Gold is the lifeblood of the RuneScape economy. Whether you're training a skill, buying gear for bossing, or flipping items at the Grand Exchange, having a healthy bank balance unlocks a smoother and more enjoyable experience. But with hundreds of activities available, it can be hard to know how to earn gold efficiently, especially if you're just starting out or returning after a long break.

 

In this guide, we'll break down the best and fastest ways to make OSRS gold in both Old School RuneScape (OSRS) and RuneScape 3 (RS3), covering low, mid, and high-level methods. We'll also give you key tips to maximize profit, reduce risk, and avoid burnout while grinding your way to riches.

 

1. Know the Version You're Playing

RuneScape has two main versions:

 

RuneScape 3 (RS3) - The modern version with an evolving world, advanced graphics, and more features.

 

Old School RuneScape (OSRS) - A nostalgic 2007-era version with slower but more community-driven updates.

 

Both versions have completely separate economies and gold-making methods. While many strategies overlap conceptually, the specifics will vary. This article will point out which methods apply to each version.

 

2. Early Game Gold-Making (Level 1-50)

A. Killing Chickens, Cows, or Goblins (OSRS/RS3)

Great for new players with no combat gear or skills.

 

Collect feathers, bones, and raw hides.

 

Cow hides in OSRS can fetch decent early-game gold at the Grand Exchange.

 

Bones can be sold or used for Prayer.

 

B. Mining and Selling Ores (OSRS/RS3)

Mine copper, tin, or iron ores with a pickaxe.

 

Iron ore is especially valuable due to its demand for smithing and gold-farming bots.

 

Use the best pickaxe you can wield to speed up mining.

 

C. Looting the Wilderness (OSRS)

Risky but rewarding. After major PvP events, valuable items may be left behind.

 

You can also find players dropping loot in high-traffic areas.

 

Be cautious-if you're in the Wilderness, you can be attacked.

 

3. Mid-Level Money-Making (Level 50-80)

A. Slayer Tasks (OSRS/RS3)

Combat training and profit in one.

 

Monsters drop valuable items like herbs, seeds, and rare loot.

 

Slayer tasks often include monsters that drop clue scrolls, which can lead to high-value treasure.

 

B. Farming Herbs (OSRS/RS3)

At level 38+ Farming, you can grow herbs like Ranarr or Snapdragon.

 

Use protection payments to avoid losing crops.

 

A single herb run can net 100k-300k gold or more depending on the herb.

 

C. Fishing and Cooking (OSRS/RS3)

Catch and cook lobsters, swordfish, or monkfish.

 

The profit depends on demand, but cooked food is always needed for combat.

 

In RS3, fishing in the Deep Sea Fishing Hub can yield excellent returns.

 

D. Flipping Items (OSRS/RS3)

Buy low, sell high at the Grand Exchange.

 

Start small with items like runes, logs, or ores.

 

As your capital grows, flip high-volume items like potions, armor, or barrows gear.

 

4. High-Level Gold-Making (Level 80+)

A. Bossing and PvM (OSRS/RS3)

OSRS Bosses

Zulrah: High profit/hour (1-2 million GP per hour) if you learn the mechanics.

 

Vorkath: Great GP, especially with high ranged stats and Dragon Hunter gear.

 

Barrows: Mid to high profit per chest; good for those who enjoy puzzle-solving and combat variety.

 

Cerberus, Hydra, and the Gauntlet: High-level, high-reward content for players with solid mechanics.

 

RS3 Bosses

Nex, Vorago, and Araxxor: Endgame bosses that drop extremely valuable items.

 

God Wars Dungeon 2: Soloable and great for consistent profit.

 

Elite Dungeons: Combine PvM skill with dungeon crawling for great loot.

 

B. Skilling for Profit

OSRS

Runecrafting via Lava Runes: One of the most profitable skilling methods at high Runecrafting levels.

 

Fletching Broad Bolts: Passive profit while watching movies or multitasking.

 

Herblore Cleaning/Unf Potions: If the market favors it, preparing unfinished potions can be lucrative.

 

RS3

Invention Disassembling/Alchemy: Disassemble junk items to create high-value components for invention training.

 

Divination and Portables: Energy selling, especially enhanced and enriched energies, can be sold in bulk.

 

5. Passive Income and AFK Methods

Sometimes you don't want to grind actively but still want to earn gold while watching a show or doing other things.

 

A. OSRS Passive Money Methods

Nightmare Zone: Gain points and profit with absorption potions while staying mostly AFK.

 

Cannonballs: Smelt steel bars into cannonballs-slow but low-effort.

 

Cooking Wines or Jug of Water: Simple and fast to process, and profit margins can be decent.

 

B. RS3 Passive Gold Methods

Kingdom of Miscellania: Manage workers who gather resources for you. Keep approval high and deposit coins for best results.

 

Treasure Hunter Keys & Dailies: Use your daily keys, spins, or lamps. Don't rely on this, but it adds up over time.

 

Player-Owned Ports: Sends crews to gather valuable trade goods while you're offline.

 

6. Tips to Maximize Your Gold-Making

A. Know Market Trends

Prices change daily. Stay aware of which items are in demand due to updates, events, or new content. In OSRS, clue scroll rewards or PvP changes can spike demand for certain gear. In RS3, newly released items or gear rebalancing can cause price shifts. You can buy RS gold at the right time.

 

B. Always Use the Best Tools

Better gear and tools increase your XP and GP per hour. Upgrade your pickaxe, use gear that boosts gathering speed, and wear item-boosting outfits like the Graceful set in OSRS or skilling outfits in RS3.

 

C. Use Banking and Teleport Efficiency

Time is money. Use teleportation to optimize your routes for herb runs, bossing, or clue scrolls. Faster bank trips mean more profit per hour.

 

D. Don't Neglect Quests

Some quests unlock passive money-makers or give access to high-profit areas. For example:

 

Fairy Rings and Spirit Trees make travel faster.

 

Herblore Habitat opens up juju potions.

 

Dream Mentor and Lunar Diplomacy unlock high-utility spells.

 

7. Avoiding Scams and RWT Risks

With gold having real-world value, scams and account theft are common risks. Here's how to protect yourself:

 

Never share your account info, even with friends.

 

Avoid websites offering gold or account services.

 

Use two-factor authentication.

 

Always double-check trades before accepting.

 

Buying gold with real money (real-world trading) is against the rules in both OSRS and RS3 and can result in bans. Don't risk your account.

 

Conclusion

There are countless ways to earn gold in RuneScape, whether you're a battle-hardened boss killer or a peaceful herb farmer. The best method depends on your level, your goals, and how much time and attention you want to invest.

 

For quick early-game gold, focus on farming resources like ores, hides, and herbs. As your skills grow, you'll unlock more profitable content like Slayer, Runecrafting, bossing, and high-level skilling. Don't forget to mix in passive methods like Kingdom management or cannonball making to keep earning even while you relax.

 

Most importantly, find a method that you enjoy. Money-making in RuneScape doesn't have to be a grind if you align it with your preferred playstyle.