Ultimate Guide to Group Ironman in OSRS: Tips, Strategies, and More

Ultimate Guide to Group Ironman in OSRS: Tips, Strategies, and More


Group Ironman (GIM) in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a unique and thrilling game mode that blends the self-sufficient challenge of Ironman with cooperative gameplay. Released on October 6, 2021, this mode allows 2-5 players to team up, tackling Gielinor’s toughest challenges together while adhering to Ironman restrictions. Whether you’re a seasoned Ironman player or a newcomer looking to dive into OSRS with friends, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Group Ironman. From setup to strategies, we’ve got you covered with actionable tips to dominate the HiScores and make unforgettable memories.

Group Ironman is a variant of the classic Ironman mode in OSRS, designed for players who want to experience the game’s self-imposed restrictions alongside friends. Unlike traditional Ironman accounts, which prohibit trading with other players and using the Grand Exchange, GIM allows limited trading and resource sharing within your group. This cooperative twist adds a layer of strategy and camaraderie, making it a standout feature in the OSRS community.

How Does Group Ironman Differ from Solo Ironman?

While both modes share the core Ironman philosophy—no trading with the broader player base, no Grand Exchange, and self-sufficiency—Group Ironman introduces a few key differences:

  • Team-Based Play: You can form a group of 2-5 players, sharing resources and loot within the team.
  • Shared Storage: A group bank with initially 80 slots (expandable to 200) lets members deposit and withdraw items.
  • Prestige System: Groups starting fresh together earn a cosmetic “Prestige” status, unlocking unrestricted trading within the team.
  • Hardcore Option: Hardcore Group Ironman (HCGIM) adds permadeath stakes, with a shared life pool based on group size.

Why Play Group Ironman?

GIM combines the best of solo Ironman’s challenge with the social aspect of multiplayer gaming. It’s perfect for players who love coordinating with friends, dividing tasks, and celebrating collective victories. Plus, with HiScores tracking group progress, there’s a competitive edge that keeps things exciting.

Getting Started with Group Ironman

The Different Players In Group Ironman feat J1mmy Old School

Starting your Group Ironman journey requires some planning. Here’s how to set up your team and hit the ground running in OSRS.

Creating a Group Ironman Team

To begin, you’ll need to create fresh accounts and assemble your squad at The Node, a recruitment hub near Tutorial Island. Follow these steps:

  1. Create a new OSRS account and complete Tutorial Island up to the Magic Tutor.
  2. Speak to the Ironman Tutor before leaving and select “Group Ironman” mode.
  3. Head to The Node, where one player becomes the group leader and invites others (2-5 total).
  4. Choose a unique group name (it can’t match existing clan names) and confirm your team.

Tip: Coordinate with your friends beforehand to ensure everyone’s ready to start together for Prestige status.

Understanding Prestige and Hardcore Modes

Prestige: If all members start as fresh accounts and form the group at The Node, you earn Prestige status. This removes trading restrictions within the group, letting you share boss drops freely. Adding an experienced player later removes Prestige.

Hardcore: HCGIM ramps up the difficulty with no safe PvM deaths. Your group shares a life pool (one life per member), and losing all lives downgrades you to standard GIM. PvP minigames like Castle Wars remain safe.

Top Strategies for Group Ironman Success

Succeeding in GIM requires teamwork, communication, and smart planning. Here are proven strategies to maximize efficiency and progress.

Divide and Conquer: Role Specialization

Assign roles based on each player’s strengths or preferences to streamline progress:

  • Skiller: Focuses on gathering resources (Mining, Fishing, Woodcutting) to supply the team.
  • Quester: Rushes key quests like Dragon Slayer or Lunar Diplomacy for unlocks.
  • Combat Specialist: Trains combat skills early for bossing and Slayer tasks.
  • Crafter: Levels skills like Smithing or Crafting to produce gear for the group.

Pro Tip: Use Discord or in-game chat to coordinate who’s tackling what—overlap wastes time.

Optimizing Shared Storage

The group bank starts with 80 slots, expandable through tasks like completing raids or killing bosses. Manage it wisely:

  • Prioritize storing rare drops (e.g., Dragon Boots, Trident of the Seas).
  • Keep stackable items like runes or bolts to save space.
  • Expand storage early by completing mid-game tasks like Chambers of Xeric.

Early Game Priorities

Focus on these early milestones to set your group up for success:

Task Benefit
Stronghold of Security 10k gold for early supplies
Agility Training Faster run energy regen and shortcuts
Waterfall Quest Quick combat XP boost
Fairy Tale I Fairy ring access for teleports

Mastering Combat and Bossing in GIM

Combat is where Group Ironman shines, letting your team tackle OSRS’s toughest bosses together. Here’s how to excel.

Group Bossing Tips

Bossing is easier with a team, but coordination is key:

  • General Graardor: Assign a tank, DPS, and prayer switcher to manage mechanics.
  • Chambers of Xeric: Split roles like scout, runner, and fighter for smoother clears.
  • Zulrah: Practice rotations individually, then sync as a group for kills.

Note: Prestige groups can share uniques immediately; non-Prestige members need 1 KC to use certain drops.

Hardcore Group Ironman Combat Challenges

In HCGIM, every PvM death counts. Minimize risks with these tactics:

  • Avoid early bossing until geared (e.g., Rune armor, decent weapons).
  • Use safe spots and prayer flicking for Slayer tasks.
  • Stockpile food and potions in the group bank for emergencies.

Tips to Enhance Your Group Ironman Experience

Beyond mechanics, these tips will keep your GIM journey fun and rewarding.

Communication is King

Success hinges on staying connected. Use voice chat or the in-game group chat system to:

  • Plan daily goals (e.g., “Let’s unlock Fairy Rings today”).
  • Share loot updates (“I got a Bandos Chestplate!”).
  • Coordinate schedules for group activities like raids.

Track Progress with HiScores

Monitor your group’s ranking on the OSRS HiScores for motivation. Prestige and Hardcore groups have separate leaderboards, so aim high!

Stay Flexible

Life happens—someone might drop out. Leaders can recruit at The Node, but adding non-fresh players loses Prestige. Discuss commitment levels upfront to avoid surprises.

Group Ironman in OSRS offers a fresh take on the Ironman grind, blending solo challenge with group synergy. Whether you’re chasing Prestige, surviving Hardcore, or just enjoying Gielinor with friends, this mode delivers endless possibilities. Start planning your team today, dive into The Node, and forge your legend in Old School RuneScape!