OSRS F2P Ironman Money Making Guide: Best Methods for 2025

For free-to-play (F2P) Ironman players in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), making money is a unique challenge. Unlike regular accounts, Ironmen can’t trade with others or use the Grand Exchange to sell items, forcing you to rely on self-sufficient methods to earn gold pieces (GP). This guide dives into the best F2P Ironman money-making strategies for 2025, tailored for early-game, mid-game, and even some scalable options. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned Ironman looking to fund your next adventure, these methods will help you stack that GP without breaking the Ironman rules.

Money might seem less critical for Ironmen since you craft most of your gear, but GP still plays a vital role. From buying runes for magic training to purchasing early-game weapons or funding teleports, having a steady income stream can make your journey smoother. In F2P, where options are limited, finding reliable money-making methods is even more essential.

The Ironman Money-Making Challenge

Ironman mode restricts you from the usual gold-making avenues like trading or flipping items on the GE. Instead, you’ll need to focus on activities that directly generate coins or items you can sell to NPC shops. This self-reliance is what makes Ironman so rewarding—and so tough.

Goals for Your GP

As an F2P Ironman, your gold will likely go toward:

Runes: For training Magic (e.g., High Alchemy).
Weapons and Armor: Early purchases like an Adamant Scimitar from shops.
Supplies: Food or crafting materials you can’t gather yet.
Bonds: If you’re aiming to transition to P2P without real money.

Early-Game Money Making Methods

F2p Ironman Guide Osrs

Starting fresh as an F2P Ironman? These methods are accessible with low stats and minimal setup, perfect for building your initial cash pile.

Stronghold of Security (10,000 GP)

The Stronghold of Security in Barbarian Village is a one-time goldmine for new Ironmen. Completing all four levels nets you 10,000 GP—enough to kickstart your journey.

Requirements: None (bring some food if low combat).
Method: Navigate the dungeon, answer security questions, and claim your reward.
Profit: 10,000 GP (one-time).
Tip: Avoid the final floor if you’re low-level to skip combat risks.

Crafting Leather Armor

Crafting leather items from cowhides is a classic early-game method that doubles as Crafting XP training.

Requirements: Level 1 Crafting, needle, thread, 10 GP to tan hides.
Method: Kill cows near Lumbridge, tan hides in Al Kharid, craft leather armor, and sell to general stores.
Profit: ~50-100 GP per hide (scales with volume).
Tip: Bank hides until you have a full inventory to maximize efficiency.

Collecting Steel Platelegs in the Wilderness

For the brave, the Wilderness offers steel platelegs spawns that sell decently to shops.

Requirements: None (combat gear recommended).
Method: Head to the Ruins (Level 24 Wilderness), grab platelegs, and sell to Horvik in Varrock.
Profit: ~300-500 GP per trip (depends on world hopping).
Tip: Watch for PKers—bring minimal risk items.

Mid-Game Money Making Methods

Once you’ve got some levels under your belt, these methods offer better profits and efficiency for F2P Ironmen.

Smithing Iron Platebodies

Smithing iron platebodies combines Mining and Smithing training with solid gold returns.

Requirements: 33 Smithing, 15 Mining.
Method: Mine iron ore (e.g., Rimmington), smelt into bars, smith platebodies, and sell to Horvik in Varrock.
Profit: ~200-300 GP per platebody.
Tip: Complete “The Knight’s Sword” quest for a free jump to 29 Smithing.

Crafting Gold Jewelry

Mining and crafting gold into jewelry is a profitable mid-game option that also boosts Crafting XP.

Requirements: 40 Mining, 20 Crafting (higher for better items).
Method: Mine gold ore (Dwarven Mine), smelt into bars, craft necklaces or amulets, and sell to general stores.
Profit: ~150-250 GP per item.
Tip: Upgrade to a Mithril pickaxe for faster mining.

Fishing and Selling Tuna

Fishing tuna at Musa Point is a relaxing way to earn GP while training a key skill.

Requirements: 35 Fishing, harpoon.
Method: Fish tuna at Karamja, cook (optional), and sell to the Port Sarim general store.
Profit: ~50-70 GP per tuna (scales with inventory size).
Tip: Bring 30 GP for the boat fare or use Explorer’s Ring to teleport.

High-Level Money Making Methods

For Ironmen with decent stats, these methods maximize profits within F2P limitations.

High Alchemy with Rune Items

High Alchemy turns crafted or dropped rune items into a steady gold stream.

Requirements: 55 Magic, 40 Smithing (for rune items).
Method: Smith rune 2h swords or platelegs, gather nature runes (e.g., from Ogresses), and alch for profit.
Profit: ~1,000-1,200 GP per alch.
Tip: Kill Hill Giants or Ogresses for nature rune drops.

Killing Ogress Warriors

Ogress Warriors in Corsair Cove Dungeon drop valuable items you can sell or alch.

Requirements: 40+ Combat (melee/ranged recommended).
Method: Kill Ogress Warriors, collect drops (rune items, coins), and sell to stores.
Profit: ~50,000-70,000 GP per hour.
Tip: Use Ranged with a safe spot for efficiency.

Scaling Your Earnings: Tips and Tricks

Maximizing your GP as an F2P Ironman requires strategy. Here’s how to stretch your efforts further.

Questing for Cash and Levels

Quests like “Black Knights’ Fortress” (2,500 GP) and “The Knight’s Sword” (Smithing XP) provide early boosts to your cash and skills.

Shop Selling Optimization

Sell specific items to specialty shops for higher prices:

Item	Shop	Price (GP)
Iron Platebody	Horvik (Varrock)	~300
Steel Platelegs	Horvik (Varrock)	~400
Gold Necklace	General Store	~200

Daily Income with Explorer’s Ring

The Explorer’s Ring (from Lumbridge Diary) offers free Low Alchemy casts daily, turning junk drops into extra GP.

Transitioning to P2P: Saving for a Bond

Want to take your Ironman to members’ worlds? A bond costs around 5-6 million GP in 2025. Here’s a plan to get there.

Bond Savings Strategy

Combine mid and high-level methods:

Fishing Tuna: 20-30k GP/hour (200 hours).
Ogress Warriors: 50-70k GP/hour (80-100 hours).
High Alchemy: 50-100k GP/hour (50-100 hours).

Focus on Ogresses and High Alch for the fastest route, supplementing with AFK methods like Fishing when you need a break.

Why Go P2P?

Membership unlocks methods like Agility Pyramid, Giants’ Foundry, and Slayer, which dwarf F2P profits. A bond is your ticket to that world—earned the Ironman way.

Final Thoughts: F2P Ironman money making in OSRS is a grind, but it’s a rewarding one. Start with early-game methods like the Stronghold of Security, scale up to crafting and smithing, and aim for high-level combat or alchemy. With patience and these strategies, you’ll fund your Ironman dreams—whether that’s a bond or just a shiny new Rune Scimitar. Happy grinding!