OSRS Fletching Yew Longbow Ultimate Guide

OSRS Fletching Yew Longbow Ultimate Guide

Fletching yew longbows in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a profitable and efficient way to train the Fletching skill while earning gold pieces (GP). At level 70 Fletching, players unlock the ability to craft yew longbows, which offer a balance of decent experience rates and solid profit margins. This guide dives into everything you need to know about fletching yew longbows, from requirements and methods to tips for maximizing profits and XP. Whether you’re aiming for level 99 Fletching or just looking to make some GP, this post has you covered.

Yew longbows are a popular choice for players because they strike a balance between affordability, experience gains, and profitability. Unlike lower-tier bows like oak or willow, yew longbows provide higher XP per action and can be sold for a profit on the Grand Exchange (GE) or high-alched for additional Magic XP. Here’s why they’re worth your time:

  • Profit Potential: Fletching unstrung yew longbows can yield up to 300k–500k GP per hour, depending on GE prices.
  • XP Rates: You can achieve up to 127,500 Fletching XP per hour by fletching unstrung bows or 183,750 XP per hour by stringing them.
  • Accessibility: Only level 70 Fletching is required, making it achievable for mid-level players.
  • Flexibility: Choose between fletching unstrung bows for AFK training or stringing for higher XP and profit.

Requirements for Fletching Yew Longbows

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Skill Level

You need at least level 70 Fletching to craft yew longbows. If you’re not there yet, consider fletching maple longbows (level 55) or willow longbows (level 40) to bridge the gap.

Items Needed

To fletch yew longbows, you’ll need the following items:

  • Yew logs: Purchase from the Grand Exchange or cut them yourself with 60 Woodcutting.
  • Knife: Available from the GE, general stores, or monster drops.
  • Bow strings: Required for stringing unstrung yew longbows; buy from the GE or craft via flax spinning.
  • Optional: Nature runes for High Alchemy if you plan to alch the bows.

Recommended Stats and Quests

While not mandatory, these can enhance your fletching experience:

  • 60 Woodcutting: To cut yew logs yourself, saving GP.
  • 50 Magic: For High Alchemy to convert bows into GP and gain Magic XP.
  • Kandarin Hard Diary: Completing this diary includes a task to create a yew longbow from scratch in Seers’ Village, offering additional rewards.

How to Fletch Yew Longbows Step-by-Step

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Method 1: Fletching Unstrung Yew Longbows

Fletching unstrung yew longbows is the most AFK-friendly method, ideal for players who want to multitask or minimize clicks. Here’s how it works:

  1. Purchase yew logs from the Grand Exchange (approximately 249–281 GP each, depending on market prices).
  2. Equip a knife or have it in your inventory.
  3. Use the knife on the yew logs to open the fletching interface.
  4. Select the “Yew Longbow (u)” option to craft unstrung bows.
  5. Sell the unstrung bows on the GE (around 397 GP each) or high-alch them for 384 GP each.

XP and Profit: This method yields 75 Fletching XP per log and up to 1,500 bows per hour, equating to 112,500 XP/hour. Profit can reach 300k–500k GP/hour based on GE prices.

Method 2: Stringing Yew Longbows

Stringing yew longbows is more click-intensive but offers higher XP and profit. Follow these steps:

  1. Buy yew longbows (u) and bow strings from the GE (bow strings cost around 70 GP each).
  2. Use the unstrung yew longbows on the bow strings to create completed yew longbows.
  3. Sell the finished bows on the GE (approximately 506 GP each) or high-alch for 768 GP each.

XP and Profit: Stringing provides 75 XP per bow, and with up to 2,400 bows per hour, you can achieve 180,000 XP/hour. Profits range from 250k–331k GP/hour, with high-alching potentially adding 80k Magic XP/hour.

Combining Both Methods

For maximum XP, you can fletch and string yew longbows from scratch:

  1. Cut or buy yew logs and use a knife to craft unstrung yew longbows (75 XP per log).
  2. String the unstrung bows with bow strings (additional 75 XP per bow).
  3. Sell or alch the finished yew longbows.

XP and Profit: This method grants 150 XP per log. With efficient banking, you can process around 1,200 logs per hour, yielding 180,000 XP/hour and profits up to 264k GP per log when sold on the GE.

Profit and XP Comparison Table

Here’s a breakdown of the two main methods for fletching yew longbows, based on approximate GE prices as of May 2025:

Method XP per Hour GP per Hour Click Intensity High Alchemy Option
Fletching Unstrung Yew Longbows 112,500 300k–500k Low (AFK) 384 GP per bow (65k Magic XP/hour)
Stringing Yew Longbows 180,000 250k–331k High 768 GP per bow (80k Magic XP/hour)
Combined (Fletch + String) 180,000 264k Moderate 768 GP per bow (80k Magic XP/hour)

Note: Prices fluctuate, so check the Grand Exchange for real-time data before investing.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency and Profits

Optimize Your Setup

To fletch faster and earn more, consider these strategies:

  • Bank at the Grand Exchange: Train at the GE for quick access to materials and instant selling.

  • Use Mouse Keys: For stringing, mouse keys can reduce click strain and speed up the process.
  • Stock Up: Buy yew logs and bow strings in bulk to avoid GE buy limits and price spikes.

High Alchemy vs. Selling

Deciding whether to sell or alch depends on your goals:

  • Selling on GE: Usually more profitable due to market demand, especially for unstrung bows.
  • High Alchemy: Offers Magic XP (up to 65k–80k per hour) but may result in a slight loss if nature runes are bought (e.g., 217 GP each). Check alch prices vs. GE prices before committing.

Ironman Considerations

For Ironman accounts, fletching yew longbows is still viable but requires more prep:

  • Woodcutting: Cut yew logs at locations like Varrock, Catherby, or the Woodcutting Guild (level 60 Woodcutting required).
  • Bow Strings: Gather flax from places like Seers’ Village and spin it into bow strings using a spinning wheel (e.g., Lumbridge Castle).
  • High Alchemy: Use yew longbows for alching to fund other skills, as Ironmen can’t rely on GE sales.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Maximize your gains by steering clear of these pitfalls:

  • Ignoring GE Prices: Always check live prices for yew logs, unstrung bows, and bow strings before starting. Price fluctuations can turn a profit into a loss.
  • Overbuying Supplies: Test methods with small batches (e.g., 100 logs) to confirm profitability before committing millions of GP.
  • Stringing Low-Tier Bows: Avoid stringing bows below yew level (e.g., willow or maple) as they often result in losses.

  • Neglecting Banking Time: XP rates assume minimal banking. Use a bank close to your fletching spot to maintain efficiency.

Fletching yew longbows in OSRS is a rewarding way to train Fletching while padding your bank with GP. Whether you prefer the AFK ease of fletching unstrung bows or the high XP of stringing, this method offers flexibility for all playstyles. Start at the Grand Exchange, monitor prices, and decide whether to sell or alch based on your goals. With the right setup, you’ll be on your way to 99 Fletching and a hefty profit. Happy fletching!