Old School RuneScape: 1-99 Smithing Guide

Smithing in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers one of the fastest XP gains of any skill but often comes at the cost of burning through OSRS Gold. However, there are alternative methods that provide profits, though these sacrifices typically slow down the XP per hour. This guide covers everything you need to know to efficiently reach level 99 Smithing—whether you aim for speed or profit along the way.

Recommended Roadmap for 1-99 Smithing

Your path to 99 Smithing will be easier if you break it into manageable segments. While jumping between methods can make the grind more enjoyable, the following roadmap is optimized to balance speed, cost, and efficiency.

Levels 1-30: Questing for Fast XP

One of the easiest ways to jumpstart your Smithing journey is by completing quests that reward Smithing XP. These quests can easily get you to level 30 or higher without any significant cost.

Sleeping Giants:

XP Reward: 6,000 Smithing XP

Unlocks the Giants' Foundry for future Smithing training.

Elemental Workshop I:

XP Reward: 5,000 Smithing XP

Elemental Workshop II:

XP Reward: 7,500 Smithing XP

These quests will get you close to level 30 Smithing. From here, a small amount of training is required to reach level 40 and unlock Blast Furnace.

Levels 30-40: Iron Equipment at Varrock Anvils

Since Blast Furnace requires level 40 Smithing, the fastest way to bridge this gap is by crafting Iron items at the anvil south of Varrock West Bank.

Levels 24-33: Iron Warhammer

Levels 33-40: Iron Platebodies

Although you'll lose some cheap OSRS Gold crafting these, the losses are minimal, and the levels fly by quickly.

Levels 40-99: Blast Furnace for Fast XP

The Blast Furnace is the go-to method for those chasing the highest XP-per-hour rates. It's a batch-processing furnace where players smelt multiple ores simultaneously. You'll want to use Blast Furnace worlds (which feature automated Dwarven workers) for an easier experience.

Smelting Gold Bars (Best XP)

XP Rate: 300,000+ XP per hour

Requirements:

Level 40 Smithing

Goldsmith Gloves (from the Family Crest quest)

Bucket of Water or Ice Gloves (to cool bars)

Gold bars are the fastest way to reach level 99 Smithing. However, without Goldsmith Gloves, this method is not recommended, as XP will be halved. The Blast Furnace can be accessed after starting The Giant Dwarf quest and returning to using Grouping Teleports or mine carts from the Dwarven Mine or the Grand Exchange.

Note: While this method offers incredible XP, it is very expensive. Be prepared to buy OSRS Gold if you pursue this path.

Smelting Other Bars (Profit Focus)

If you want to reduce the costs or even make a profit, you can smelt regular bars at the Blast Furnace.

Iron Bars (No Coal needed)

Steel, Mithril, Adamant, and Runite Bars (Require Coal)

For more efficiency, bring a Coal Bag to carry extra ores per trip. While the XP rates (70,000-100,000 XP per hour) are slower than gold bars, this method allows you to earn gold while progressing toward 99 Smithing.

Levels 50-99: Giants' Foundry for XP and Profit

The Giants' Foundry is a newer, interactive Smithing minigame that offers a fun alternative to the Blast Furnace. It provides a blend of decent XP rates and profits, with some unique rewards to boot.

How Giants' Foundry Works

Players forge weapons using metal bars and follow a pattern to meet quality goals.

The better your performance, the higher your XP rewards and profits.

This method offers 75,000-100,000 XP per hour, with additional gold rewards and Giant's Foundry points.

These points can be exchanged for useful Smithing-related items, such as the Smiths' Uniform (which increases XP by 20% when worn). If you want to avoid repetitive grinding and enjoy an engaging gameplay experience, Giants' Foundry is the perfect training method.

Final Thoughts

Reaching 99 Smithing takes dedication, but choosing the right methods can ease the grind. Whether you opt for the fast (but expensive) route with Gold Bars at the Blast Furnace, or prefer the engaging experience of the Giants' Foundry, the Smithing Skillcape will be well worth the effort. Switch between methods to avoid burnout, and consider questing early on to save time and gold.