OSRS F2P Money Making Guide 2025

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), making money as a Free-to-Play (F2P) player can feel like a grind, but with the right strategies, you can stack gold efficiently and work toward that coveted bond or better gear. This guide dives into the best F2P money-making methods for 2025, tailored for both new and seasoned players. Whether you’re a level 3 fresh off Tutorial Island or a mid-level player looking to fund your adventures, these methods are accessible, profitable, and require minimal investment. Let’s explore how to maximize your gold per hour (GP/H) in F2P worlds!

F2P worlds in OSRS are restrictive, with limited areas, slower XP rates, and fewer money-making options compared to Pay-to-Play (P2P). However, they’re perfect for beginners or players who want to test the game without a membership. The goal is to earn enough gold to afford a bond (roughly 8-10M GP in 2025) or to gear up for combat and skilling. The methods below are designed to be low-skill, low-risk, and high-reward, ensuring you can start earning GP right away.

Key Benefits of F2P Money Making

• Accessibility: Most methods require little to no starting capital or skill levels.
• Flexibility: Options suit different playstyles, from AFK skilling to active combat.
• Progression: Earn gold to fund bonds, gear, or future P2P ventures.

Top F2P Money Making Methods for 2025

Below are the most effective F2P money-making methods, updated for 2025 based on current Grand Exchange (GE) prices and game mechanics. Each method includes requirements, estimated profits, and tips to maximize efficiency.

1. Tanning Cowhides

Tanning cowhides is a classic F2P money-making method that’s ideal for beginners due to its simplicity and low requirements. You collect cowhides, tan them into leather, and sell the leather on the GE for a profit.

• Requirements: 10 GP per trip to pass the Lumbridge-Al Kharid gate (or complete Prince Ali Rescue quest for free passage).
• Estimated Profit: 100,000-150,000 GP/H.
• Steps:
  1. Head to the cow field northeast of Lumbridge.
  2. Collect 27 cowhides (dropped by cows killed by other players).
  3. Run to Al Kharid, pay the 10 GP toll (if needed), and visit Ellis the tanner.
  4. Tan cowhides into soft leather (1 GP each) or hard leather (3 GP each).
  5. Sell the leather on the GE.
• Tip: Use the bank in Al Kharid to store cowhides and tan in bulk to save time. Completing Prince Ali Rescue eliminates the toll, boosting profits.

Why It Works: Cowhides are abundant, and leather has steady demand for crafting. This method is AFK-friendly and requires no combat or skill levels.

2. High Alching Profitable Items

High alchemy is a magic-based method that turns items into gold using the High-Level Alchemy spell. It’s profitable when you buy items below their alchemy value and alch them for more.

• Requirements: 55 Magic, 20M GP starting capital, Staff of Fire, Nature Runes.
• Estimated Profit: 400,000-500,000 GP/H.
• Steps:
  1. Check the GE for F2P items with high alchemy values (e.g., Rune platelegs, Rune kiteshield).
  2. Buy items with a profit margin of at least 400 GP per alch.
  3. Equip a Staff of Fire to save Fire Runes and cast High Alchemy on items.
  4. Repeat, ensuring you stay within GE buy limits.
• Tip: Use a GE price checker to filter F2P items and avoid members-only items. Alch in a safe area like Lumbridge bank to avoid interruptions.

Why It Works: High alching is low-effort and can be done while multitasking. The high profit comes from market fluctuations, so stay updated on GE prices.

Combat-Based Money Making

For players with decent combat stats, killing monsters offers both gold and combat XP. These methods are riskier but yield higher rewards.

3. Killing Ogress Shamans

Ogress Shamans in the Corsair Cove Dungeon are a great combat option for mid-level F2P players. They drop valuable items like runes, gems, and shaman masks.

• Requirements: 40 Combat, melee gear (Rune armor recommended), food (lobsters or swordfish).
• Estimated Profit: 150,000-200,000 GP/H.
• Steps:
  1. Travel to Corsair Cove Dungeon (accessible after starting The Corsair Curse).
  2. Kill Ogress Shamans using melee to save on ammo costs.
  3. Collect drops like Rune items, big bones, and gems.
  4. Bank at Corsair Cove or Port Sarim and sell on the GE.
• Tip: Use a safespot if ranging or maging to minimize food usage. Bring a teleport item (e.g., Amulet of Glory) for quick banking.

Why It Works: Ogress Shamans have consistent drops and low competition in F2P worlds, making them a reliable money maker.

4. Collecting Nature Runes in the Wilderness

This method involves using Telekinetic Grab to collect Nature Runes in the deep Wilderness, offering high profits but with the risk of player killers (PKers).

• Requirements: 33 Magic, Air Staff, Law Runes (100 per trip), food, energy potions.
• Estimated Profit: 130,000-200,000 GP/H.
• Steps:
  1. Head to the Chaos Temple north of Falador, located in level 38 Wilderness.
  2. Use Telekinetic Grab to collect Nature Runes on the altar.
  3. Bank at Edgeville or teleport out if PKers appear.
  4. Sell Nature Runes on the GE.
• Tip: Carry minimal Law Runes to reduce risk. Use the RuneLite client to color-code valuable items on the ground for faster looting.

Why It Works: Nature Runes have high demand for alchemy spells, and the Wilderness location keeps competition low. Be cautious and prioritize safety.

Skilling for Profit

Skilling methods are AFK-friendly and great for players who prefer non-combat activities. These focus on gathering and processing resources.

5. Mining Runite Ore

Mining Runite Ore in the Wilderness Lava Maze is one of the best F2P skilling methods, offering high profits for those willing to take the risk.

• Requirements: 85 Mining, decent pickaxe (Adamant or Rune), 43 Prayer (optional for Protect from Melee).
• Estimated Profit: 200,000-300,000 GP/H.
• Steps:
  1. Travel to the Lava Maze in level 40-45 Wilderness.
  2. Mine Runite Ore veins, hopping worlds to find available rocks.
  3. Bank at Edgeville or sell directly on the GE.
• Tip: Avoid PKers by world-hopping quickly and carrying minimal gear. Use a looting bag to double your inventory capacity.

Why It Works: Runite Ore is highly valuable due to its rarity and demand for smithing. The Wilderness location adds risk but reduces competition.

Comparison of F2P Money Making Methods

To help you choose the best method, here’s a comparison table based on requirements, risk, and profit.

Method	Requirements	Estimated Profit (GP/H)	Risk Level	AFK Level
Tanning Cowhides	10 GP, no skills	100,000-150,000	Low	High
High Alching	55 Magic, 20M GP	400,000-500,000	Low	Medium
Killing Ogress Shamans	40 Combat, food	150,000-200,000	Medium	Low
Collecting Nature Runes	33 Magic, runes	130,000-200,000	High	Medium
Mining Runite Ore	85 Mining	200,000-300,000	High	Low

Tips to Maximize Your F2P Profits

Regardless of the method, these tips will help you earn more gold efficiently:

• Use RuneLite: This client offers plugins like GE price checkers, item highlighters, and world-hop timers to streamline your money-making.
• Monitor GE Prices: The OSRS economy fluctuates, so check prices daily to ensure profitability.
• Minimize Risk in Wilderness: Carry only what you’re willing to lose, use looting bags, and practice quick logouts to avoid PKers.
• Combine Methods: For example, collect cowhides while training combat or alch items between mining runs to boost GP/H.
• Invest in Bonds: Once you earn enough (8-10M GP), buy a bond for 14 days of membership to access P2P money-making methods.

Final Thoughts

Making money in OSRS F2P in 2025 is all about choosing methods that match your skills, playstyle, and risk tolerance. Tanning cowhides and high alching are great for low-effort, safe profits, while combat and Wilderness methods like killing Ogress Shamans or mining Runite Ore offer higher rewards for those with the stats and courage. Use the comparison table to pick your starting point, and leverage tools like RuneLite to stay efficient. With dedication, you’ll be well on your way to funding a bond or building a solid bank. Happy grinding, and may your inventory always be full of gold!