Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a huge game. You need gold for armor, weapons, and food. Finding the best way to earn money osrs can feel hard when you are new. This guide will show you how to fill your bank account from scratch.
You do not need high levels to start. You just need a plan. We will focus on methods that are easy and fast. Let's turn your copper coins into millions of gold pieces.
Tools & Prerequisites
Before you start, you need a few things. Most of these are easy to get. Preparation makes you more money per hour.
| Item/Skill | Why You Need It | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Chronicle | Fast teleports to Varrock | Buy from Diango in Draynor |
| Weight-reducing Gear | Run longer without stopping | Graceful outfit (Agility) |
| Stamina Potions | Keeps your energy high | Buy on Grand Exchange |
| Level 10 Agility | Unlocks better shortcuts | Draynor Rooftop Course |
Essential Starting Items
- Small amount of starting cash: 1,000 to 5,000 gold is plenty.
- Varrock Teleport Tabs: These save you a lot of walking time.
- Games Necklace: Helps you reach distant areas quickly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
We will break these down by how much effort they take. Some are "active" where you click a lot. Others are "passive" where you can relax.
Method 1: Collecting Mort Myre Fungi
This is a classic for a reason. It requires the Nature Spirit quest. It is one of the fastest ways for low levels to make money.
Requirements
- Nature Spirit Quest completed.
- Silver Sickle (b).
- Prayer Points (at least level 20 is best).
How to do it
- Go to the Canifis Swamp.
- Stand near a group of three or more logs.
- Right-click your Silver Sickle (b) and select "Cast Bloom."
- Pick up the fungi that appear on the logs.
- Eat food or use an altar when your prayer runs out.
Pro Tip: Use a "Salve Graveyard" teleport tab to get back to the swamp fast after banking!
Method 2: Killing Chaos Druids
This method is great because you get combat experience too. Chaos Druids drop expensive herbs. Herbs are always in high demand by players training Herblore.
Requirements
- Combat Level 20+.
- Empty Inventory Slots.
Step-by-Step Breakdown
- Travel to the Edgeville Dungeon.
- Walk north past the skeletons to find the druids.
- Attack the Chaos Druids.
- Pick up Ranarr Weeds, Avantoe, and Snapdragon.
- Leave the cheap herbs on the ground to save space.
Method 3: Buying from Specialty Shops
This is called "Shop Flipping." You buy items from NPCs and sell them to other players. The Grand Exchange (GE) is where you will sell your loot.
Best Shops for Beginners
- Culinaromancer's Chest: Buy chocolate bars and grapes.
- Port Sarim Fishing Shop: Buy feathers and bait.
- Al-Kharid Kebab Shop: Buy kebabs for 1 gold, sell for much more.
How to Flip Successfully
- Check the price of an item on the Grand Exchange first.
- Go to the NPC shop.
- If the shop price is lower than the GE price, buy it all.
- Hop to a different world to find more stock.
Method 4: Tanning Dragonhide
This is a "processing" method. It does not give you XP, but the profit is very steady. You act as a middleman for high-level crafters.
The Process
- Buy Green Dragonhide on the Grand Exchange.
- Take the hides to Ellis the Tanner in Al-Kharid.
- Pay him to turn them into Green Dragon Leather.
- Run back to the bank and repeat.
- Sell the leather back on the Grand Exchange.
Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
Making money is about efficiency. If you waste time, you waste gold. Follow these rules to stay rich.
Manage Your Run Energy
Never let your run energy hit zero. Walking is the enemy of profit. Always carry a Stamina Potion or use the Energy Restore pools in Ferox Enclave.
Use the Grand Exchange Correctly
Don't be impatient. If you "Instant Buy" everything, you lose money. Put in an offer and wait a few minutes.
Critical Warning: Beware of "Money Doubling" scams in Varrock. If something sounds too good to be true, it is a scam. Nobody will double your gold for free.
Use Plugins
If you play on Runelite, turn on the "Ground Items" plugin. This will highlight valuable drops in purple or gold. It helps you never miss a big drop.
World Hopping
If a spot is too crowded, press Ctrl + Shift + Arrow Key. This lets you jump to a new world instantly. Don't fight other players for resources.
Comparison of Beginner Methods
| Method | Gold Per Hour | Difficulty | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mort Myre Fungi | 500k - 700k | Medium | Nature Spirit Quest |
| Chaos Druids | 150k - 250k | Easy | Combat Level 20 |
| Shop Flipping | 100k - 300k | Easy | Starting Cash |
| Tanning Hides | 300k - 500k | Easy | None |
Advanced Path: Moving to Mid-Game
Once you have your first 1 million gold, stop doing these methods. Invest that money into your skills. Better skills lead to better money.
Get Your Magic Up
High Level Alchemy (Level 55 Magic) is a game changer. It lets you turn items into gold anywhere in the world. You can make money while running or doing quests.
Start Bird House Runs
This is the best "passive" money in the game. You spend 2 minutes every hour checking traps. It rewards you with Bird Nests which contain expensive seeds.
Unlock the Blast Furnace
At level 30 Smithing, you can use the Blast Furnace. Making Steel Bars here is incredibly profitable. It is much faster than a normal furnace.
Conclusion
The best way to earn money osrs as a beginner is to stay consistent. Don't try to do everything at once. Pick one method, like Mort Myre Fungi, and do it for one hour. You will be surprised how fast your bank grows. Once you have enough gold, buy better gear and start bossing. That is where the real riches are hidden. Good luck on your journey to becoming a RuneScape millionaire!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best F2P money maker?
The best Free-to-Play method is usually Ogress Warriors or Crafting Gold Jewelry. However, buying a Bond for membership is the best investment you can make.
How much gold do I need for a Bond?
Bond prices change every day. Check the Grand Exchange for the current price. Usually, it is between 10 million and 13 million gold.
Is picking flax worth it?
No. Never pick flax. It is a very slow way to make money. You can make ten times more gold by killing Chaos Druids.
Should I sell my items immediately?
If you need the cash to buy better gear, yes. If not, wait for the market prices to go up. Check the OSRS Wiki Price Tracker to see trends.