Where is the Best Place to Grind Mining in OSRS?
The best place to grind Mining in Old School Runescape (OSRS) isn’t a single, definitive location; it depends heavily on your current level, goals, and preferences. However, for the vast majority of players seeking efficient experience gains, the Bandit Camp Quarry offering 3-tick granite mining is the undisputed champion, especially at higher levels. For lower levels, several other locations offer effective training, so we’ll delve into a level-by-level approach for optimal mining efficiency.
Early Levels (1-15): Lumbridge Swamp
For players just starting their mining journey, the Lumbridge Swamp Mining Site, located south of the Fishing Tutor, is the ideal starting point. Here, you’ll find a balanced distribution of 5 Copper Rocks and 5 Tin Rocks. Mining both Copper and Tin Ores grants 17.5 Mining Experience each, and it takes a total of 138 ores mined to reach level 15. This area’s proximity to the Lumbridge bank also makes it convenient for a quick bank trip.
The Importance of Quests
Before solely focusing on ore mining, it is highly recommended to complete two quests: Doric’s Quest and Digsite Quest. These quests will quickly grant you experience in mining and help to reach level 15 faster. If you prefer a more direct approach, mining Copper and Tin ore in Lumbridge is still effective.
Levels 15-45: Iron Mining
Once you’ve cleared level 15, the focus should shift to Iron Ore. The best approach here is to Power Mine, which means dropping the mined ores rather than banking them. The fastest experience from this point onward is from iron rocks. Locations with closely clustered iron rocks are best, ideally where one tile is surrounded by three iron rocks to minimize movement while waiting for respawns. Remember to drop all the ores.
Levels 45-99: The Power of 3-Tick Granite
The gold standard for mining training lies in the Bandit Camp Quarry, located in the Kharidian Desert, at level 45 and beyond with 3-tick granite mining. This method involves carefully timed actions to maximize the number of ores mined per hour. 3-tick granite at level 99 can yield an astounding 130,000 experience per hour, making it the fastest method available. At level 45, it will yield around 70,000 experience per hour making it effective even at lower levels.
Tick Manipulation
Tick manipulation is a complex but highly rewarding skill in OSRS. Mastering it is essential for achieving peak experience rates. The 3-tick method, specifically for granite, drastically increases your actions per minute, resulting in higher gains. Be prepared to dedicate time to learn the technique, but the results are worthwhile for those dedicated to rapid skill progression.
The Mining Cape Perk
At level 99 mining, wearing the Mining cape grants a special perk. When combined with tick manipulation, it’s possible to gain up to 125,000–130,000 experience per hour. Without tick manipulation, you can realistically expect about 63,000 experience per hour with the Mining Cape.
Alternative Methods for Mining
While 3-tick granite is king for pure experience, several alternatives offer variety, profit, or more relaxed training:
Motherlode Mine (MLM)
The Motherlode Mine (MLM) is a popular option known for its low-effort nature and decent profit. You can expect 20,000-35,000 experience per hour, making it suitable for players who prefer a more relaxed approach. MLM also provides a chance to obtain golden nuggets that can be exchanged for the Prospector’s outfit which grants a 2.5% boost to Mining experience.
Gem Mining
Gem rocks, located in Shilo Village or Lunar Isle, provide a way to earn gems while training mining. Though not the most experience efficient, they add an element of randomness by granting valuable gems at a rate of 1/256 instead of ore. Wearing a charged amulet of glory triples the success rate of mining these gem rocks.
The Importance of Pickaxes
Your choice of pickaxe plays a crucial role in your mining efficiency.
The Pickaxe of Earth and Song
The Pickaxe of Earth and Song is the best pickaxe currently in the game, requiring level 90 Mining and no combat requirements, only quest requirements to be assembled. The Pickaxe of Earth and Song has the same stats as an elder rune pickaxe +5; however, the latter cannot be augmented.
Dragon and Crystal Pickaxes
The Crystal pickaxe provides a 3.03% increase in mining speed compared to the dragon pickaxe, and 9.09% compared to the rune pickaxe. It’s a worthwhile upgrade over a dragon pickaxe, though obtaining it may require some effort.
Gilded Pickaxe
The Gilded pickaxe has identical stats as the rune pickaxe but offers a slightly increased chance of finding gems while mining.
Varrock Armor
The Varrock armour, especially the higher tier versions, offers a helpful boost to mining and other skilling activities. While not required to receive the mining benefits (except for 1% bonus exp), it does offer a 4% chance of mining two ores of copper, tin, iron, or coal at once. Varrock armour also has benefits to smithing and smelting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is power mining in OSRS?
Power mining refers to the method of mining ores and dropping them immediately instead of banking them. This focuses solely on experience gain by minimizing time spent banking, maximizing the amount of experience per hour.
2. What is the fastest f2p mining xp Osrs?
The fastest experience in F2P is found by mining iron rocks, dropping ores, and finding locations where three iron rocks surround one tile.
3. Does Varrock Armor work on Gold ore?
Yes, the Varrock Armour’s smelting boost works with Perfect Gold Ore.
4. How much XP do you get for 99 Osrs?
To reach level 99 in any skill, you need to reach 13,034,431 XP.
5. Is there a bank in the Mining Guild Osrs?
Yes, the members-only area of the Mining Guild has a bank, a deposit box, a poll booth, 8 iron rocks, 20 coal rocks, 10 mithril rocks, 8 adamantite rocks, and 2 runite rocks.
6. What are the odds of mining gems in RuneScape?
While mining most ores, players have a 1/256 chance of receiving a gem instead of an ore. This does not deplete the ore rock.
7. What is the fastest skill to max in OSRS?
Fletching is often cited as the fastest skill to max in OSRS, followed by Prayer, Construction, Cooking, and Firemaking.
8. What does Varrock armor 3 do?
Varrock armour 3 provides bonuses to mining and smithing, including a chance to mine double ores, and double progress in smithing.
9. How much XP per hour is MLM?
The Motherlode Mine typically provides 20,000-35,000 experience per hour.
10. How much XP per hour is 3 tick mining?
3-tick granite mining can offer up to 130,000 XP per hour at level 99.
11. What is the best mining pickaxe in RuneScape?
The Pickaxe of Earth and Song is currently the best pickaxe available.
12. What is the best place to mine granite Osrs?
The Bandit Camp Quarry is where granite rocks are located.
13. What is the best source of granite?
Brazil supplies the majority of the world’s granite, followed by Italy, India, and China.
14. How much XP does mining gold give?
Mining gold in specific missions will provide extra credits and EXP, but generally, gold ore provides the same mining experience as any other ore rock based on level.
15. Do you need to wear Varrock armor?
No, you no longer need to wear Varrock armour to receive its mining, smithing, or smelting benefits, with the exception of the 1% bonus mining experience.
By understanding the nuances of different mining locations and methods, you can optimize your training and achieve your desired Mining level efficiently in OSRS. Remember to consider your preferences, goals, and available resources when choosing the best place to grind.