OSRS Best Runecrafting XP Methods in 2025: Fastest Ways to 99

Runecrafting (RC) in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is infamous for being one of the slowest skills to train, but it doesn’t have to be a slog. Whether you’re chasing the coveted 99 Runecrafting cape or just want to level up efficiently, this guide covers the best Runecrafting XP methods in 2025. From early-game quests to high-level lava rune crafting, we’ll break down the fastest, most efficient, and even profitable ways to train RC. Let’s dive into the top strategies to maximize your XP per hour and make the grind enjoyable!

Before we get into the methods, let’s talk about why Runecrafting is worth your time. Besides the prestige of hitting 99, RC unlocks some of the best money-making opportunities in OSRS, like crafting wrath runes (up to 1.8M GP/hour at level 95). Plus, it’s a key skill for quests like Desert Treasure II and offers bonus XP in Mining and Crafting along the way. With the right approach, you can turn this click-intensive skill into a rewarding journey.

Key Benefits of High Runecrafting Levels

Profit: High-level runes like blood, soul, and wrath runes are in constant demand.
Quest Requirements: Level 60 RC is needed for the Quest Cape.
Flexibility: The Runecrafting cape lets you access altars without talismans or tiaras.

Early Levels: Quests and Low-Level Methods (1-33)

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Starting Runecrafting can feel daunting, but quests and simple methods can skip the tedious early grind. Here’s how to breeze through levels 1-33 without breaking a sweat.

Questing for Fast XP

The easiest way to kickstart your RC journey is by completing quests that grant Runecrafting XP. These quests have low requirements and can get you to level 33 in just a few hours:

Enter the Abyss (Miniquest): 1,000 XP, boosts you to level 9 instantly.
The Ascent of Arceuus: 500 XP, quick and easy with minimal combat.
The Eyes of Glouphrie: 6,000 XP, takes you closer to level 27.
Temple of the Eye: 9,250 XP, jumps you to level 27 and unlocks Guardians of the Rift.
The Slug Menace: 3,500 XP, rounds out the early levels.

Total XP: 20,210, enough to hit level 33 from scratch. Finish these before training manually to save time.

Talisman Tiaras (Levels 1-23)

If you’d rather train traditionally or skip some quests, crafting talisman tiaras is a fast, albeit expensive, method for early levels. Use a tiara and a talisman (e.g., air or earth) at the corresponding altar. It’s click-intensive but offers decent XP:

Air Tiaras: 25 XP each, no level requirement.
Earth Tiaras: 32.5 XP each, requires level 9.

Rates can hit 40,000-50,000 XP/hour with teleports like the Ring of Dueling, but costs vary based on talisman prices (often 500-1,000 GP each).

Mid-Level Mastery: Guardians of the Rift (27-77)

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Once you hit level 27, the Guardians of the Rift (GOTR) minigame becomes the go-to method for mid-level RC training. Unlocked via the Temple of the Eye quest, GOTR offers a fun, team-based alternative to traditional altar running.

How Guardians of the Rift Works

In GOTR, you mine guardian fragments, craft essence, and defend the Great Guardian from abyssal creatures. It’s less click-intensive than altar methods and rewards you with the Raiments of the Eye set, which boosts rune output by 60%.

XP Rates: 40,000-55,000 XP/hour at mid-levels, up to 70,000 XP/hour at 99 with optimization.
Requirements: Temple of the Eye quest, basic mining/combat skills.
Pro Tip: Use the GOTR Helper plugin on RuneLite to highlight portals and pools.

Why GOTR is a Game-Changer

Unlike traditional RC, GOTR is engaging and offers useful rewards like abyssal pearls for the outfit and lamps. It’s the best solo RC XP method for mid-levels and scales well into the 90s. Stick with it until you have the full Raiments set (around 1,350 pearls) for maximum efficiency later.

High-Level Grinding: Lava Runes (23-99)

For players chasing the absolute fastest Runecrafting XP in OSRS, crafting lava runes reigns supreme. It’s intense, costly, and requires precision, but the rewards are unmatched.

Solo Lava Rune Crafting

Lava runes combine fire and earth runes at the Fire Altar near Al Kharid. Here’s the setup:

Requirements: 23 RC, Lunar Diplomacy (for Magic Imbue), 82 Magic recommended.
Gear: Ring of Dueling, Binding Necklace, Raiments of the Eye, essence pouches.
Method: Teleport to the Duel Arena, run to the Fire Altar, craft lava runes, then bank at Castle Wars.

XP Rates: 65,000-75,000 XP/hour at level 75+, peaking at 79,000 XP/hour at 99 with perfect clicks.

Lava Runes with Runners

For the ultimate XP, hire essence runners to trade you pure essence at the Fire Altar. This method is expensive but pushes XP to insane levels:

Cost: 7M-9M GP/hour per runner, up to 36M/hour with four runners.
XP Rates: Up to 230,000 XP/hour with four experienced runners.
Where to Find Runners: Skilling Methods Discord or in-game communities.

This is the fastest RC XP method in OSRS, but it’s reserved for wealthy players who prioritize speed over profit.

Optimizing Lava Rune Runs

To hit peak XP rates solo or with runners, use these tips:

Magic Imbue: Eliminates the need for talismans, saving inventory space.
Stamina Potions: Keep run energy topped up for faster trips.
Colossal Pouch: Unlocked via GOTR, holds 40 essence for bigger runs.

Alternative Methods: Profit and AFK Options

Not everyone wants to burn cash or click nonstop. Here are some alternative RC methods that balance XP with profit or relaxation.

Ourania Altar (ZMI) – AFK and Profitable

The Ourania Altar (ZMI) offers random runes for a chilled-out training experience:

Requirements: Lunar Diplomacy recommended for teleport spell.
XP Rates: 30,000-40,000 XP/hour, up to 50,000 with daeyalt essence.
Profit: 500K-1M GP/hour depending on rune prices.

Use daeyalt essence (from Sins of the Father) for a 50% XP boost, and hop to a dedicated world for safety.

Blood and Soul Runes – High-Level Profit

At higher levels, crafting blood and soul runes in Kourend offers decent XP and great profit:

Rune Type	Level Req	XP/Hour	Profit/Hour
Blood Runes	77	38,000	1M-1.5M GP
Soul Runes	90	47,000	500K-800K GP

Tip: Complete the Kourend Medium Diary for a 5% chance to mine double dense essence blocks.

Wrath Runes – Endgame Money Maker

At level 95 with Dragon Slayer II completed, wrath runes are the pinnacle of RC profit:

XP Rates: 40,000 XP/hour.
Profit: 1.1M-1.8M GP/hour.
Setup: Mythical Cape, anti-dragon shield, essence pouches.

Tips to Maximize Your Runecrafting XP

No matter which method you choose, these tips will boost your efficiency and XP rates:

Essential Gear and Unlocks

Raiments of the Eye: 60% more runes, no extra XP, but saves essence.
Essence Pouches: Small to colossal, carry more essence per trip.
Graceful Outfit: Reduces weight and boosts run energy regen by 30%.
Ring of Endurance: Doubles stamina potion duration when charged.

Plugins and Quality of Life

RuneLite plugins can streamline your RC grind:

Menu Entry Swapper: Shift-click to fill pouches without leaving the bank.
GOTR Helper: Highlights key elements in the minigame.
Bank Filler: Speeds up inventory management.

Avoiding Burnout

RC’s slow pace can wear you down. Mix it up—alternate between GOTR for fun, lava runes for speed, and ZMI for profit. Train in short bursts (1-2 hours) a few times a week rather than marathon sessions.

With these methods, you’re set to conquer Runecrafting in OSRS. Whether you’re after the fastest XP rates with lava runes or a balanced approach with GOTR and ZMI, there’s a path for every player. Start with quests, grab your pouches, and get crafting—level 99 awaits!