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OSRS Ironman Magic Training Guide: Best Methods for 2025

Training Magic as an Ironman in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a unique challenge due to the self-sufficient nature of the game mode. Unlike regular accounts, Ironmen can’t rely on the Grand Exchange for runes or gear, making efficient training methods and resource management critical. Whether you’re aiming for level 99 Magic or just want to unlock key spells like High Alchemy or Ice Barrage, this guide covers the best strategies for Ironman Magic training in 2025. From early-game questing to late-game Slayer bursting, we’ve got you covered with practical tips tailored to the Ironman experience.
Magic is one of the most versatile skills in OSRS, especially for Ironmen. It unlocks powerful combat spells, essential teleports, and utility spells like High Alchemy and Superglass Make. For Ironmen, Magic is also a gateway to efficient Slayer training and bossing, offering both offensive power and practical benefits. However, the challenge lies in acquiring runes, which requires creative approaches like questing, shop runs, and Slayer drops. Let’s dive into the best ways to level up your Magic skill efficiently.
Key Benefits of Magic for Ironmen
- Combat Power: Spells like Iban’s Blast and Ice Barrage dominate PvM encounters.
- Teleportation: Spells like Teleport to House save time and resources.
- Utility: High Alchemy turns junk into gold, while Superglass Make boosts Crafting.
- Self-Sufficiency: Magic training often pairs with other skills like Slayer or Smithing.
Early-Game Magic Training (Levels 1–55)
The early levels of Magic training for Ironmen focus on minimizing rune costs while maximizing experience. Since rune supplies are limited, you’ll need to leverage quests, low-cost spells, and free methods like the Arceuus Library. Here’s how to get started.
Questing for Quick Levels
Quests are an Ironman’s best friend for skipping the slow early grind. Completing these quests can boost you to level 34 Magic with minimal effort:
- Witch’s Potion: 325 XP
- Imp Catcher: 875 XP
- The Grand Tree: 2,150 XP (requires safe-spotting a level 172 Black Demon)
- Fight Arena: 2,175 XP
- Waterfall Quest: No Magic XP, but great for early combat stats to pair with Magic training
Total XP from these quests can exceed 20,000 with additional options like Vampire Slayer, putting you well on your way to level 34. Use an elemental staff (e.g., Staff of Air from Zaff in Varrock) to save runes during combat.
Arceuus Library: Free XP
Once you’ve got some base levels, head to the Arceuus Library in Kourend. This method is completely free and offers up to 20,000–30,000 XP per hour at lower levels. Using the RuneLite plugin to locate books makes it even more efficient. It’s a great way to conserve runes while progressing toward level 55 for High Alchemy.
Combat Training with Strike Spells
For active training, use strike spells (e.g., Fire Strike) on safe-spottable monsters. Good targets include:
- Sand Crabs: Low Magic defense, easy to safe-spot on Fossil Island.
- Ogress Warriors: Drop runes and alchable items to offset costs.
- Blue Dragons: Safe-spot in Taverley Dungeon for dragon bones and hides.
Fund rune costs with early money-makers like the Stronghold of Security (10,000 coins) or Agility Pyramid (up to 200,000 GP/hour).
Mid-Game Magic Training (Levels 55–70)
By level 55, you’ve unlocked High Alchemy, a game-changer for Ironmen. This stage focuses on balancing XP gains with resource generation, preparing you for powerful spells like Iban’s Blast and Burst spells.
High Alchemy: Profit and XP
High Alchemy offers 65 XP per cast and turns unwanted items into gold. Stock up on nature runes from shops (e.g., Mage Arena or Ali Morrisane after The Feud) and alch profitable drops like:
- Unstrung Maple Longbows: From Fletching or Slayer drops.
- Gold Bracelets: Crafted from gold bars.
- Battlestaves: Rare drops from Slayer or PvM.
Aim for 60,000–70,000 XP/hour while multitasking with skills like Agility or Slayer.
Mage Training Arena (MTA)
The Mage Training Arena is a goldmine for Ironmen, offering decent XP and valuable rewards like Infinity Boots and Bones to Peaches. Start at level 33 with Telekinetic Grab (18,000 XP/hour), then switch to Alchemy Room at 55 (up to 100,000 XP/hour with High Alch). Key rewards include:
Reward | Level Required | Pizzazz Points Needed |
---|---|---|
Infinity Boots | 33+ | 120 Telekinetic, 150 Alchemist |
Bones to Peaches | 60 | 200 Telekinetic, 300 Alchemist |
Master Wand | 68+ | 240 Telekinetic, 240 Alchemist |
Bring law, nature, and cosmic runes (stockpile from Slayer or shops) to maximize efficiency.
Superheating for Dual Skill Gains
Superheat Item (level 43) offers 53 XP per cast and trains Smithing alongside Magic. Mine iron or gold ore and superheat into bars for up to 75,000 Magic XP/hour. Nature runes are the bottleneck, so prioritize Runecrafting or Slayer drops to sustain this method.
Late-Game Magic Training (Levels 70–99)
At higher levels, Magic training becomes more passive, often tied to Slayer and PvM. Bursting and barraging are the fastest methods, but they require significant rune investment. Here’s how to hit 99 efficiently.
Bursting Slayer Tasks
At level 70, unlock Ice Burst (Ancient Magicks) and burst multi-combat Slayer tasks like Dust Devils or Nechryaels. Expect 150,000–200,000 XP/hour with a Slayer Helm for boosted accuracy. Key spots include:
- Dust Devils (Catacombs of Kourend): Drops alchables and runes.
- Nechryaels (Slayer Tower): High-value seed drops.
Use blood and death runes from Barrows or Guardians of the Rift to keep costs manageable.
Barraging to 99
At level 94, Ice Barrage becomes available, pushing XP rates to 200,000–250,000/hour. Target Maniacal Monkeys in Kruk’s Dungeon (MM2 caves) for peak efficiency. Pair with a Bonecrusher for passive Prayer XP. Stockpile blood runes via Runecrafting or PvM drops to sustain this costly but rapid method.
Passive Training via PvM
Magic XP accumulates naturally from bossing and teleports. Focus on:
- Barrows: Use Iban’s Blast for 25,000 XP/hour plus runes and gear.
- Kraken: Trident of the Seas racks up XP while farming gp.
- Zulrah: High Magic XP with massive loot potential.
Rune Acquisition Strategies for Ironmen
Runes are the lifeblood of Magic training, and Ironmen need reliable sources. Here’s how to stock up without breaking the bank.
Shop Runs
Buy runes from these shops:
- Zaff’s Staffs (Varrock): Elemental runes and staffs.
- Mage Arena (Wilderness): Law, nature, and cosmic runes.
- Ali Morrisane (Al Kharid): Post-The Feud, great for laws and natures.
Runecrafting and Guardians of the Rift
Runecrafting is the most sustainable option. At level 54, craft law runes, or play Guardians of the Rift for a mix of runes and XP (up to 40,000 Runecrafting XP/hour). Prioritize nature, law, and blood runes for late-game needs.
Slayer and PvM Drops
Monsters like Ogress Warriors, Barrows Brothers, and high-level Slayer tasks drop runes in bulk. Save these for bursting or alching to stretch your supplies.
Tips for Efficient Ironman Magic Training
Maximize your Magic grind with these pro tips:
- Multitask: Alch while training Agility or doing farm runs.
- Prioritize MTA Early: Get rewards like Bones to Peaches before late-game grinds.
- Use RuneLite: Plugins for Arceuus Library and MTA save time.
- Save Runes: Use elemental staffs and avoid wasteful methods like splashing.
- Plan Ahead: Stockpile runes for bursting/barraging before hitting 70+.
Training Magic as an Ironman in OSRS is a rewarding journey that blends combat, utility, and resource management. From humble Fire Strikes to devastating Ice Barrages, each level brings new opportunities. Start with quests and free methods, transition to High Alchemy and MTA, then dominate with Slayer and PvM. With smart rune management and a bit of patience, you’ll hit 99 Magic in no time. Happy training, Ironmen!