OSRS Money Making Guide: Best Early Profit Methods Right Now
In the world of Old School RuneScape (OSRS), one of the most important aspects of the game is making money. Whether you're saving for high-end gear, leveling up your skills, or just want to experience the satisfaction of stacking up your wealth, knowing how to generate cash early in the game can be a game-changer. Unlike some MMORPGs, OSRS doesn't necessarily require you to spend real-world money to progress-everything can be earned through in-game efforts.
But what if you're just starting out and want to know how to earn your first million OSRS gold? Don't worry, in this guide, we'll explore the best early money-making methods in OSRS that can set you up for success.
Why Early Money-Making Methods Matter
In OSRS, early money-making methods are essential for building your character and unlocking higher-level content. They enable you to purchase the necessary gear, supplies, and training materials that will propel your skills forward. Additionally, making money early on will help you avoid relying on others for resources, which can feel tedious or inefficient.
Some early methods are simple, requiring little more than a few basic items, while others may require some effort in terms of time or skill requirements. Either way, with the right strategies, you can start stacking GP in no time. Here are the best early profit methods that you can take advantage of in OSRS right now.
1. Killing Cows for Cowhide and Meat
One of the most iconic early methods in OSRS, killing cows for cowhides and meat is a simple but effective way to earn gold early on. This method can be done at various cow pens around Gielinor, with the most popular location being the cow pen west of Lumbridge.
How it works:
Step 1: Equip basic combat gear and head to the cow pen.
Step 2: Kill cows to collect cowhides (which can be sold to tanners for leather) and cow meat (which can be sold for food or used in cooking).
Step 3: Sell the cowhides on the Grand Exchange (GE) for a decent profit. Cowhides are consistently in demand, especially for players training Crafting, and can sell for a nice chunk of change early on.
Why it's effective:
Cowhides are always in demand, especially for crafting.
It's a low-risk, low-cost method.
No specific requirements other than basic combat stats.
2. Woodcutting: Cutting Regular Trees
Woodcutting is one of the most accessible skills in OSRS and can provide solid income, especially early on. Regular trees (or oak trees when you reach level 15 Woodcutting) are the most common and beginner-friendly trees to chop.
How it works:
Step 1: Equip an axe and head to any tree location-Varrock and Lumbridge are common spots for chopping regular trees.
Step 2: Chop down trees and collect logs.
Step 3: Sell the logs to the Grand Exchange. The most commonly sold logs are normal logs, oak logs, and willow logs.
Why it's effective:
Woodcutting is a non-intensive skill, and trees are widely scattered across the game world.
The logs have a high resale value at the Grand Exchange, especially early in the game when players are starting their training.
3. Mining: Iron Ore
Mining is one of the most profitable skills in OSRS, and iron ore is a great option for beginners looking to make money. Once you reach level 15 Mining, you can mine iron ore, and with higher levels, you can mine more valuable ores.
How it works:
Step 1: Head to the Varrock south mining site or Mining Guild (once you have access).
Step 2: Mine iron ore. You'll want to use a Rune or Dragon pickaxe to speed up your mining efficiency.
Step 3: Sell the iron ore on the Grand Exchange.
Why it's effective:
Iron ore is in constant demand, both for high-level Smithing and by other players who want to craft bars.
Mining can be done while watching TV or multitasking, making it an easy and passive money-maker.
As your mining level increases, you can access more profitable ores.
4. Fishing: Salmon and Trout
Fishing is another highly efficient skill for beginners. Salmon and Trout are two of the best early fish to catch, and you can do this from the Barbarian Village fishing spots once you have the appropriate fishing level.
How it works:
Step 1: Equip a fly fishing rod and head to the Barbarian Village or Shilo Village (with the required quests completed).
Step 2: Catch Trout and Salmon, which are excellent for high-level cooking but also a valuable resource for other players.
Step 3: Sell your catch on the Grand Exchange. Salmon and trout can be sold raw or cooked for a higher price.
Why it's effective:
Fishing doesn't require combat, so it's a relatively relaxing activity.
Salmon and trout are consumed by high-level players for cooking, making them in high demand.
With decent fishing equipment, you can fish quickly and profitably.
5. Thieving: Stalling at Ardougne
Thieving offers fast cash and rewards for players willing to get their hands dirty. One of the best early-game methods is stalling in the Ardougne market for coins.
How it works:
Step 1: Head to the Ardougne market and locate the fruit stalls or silk stalls.
Step 2: Thieve from the stalls. The most profitable is typically the silk stall, where you can steal silks and sell them.
Step 3: Sell the stolen silks on the Grand Exchange for a small but consistent profit.
Why it's effective:
Thieving doesn't require combat skills, and you can often pickpocket NPCs for small, steady amounts of gold.
Quick, repetitive actions make it efficient when you're multitasking.
6. Crafting: Making Leather Items
Crafting can be a great money-maker early on, especially once you start training with cowhides. After obtaining enough cowhides, you can craft leather items (such as gloves or boots) that can be sold for a profit.
How it works:
Step 1: Buy a needle and thread from a general store.
Step 2: Turn your cowhides into leather by tanning them (this costs some gold, but the profit is worth it).
Step 3: Craft leather gloves or leather boots and sell them on the Grand Exchange.
Why it's effective:
Crafting is a valuable skill for many in OSRS, meaning leather items are in demand.
This method provides a reliable stream of gold for early-game players, especially when combined with cowhide farming.
7. Farming: Growing Herbs and Trees
Herb farming is a more advanced money-making method, but once you start farming, growing herbs can be a consistent source of income. You'll need to unlock access to farming patches and start planting herb seeds (such as ranarr, snapdragon, or grimy herbs).
How it works:
Step 1: Purchase herb seeds and plant them in farming patches (usually located near Taverley or Catherby).
Step 2: Wait for the herbs to grow, then harvest them once they're ready.
Step 3: Sell the harvested herbs on the Grand Exchange for a nice profit.
Why it's effective:
Herbs are used for potions, making them high in demand.
Farming can be done passively, allowing you to play other parts of the game while waiting for your crops to grow.
Conclusion
In Old School RuneScape, making money early on doesn't require extensive skills or hours of grinding. By focusing on simple, accessible methods like cowhide farming, mining iron, woodcutting, fishing, and thieving, you can easily start building a substantial amount of wealth. These activities will not only help you save up for high-level gear but also give you the foundation to unlock more advanced money-making methods down the line. If you want to obtain gold faster, you can also buy cheap RS gold on rsorder.
As you progress, always keep in mind that the key to making consistent gold in OSRS is persistence. Combine these methods with patience, and soon you'll find yourself with enough GP to fund your adventures, skills, and gear upgrades in the world of Gielinor. Happy earning, adventurer!