How to Make Money in Old School RuneScape for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’ve just landed on the shores of Gielinor in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) and are eager to build your wealth. Great! Making money as a beginner can seem daunting, but with the right approach, you’ll be raking in the GP (RuneScape’s currency) in no time. The key to early game money-making is efficiency, accessibility, and understanding basic market principles. Focus on readily available resources and methods that require minimal skill levels and equipment. The most effective strategy for OSRS beginners is to gather readily available resources, take advantage of early-game quests, and understand basic market principles.

Early Game Money Makers: Your Path to Riches

Let’s break down some of the most effective methods for beginners in OSRS to accumulate wealth:

• Mining Copper and Tin: This classic starting point is simple and effective. Mine copper and tin ore near Varrock, Lumbridge, or Falador. Smelt these ores into bronze bars at a furnace (Lumbridge and Al Kharid are convenient). Then, use an anvil to craft these bars into bronze items like bronze daggers or bronze swords. While the profit margin isn’t huge, the volume of items you can create and sell makes it worthwhile for the initial stages.
• Gathering Resources for Shops: Many shops in OSRS have limited stock and replenish over time. Buy items like feathers from the Lumbridge fishing shop, bowstrings from the Varrock archery shop, or certain runes from magic shops when they are available below market price, and resell them on the Grand Exchange for a profit. This method requires some patience and awareness of Grand Exchange prices, but can be quite lucrative.
• Killing Chickens: Combat skills are essential for progression, and killing chickens near Lumbridge provides a decent initial source of income. They drop feathers (which are used in fishing) and raw chicken, both of which can be sold. It’s a slow process, but it builds early combat experience while providing a steady stream of GP.
• Tanning Leather: Collect cowhides from cows found north of Lumbridge or near the Barbarian Village. Take these hides to the tanner in Al Kharid to tan them into leather. Leather sells for more than untanned cowhides, providing a simple profit margin.
• Completing Early Quests: Quests like Cook’s Assistant, Sheep Shearer, and Romeo & Juliet provide experience and often reward you with coins or items that can be sold. Completing quests is an excellent way to learn the game’s mechanics while boosting your bank.
• Picking Flax: Found in fields, notably near Lumbridge and Seer’s Village, flax can be spun into bowstrings at a spinning wheel (Lumbridge castle is a good option). Bowstrings are always in demand and offer a reliable source of income, especially for players with low combat stats.
• Crafting Leather Gloves: Once you have some capital, buying cowhides and turning them into leather gloves can be a consistent profit maker. This is because the leather gloves are needed for Recipe for Disaster.

Understanding the Grand Exchange (GE)

The Grand Exchange (GE) is the central marketplace in OSRS. It’s crucial to understand how it works to maximize your profits. Research prices before buying or selling anything. Observe the trends of what prices are, and sell when prices are high.

• Check GE Prices: Use the Grand Exchange to check the current prices of items you plan to sell. This prevents you from underselling and missing out on potential profits.
• Observe Market Trends: Pay attention to the fluctuations in item prices. Some items are more valuable at certain times due to events, updates, or player demand.

Tips for Maximizing Profits

• Minimize Travel Time: Choose money-making methods that are close to banks and resource locations to reduce travel time and increase efficiency.
• Focus on Volume: Early game money-making often involves small profits per item. Focus on gathering and selling large quantities to accumulate wealth faster.
• Invest Wisely: As you earn more GP, consider investing in tools, equipment, or skills that will increase your earning potential.
• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with OSRS news, updates, and community discussions to identify new and profitable money-making methods.
• Utilize Free-to-Play Methods First: Before investing in a membership, focus on maximizing your free-to-play skills and resources. This will give you a head start when you become a member.

By focusing on these beginner-friendly methods and understanding basic market principles, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a wealthy adventurer in Old School RuneScape!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Beginner Money Making in OSRS

Here are some frequently asked questions about making money in OSRS as a beginner, designed to provide even more clarity and guidance:

1. What’s the absolute easiest way to make money as a level 3 in OSRS?

   Killing chickens and selling the feathers is the simplest method for a level 3 character. It requires no skills and provides a small but steady income.

2. Is it better to sell items on the Grand Exchange or to individual players?

   For beginners, the Grand Exchange is almost always the better option. It’s faster, more convenient, and ensures you get a fair price based on current market values.

3. How do I know what items are currently in demand on the Grand Exchange?

   Pay attention to the GE prices, community forums, and YouTube guides. Fluctuations in prices often indicate increased demand for certain items.

4. Are there any good money-making methods for F2P (Free-to-Play) players besides mining?

   Yes, other good F2P options include tanning leather, crafting leather gloves, buying/selling in shops, and completing quests.

5. At what combat level should I stop killing chickens and move on to something more profitable?

   Once you reach around combat level 10-15, you should explore other options like killing cows and tanning the hides or completing more quests.

6. What skills should I focus on leveling early to help with money-making?

   Mining, fishing, crafting, and woodcutting are all useful skills for early game money-making. Focus on leveling these skills to unlock more profitable methods.

7. Is it worth buying a bond early on to become a member for better money-making opportunities?

   Buying a bond early can be beneficial, but it’s crucial to have a solid plan for how you’ll make the money back to sustain your membership. It may be better to wait until you have a good grasp of the game and some starting capital.

8. What are some common scams that beginners should be aware of when trading?

   Be wary of players offering seemingly good deals that sound too good to be true. Avoid “trust trades,” where someone asks you to lend them items, and be cautious of quick swaps or price manipulation.

9. How important is it to save my money early on instead of spending it on gear?

   Saving money is very important early on. Focus on investing in tools and skills that will increase your earning potential rather than buying expensive gear.

10. Are there any good money-making methods that involve little to no combat?

    Yes, gathering resources like flax or herbs, crafting items like bowstrings, and buying/selling items in shops are all viable options that require minimal combat.

11. Can I make money by training skills in OSRS?

    Yes, training certain skills like woodcutting, fishing, or crafting can generate money. For example, cutting yew trees and selling the logs is a common money-making method.

12. How can I find out about new or emerging money-making methods in OSRS?

    Stay active in the OSRS community. Follow content creators on YouTube and Twitch, participate in forums, and join in-game clans.

13. What should I do with the money I earn as a beginner?

    Reinvest your earnings into skills that can make more money, like smithing or crafting, or increase your stats to take on tougher enemies.

14. Is it against the rules to buy or sell OSRS gold for real money?

    Yes, buying or selling OSRS gold for real money (real-world trading or RWT) is strictly prohibited and can result in a permanent ban from the game.

15. Where can I learn more about the strategies behind gaming and learning?

    You can visit the Games Learning Society to discover more information on the integration of gaming and learning. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for resources and research!

By following this guide and understanding the principles outlined above, you’ll be well on your way to establishing a solid financial foundation in Old School RuneScape. Remember to stay patient, persistent, and always be learning! Good luck, and happy ‘scaping!