 9 3 37.5 36,000
Bronze Scimitar 5 2 25 25,500
Bronze Dagger 1 1 12.5 13,500

As the table shows, platebodies outshine other bronze items in XP efficiency once unlocked.

Alternative Bronze Smithing Methods for Low Levels

If you’re below level 18 and can’t smith platebodies yet, don’t worry—there are solid options to get you there fast. The trick is to smith the highest-level item available at your current level to maximize XP per action.

Levels 1-5: Bronze Daggers

Start with bronze daggers at level 1. They use 1 bar and give 12.5 XP each, offering around 13,500 XP per hour. It’s not the fastest, but you’ll hit level 5 in minutes with just 388 XP needed.

Levels 5-9: Bronze Scimitars

At level 5, switch to bronze scimitars. These use 2 bars and grant 25 XP each, boosting your rate to about 25,500 XP per hour. You’ll need 581 XP to reach level 9, which takes roughly 15-20 minutes.

Levels 9-18: Bronze Warhammers

From level 9, smith bronze warhammers. They require 3 bars and give 37.5 XP each, netting you around 36,000 XP per hour. You’ll need 2,554 XP to hit level 18, achievable in under an hour with this method.

Boosting Bronze Smithing XP with Quests

While grinding bronze items is effective, quests can skyrocket your early Smithing levels, reducing the time spent on bronze altogether. One quest stands out for beginners:

The Knight’s Sword Quest

The Knight’s Sword is a free-to-play quest that rewards 12,725 Smithing XP upon completion. With no Smithing requirement and only level 10 Mining needed, it’s perfect for new players. Finishing this quest jumps you from level 1 to 29 instantly, letting you skip bronze smithing entirely if you choose. It takes about 10-15 minutes to complete, making it far more efficient than grinding bronze bars to level 18.

  • Requirements: 10 Mining, ability to fight level 25 enemies.
  • Reward: 12,725 XP (level 1 to 29).
  • Location: Start at Falador’s White Knights’ Castle.

Other Quests to Consider

For members, quests like Sleeping Giants (6,000 XP, level 15 Smithing required) and Elemental Workshop I (5,000 XP, level 20 Smithing) can further boost your early levels. Combining these with The Knight’s Sword gets you to level 39+, opening up faster methods like iron or steel smithing.

Tips to Optimize Your Bronze Smithing Grind

To make the most of your bronze smithing XP, consider these practical tips:

Location Matters

The Varrock West Bank anvil is the best spot for F2P players due to its proximity to a bank. For members, the Port Phasmatys furnace (near a bank with Ectophial teleport) or Neitiznot anvil (close to a bank chest) can speed up your workflow.

Minimize Costs

Mine your own copper and tin ore instead of buying from the Grand Exchange. The East Varrock Mine or Lumbridge Swamp Mine are great spots for F2P players. This keeps your grind profitable, as bronze items rarely sell for much.

Use Energy Boosts

In F2P, bring energy potions (buyable for ~278 GP each) to maintain run energy between the bank and anvil. Members can use stamina potions for even better efficiency, reducing downtime and boosting XP rates.

When to Move Beyond Bronze Smithing

Bronze smithing is great for early levels, but it becomes inefficient past level 18-30. Once you hit level 18, stick with platebodies until you’re ready to transition. After level 29 (via The Knight’s Sword) or level 33 (via grinding), switch to iron platebodies for 125 XP each and up to 100,000 XP per hour. Members can also jump to steel bars at the Blast Furnace at level 30 or explore Giants’ Foundry after Sleeping Giants for more engaging training.

Next Steps After Bronze

  • Level 33-48: Iron platebodies (F2P or P2P).
  • Level 30-40: Steel bars at Blast Furnace (P2P).
  • Level 40+: Gold bars at Blast Furnace with goldsmith gauntlets (P2P, fastest method).

These methods offer significantly higher XP rates, making bronze smithing a stepping stone rather than a long-term strategy.

Final Thoughts: Bronze smithing is your ticket to kickstarting Smithing in OSRS. For the best XP, focus on platebodies at level 18, use quests like The Knight’s Sword to skip early grinding, and optimize your setup with the right locations and energy boosts. Ready to hammer out some XP? Get smelting, and you’ll be crafting better gear in no time!