Runecrafting is one of the most infamous skills in Old School RuneScape, often described as slow, click-intensive, and unforgiving. At the same time, it remains one of RuneScape gold the most rewarding skills in the game. It is essential for questing, achievement diaries, and Ironman progression, while also being the most profitable non-combat skill when trained efficiently.

This 2026 Runecrafting guide breaks down everything you need to know to progress from level 1 to 99, covering early-game questing, Guardians of the Rift, fast XP methods, profitable options, and lower-intensity training paths for both mains and Iron accounts.

What Is Runecrafting and Why Train It?

Runecrafting allows players to convert rune, pure, or daeyalt essence into runes at altars across Gielinor. Main accounts usually train it to meet diary and quest requirements-most notably level 91 for the Elite Karamja Diary (or 86 with spicy stew boosts). For Ironmen, Runecrafting is vital for self-sufficiency, removing reliance on rune shops.

Despite its slow reputation, Runecrafting can generate over 1 million cheap OSRS GP per hour at higher levels and offers some of the most consistent long-term rewards in the game.

Early Game: Levels 1-27 (Questing and Setup)

Contrary to popular belief, Rune Mysteries is not required to unlock Runecrafting, but it is essential for mining essence, using lamps, and accessing future content. Completing it also unlocks Enter the Abyss, a critical mini-quest.

Enter the Abyss grants Runecrafting XP from level 1 to 9 and rewards a small essence pouch.

Afterward, craft a small number of air or earth runes to reach level 10.

At level 10, complete Temple of the Eye, which introduces Guardians of the Rift and boosts your Runecrafting level to 27 while awarding a medium pouch.

This questing route is by far the fastest and least painful way to start the skill.

Guardians of the Rift: Core Training Method

Guardians of the Rift (GotR) is one of the best additions to Runecrafting in OSRS history. It offers strong XP rates, massive rune rewards, and essential upgrades.

In the minigame, players:

Mine essence fragments

Convert them into essence

Craft runes via portals

Feed guardian stones to power the Great Guardian

Every action generates elemental or catalytic points, which are used to roll rewards.

Key Rewards

Abyssal Pearls - used to buy the Raiment of the Eye outfit

Abyssal Needle - combines pouches into the Colossal Pouch

Abyssal Lantern - powerful GotR passive bonuses

The Raiment of the Eye outfit increases runes crafted per essence, up to 60% extra runes with the full set, making it mandatory for profit-focused Runecrafting.

Iron accounts are strongly encouraged to train GotR until at least level 85, if not all the way to 99.

Fastest XP Methods

Lava Runes (Highest Click Intensity)

Lava rune crafting remains the fastest XP method in the game.

Requirements include:

Lunar spellbook

Magic Imbue

Binding necklaces

Fire tiara

Essence pouches

Using daeyalt essence, lava runes can reach 125,000 XP per hour at a relatively low OSRS GP cost. This method is extremely click-heavy and best suited for players who want 99 as fast as possible.

Essence Runners

For players with excess GP, hiring essence runners provides the fastest XP rates available. Runners trade essence directly to you at the altar, allowing nonstop crafting. This method is expensive but unmatched in speed.

ZMI (Ourania Altar)

The ZMI altar offers a strong balance of XP and effort. XP scales with level since higher tiers unlock better runes. With quality-of-life updates like inventory locking and extended render distance, ZMI is one of OSRS gold for sale the most comfortable mid-to-high-level methods.