What’s the Fastest Old Money Making Method in RuneScape?
Welcome to the world of Old School RuneScape (OSRS), a game where one of the most persistent quests for players is finding efficient ways to earn gold. Making money is essential for progressing through the game, acquiring better gear, and unlocking new content. While there are numerous methods available, the pursuit of the “fastest old money making” method is a common challenge faced by many players. This term generally refers to activities yielding a high amount of gold per hour (gph) relative to the initial investment and skill level required, often focusing on high-value activities accessible to more experienced players.
Determining the absolute “fastest” method can be subjective and depends on individual player circumstances, including starting wealth, skill levels, and risk tolerance. However, several methods consistently rank high in terms of speed and profitability, making them prime candidates for the title of fastest old money making in RuneScape.
Understanding the Landscape: What Makes a Method “Fast”?
Before diving into specific methods, it’s crucial to understand what factors contribute to a money-making activity being considered “fast”:
- Gold Per Hour (GPH): This is the primary metric. Methods that generate a high amount of gold in a relatively short time frame are generally considered faster. Comparing GPH across different activities is key.
- Initial Investment: While not always the case, many high-speed methods require a significant upfront investment of gold (e.g., purchasing equipment, runes, or access to certain locations). The ability to afford this initial outlay is critical.
- Skill Requirements: High-speed methods often require high levels in relevant skills (Combat, Mining, Smithing, Herblore, Fishing, etc.). Players must assess their own skill levels before pursuing these.
- Time Efficiency: Minimizing idle time, travel time, and maximizing productive time is vital. Methods that involve waiting or complex setups can slow down earnings.
- Risk Factor: Some of the fastest methods carry inherent risks, such as player-vs-player (PvP) combat or dealing with aggressive mobs. These risks need to be weighed against the potential rewards.
It’s also important to note that the game economy is dynamic. Prices of items fluctuate, and the effectiveness of different methods can change over time. What was fastest six months ago might not be the same today.
Dwarf Cannon Quest and Cannonball Smithing: A Classic High-Speed Method
One of the most frequently cited examples of a high-speed money-making method, particularly for players with decent starting wealth and decent Smithing, is linked to the completion of the Dwarf Cannon quest and subsequent cannonball smithing.
Requirements:
- Complete the Dwarf Cannon quest (requires levels 36 Mining, 40 Smithing, 52 Agility, and completing the Rune Mysteries quest or having access to the Barrows Agility Course).
- Reach a high enough Smithing level (typically 75+, though lower levels can smith cheaper iron cannonballs) to produce cannonballs efficiently.
- Significant starting capital (often around 10,000+ gold) to purchase the required materials (primarily iron ore, steel bars, and the cannon itself if not obtained via the quest reward).
The Process:
After completing the quest, players typically set up a cannonball smiting operation. Iron cannonballs (worth 6-7 gold each) and steel cannonballs (worth 8-9 gold each) are the primary targets. The process involves:
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Purchasing Materials: Buying large quantities of iron ore and steel bars from the Grand Exchange (GE) or other players.
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Manufacturing: Using the Dwarf Cannon to smith the ore into cannonballs. This requires a lot of cannonballs to be profitable.
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Trading: Selling the produced cannonballs on the Grand Exchange or through direct player sales.
Why it’s Fast (Potentially):
- High GPH Potential: If the Smithing level is high enough to smith quickly, and the player can buy materials cheaply and sell products expensively, the GPH can be very high. Steel cannonballs, in particular, command a good price.
- Low Time Input: Once materials are acquired, the actual smiting process is relatively quick per cannonball (though volume is key). The time is largely spent on procurement and sales.
- Scalability: Players can scale up production by investing more gold in materials and potentially adding more cannons or setting up automated smelting systems (like using a Smithing Tower).
However, this method requires a substantial initial investment and relies heavily on the player’s ability to manage inventory and react to market price fluctuations. It also requires being online constantly to monitor the market and perform transactions.
Abyssal Slayer: The Apex of Combat-Based Speed
For players who possess strong combat skills and are comfortable with high-risk, high-reward gameplay, the Abyssal Slayer method is often considered one of the fastest forms of RuneScape old money making. This method involves slaying powerful, high-level demons in the Abyssal Arena.
Requirements:
- Reach level 99 Combat (or significantly high Combat, though 99 is ideal).
- Complete the Abyssal Depth quest (requires level 75 Slayer and completion of Dragon Slayer). This quest provides the necessary access and gear (the Bladed Chainmail Cape).
- Significant starting capital (tens of thousands of gold) to purchase the required gear (the Abyssal Slayer Cape, runeite armor, and consumables) and potentially teleporting.
- Excellent PvP skills or luck.
The Process: Ultimate OSRS Money Making Strategy
Players equip high-level gear, including the Abyssal Slayer Cape (which makes Abyssal demons drop more gold), and venture into the Abyssal Arena. They then engage and defeat powerful demons like the Abyssal Spectre, Abyssal Demon, or the game’s apex demon, the Abyssal Father.
Defeating these demons yields a large amount of gold, experience, and valuable items (like Dragon bones or runeite armor stands). The speed comes from the sheer volume of gold dropped per kill.
Why it’s Fast (Potentially):
- Exceptional GPH: Defeating a single Abyssal Spectre can yield hundreds, sometimes thousands, of gold, especially with the Abyssal Cape. The Abyssal Father drop rate is lower but the potential payout is enormous.
- High Reward-to-Risk Ratio: While dangerous, the potential gold reward makes the risk worthwhile for experienced players. One successful kill can provide hours of work’s worth of gold.
- Direct Profit: Gold drops are immediate and substantial, minimizing the need for further processing or trading.
Despite its potential speed, Abyssal Slayer is extremely dangerous, especially against the Abyssal Father. Mistakes can lead to death and loss of valuable gear, effectively wiping out the player’s investment. It requires immense skill, patience, and often a group of experienced players (a party).
Other High-Speed Methods: Mining and Resource Processing
Besides combat and crafting, certain mining and resource processing methods can be very fast, particularly for players with high levels and significant investment.
Prospector Mining:
Completing the Prospector quest unlocks access to the Gold Mine in the Grand Canyon. Mining gold ore here yields significantly more gold than regular mining methods. The process involves:
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Completing the Quest: Requires level 70 Mining, 70 Smithing, and completion of Dragon Slayer.
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Investment: Requires a large amount of gold (around 300k+) to purchase the Prospector’s Pickaxe and necessary supplies.