Welcome to our comprehensive guide to making money in Old School RuneScape as an Ironman player. In this guide, we'll delve into the most effective methods for generating income without relying on the assistance of other players. If you're an Ironman player looking to amass wealth on your own terms, keep reading to discover a plethora of proven strategies that can help you achieve financial success.
Understanding Ironman Mode
Launched by Jagex in 2014, Ironman mode caters to players who embrace self-sufficiency in their gaming experience. Ironman players strive to be entirely independent, creating their items, collecting gold coins without external sources like the Grand Exchange or player trades. In 2016, Jagex introduced Hardcore Ironman mode (HCIM), adding the threat of permanent death as a consequence of failure. To become an Ironman or Hardcore Ironman, players need to interact with NPCs Adam or Paul on Tutorial Island.
Embarking on Your Journey
Similar to a regular OSRS account, the most efficient starting point for an Ironman is through completing quests. Quests not only grant experience but also provide items and sometimes gold. These rewards can save a significant amount of time and effort, particularly during the early game when leveling can be challenging. Initial combat encounters may lead to frustration due to frequent misses, making questing a wise approach.
Optimal Money Making for Ironmen
To maximize your gold-making potential as an Ironman, certain preparatory steps are essential. While gold-making is feasible for even new RuneScape players, fully capitalizing on profits demands some key considerations. First and foremost, prioritize Agility training early on. Higher Agility levels enhance your energy reserves for running and speed up recovery. Given that Ironmen lack access to many teleports, efficient running is often the best mode of transportation.
Magic Training and High Alchemy
Magic is another crucial skill to focus on. Beyond combat applications, Magic training serves an important role in Ironman money making. Unlocking the High Alchemy spell at level 55 Magic is pivotal. This spell enables the conversion of items into gold coins, an invaluable tool for turning unwanted loot into currency. Swiftly reaching level 55 Magic is paramount to maximizing profits and preventing unnecessary losses.
Questing and Teleports
Embarking on quests is another top priority. Completing missions not only grants rewards in the form of items but also yields much-needed experience. Pay special attention to quests that offer travel-related items such as the Ectophial or Camulet. Given Ironmen's self-reliant nature, any teleportation options that can expedite journeys are incredibly valuable. While some quests might have high prerequisites, tackling those within your capabilities is advisable, as they provide both items and experience.
Effective Money Making Methods
Let's delve into specific money-making methods tailored for Ironman players. Each of these approaches combines in-game skills and knowledge to yield substantial returns.
Stronghold of Security: A Risky Venture
Requirements: None
The Stronghold of Security presents an iconic early-game method for acquiring gold. Navigate through its floors, answer security questions, and reach the reward room on the third floor. Be cautious of the high-level monsters within. While risky, this activity can provide a modest boost to your funds.
Looting Steel Platelegs in the Wilderness: A Brave Endeavor
Requirements: None
Venturing into the Wilderness to collect Steel Platelegs can be rewarding. This method involves some risk due to potential player encounters, but on lower levels, the danger is minimal. Loot items, hop worlds, and amass resources to sell and bolster your gold reserves.
Crafting and Selling Items: A Creative Approach
Requirements: Large amounts of Silver or Gold ore
Crafting items offers a steady avenue for gold making. Purchase Tiara Mould and Holy Mould from the Al-Kharid store. Process ores into bars and create unstrung holy symbols. Instead of selling them to general stores, sell to the Bandit Store in the Wilderness for a more substantial profit. Optimize your strategy by mining at Varrock and utilizing various crafting locations.
Lava Maze Adventures: Seeking Staves and Steel Platebodies
Requirements: Weapon (bronze sword is enough) and some food
Embark on a journey to the Lava Maze in the Wilderness to collect Staff of Earth and Steel Platebodies. These can be alched for gold, contributing to your wealth. While risky due to potential player confrontations, careful preparation and proper gear can minimize the danger.
Agility Pyramid: Balancing Risk and Reward
Requirements: Over 30 Agility (51+ optimal), a weapon, waterskins, and food on low Agility levels
Navigate the Agility Pyramid, collecting Pyramid Tops that can be sold for gold. While slightly risky due to obstacles and desert heat, this method offers both profit and Agility experience. Equip weight-reducing gear and exercise caution to make the most of this method.
Twisted Banshee: A Safe Route to Gold
Requirements: 15 Slayer, 20 Ranged, Earmuffs or Slayer Helm, Equipment to engage monsters
Engage Twisted Banshees to collect valuable drops. This method offers a balance between profit and experience gain. Prioritize Slayer tasks to capitalize on their superior drop tables and augment your wealth.
Stealing from H.A.M.: An Ingenious Approach
Requirements: Death to the Dorgeshuun, 20 Thieving
Explore the cultist cave to steal from H.A.M. guards. Utilize High Alchemy runes to maximize profits and streamline your progress. Efficiently collect keys, open chests, and turn your loot into valuable gold.
Mining Gem Rocks: A Steady Source of Wealth
Requirements: Shilo Village quest, 40 Mining, 43 Crafting to cut gems, Chisel, Pickaxe
Mine dense essence and transform them into gems through Crafting. This method requires the Shilo Village quest completion. The resultant gems can be sold or saved for crafting later, making this method a stable source of income.
Catching Eclectic Imps: A Delicate Pursuit
Requirements: 50 Hunter, Lost City quest, impling jars
Explore Puro Puro to catch Eclectic Imps and trade their valuable loot for rewards. This method capitalizes on the Hunter skill while yielding both gold and useful items.
Fletching Bows: Crafting Profits
Requirements: 10 Crafting, 35 Fletching, 30 Woodcutting
Combine Fletching and Woodcutting skills to craft and sell bows. Whether you opt for High Alchemy or general store sales, this method combines crafting experience with gold-making potential.
Silk Stall Thieving: A Cunning Endeavor
Requirements: 20 Thieving
Rob Silk Stalls in Ardougne Market Square to amass silk. While the merchant refuses to trade with you temporarily, the loot can be sold for gold later. Utilize this method to accumulate currency efficiently.
Slayer: Profits Through Combat
Requirements: Regular combat equipment
Embrace Slayer tasks to engage tougher monsters with superior drop tables. While the profitability varies, Slayer tasks can yield substantial rewards. Gradually work your way up to higher levels and maximize your earnings potential.
Alching Ecumenical Keys: A Calculated Risk
Requirements: 60 Agility, 60 Strength, 55 Magic
Collect Ecumenical Keys from the Wilderness's God Wars Dungeon and alch them for profit. This method carries some risk due to the Wilderness location but offers significant returns if executed cautiously.
Dragon Slayer II: Conquering for Gold
Requirements: High Combat stats, finished Dragon Slayer II Quest
Completing Dragon Slayer II unlocks opportunities for profitable boss fights and monster encounters. Defeat Vorgath and Rune Dragons for valuable drops, combining combat with wealth generation.
Charging Fire Orbs: Combining Skills for Profit
Requirements: 70+ Agility, 62 Crafting, 63 Magic, 43 Prayer, 59 Runecrafting, Graceful Outfit, Completion of Lunar Diplomacy quest, Castle Wars Balloon
The process of charging Fire Orbs offers both Crafting and Magic experience along with substantial profits. Collect orbs, craft Battlestaves, and use High Alchemy to convert them into gold.
Conclusion
In this comprehensive guide, we've explored a range of money-making methods tailored to Ironman players. Each approach combines specific in-game skills and strategies to maximize your gold-making potential. Whether you prefer combat-oriented methods, crafting, or more daring adventures in the Wilderness, these strategies can help you amass wealth from scratch. Remember, mastering these methods requires practice, resourcefulness, and dedication. As you navigate Gielinor as an Ironman, adapt and refine these techniques to suit your playstyle and financial goals. With persistence, you'll turn your self-sufficient journey into a prosperous one. Good luck, and may your coffers overflow with riches!