OSRS Ironman Adamant Axe Guide

For Ironman players in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the adamant axe is a critical mid-level tool for Woodcutting. Unlike regular accounts, Ironmen must rely on self-sufficiency, making the journey to obtain an adamant axe both challenging and rewarding. This guide dives into everything you need to know about acquiring, using, and optimizing the adamant axe as an Ironman, with tips tailored for both members and free-to-play (F2P) players. Whether you’re chopping oaks or aiming for higher Woodcutting levels, this blog post will help you navigate the process efficiently.

The adamant axe, requiring level 31 Woodcutting to use and level 30 Attack to wield as a weapon, is a significant upgrade over steel and mithril axes. It offers faster chopping speeds, which is crucial for Ironmen who need logs for Firemaking, Fletching, or Construction. For F2P Ironmen, it’s the second-best axe available (behind the rune axe), making it a key milestone. For members, it’s a stepping stone to the rune axe and beyond, but its accessibility makes it a practical choice for mid-game progression.

Key Benefits of the Adamant Axe

• Faster Woodcutting: Cuts logs quicker than lower-tier axes, boosting experience rates.
• Versatility: Useful for both skilling and combat (with decent slash attack bonuses).
• Accessibility: Obtainable through multiple methods, even for F2P players.

Experience Rates with Adamant Axe

At level 35 Woodcutting, players can expect around 115,000 XP per hour when using an adamant axe on willow trees, compared to roughly 100,000 XP per hour with a mithril axe. This efficiency saves hours of training time, especially for Ironmen who can’t buy logs from the Grand Exchange.

How to Obtain an Adamant Axe as an Ironman

Ironmen can’t trade or use the Grand Exchange for items (except bonds), so acquiring an adamant axe requires specific methods. Below, we explore the primary ways to get one, with options for both members and F2P players.

Method 1: Purchasing from Shops

For members, the easiest way to get an adamant axe is by purchasing it from Perry’s Chop-chop Shop in the Woodcutting Guild, located in Hosidius. This requires level 60 Woodcutting to enter the guild, which can be a grind with a mithril or steel axe. The axe costs 4,096 GP, so ensure you have enough coins from questing or skilling.

Method 2: Monster Drops (Members Only)

Members can farm adamant axes as drops from certain monsters. The most reliable source is the Tree Spirit in the Enchanted Valley (accessed via Fairy Ring code BKQ). Tree Spirits have a 1/128 drop rate for adamant axes, making them a decent target for mid-level Ironmen. You’ll need to unlock Fairy Rings (started via Fairy Tale Part I) and have combat stats around level 50–60 to kill them efficiently.

• Alternative Monsters: Iron Dragons and Steel Dragons also drop adamant axes, but their high combat levels and locations (Brimhaven Dungeon) make them less practical for early-game Ironmen.

Method 3: Crafting via Smithing (F2P Friendly)

For F2P Ironmen, crafting an adamant axe through Smithing is the only viable option. This requires level 71 Smithing, 1 adamantite bar, and a hammer. Here’s a step-by-step process:

1. Mine Adamantite Ore: Requires level 70 Mining. The best F2P spot is the Mining Guild (Falador) or the Wilderness (high risk).
2. Smelt the Ore: Use a furnace (e.g., Al Kharid) with 6 coal to create an adamantite bar.
3. Smith the Axe: At level 71 Smithing, use the bar on an anvil to craft the axe.

This method is time-consuming due to the high skill requirements, but it’s the only path for F2P players. Members can also use this method but typically opt for faster options like drops or shops.

Training Woodcutting to Use the Adamant Axe

Before you can wield an adamant axe, you need level 31 Woodcutting. Here’s an efficient training path for Ironmen to reach this milestone and beyond.

Early Levels (1–30)

Start by chopping regular trees (1–15) in areas like Lumbridge or Draynor Village. Move to oak trees (15–30) near Varrock or Draynor for better XP. Use a steel axe from Bob’s Brilliant Axes (200 GP) to speed things up. Questing, like completing The Grand Tree, can also provide early Woodcutting XP.

Mid Levels (30–60)

Once you hit level 30, switch to willow trees in Draynor Village or Port Sarim for optimal XP (up to 67.5 XP per log). With an adamant axe at level 31, you’ll notice a significant speed increase. Aim for level 60 to access the Woodcutting Guild, where you can buy the axe if you haven’t obtained it yet.

Optimizing Adamant Axe Usage

Once you have the adamant axe, maximize its potential with these strategies to boost efficiency and progress your Ironman account.

Combine with Firemaking

Burn the logs you chop for Firemaking XP (willow logs give 90 XP each at level 30 Firemaking). This is especially useful for Ironmen aiming to subdue Wintertodt, which offers valuable skilling supplies and cash. Set up in Draynor Village to bank logs for Fletching or Construction if needed.

Leverage the Woodcutting Guild

Members with level 60 Woodcutting should train in the Woodcutting Guild. It offers a +7 invisible Woodcutting boost, increasing chopping speed by about 10%. The guild also has teak and mahogany trees, which provide better XP than willows (up to 120,000 XP/hour with an adamant axe).

Quest for Efficiency

Complete quests like Animal Magnetism or Monkey Madness I to unlock better training methods or items (e.g., Ava’s device or dragon axe later). These quests also provide combat XP, which helps if you’re farming Tree Spirits for the axe.

Transitioning to the Rune Axe

While the adamant axe is a solid mid-game tool, Ironmen should plan for the rune axe (level 41 Woodcutting) to further boost efficiency. Here’s how to prepare for the upgrade.

Grind to Level 60 Woodcutting

Use the adamant axe to train on willows or teaks until level 60. This unlocks the Woodcutting Guild shop, where you can buy a rune axe for 40,960 GP. Alternatively, farm Tree Spirits for a chance at a rune axe drop (1/128 rate, same as adamant).

Smithing Route for F2P

F2P Ironmen must craft a rune axe, requiring level 86 Smithing and runite ore from Kirif’s Wilderness spot (level 85 Mining). This is a long grind, so members are better off using the guild or drops.

Long-Term Goal: Dragon Axe

For members, the dragon axe (level 61 Woodcutting) is the next big upgrade, offering a 10% faster chopping speed than the rune axe. Obtain it via Wintertodt (1/10,000 rate) or Dagannoth Kings (1/128 rate). Start preparing by training Firemaking at Wintertodt or boosting combat stats for bossing.

The adamant axe is a game-changer for OSRS Ironman players, bridging the gap between early-game struggles and mid-game efficiency. By purchasing it from the Woodcutting Guild, farming drops, or crafting it through Smithing, you can significantly improve your Woodcutting XP rates. Combine smart training methods, like using the Woodcutting Guild or burning logs for Firemaking, to maximize its value. As you progress, keep an eye on the rune axe and beyond to continue your Ironman journey. Happy chopping!