Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a game that requires dedication, skill, and strategy. One of the core elements of OSRS is the need for gold—the in-game currency used for almost everything, from buying gear and items to leveling up your character and progressing through quests. Earning OSRS gold can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, anyone can build a significant fortune. This guide will cover the most effective and profitable methods for earning gold in OSRS, whether you are a beginner or an experienced player.

1. Skilling for Profit

Skilling is the foundation of OSRS gold. While some methods are slower than others, the right combination of skills can yield large amounts of gold over time.

a) Fishing and Cooking

Fishing and cooking are popular skilling methods that go hand in hand. By fishing certain fish and cooking them, players can create valuable food items that are in high demand on the Grand Exchange (GE).

Salmon and Trout: Fishing these fish in Barbarian Village or Shilo Village can be quite profitable, as they are often used for training purposes.

Sharks: The fishing method for sharks is more time-intensive, but they are extremely valuable for both combat training and PvP, leading to high demand on the market.

By training both Fishing and Cooking, players can stockpile these valuable resources and sell them for a considerable amount of gold.

b) Woodcutting and Fletching

Woodcutting and Fletching are profitable combinations, especially if you cut high-level trees like Yews or Magics. These logs can be turned into bows and arrows, which are always in demand.

Yew Logs: Cutting Yew trees at high-level areas such as Seers' Village and selling the logs on the Grand Exchange is an easy way to make decent money.

Magic Logs: Magic logs are one of the highest-value logs in OSRS. Cutting Magic trees at locations like Taverley or Feldip Hills can yield a significant profit, especially if you turn them into Magic Longbows.

c) Mining and Smithing

Mining and Smithing are another popular skilling combination, particularly because ores are needed for both crafting items and creating valuable equipment.

Runite Ore: Mining Runite Ore is one of the most profitable methods in OSRS. The ores are rare, but they can be mined at locations like The Wilderness or Edgeville. Players can then smelt the ores into Runite Bars and create Runite equipment, which is highly valuable.

Coal and Iron: Lower-level ores like Coal and Iron are still valuable, especially for Smithing or Crafting.

If you have the patience to mine ores and smelt them into bars, you'll have a steady stream of income.

2. Combat and Slayer

Combat skills are the backbone of OSRS gold-making methods. Many players focus on Slayer for a profitable and efficient way to train both combat and make money at the same time.

a) Slayer Tasks

Slayer tasks offer high XP rewards along with valuable drops. While you may need to invest in better gear, high-level Slayer monsters drop rare and profitable items that can be sold on the GE.

Abyssal Demons: Known for dropping the Abyssal Whip, one of the most profitable weapons in the game.

TzTok-Jad: The Fire Cape dropped by TzTok-Jad is highly sought after, and the monster drops valuable items like Tokkul and Fire Capes.

You can also earn gold by completing easier Slayer tasks that drop resources like Herbs, Runes, and other consumables that can be sold.

b) PvM and Bossing

If you're an experienced player, you can earn huge amounts of gold by defeating bosses in the game. Some bosses drop rare items and equipment that are highly valuable in the market.

Vorkath: Vorkath drops valuable items like Dragon Bones, Vorkath's Head, and Dragonfire Bombs, all of which can be sold for large sums.

ZGS (ZGS God Wars Dungeon Boss): The ZGS is another high-value item from God Wars Dungeon bosses like Kril Tsutsaroth. By defeating these bosses, you will earn not only the drops but also the experience points.

Bossing may require specialized gear, but the rewards can be immense. Whether you're soloing bosses or teaming up with others for a more efficient kill, this method is incredibly lucrative.

3. Flipping and Merchanting

Flipping and merchanting are tactics used by players who are more business-oriented and less focused on grinding. These methods involve buying items at low prices and reselling them at a higher price for a profit.

a) Flipping Items on the Grand Exchange

This is one of the most efficient methods of making gold for players with a keen eye for market trends.

Consumables: Items like potions, runes, and food are consistently in demand. By keeping track of fluctuating prices, you can purchase these items at lower prices and sell them for a profit.

High-Value Items: Rare items like Abyssal Whips, Dragon Scimitars, or Barrows Equipment tend to fluctuate in price, and savvy players can take advantage of these price changes to make gold.

You will need to keep track of the in-game economy and understand market trends to succeed at flipping.

b) Merchants

Merchants are players who manipulate the market by buying large quantities of certain items and reselling them at a higher price. For instance, you might buy Dragon Bones in bulk when they're cheap, then wait for a price spike (such as during a popular event or update), and sell them for a profit.

4. Treasure Trails and Clue Scrolls

One of the most exciting ways to earn OSRS gold is through Treasure Trails, which involve completing clue scrolls. These scrolls lead players to different locations around Gielinor, where they can solve puzzles, fight monsters, and find treasures.

Easy and Medium Clues: While these clues offer less valuable rewards, they are still worth completing due to their quick and consistent payout. Players can earn Rune Items, Untradable Cosmetics, and other valuable resources.

Hard and Elite Clues: These higher-level clue scrolls can yield incredible rewards, including rare cosmetic items like Third Age Equipment and powerful gear that can be sold for millions of gold.

Completing clue scrolls can be a fun and profitable side activity, especially when combined with other methods like combat or skilling.

5. In-Game Events and Seasonal Activities

OSRS frequently runs special events that can give players the opportunity to earn gold or acquire rare items.

Seasonal Events: During special events like Christmas or Halloween, players can earn unique items or bonuses that can be sold for gold.

Double XP Events: During these events, skills become significantly faster to train. Not only can players earn experience at an accelerated rate, but they can also sell the products of those skills (such as ores, fish, or logs) for profit.

Conclusion

There are numerous ways to earn RS gold, from skilling and combat to merchanting and clue scrolls. Each method requires a different approach, but the key is consistency and patience. By combining different strategies, you can maximize your gold earnings and enjoy the game even more. Whether you prefer the grind of skilling or the excitement of bossing, there's an option for every player in Old School RuneScape.

Remember, while it's tempting to buy gold from third-party sites, the safest and most rewarding way to earn gold is through legitimate in-game methods. Stick to the guide, stay persistent, and your OSRS fortune will grow over time.