Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a game built around progress, where success comes from leveling up skills, defeating enemies, and acquiring valuable resources. One of the core elements of progressing in OSRS is making money. Whether you’re aiming to upgrade your gear, invest in skills, or simply enjoy the game’s many features, having a solid income is crucial. This guide will provide an in-depth look at various methods to make money in OSRS gold, whether you’re a new player just starting out or a seasoned adventurer looking for more lucrative methods.
Why Money Matters in OSRS
In OSRS, gold (GP) is the lifeblood of your progression. Whether you’re saving for an expensive item like the Abyssal whip, Dragon gear, or a prayer altar, or simply buying supplies for your skilling and combat needs, gold is essential. OSRS offers numerous ways to earn money, from gathering resources, to participating in PvM (player vs. monster) activities, to trading with other players.
The beauty of OSRS is that no matter your skill level, there are viable ways to earn money. Whether you’re looking for fast, low-effort cash or you’re willing to grind harder for high-reward returns, the game provides a wealth of money-making opportunities.
1. Low-Level Money Making Methods
If you’re just starting out or are early in your OSRS journey, there are still several efficient ways to earn gold. Here are some low-level money-making methods:
1.1. Killing Chickens or Cows
This classic beginner method requires little to no investment and is great for starting out. Chickens and cows drop items that can be sold on the Grand Exchange (GE). These include:
Feathers (from chickens)
Cowhides and raw beef (from cows)
1.2. Mining and Selling Ore
Mining is a profitable skill from the start. You’ll need to mine ores and then sell them for a decent price. Some of the best ores to mine early on include:
Copper and tin (for low-level training and selling).
Iron ore (particularly useful when you reach a higher level and can mine in places like the Mining Guild).
Iron ore, in particular, can be sold in bulk and has decent prices, especially if you’re mining at higher efficiency and power-mining with the right tools.
1.3. Fishing Lobsters
Fishing lobsters is one of the most straightforward methods for a consistent income once you’ve reached a minimum level of 40 in the Fishing skill. Lobsters can be caught in Karamja and are a good source of GP. You can sell raw lobsters for a solid profit at the Grand Exchange or cook them for additional profit.
1.4. Woodcutting
Woodcutting is another great beginner-friendly money maker. As soon as you reach level 15 Woodcutting, you can begin chopping oak trees for wood, which can be sold for a steady profit. As you level up, you’ll be able to chop more valuable trees, such as willow or yew, both of which yield high-quality logs that are in high demand.
1.5. Collecting Herbs
Herbs are another easy-to-start money-making option. You can either farm herbs or collect them while training other skills. High-demand herbs such as Ranarr, Snapdragon, and Torstol are great choices because they’re frequently used in potions, making them valuable commodities. These herbs are often used in Prayer Potions, Super Restores, and Saradomin Brews, all of which are in demand.
2. Mid-Level Money Making Methods
Once you have a bit more experience and have unlocked better gear, you can start making money with more advanced methods. These money-making strategies often require more time, skill, and/or resources, but they yield greater rewards.
2.1. Slayer Tasks
Slayer is one of the most rewarding and profitable skills in OSRS. Slayer tasks involve killing specific monsters assigned by a Slayer master, and these monsters often drop valuable items that can be sold for large amounts of gold. Some of the best Slayer monsters for money include:
Aberrant Spectres (drop Rune items and Herb drops)
Kurasks (drop Dragon items)
Hellhounds (drop Hellhound bones and Rune equipment)
The best part about Slayer is that, in addition to earning money from monster drops, you can also gain useful experience in combat skills while making money.
2.2. Barrows Chests
For those who have leveled up their combat stats, Barrows is one of the most consistent money-making methods. Located in the Barrows crypts in Morytania, this PvM activity involves defeating six powerful brothers in combat, looting their chests, and hoping for valuable Barrows gear (such as Karil’s crossbow, Ahrim’s robes, or Verac’s set).
A single run of Barrows can take between 10 to 20 minutes, and the rewards can vary, but even the lower-tier drops are often worth significant amounts of gold.
2.3. Killing Vorkath
Vorkath, one of the game’s hardest bosses, is one of the most lucrative money-making options for high-level players. After completing the Dragon Slayer II quest, you can challenge Vorkath, who drops high-valueitems such as Dragonbone necklaces, Vorkath’s head, and Rune items.
Though Vorkath can be difficult, the rewards are well worth the effort, with an average kill bringing in several hundred thousand GP.
2.4. Creating Potions (Herblore)
Once you’ve leveled up your Herblore skill, you can start making potions that sell for considerable profits. Some of the most popular potions include:
Prayer Potions (required for PvM activities)
Super restore potions
Saradomin Brews
You can either make these potions yourself by gathering the herbs and ingredients or buy them from other players and sell them at a markup. Note that creating potions involves a significant upfront investment in herbs and supplies, but the returns can be substantial.
3. High-Level Money Making Methods
At the higher levels of OSRS, your options for money-making expand, and you can access the most profitable opportunities in the game. These methods typically require higher skill levels, specialized gear, and knowledge of the game’s mechanics.
3.1. Raids (Theatre of Blood and Chambers of Xeric)
Raids are one of the most rewarding activities in OSRS, offering some of the best rewards and the chance to earn significant amounts of gold. Two main raids are available:
Theatre of Blood: Requires high-level combat stats and is based on defeating several bosses for chances at rare rewards like Sanguinesti Staff, Scythe of Vitur, and more.
Chambers of Xeric: A more accessible raid with powerful rewards like the Twisted Bow, Kodai Wand, and Arcane Prayer Scroll.
Raids can be done with a team, but they require substantial skill and game knowledge. However, the rewards from completing these raids are enormous, making them a prime money-making method for high-level players.
3.2. Flipping on the Grand Exchange
If you’re an experienced trader and have a good sense of the market, flipping items on the Grand Exchange can be a lucrative way to earn gold. By buying items at a low price and selling them at a higher price, you can make significant profits. Some common items to flip include:
High-volume items like Rune armor, Shards, or ores
Rare items, especially items with fluctuating prices, such as Godsword shards or Barrows items
Flipping requires a solid understanding of the GE economy, so it may take some time to perfect your strategy.
3.3. Elite Dungeons (e.g., The Karuulm Dungeon)
Once you reach level 70 in Combat skills, you can engage in Elite Dungeons, which are high-level dungeons with tough enemies and substantial loot. They require better gear and skill, but the rewards include valuable items like Elite gear and high-level weapons. Players who excel in dungeons can earn massive rewards by defeating bosses and completing the challenging dungeon.
4. Conclusion: Start Earning
Making money in Old School RuneScape is a long-term game. Whether you’re gathering resources, slaying bosses, or engaging in high-end activities like raids, there’s a money-making method suited for every player. The key to success is finding the right balance between efficiency, skill, and effort.
Whether you’re grinding Skilling activities, PvM, or engaging in the Grand Exchange, making gold in buy RS gold requires both patience and knowledge. As your skills improve and you progress through the game, you’ll have access to higher-paying opportunities. So get out there, sharpen your skills, and start making those riches in the world of Gielinor!