OSRS Empty Light Orb Guide for Efficient Gameplay
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the Empty Light Orb is a niche but valuable item for players diving into specific skilling activities, particularly Crafting and Firemaking. This guide explores everything you need to know about the Empty Light Orb, from obtaining it to its uses, profitability, and tips for integrating it into your gameplay. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, this post will help you maximize the potential of this often-overlooked item.
The Empty Light Orb is a tradeable, player-crafted item in OSRS used primarily in the creation of Light Orbs, which are essential for illuminating underground areas like the Dorgesh-Kaan caves. It’s a glass item made through the Crafting skill and serves as a stepping stone for other items, such as the Light Orb (with a cave goblin wire) and the Water Battlestaff. Understanding its role is key to leveraging it for experience or profit.
Key Characteristics of the Empty Light Orb
- Tradeable: Can be bought/sold on the Grand Exchange.
- Stackable: No, each orb takes one inventory slot.
- Crafting Level Required: 87 to create.
- Experience Gained: 70 Crafting XP per orb.
Why Use the Empty Light Orb?
Players use Empty Light Orbs for high-level Crafting training, as they offer decent experience rates and can be profitable when combined with other activities. Additionally, they’re a prerequisite for creating functional Light Orbs, which are used in specific quests and activities in Dorgesh-Kaan.
How to Obtain the Empty Light Orb
Unlike many OSRS items, Empty Light Orbs cannot be looted or purchased directly from NPCs. They must be crafted by players, making them a skill-focused item. Below, we detail the steps to obtain and craft them efficiently.
Crafting the Empty Light Orb
To craft an Empty Light Orb, you need the following:
- Crafting Level: 87.
- Materials: One Molten Glass.
- Tool: A Glassblowing Pipe, which can be found in places like Entrana or purchased on the Grand Exchange.
Steps:
- Gather Molten Glass (made from soda ash and a bucket of sand at a furnace).
- Equip a Glassblowing Pipe.
- Use the Molten Glass with the Glassblowing Pipe and select “Empty Light Orb” from the crafting menu.
- Each orb grants 70 Crafting XP.
Sourcing Molten Glass Efficiently
To craft Empty Light Orbs in bulk, you’ll need a steady supply of Molten Glass. Here are the best methods:
- Superglass Make Spell: Requires 77 Magic and the Lunar Spellbook. This spell turns soda ash and buckets of sand into Molten Glass with a chance to create extra glass, saving resources.
- Charter Ships: Purchase soda ash and buckets of sand from charter ship traders (e.g., in Port Phasmatys).
- Grand Exchange: Buy Molten Glass directly, though this is less cost-effective.
Uses of the Empty Light Orb
The Empty Light Orb has both direct and indirect uses in OSRS, primarily tied to Crafting, Firemaking, and specific in-game activities. Below, we explore its practical applications.
Creating a Light Orb
An Empty Light Orb can be combined with a Cave Goblin Wire to create a Light Orb, which provides 104 Crafting XP. This process requires:
- Crafting Level: 87.
- Quest Requirement: Completion of the Death to the Dorgeshuun quest to access Dorgesh-Kaan and obtain Cave Goblin Wire.
Light Orbs are used to repair broken lamps in Dorgesh-Kaan, granting 1,000 Firemaking XP per lamp (requires 52 Firemaking). This is a unique, low-effort Firemaking training method.
Profitability of Light Orbs
Creating and selling Light Orbs can be profitable, depending on Grand Exchange prices. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Item | Cost (GE Price) | Sell Price (GE) | Profit per Orb |
|---|---|---|---|
| Molten Glass | ~100 GP | – | – |
| Cave Goblin Wire | ~2,000 GP | – | – |
| Light Orb | – | ~2,500 GP | ~400 GP |
Note: Prices fluctuate, so always check the Grand Exchange before crafting in bulk.
Other Uses: Water Battlestaff
Empty Light Orbs are a component in creating a Water Orb, which can be attached to a Battlestaff to make a Water Battlestaff. This requires:
- Magic Level: 56 to charge an Empty Light Orb into a Water Orb.
- Crafting Level: 54 to attach the Water Orb to a Battlestaff.
This is less common due to the high cost of materials but can be a niche Crafting training method.
Training Strategies with Empty Light Orbs
Empty Light Orbs are a viable option for high-level Crafting training, especially for players aiming for level 99. Here’s how to incorporate them into your skilling routine.
Crafting XP Rates
Crafting Empty Light Orbs yields 70 XP per orb, while creating Light Orbs grants an additional 104 XP. With efficient Molten Glass production (e.g., using Superglass Make), you can achieve:
- XP per Hour: ~50,000–60,000 Crafting XP when crafting Empty Light Orbs.
- With Light Orbs: Up to ~80,000 XP per hour if you include Cave Goblin Wire.
Combining with Firemaking
After creating Light Orbs, head to Dorgesh-Kaan to repair lamps for Firemaking XP. This method is slower than traditional Firemaking (e.g., burning logs), but it’s a unique way to train both skills simultaneously. Expect ~50,000 Firemaking XP per hour with optimal banking and movement.
Tips for Efficiency
- Use Teleports: Teleport to a furnace (e.g., Edgeville) for faster Molten Glass production.
- Bank Nearby: Use the Dorgesh-Kaan bank to minimize travel time when repairing lamps.
- Stockpile Materials: Buy Molten Glass or soda ash in bulk to avoid interruptions.
Is the Empty Light Orb Worth It?
The Empty Light Orb is a situational item that shines in specific contexts. Here’s a breakdown of its pros and cons to help you decide if it fits your goals.
Advantages
- High Crafting XP: Offers solid XP rates for level 87+ players.
- Profit Potential: Crafting Light Orbs can yield small profits.
- Multi-Skill Training: Combines Crafting and Firemaking for diverse skilling.
- Quest Utility: Useful for Dorgesh-Kaan-related activities post-quest.
Disadvantages
- High Requirements: Level 87 Crafting and quest completion are steep barriers.
- Material Costs: Molten Glass and Cave Goblin Wire can be expensive.
- Slower Firemaking: Repairing lamps is less efficient than burning logs.
When to Use Empty Light Orbs
This item is ideal for:
- Players training Crafting past level 87 who want a change from cutting gems or making jewelry.
- Those completing Dorgesh-Kaan activities or quests requiring Light Orbs.
- Ironmen who need self-sufficient Crafting methods.
If you’re focused on pure XP efficiency or have limited funds, alternatives like cutting dragonstones or crafting battlestaves might be better.
Conclusion: The Empty Light Orb is a versatile item in OSRS, offering a unique blend of Crafting and Firemaking training with potential profits. While it requires high levels and some investment, it’s a rewarding option for players exploring Dorgesh-Kaan or seeking diverse skilling methods. Try crafting a few orbs, experiment with lamp repairs, and see how it fits into your gameplay. Happy skilling!