A few years back, I created a video outlining the best money-making methods for each skill in Old School RuneScape (OSRS). Since then, the game has evolved significantly. New content, game updates, and shifts in the economy have transformed the landscape of profitable activities. This article revisits and updates the best money makers for each skill in OSRS, reflecting the changes and opportunities available as of 2024.
Combat Skills
Tombs of Amascut
When it comes to combat, the most significant change in recent years is the introduction of the Tombs of Amascut (ToA). Since its release in late 2022, ToA has quickly become the premier RuneScape money-making method for combat. This raid offers exceptional profitability, especially for players who can handle higher invocation levels.
As of March 2023, players running solo raids at a 500 invocation level can earn up to around 20 million GP per hour. This high earning potential is due to the increased drop rates for high-value items, known as “purples,” and the continued high value of these unique items. ToA is a complex and challenging raid, but for skilled players, it remains one of the most lucrative activities in the game.
Nex
Another significant combat money maker is Nex, the high-level boss introduced in late 2021. Despite being in the game for over a year, Nex remains one of the most reliable and consistent high-level money-makers. In a duo setup, players can expect to earn about 15 million GP per hour. The profitability of Nex is attributed to the valuable loot drops and the efficiency of well-coordinated teams.
Prayer
Shades of Morton
Historically, Prayer has been a skill with little to no money-making potential. However, the Shades of Morton rework in early 2021 changed that. The introduction of cremating shade has allowed players to profit while training Prayer.
Cremating urium remains the highest level shade, and can earn up to 600,000 GP per hour. This method also provides 60,000 Prayer experiences per hour, making it a unique way to both train and make money. However, it requires 95 Firemaking to start and is quite click-intensive, which can make it less appealing for some players.
Magic
Tan Leather Spell
Magic is a versatile skill with numerous profitable methods. Among these, the tan leather spell remains one of the most consistently profitable methods. By casting this spell on black dragonhide, players can earn up to 1.3 million GP per hour while also gaining around 130,000 Magic experience per hour. The requirements for this method are relatively high, including 78 Magic, access to the Lunar Spellbook, and completion of the Fremennik Hard Diary, but it offers solid returns for those who can meet these criteria.
Runecrafting
Wrath Runes
Runecrafting has seen some changes, but the most profitable method remains to craft Wrath Runes. As of 2024, crafting Wrath Runes can yield up to 2 million GP per hour. This method requires 95 Runecrafting and completion of Dragon Slayer II. Recent updates have improved the efficiency of crafting, allowing players to earn up to 50,000 experiences per hour. While Wrath Runes are highly profitable, their price and profitability can fluctuate based on market conditions.
Blood Runes
Crafting Blood Runes is another profitable Runecrafting method, though slightly less lucrative than Wrath Runes. Blood Runes can earn around 1.7 million GP per hour and require only 77 Runecrafting. The price stability of Blood Runes makes them a reliable option, though they may not offer the same potential as Wrath Runes.
Construction
Toy Cats
Construction has traditionally been a skill with limited money-making opportunities, but one method stands out in 2024. Crafting Toy Cats, which requires 42 Construction and 85 Crafting, can be quite profitable. This method can earn over 1 million GP per hour but does not provide Construction experience. While not a conventional money-maker, Toy Cats are a unique way to generate income through Construction.
Agility
Hallowed Sepulchre
The Hallowed Sepulchre remains one of the best money-making methods for Agility. Despite being nearly three years old, it continues to be highly profitable. By completing the highest level floors, players can earn up to 2 million GP per hour and receive over 75,000 Agility experience per hour. The high requirements, including 92 Agility for the fifth floor, help maintain the method’s profitability by limiting competition.
Herblore
D Grime
With the release of the Kingdom Divided quest in 2021, Herblore gained a new money-making method. The D Grime spell allows players to clean herbs quickly, making it a profitable option. Cleaning Renar Weeds can earn over 1 million GP per hour, with additional Herblore experience gains. However, the method requires 70 Magic, completion of Kingdom Divided, and access to the Arceuus Spellbook, along with a significant cash stack to purchase herbs.
Thieving
Pickpocketing Elves
Thieving’s most profitable method remains pickpocketing elves. Despite being introduced in 2019, this method continues to be highly lucrative. Players can earn over 2 million GP per hour and receive up to 160,000 Thieving experience per hour. The value of enhanced Crystal Teleport Seeds remains high, contributing to the method’s profitability. Requirements include 85 Thieving and completion of the Song of the Elves quest.
Crafting
Jewelry Crafting
In Crafting, creating bracelets and other jewelry items is a consistent way to make money. Starting at a low level with Jade Bracelets, players can earn around 500,000 GP per hour and gain significant Crafting experience. Higher-level jewelry items can increase profitability further, making this a viable option for both money and experience.
Fletching
Dragon Bolts
Fletching remains a viable money-making skill, with Dragon Bolts being the most profitable method. Crafting Ruby, Diamond, and Sapphire Dragon Bolts can yield over 1 million GP per hour. This method requires 84 Fletching and is limited by the buying restrictions of required items. Despite the limitations, Dragon Bolt crafting remains a high-return activity.
Slayer
Alchemical Hydra
Slayer’s top money-maker is the Alchemical Hydra, introduced in 2019. This boss offers up to 4 million GP per hour, primarily through resource drops. With requirements of 95 Slayer and a Slayer task, the Hydra remains a highly profitable option for high-level players, providing around 30,000 Slayer experience per hour and significant combat experience.
Hunter
Box Traps
Hunter’s most profitable method is hunting Black Chinchompas. Despite occasional interruptions from player-killers, this method can earn over 800,000 GP per hour and provides up to 90,000 experience per hour. The high-profit potential makes it a valuable option for players with at least 80 Hunter.
Mining
Volcano Skilling Boss
Mining, traditionally a less profitable skill, saw a significant update with the Volcano Skilling Boss. This activity can earn up to 1.3 million GP per hour. Although it offers low experience rates (about 15,000 per hour), the profitability makes it a worthwhile endeavor for high-level miners with the required Mining level of 74 and completion of the Song of the Elves quest.
Smithing
Rune Bars
Smithing has several profitable methods, with smelting Rune Bars at the Blast Furnace being the top choice. This method provides around 1.2 million GP per hour and over 100,000 Smithing experience per hour. Requiring 85 Smithing and access to the Coal Bag, it’s an effective way to gain both experience and profit.
Fishing
Sacred Eels
Fishing’s best money-maker remains Sacred Eels, which requires 87 Fishing and completion of the Regicide quest. This method provides around 300,000 GP per hour and is relatively AFKable. Despite slow experience rates (about 20,000 per hour), it is the most profitable option for Fishing.
Cooking
One-Tick Cooking Crumb Ones
Cooking has seen little change in profitability, with one exception: one-tick cooking Crumb Ones. This method offers about 500,000 GP per hour in profit and exceptional Cooking experience (up to 800,000 per hour). It requires precise clicking and can be demanding, but it’s the most profitable Cooking method available.
Firemaking
Shades of Morton
Firemaking’s profitability has been impacted by the Shades of Morton rework. Cremating shade remains, particularly urium remains, has become a viable method for both Prayer and Firemaking. It provides significant OSRS Gold income while training two skills simultaneously. Despite the click-intensive nature, it remains a notable option.
Conclusion
The landscape of money-making in Old School RuneScape has evolved considerably since 2020. New content, updates, and changes in the game’s economy have reshaped the best methods for earning gold. From the high-level challenges of ToA and Nex to innovative methods like D Grime and one-tick cooking, players have a diverse array of options to maximize their profits and enhance their gameplay experience. As always, the most effective money makers will depend on individual skill levels, game knowledge, and personal preferences.