Summary
Maxing an Old School RuneScape account is a huge grind, but production skills give you plenty of ways to choose between speed, profit and AFK gameplay. Instead of forcing yourself through the fastest method for every skill, the better approach is to find a training method that fits your budget and how actively you want to play.
This OSRS production skills guide covers Herblore, Smithing, Crafting, buy OSRS gold, Fletching and Runecraft, with a focus on practical 1-99 training methods, AFK options, profit and the biggest mistakes to avoid.
OSRS Herblore 1-99 Guide
Herblore is one of the easiest production skills to train quickly, but it can also burn through a huge amount of GP. For most players, making potions is a better option than simply cleaning herbs if the goal is reaching 99 efficiently.
The best potion to make changes constantly because Grand Exchange prices fluctuate. That makes an OSRS Herblore calculator extremely useful before buying ingredients in bulk. Check the XP per hour, expected cost and potential profit before committing to a method.
For example, higher-level potions such as Saradomin brews can offer much faster training, while cheaper alternatives such as Super Defence potions require more actions but can save significant GP.
The important thing is not to blindly follow the highest XP-per-hour method. Consider how much your time is worth. Saving tens of millions of GP may not be worthwhile if the slower method adds many hours to your grind.
Mastering Mixology is also worth considering. Its rewards can improve the Herblore grind, including items that help save secondary ingredients and provide additional potion production. For players planning to max Herblore, these rewards can reduce the long-term cost of training.
OSRS Smithing 1-99 Guide
Smithing gives you an unusually wide range of training options, from profitable AFK methods to extremely fast XP.
First, complete The Knight's Sword if you have not already. The quest provides a huge early Smithing boost and makes the early levels much easier.
After that, check current Grand Exchange prices before committing to a training method. Smithing XP is largely determined by the bars used, meaning different items made from the same number of bars can provide similar XP while having very different profit margins.
For profitable training, ammunition and other high-demand items can be worth checking. Always test a small batch first rather than buying hundreds of thousands of bars immediately.
If you prefer AFK gameplay, cannonballs remain an attractive option. The XP rate is much lower than intensive methods, but the training requires very little attention and can generate profit.
Giants' Foundry is another excellent choice if you want active gameplay and useful rewards rather than simply clicking at a furnace for hours.
For players who want maximum XP, Blast Furnace can provide dramatically faster Smithing training with the right setup. The trade-off is attention, cost and a much more active playstyle.
OSRS Crafting 1-99 Guide
Crafting is another skill where your ideal method depends heavily on your budget.
One newer option is Golem Crafting, which was introduced through the Wyrmscraig content proposal and received strong support from players in the 2026 poll.
Traditional players can still choose from several established methods. Jewelry crafting, battlestaves and ammunition-related items can provide different combinations of XP, profit and AFK time.
Amethyst items are particularly appealing if you want a more relaxed grind while still producing something with value. The exact best method, however, depends heavily on current Grand Exchange prices.
For a final push toward 99, Dragonhide bodies can provide much faster XP but at a considerably higher cost. If you choose this route, calculate exactly how many hides you need before buying materials.
The key lesson for Crafting is simple: don't choose a method purely because someone called it the "best." Compare XP per hour against GP per XP and decide how much your time is worth.
OSRS Fletching 1-99 Guide
Fletching is one of the more flexible production skills because many methods can be trained while doing other activities.
Making unstrung bows allows you to process large numbers of items per inventory, while stringing bows provides faster XP but requires more frequent banking.
Newer rewards and upgrades can make some Fletching methods substantially more convenient. The video particularly highlights Veil Totems, including rewards that improve the bow-stringing workflow.
Another option is making unfinished darts while training other skills. This can be expensive and click-intensive, but it allows you to combine Fletching with a broader account-maxing routine.
If your priority is simply reaching 99, choose the fastest affordable method. If you are trying to minimize GP costs, slower but profitable alternatives can make much more sense.
OSRS Runecraft 1-99 Guide
Runecraft is probably the skill that causes the most frustration for players working toward max.
Guardians of the Rift is the obvious minigame option, combining XP with rewards and making the grind more varied than traditional altar running.
However, players who dislike high-attention Runecraft can look toward more relaxed methods.
Crafting Soul Runes through the Arceuus system is a slower but relatively relaxing option. The XP rate is not competitive with the fastest methods, but the combination of AFK mining, movement and rune crafting can make long sessions easier to tolerate.
ZMI is another strong option, especially for players who want a balance between XP and reduced attention. Daeyalt Essence can also be used to increase the XP gained from Runecraft training, although gathering the essence itself takes time.
That creates an important efficiency question: is the extra XP worth the time spent mining the essence?
For players who enjoy AFK gameplay, the answer can still be yes. Gathering a large stockpile first can make the actual Runecraft grind feel much faster because each training session produces larger XP drops.
The Best OSRS Production Skill Method Depends on You
There is no single best method for every OSRS production skill.
If you have plenty of GP, high-XP methods can save enormous amounts of time. If your bank is smaller, profitable or low-cost methods may be better. And if you play while watching videos, working or playing another game, AFK training can be far more effective than a theoretically faster method that you cannot sustain.
This is especially important when working toward the Max Cape. OSRS currently continues to explore new skilling content and quality-of-life improvements, while Jagex's 2026 player survey specifically asked about AFK training, profitable methods and skilling minigames.
Before buying a huge amount of materials from the Grand Exchange, test one inventory. Check what you actually spend, how quickly you train and how much you receive when selling the finished products.
Use that information alongside an OSRS skill calculator, buy OSRS gold, then choose the method that fits your own account.
The fastest route to 99 is not always the best route to 99. For production skills, consistency matters more than theoretical XP rates. If a slower AFK method keeps you playing for weeks, it can ultimately beat a faster method that makes you quit after a few hours.
