OSRS Fletching Guide 1-99: Fastest and Most Profitable Methods

Fletching is one of the fastest and easiest skills to train in Old School RuneScape (OSRS). Whether you’re aiming for the coveted level 99 skill cape, looking to make some gold, or simply want to craft your own ranged weapons and ammo, this comprehensive OSRS Fletching Guide 1-99 has you covered. We’ll explore the fastest methods, profitable options, and alternative approaches to suit different playstyles, all while keeping your journey efficient and enjoyable. Let’s dive into the world of fletching and get you from level 1 to 99 in no time!
Fletching isn’t just about hitting 99—it’s a versatile skill with practical benefits. It allows you to craft arrows, bolts, darts, and bows, which are essential for training Ranged, another key combat skill. Plus, it can be a money-maker if you play your cards right. Here’s why fletching is worth your time:
- Speed: Fletching offers some of the highest XP rates in OSRS, making it one of the quickest 99s.
- Profit Potential: Certain methods can net you millions of GP while leveling.
- Zero-Time Training: You can fletch while doing other activities like Agility or questing, maximizing efficiency.
- Utility: Craft your own ammo and weapons, saving gold in the long run.
Key Items for Fletching
Before we jump into the methods, you’ll need a few essentials:
- Knife: The basic tool for cutting logs into arrow shafts or unstrung bows.
- Logs: Various types (regular, oak, willow, etc.) depending on your level.
- Feathers: Used for arrows, darts, and bolts—buy them cheap from shops or the GE.
- Bowstrings: For stringing bows, craftable via Crafting or purchasable.
Fastest Path to 99 Fletching
If speed is your goal, this section outlines the quickest way to reach 99 Fletching. These methods prioritize XP rates over cost, so be prepared to spend some gold. The world record for 1-99 Fletching is just over 3 hours, achieved with darts, but for most players, this path takes 12-18 hours with realistic effort.
Levels 1-10: Arrow Shafts
Start by cutting regular logs into arrow shafts. Each log yields 15 shafts, granting 5 XP per log.
- XP/Hour: ~15,000
- Materials: 174 logs (buy from GE or chop yourself)
- Cost: Minimal, especially if you woodcut your own logs
Levels 10-22: Bronze Darts
Switch to fletching bronze darts by combining feathers with bronze dart tips (requires completion of The Tourist Trap quest).
- XP/Hour: Up to 388,800 (with intense focus)
- Materials: 1,200 feathers and bronze dart tips
- Cost: ~300-400K GP (prices fluctuate, check GE)
Levels 22-37: Iron Darts
Move to iron darts for faster XP and reasonable costs.
- XP/Hour: ~450,000
- Materials: 3,600 feathers and iron dart tips
- Cost: ~1M GP
Levels 37-52: Steel Darts
Steel darts offer a balance of speed and cost efficiency.
- XP/Hour: ~600,000
- Materials: 12,000 feathers and steel dart tips
- Cost: ~3-4M GP
Levels 52-99: Mithril Darts
From 52 to 99, mithril darts reign supreme for their high XP rates and manageable cost. This is the go-to method for speedrunners.
- XP/Hour: ~1,000,000 (up to 1.5M with perfect clicks)
- Materials: ~650,000 feathers and mithril dart tips
- Cost: ~150-200M GP (bulk buy to avoid GE limits)
Tip: Use mouse keys or a touchscreen device to alternate clicks between feathers and dart tips for maximum efficiency.
Profitable Fletching Methods
Not everyone wants to burn through their gold stack. If you’d rather make a profit while training, these methods are for you. They’re slower but can leave you richer by the time you hit 99.
Levels 1-25: Headless Arrows
Combine arrow shafts with feathers to make headless arrows. They’re stackable and profitable.
- XP/Hour: ~45,000
- Materials: 2,500 arrow shafts and feathers
- Profit: ~20-30K GP
Levels 25-40: Oak Longbows
Fletch oak logs into unstrung longbows, then string them with bowstrings.
- XP/Hour: ~40,000 (stringing)
- Materials: 1,500 oak logs and bowstrings
Profit: ~50-100K GP
Levels 40-70: Willow Longbows
Willow longbows offer decent XP and consistent profit.
- XP/Hour: ~70,000
- Materials: 15,000 willow logs and bowstrings
- Profit: ~1-2M GP
Levels 70-99: Magic Longbows
Stringing magic longbows is the gold standard for profit. High alch them or sell on the GE.
- XP/Hour: ~195,000
- Materials: 106,840 magic logs and bowstrings
- Profit: ~10-15M GP
Note: Check GE prices regularly, as profit margins can shift.
Alternative and AFK Methods
For those who prefer a more relaxed pace or want to multitask, these AFK-friendly methods let you train Fletching without constant clicking.
Levels 1-25: Bronze Arrows
Fletch bronze arrows by combining headless arrows with bronze arrowtips.
- XP/Hour: ~55,000
- Materials: 2,500 headless arrows and bronze arrowtips
- Cost: ~50-100K GP
Levels 25-40: Battlestaves
Craft battlestaves from celastrus bark (level 40+). It’s slow but very AFK.
- XP/Hour: ~100,000
- Materials: 3,000 celastrus bark
- Cost: ~2-3M GP
Levels 40-92: Unstrung Bows
Cut logs into unstrung bows (willow, maple, yew) for a laid-back approach.
Level | Bow Type | XP/Hour | Cost/Profit |
---|---|---|---|
40-50 | Willow Longbow (u) | ~70,000 | Breakeven |
50-70 | Maple Longbow (u) | ~100,000 | Small profit |
70-92 | Yew Longbow (u) | ~150,000 | ~1-2M GP profit |
Levels 92-99: Redwood Shields
Fletch redwood logs into shields for a high-XP, AFK method.
- XP/Hour: ~168,000
- Materials: 60,346 redwood logs
- Cost: ~6-8M GP
Tips and Tricks for Efficient Fletching
Maximize your Fletching gains with these pro tips:
Zero-Time Training
Fletching darts, bolts, or headless arrows can be done while running around Gielinor. Pair it with:
- Agility: Fletch between obstacles.
- Farming: During tree/herb runs.
- Questing: While traveling between objectives.
Quest XP Boosts
Complete these quests for free XP to skip early levels:
- Animal Magnetism: 1,000 XP (level 5+)
- Big Chompy Bird Hunting: 262 XP (level 5+)
- Temple of Ikov: 8,000 XP (level 25+)
- The Fremennik Trials: 2,812 XP (level 25+)
GE Price Tracking
Use a Fletching calculator or check the Grand Exchange daily. Prices for dart tips, logs, and bowstrings fluctuate, affecting both cost and profit.
With this OSRS Fletching Guide 1-99, you’re equipped to choose your path—whether it’s blazing through with darts, profiting with bows, or chilling with AFK methods. Fletching is a skill that rewards preparation and adaptability, so tweak your approach based on your goals and bank balance. Happy fletching, and see you at the top with that shiny 99 cape!