OSRS Pyramid Plunder Money Making: A Comprehensive Guide to Maximizing Profits

Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers a variety of money-making methods, but few combine skill training with profit potential as effectively as Pyramid Plunder. Located in the Jalsavrah Pyramid in Sophanem, this Thieving minigame is a hidden gem for players looking to earn gold pieces (GP) while leveling up their Thieving skill. Whether you’re an Ironman chasing the elusive Pharaoh’s Sceptre or a main account player seeking steady income, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about OSRS Pyramid Plunder money making. From requirements to strategies, loot breakdowns, and profit estimates, we’ve got you covered.

Pyramid Plunder is a Thieving-based minigame set in the desert city of Sophanem, accessible after starting the Icthlarin’s Little Helper quest. Players have five minutes to navigate through eight rooms of increasing difficulty, looting urns, chests, and sarcophagi for artifacts. These artifacts can be sold for GP, and rare drops like the Pharaoh’s Sceptre offer massive payouts. It’s a low-competition method compared to overcrowded activities like killing bosses or pickpocketing Ardy Knights, making it an attractive option for consistent earnings.

Why Choose Pyramid Plunder for Money Making?

• Dual Benefits: Earn GP while training Thieving, one of the fastest skills to level in OSRS.
• Low Competition: Unlike popular methods like Vorkath or Zulrah, Pyramid Plunder worlds are rarely crowded.
• Rare Drops: The Pharaoh’s Sceptre, worth 4-5 million GP, adds a lucrative jackpot element.
• Scalability: Profits increase with higher Thieving levels, making it rewarding for dedicated players.

Requirements and Preparation for Pyramid Plunder

Before diving into Pyramid Plunder, you’ll need to meet some basic requirements and gather the right gear. Proper preparation ensures you maximize both your XP and GP per hour.

Skill and Quest Requirements

• Thieving Level: Minimum of 21 to enter, but 71+ is recommended for decent profits and XP.
• Quest: Start Icthlarin’s Little Helper to access Sophanem. Completing Contact! unlocks a nearby bank for efficiency.
• Prayer (Optional): 43 Prayer for Protect from Melee to negate damage from mummies and scarabs.

Recommended Gear and Inventory

Your setup can make or break your Pyramid Plunder runs. Here’s what to bring:

• Weight-Reducing Gear: Graceful outfit or similar to maintain run energy.
• Stamina Potions: Keep your energy topped up for faster room transitions.
• Food: Sharks or better to heal from trap damage or scarab swarms.
• Anti-Poison: Serpentine helm, antipoison potions, or a Prayer Book with Holy Symbol to cure poison.
• Teleport: Pharaoh’s Sceptre (if you have it) or a House Teleport tab for quick banking.

How to Make Money with Pyramid Plunder

The core of Pyramid Plunder money making lies in looting artifacts and selling them to Simon Templeton near the Agility Pyramid. Rare drops like the Pharaoh’s Sceptre amplify your earnings, but even standard loot provides a steady income.

Step-by-Step Strategy

1. Get to Sophanem: Use a Pharaoh’s Sceptre teleport, magic carpet from Pollnivneach, or fairy ring code AKP (requires 62 Agility and Beneath Cursed Sands).
2. Start the Minigame: Speak to the Guardian Mummy behind one of the four anonymous doors in the Jalsavrah Pyramid.
3. Navigate Rooms: Rush through lower rooms, looting golden chests en route for a chance at the sceptre. Focus on urns in your second-highest and highest accessible rooms for maximum efficiency.
4. Loot Smart: Prioritize urns over sarcophagi unless hunting the sceptre, as sarcophagi take longer and often fail.
5. Bank and Sell: Teleport to a bank (e.g., Sophanem Dungeon via Contact!), then sell artifacts to Simon Templeton.

Loot Breakdown and GP Value

Here’s a table of common artifacts and their sell values to Simon Templeton:

Note: The Pharaoh’s Sceptre is a rare drop from golden chests and sarcophagi, tradable on the Grand Exchange for millions, while other artifacts are sold directly to Simon.

Profit Estimates and Efficiency Tips

Profits from Pyramid Plunder vary based on your Thieving level, strategy, and luck with sceptre drops. Let’s break it down.

GP Per Hour by Thieving Level

• Level 71-80: 300k-500k GP/hour from artifacts alone, with occasional sceptre boosts.
• Level 81-90: 500k-700k GP/hour as higher rooms yield better loot.
• Level 91+: 700k-1M GP/hour, with sceptre drops pushing it higher (averaging under 1M without).

These estimates exclude sceptre drops, which can spike your hourly rate significantly. At 91+ Thieving, looting all urns in Room 8 and golden chests from Room 4 onward maximizes both XP (up to 270k/hour) and GP.

Tips to Boost Efficiency

• Use Runelite: Plugins like the Pyramid Plunder overlay highlight doors and track your timer.
• Avoid Sarcophagi: Unless chasing the sceptre, skip them to save time.
• Bank Nearby: Post-Contact!, use the Sophanem Dungeon bank to minimize travel time.
• Optimize Routes: Memorize room layouts to quickly find the next door.

Comparing Pyramid Plunder to Other Money-Making Methods

How does Pyramid Plunder stack up against other OSRS money makers? Let’s compare it to popular alternatives.

Pyramid Plunder vs. Pickpocketing Elves

Pickpocketing Elves in Prifddinas (requires 85 Thieving and Song of the Elves) can yield 2-3M GP/hour at 99 Thieving with the Rogues’ Outfit. However, it’s highly click-intensive and lacks the rare drop excitement of Pyramid Plunder. Pyramid Plunder offers lower consistent GP (under 1M/hour) but better XP and a less repetitive experience.

Pyramid Plunder vs. Bossing (Vorkath)

Vorkath, a high-level boss, nets 3-4M GP/hour with good gear and experience. It requires significant investment (70+ stats, Dragonfire protection) and carries risk, unlike the safer, low-entry Pyramid Plunder. For players not ready for bossing, Pyramid Plunder is a solid alternative.

Final Verdict

Pyramid Plunder shines as a hybrid method: it’s not the top GP/hour in OSRS, but its blend of profit, XP, and accessibility makes it ideal for mid-to-high-level players seeking variety.

In conclusion, OSRS Pyramid Plunder money making is a rewarding endeavor for Thieving enthusiasts. With the right setup, strategy, and a bit of luck, you can turn this minigame into a reliable gold mine. Whether you’re banking on steady artifact sales or dreaming of that Pharaoh’s Sceptre drop, Pyramid Plunder offers a unique and engaging way to build your wealth in Gielinor. Start plundering today and see how far the desert treasures can take you!