In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), Ironman mode presents a unique challenge by restricting player interactions, such as trading and using the Grand Exchange. This self-sufficient gameplay requires Ironman players to develop effective strategies for generating gold, essential for progression, equipment acquisition, and skill training.
This guide explores various money-making methods tailored for Ironman accounts, categorized by progression stages and encompassing both combat and non-combat activities.
Early Game Money-Making Methods
In the initial stages, Ironman players should focus on methods that require minimal skill levels and equipment.
Collecting Steel Platebodies
Steel platebodies spawn in the Wilderness, specifically within the Lava Maze. Players can collect these items and either sell them to shops or use High Level Alchemy for profit.
Due to the dangers of the Wilderness, it's advisable to bank frequently to minimize potential losses from player killers. This method can yield approximately 100,000 to 200,000 coins per hour, depending on the frequency of banking and encounters with other players.
Stealing from H.A.M. Store Rooms
After partially completing the "Death to the Dorgeshuun" quest, players gain access to H.A.M. Storeroomr. By pickpocketing H.A.M. guards to obtain keys, players can unlock chests containing jewelry, which can be sold or alchemized for profit.
Wearing the full rogue outfit is recommended to double the loot received. This method offers around 50,000 coins per hour and provides valuable Thieving experience.
Agility Pyramid
Located in the Kharidian Desert, the Agility Pyramid offers a combination of Agility training and monetary rewards. Players can navigate the pyramid to reach the top and retrieve the pyramid top, which can be exchanged for 10,000 coins. While 30 Agility is required to access the course, having at least 50 Agility reduces failure rates and increases hourly profits to approximately 200,000 coins.
Blackjacking
Blackjacking involves knocking out specific NPCs in Pollnivneach and pickpocketing them while they are unconscious. This method becomes available after completing "The Feud" quest and reaching at least 45 Thieving.
Utilizing the best available blackjack and luring NPCs into secluded areas enhances efficiency. With full rogue equipment, players can earn between 127,000 to 220,000 coins per hour, depending on their Thieving level.
Wintertodt
The Wintertodt is a minigame focused on the Firemaking skill, accessible at level 50 Firemaking. Players participate in subduing the Wintertodt, earning supply crates that contain various resources, including coins.
While the direct monetary gain is modest, approximately 30,000 coins per hour, the additional resources and experience make it a worthwhile activity in the early game.
Also Read: OSRS Gold Ore: Complete Mining and Gathering Guide
Mid Game Money-Making Methods
As players advance, more lucrative opportunities become available, often requiring higher skill levels and better equipment.
Smithing at the Giant's Foundry
The Giant's Foundry is a Smithing minigame where players create weapons for Kovac, converting metal bars into giant swords. Completing the "Sleeping Giants" quest grants access to this activity. Depending on the materials used and efficiency, players can earn between 100,000 to 300,000 coins per hour, along with significant Smithing experience.
Killing Green Dragons
Green Dragons, located in the Wilderness, drop valuable items such as dragon bones and green dragonhide. These can be used for Prayer and Crafting training or sold for profit. Players with combat levels around 60+ can expect to earn between 250,000 to 500,000 coins per hour, depending on efficiency and gear. Caution is advised due to the presence of player killers in the area.
Crafting Blood Runes
With a Runecrafting level of 77 and Agility level of 73, players can craft blood runes at the Blood Altar. This method involves mining dense essence, processing it, and crafting it into blood runes, which can be sold for profit. Efficient blood rune crafting can generate approximately 300,000 coins per hour while providing substantial Runecrafting experience.
Corrupted Gauntlet
The Corrupted Gauntlet is a solo minigame in Prifddinas, unlocked after completing "Song of the Elves." Players collect resources and defeat the Crystalline Hunllef, earning valuable drops such as crystal armor seeds and enhanced crystal weapon seeds. This challenging activity can yield around 1,000,000 coins per hour, depending on performance and luck.
Also Read: How to Buy OSRS Gold Without Getting Banned: A Complete Guide
High-Level Money-Making Methods
Endgame content provides some of the most profitable money-making methods for Ironman players, often involving challenging combat encounters and high skill requirements.
Killing Vorkath
Unlocked after completing "Dragon Slayer II," Vorkath is a high-level boss known for its valuable drops, including rune and dragon equipment, dragonhide, and various alchable items. Defeating Vorkath requires high combat stats and proper gear, but it can yield substantial profits, with potential earnings exceeding 1,000,000 coins per hour.
Killing Rune Dragons
Also accessible after "Dragon Slayer II," rune dragons drop valuable items such as runite bars and alchable materials. With high combat stats and appropriate gear, players can earn significant profits, often exceeding 800,000 coins per hour.
In addition to gold, these dragons provide useful materials for Smithing and crafting alchemy runes. Due to their high defense and damage output, strong gear and prayers are required for efficiency.
Chambers of Xeric (Raids 1)
The Chambers of Xeric offers a variety of high-value drops, including Dragon Hunter Crossbows, Twisted Bows, and prayer scrolls. While Ironmen cannot sell these items, they provide powerful upgrades for PvM (Player versus Monster) combat.
Common drops such as rune items and alchables still offer reliable gold-making opportunities. An experienced raider can expect 500,000 to 1,500,000 coins per hour in loot value.
Theatre of Blood (Raids 2)
The Theatre of Blood is an advanced raid requiring high combat stats and teamwork. It rewards players with Justiciar armor, Ghrazi rapiers, Scythe of Vitur, and various valuable resources. Similar to the Chambers of Xeric, Ironmen benefit from high alchable loot and powerful gear upgrades. Depending on the team’s efficiency and luck, players can earn 1,000,000+ coins per hour in loot value.
Zulrah
Zulrah is a mid-to-late game boss known for its consistent and high-value drops. With proper gear and high combat stats, an Ironman can expect to earn 2,000,000+ coins per hour. Notable drops include Zulrah’s scales, rune items, dragon equipment, and herbs, all of which contribute to a sustainable income and valuable resources. The Tanzanite Fang and Magic Fang also provide crucial upgrades for Ironman accounts.
Also Read: Vorkath Guide: How to Kill a Formidable Dragon Boss in OSRS
Skilling-Based Money-Making Methods
Not all Ironman players rely on combat to make money. Some of the most profitable skilling methods include:
Fishing Karambwans
With 65 Fishing, players can catch Karambwans, a sought-after food item in PvP and PvM. With high efficiency, Ironmen can earn 200,000+ coins per hour while simultaneously training Fishing and Cooking.
Mining Amethyst
At 92 Mining, players can mine Amethyst in the Mining Guild. Amethyst is used to craft arrows and bolt tips, offering steady GP while training Mining. This method provides 400,000+ coins per hour.
Crafting Battlestaves
With Battlestaff crafting, Ironmen can profit from daily staff stock at Varrock and Lunar Isle stores. After crafting them into air orbs, they can be high alched for 500,000 to 1,000,000 coins per hour depending on efficiency.
Farming Herb Runs
Farming is an essential Ironman skill for potion-making, but it can also generate wealth. Ranarr weed, Snapdragon, and Torstol herbs are particularly profitable. A single herb run can yield 150,000 to 400,000 coins, depending on Farming level and patches used.
Summary of Money-Making Methods
| Method | Requirements | Potential Profit (Coins/Hour) | Notes |
| Steel Platebodies | None | 100,000 – 200,000 | Found in the Wilderness, risk of PKers |
| H.A.M. Store Rooms | 20 Thieving | ~50,000 | Pickpocket keys to open loot chests |
| Blackjacking | 45+ Thieving | 127,000 – 220,000 | Full Rogue Outfit recommended |
| Agility Pyramid | 30+ Agility | ~200,000 | Requires food for failed jumps |
| Wintertodt | 50 Firemaking | 30,000+ | Also provides valuable resources |
| Smithing (Giant’s Foundry) | 30+ Smithing | 100,000 – 300,000 | Efficient use of bars required |
| Green Dragons | 60+ Combat | 250,000 – 500,000 | High Wilderness risk |
| Crafting Blood Runes | 77 Runecrafting | ~300,000 | Requires 73 Agility for shortcuts |
| Corrupted Gauntlet | 90+ Combat | 1,000,000+ | Chance for Blade of Saeldor |
| Vorkath | DS2, 85+ Combat | 1,000,000+ | Consistent and valuable loot |
| Zulrah | 85+ Combat | 2,000,000+ | One of the best GP/hr for Ironmen |
| Rune Dragons | DS2, 90+ Combat | 800,000+ | Provides alchable rune items |
| Chambers of Xeric | High Combat | 500,000 – 1,500,000 | Chance for Twisted Bow |
| Theatre of Blood | High Combat | 1,000,000+ | High risk, high reward |
| Fishing Karambwans | 65 Fishing | 200,000+ | Good AFK money-making method |
| Mining Amethyst | 92 Mining | 400,000+ | Passive and AFK-friendly |
| Crafting Battlestaves | 55 Crafting | 500,000 – 1,000,000 | Buying daily staff stock is key |
| Farming Herb Runs | 32+ Farming | 150,000 – 400,000 | Profitable with high-level herbs |
Conclusion
Ironman accounts require careful planning and self-sufficiency when it comes to making money. Whether through combat, skilling, or minigames, there are numerous ways to generate gold effectively at all stages of progression.
Players should prioritize methods that align with their long-term goals, ensuring efficient use of time while acquiring useful resources. With the right strategy, Ironmen can fund their journey through Gielinor without ever needing to trade or rely on the Grand Exchange.
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