The Ultimate Guide to Maxing Mining in OSRS: Fastest Methods and Expert Tips
The fastest way to max Mining in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) involves a combination of efficient training methods, strategic location choices, and a strong understanding of game mechanics. Primarily, you’ll be focusing on “power mining,” which is the act of mining ores and dropping them immediately rather than banking them. This method prioritizes experience per hour over gathering resources for profit. Reaching level 99 in Mining is a significant undertaking, but with the correct approach, you can achieve this goal efficiently. The journey starts with basic ores and transitions to advanced techniques.
Leveling Guide: From Novice to Expert Miner
Early Levels (1-15): Copper and Tin Ore
At the very start, you’ll want to focus on copper and tin ores. The swamp south of Lumbridge, or the mine southeast of Varrock, are good starting points. Don’t bother banking the ore; drop it immediately to maximize experience gains. This early stage is fast, and you’ll progress quickly. A short alternative is to perform the Doric’s quest and the Digsite quest as they award a large chunk of experience that helps you skip many low level mining levels.
Mid Levels (15-60): Iron Ore Power Mining
Once you reach level 15, the focus shifts to iron ore power mining. The goal here is to find a location where you can mine iron ore quickly without having to move much. Look for locations where three iron rocks surround a single tile, meaning you don’t need to waste time walking. Locations near the Varrock mine or East of the Grand Exchange in the wilderness are popular for iron ore powermining. Always drop the ores for maximum experience gains. During this phase, you should be using the best pickaxe available to you to speed up the process.
Advanced Levels (60+): Mining Guild and Motherlode Mine
Once you’ve hit 60 mining, the Mining Guild becomes a good place to mine. You can continue power mining iron if you want to maximize XP, however it does start to become much slower. The Motherlode Mine (MLM) is a very popular alternative to power mining and gives a balance between experience and profit, while also being much more AFK. Whilst the initial XP of MLM is slow, as you level up it speeds up significantly. You can also obtain the Prospector’s outfit at the Motherlode mine, which gives a 2.5% mining XP boost when worn as a complete set. You can do MLM all the way to 99 for a slower but less tedious method. From around level 70 onwards, the Volcanic Mine becomes an excellent alternative that when played efficiently, provides fast experience rates (around 85,000-95,000 XP per hour at level 99).
Late Game Optimization: The Crystal Pickaxe and Full Mining Outfit.
As you reach higher levels, using a Crystal pickaxe becomes crucial to maximise efficiency. Compared to a dragon pickaxe, it provides approximately a 3.03% increase in mining speed, which can make a big difference over the course of your 99 mining journey. If using the Volcanic Mine, always prioritise wearing the full Mining Outfit from the Mining Guild (not to be confused with the Prospector outfit), as this also provides a notable boost in XP per hour in that mini-game.
Maximizing XP Per Hour
Understanding Power Mining
The core of rapid mining leveling is power mining. This means dropping all the ore you mine instead of banking it. By doing this, you maximize the time spent actually mining and minimize downtime. Holding the shift key while clicking allows for rapid dropping. It may feel counterintuitive at first to not keep the ore, but the goal here is pure, fast experience gains.
Location, Location, Location
Choosing the right location can drastically improve your experience rates. For iron ore power mining, look for clusters of three rocks next to each other to minimize movement. For later stages, the Mining Guild offers consistent rocks and access to the Motherlode Mine. Volcanic Mine is also an ideal late game location once you’ve learnt the mechanics.
Optimal Pickaxe Use
Always use the best pickaxe available to you. As you progress, this will be the Rune pickaxe, followed by the Dragon pickaxe, and finally the Crystal pickaxe. The mining speed boost that these offer becomes more and more significant the more ores you mine, so always prioritise upgrading your pickaxe.
Varrock Armour Effects
While Varrock armour does not work at the Motherlode Mine or for crystal mining, it is helpful earlier when mining iron. It provides a 4% chance of mining double ores of copper, tin, iron or coal. This makes it very helpful for iron power mining up to the Mining Guild, where the double ore effect does not work. It does not provide increased experience, but simply doubles the amount of ore mined, which can reduce the amount of time spent mining.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the fastest way to get from 1-99 mining?
The fastest way to get 99 mining is through power mining iron ore until approximately level 60, at which point you should transition to the Volcanic Mine with a focus on efficient gameplay and wearing the full Mining Outfit. You can also do Motherlode mine which is slower but is more AFK and profitable, or a combination of both Volcanic Mine and Motherlode Mine from level 70+.
2. What is “power mining” in OSRS?
Power mining is a method of training Mining that involves dropping all the ore you mine immediately, instead of banking it. This prioritizes XP per hour over the value of the ores you are mining.
3. Where is the best place to power mine iron ore?
Look for areas where three iron rocks are positioned around a single tile. This allows for continuous mining without moving. Wilderness mines and areas near Varrock are popular for this method.
4. How much XP per hour can I expect at different mining levels?
Below level 60, you can expect around 45,000 to 55,000 XP per hour when power mining. At the Mining Guild above level 60, experience rates can reach 70,000 to 80,000 XP per hour. Volcanic Mine can reach 85,000-95,000 at level 99.
5. Is Motherlode Mine (MLM) faster than power mining?
No, MLM is not faster than power mining in terms of experience rates. However, it is more AFK, profitable, and gives a chance for a prospector’s outfit which increases mining experience. It’s a good alternative if you want a more relaxed training experience.
6. What is the best pickaxe for Mining?
The Crystal Pickaxe is the best pickaxe for Mining, offering the highest speed boost. This is followed by the Dragon pickaxe and then the Rune Pickaxe.
7. Does the Varrock Armour affect experience rates?
The Varrock armour does not affect experience rates, but it does have a 4% chance to mine double ore. This can effectively speed up mining iron, but only until the Mining Guild.
8. Does the Varrock Armour work at the Motherlode Mine?
No, the Varrock Armour does not work at the Motherlode Mine.
9. How much XP does the Prospector’s Outfit boost provide?
The Prospector’s outfit provides a 2.5% XP boost to mining when the full set is worn.
10. What is the Volcanic Mine, and when should I start using it?
The Volcanic Mine is a mini-game that provides excellent mining XP rates, especially at high levels. It’s recommended to start at around level 70 after getting the feel for the mechanics of the mini-game.
11. How many hours does it take to get 99 Mining at the Motherlode Mine?
From level 70, it would take approximately 260 hours to get to 99 if you only did the Motherlode Mine.
12. Is the Crystal Pickaxe worth getting?
Yes, the Crystal pickaxe is absolutely worth getting. It provides a substantial speed boost compared to the dragon pickaxe, making it very efficient for training mining.
13. How does tick manipulation affect mining?
Tick manipulation in mining involves performing specific actions in sync with game ticks to mine at the fastest possible speed. It is a very difficult and tedious method, that is not recommended to most players.
14. Does the Varrock Armour work on crashed stars?
No, the Varrock Armour’s double ore effect does not work on crashed stars to get double stardust.
15. Is Mining a profitable skill in OSRS?
Mining can be profitable, particularly at higher levels when mining gems, or ores such as amethyst. However, the most efficient ways to get 99 mining often involve power mining and not keeping the ore. It is recommended to train mining to at least level 70 to unlock the Volcanic Mine or 80 for Amethyst, which is a viable training method with good profit.
By understanding these strategies and consistently applying them, you can drastically reduce the time it takes to achieve level 99 Mining in OSRS. Good luck and happy mining!