OSRS Herblore 99 Guide: Fastest and Cheapest Methods to Level Up

Herblore is one of the most valuable yet expensive skills in Old School RuneScape (OSRS). Whether you’re aiming to craft powerful potions for PvM, PvP, or simply want that coveted 99 skill cape, this guide will walk you through the fastest and cheapest methods to reach level 99 Herblore. Optimized for both efficiency and cost, this OSRS Herblore 99 guide is perfect for regular players and Ironmen alike. Let’s dive into the strategies, potions, and tips to make your journey to 99 as smooth as possible!

Herblore offers immense benefits in OSRS, making it a skill worth mastering. From boosting combat stats to healing in tough boss fights, potions are essential for end-game content. Here’s why you should aim for 99:

Unlock Powerful Potions

Reaching higher Herblore levels unlocks game-changing potions like Saradomin Brews, Super Combat Potions, and even Overloads (via Chambers of Xeric). These potions can turn the tide in challenging encounters.

Skill Cape Perks

The Herblore Cape at 99 provides a handy perk: a chance to create 4-dose potions instead of 3-dose when using an Amulet of Chemistry. Plus, it’s a badge of honor!

Profit Potential

While training Herblore is often costly, certain methods (like cleaning herbs or making specific potions) can yield profit, offsetting expenses as you level up.

Getting Started: Herblore Basics

Before you begin training, you need to unlock the Herblore skill and understand its mechanics. Here’s what you need to know:

Unlocking Herblore

Herblore is a members-only skill, and you must complete the Druidic Ritual quest to start. This short quest grants 250 XP, boosting you to level 3 instantly. You’ll need raw meats (bear, beef, rat, chicken) and access to Taverley Dungeon—bring some food if you’re low-level!

How Potions Work

To make potions, you’ll need:

• Vials of Water: Buy from shops or the Grand Exchange (GE).
• Herbs: Clean grimy herbs to use them.
• Secondary Ingredients: Items like eyes of newt or crushed nests.

Combine these in order, and you’ll gain XP based on the potion type.

Useful Items to Boost Training

These items can save time and money:

• Amulet of Chemistry: 5% chance to make 4-dose potions (up to 5 charges).
• Botanist’s Outfit: 6% XP boost (from Stealing Creation).
• Portable Well: 10% more XP and a chance for extra potions.

Fastest Pathway to 99 Herblore

If speed is your priority, this method focuses on high XP potions, though it’s costly. Here’s the breakdown:

Levels 3-26: Attack and Strength Potions

Start with low-level potions to build a foundation:

• Attack Potions (Level 3): Guam leaf + Eye of newt (25 XP each). Make 142 potions for 3,550 XP.
• Strength Potions (Level 12): Tarromin + Limpwurt root (40 XP each). Make 224 potions to reach level 26.

Levels 26-55: Energy and Super Attack Potions

Move to mid-tier potions:

• Energy Potions (Level 26): Harralander + Chocolate dust (67.5 XP each). Make 614 potions to level 38.
• Super Attack Potions (Level 45): Irit leaf + Eye of newt (100 XP each). Make 1,296 potions to level 55.

Levels 55-81: Super Strength and Super Restores

These potions offer solid XP rates:

• Super Strength Potions (Level 55): Kwuarm + Limpwurt root (125 XP each). Make 4,068 potions to level 76.
• Super Restore Potions (Level 63): Snapdragon + Red spider’s eggs (142.5 XP each). Make 3,500 potions to level 81.

Levels 81-99: Saradomin Brews

At level 81, switch to Saradomin Brews (Toadflax + Crushed nest, 180 XP each). You’ll need 60,232 potions to hit 99, costing around 400-500M GP depending on GE prices. This method yields 450K+ XP/hour with a Portable Well.

Cheapest Pathway to 99 Herblore

For budget-conscious players, this method minimizes costs, often turning a profit, though it’s slower.

Levels 3-38: Cleaning Herbs

Cleaning grimy herbs is profitable and low-effort:

• Guam (Level 3): 2.5 XP each, clean 3,500 for profit.
• Tarromin (Level 11): 3.8 XP each, clean 4,000 to level 25.
• Harralander (Level 20): 6.3 XP each, clean 3,000 to level 38.

Rates: ~30K XP/hour, but you’ll earn 1-2M GP.

Levels 38-66: Prayer Potions

Prayer Potions (Ranarr weed + Snape grass, 87.5 XP each) are often profitable. Make 5,500 potions to reach level 66, potentially earning 5-10M GP.

Levels 66-99: Super Defence Potions

Super Defence Potions (Cadantine + White berries, 150 XP each) are cost-effective. Make 72,278 potions to 99, costing ~50M GP or less if prices favor you.

Tips and Tricks for Efficient Herblore Training

Maximize your XP and minimize costs with these strategies:

Use Boosts and Events

Take advantage of:

• Double XP Weekends: Halves training time and cost.
• Pulse Cores: 10% XP boost when near others using them.
• Clan Avatar: 3-6% XP boost.

Ironman Considerations

For Ironmen, focus on gathering herbs and secondaries:

• Farming: Grow herbs like Ranarr and Toadflax.
• Slayer: Collect secondaries like red spider’s eggs.
• Miscellania: Set kingdom to gather herbs.

Potion Cost Table

Potion	Level	XP Each	Approx. Cost (GP)
Attack Potion	3	25	-500
Super Attack	45	100	-1,000
Super Strength	55	125	-2,000
Saradomin Brew	81	180	-7,000
Super Defence	66	150	+500

Note: Costs vary with GE prices; check daily!

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose the fastest route with Saradomin Brews or the budget-friendly Super Defence method, reaching 99 Herblore in OSRS is a rewarding grind. Plan your budget, stock up during price dips, and use boosts to speed things up. Ready to mix some potions? Let’s get that 99!