OSRS Ironman Firemaking Guide: Best Methods for 1-99

OSRS Ironman Firemaking Guide: Best Methods for 1-99


For Ironman players in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), training Firemaking is a unique journey due to the self-sufficient nature of the game mode. Unlike regular accounts, Ironmen can’t rely on the Grand Exchange to buy logs, making efficient training methods crucial. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best strategies to level Firemaking from 1 to 99 as an Ironman, focusing on practical approaches like Wintertodt, conventional log burning, and alternative methods. Whether you’re a regular Ironman, Hardcore, or Ultimate, you’ll find tailored tips to maximize experience and resources. Let’s dive into the fiery world of OSRS Ironman Firemaking!

Firemaking might seem like a secondary skill in OSRS, but for Ironmen, it offers more than just a cape at 99. It’s often one of the first skills trained due to its synergy with early-game resource gathering and the rewards from Wintertodt. Here’s why it’s worth your attention:

Early-Game Benefits

Training Firemaking early unlocks access to Wintertodt at level 50, a minigame that provides coins, logs, seeds, herbs, and more—vital supplies for a self-sufficient Ironman. Plus, the low Hitpoints strategy (staying at 10 HP) makes Wintertodt safer and more efficient, setting you up for success.

Quest and Diary Requirements

Firemaking is required for quests like Enlightened Journey (level 20) and diaries like the Morytania Elite Diary (level 80). These milestones offer long-term benefits, making it a skill you can’t ignore.

Getting Started: Levels 1-50

The early levels of Firemaking for Ironmen are all about building a foundation. Since you can’t buy logs, you’ll need to chop them yourself or use world spawns. Here’s how to get to level 50 efficiently:

Levels 1-15: Lumbridge Logs

Start at the top of Lumbridge Castle, where logs spawn regularly. Use a tinderbox (grab one from Tutorial Island or a general store) to light them. Hop worlds to keep the supply flowing. This method gets you to level 15 in about 15-20 minutes.

  • XP Rate: ~10k XP/hour
  • Requirements: Tinderbox
  • Tip: Bank the ashes for later use in Herblore or sell them if you’re desperate for coins.

Levels 15-35: Oak Logs

Switch to oak logs, which require 15 Woodcutting and Firemaking. Chop oaks near Lumbridge or south of Varrock and burn them as you go. This pairs nicely with Woodcutting training and takes you to level 35 in a couple of hours.

  • XP Rate: ~30k XP/hour
  • Requirements: Steel axe (buy from Bob in Lumbridge for 200 GP), 15 Woodcutting
  • Tip: Complete Monk’s Friend for bonus Woodcutting XP to speed things up.

Levels 35-50: Teak Logs

At 35 Woodcutting and Firemaking, head southwest of Castle Wars or the Isle of Souls to cut and burn teak logs. These offer better XP than oaks and prepare you for Wintertodt. Expect to hit 50 in a few hours.

  • XP Rate: ~50k XP/hour
  • Requirements: 35 Woodcutting, steel axe
  • Tip: Use Forestry worlds for faster log gathering if available.

Wintertodt: The Ironman’s Firemaking Haven (50-99)

Once you hit level 50, Wintertodt becomes the go-to method for most Ironmen. This skilling boss in northern Zeah offers fast XP, minimal supply costs, and a treasure trove of loot. Here’s how to master it:

Preparation for Wintertodt

Before heading to Wintertodt, gear up:

  • Warm Clothing: Clue hunter outfit (dig north of Ardougne), Santa hat, or pyromancer gear (earned from Wintertodt itself).
  • Axe: Steel or better (rune if you’ve got it from the Woodcutting Guild later).
  • Food: Cakes (steal from Ardougne) or fish from early Fishing training.
  • Hitpoints: Stay at 10 HP for minimal damage; heal with low-tier food.

Wintertodt Strategy

Join an official Wintertodt world (307, 309, 311, 389) for fast 4-minute rounds. Chop bruma roots, light braziers, and repair them as needed. Solo rounds are an option for more Construction XP, but they’re slower for Firemaking.

Method XP/Hour Pros Cons
Mass Rounds 250k-300k Fast XP, decent loot Less Construction XP
Solo Rounds 100k-150k High Construction XP Slower Firemaking XP

Rewards and Scaling

Wintertodt crates scale with your skill levels (e.g., high Fishing yields swordfish). Keep seeds and herbs for Farming and Herblore, and bank coins for early-game cash. Aim for 60 Woodcutting (around 88-90 Firemaking) to access the Woodcutting Guild for better axes.

Alternative Methods: Beyond Wintertodt

Not keen on Wintertodt grind? Here are viable alternatives for Ironmen who want variety or have specific goals:

Conventional Log Burning

Cut and burn higher-tier logs like magic or redwood from Woodcutting or monster drops. This is slower but useful if you’re saving logs for Fletching or birdhouse runs.

  • Magic Logs: 303.8 XP each, ~150k XP/hour
  • Redwood Logs: 350 XP each, ~100k XP/hour
  • Tip: Burn at the Grand Exchange for quick banking.

Forestry Bonfires

With Forestry, light a fire and add logs to create a bonfire for 1/3rd the XP of regular burning. It’s AFK-friendly but requires more logs, so pair it with Woodcutting.

  • XP Rate: ~50k-80k XP/hour (varies by log type)
  • Requirements: Tinderbox, logs
  • Tip: Use near a bank like Varrock Square.

Tips and Tricks for Ironman Firemaking

To optimize your Firemaking journey, consider these Ironman-specific strategies:

Resource Management

Logs are precious for birdhouse runs and Fletching, so prioritize Wintertodt to conserve them. Bank extra logs from Wintertodt rather than burning them unless you’re rushing 99.

Low HP Advantage

Keep Hitpoints at 10 for Wintertodt. The warmth meter (added October 2024) negates high HP penalties, but low HP still reduces damage taken, saving food.

Construction Synergy

Repair braziers at Wintertodt for Construction XP. Aim for a few levels (e.g., 20-30) before heavy grinding to boost crate rewards.

Hardcore and Ultimate Ironman Notes

  • Hardcore: Stick to solo Wintertodt early to avoid death risks in crowded worlds.
  • Ultimate: Solo Wintertodt to manage limited inventory; drop low-value items from crates.

With these methods, reaching 99 Firemaking as an Ironman is not only achievable but also rewarding. Wintertodt will likely be your mainstay, offering 50-99 in about 40-50 hours at peak efficiency. Pair it with early log burning and occasional alternatives, and you’ll be sporting that Firemaking Cape in no time. Happy burning, Ironmen!