RuneScape Membership Money-Making Guide: Maximize Your Profits!

Becoming a RuneScape member unlocks a vast array of opportunities for adventure, skill training, and, most importantly, making serious gold! While free-to-play (F2P) RuneScape offers limited moneymaking methods, the membership world boasts a plethora of options, ranging from low-effort AFK activities to high-intensity, high-reward bossing. This guide will provide you with detailed strategies and instructions to help you navigate the world of RuneScape membership moneymaking and maximize your profits. We’ll cover various skill-based methods, combat strategies, and merchanting tips to cater to different playstyles and levels.

Understanding the RuneScape Economy

Before diving into specific moneymaking methods, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental principles driving the RuneScape economy. Supply and demand are the key determinants of prices. Items that are in high demand and short supply will command higher prices. Conversely, items that are readily available and have limited demand will be cheaper.

Factors influencing supply and demand include:

• Popularity of skills: Items used in popular skills (e.g., Prayer, Herblore) tend to be in high demand.
• Boss drops: Rare and powerful items dropped by bosses are highly sought after.
• Updates and patches: New content and balance changes can significantly impact the prices of certain items.
• Events: Seasonal events often introduce limited-time items, creating temporary spikes in demand.
• Botting and RWT (Real World Trading): While against the rules, botting and RWT can artificially inflate the supply of certain items, driving down prices. It’s important to avoid these activities as they can lead to account bans.

Keeping abreast of these factors will allow you to make informed decisions about what to focus on for your moneymaking endeavors. Utilize resources like the Grand Exchange (GE) price history, RuneScape forums, and community Discord servers to stay informed about market trends.

Skill-Based Moneymaking Methods

Skills offer consistent and reliable ways to earn gold in RuneScape. Here are some of the most profitable skill-based methods for members:

1. Runecrafting

Runecrafting, the art of crafting runes, can be a lucrative skill, especially at higher levels. The key to profitable Runecrafting lies in crafting runes that are in high demand, such as Blood Runes, Soul Runes, and Wrath Runes.

Blood Runes:

• Requirement: Level 77 Runecrafting
• Location: Blood Altar in the Wilderness (requires completion of the ‘Desert Treasure’ quest)
• Method: Use a Binding Necklace to teleport between the Blood Altar and the bank. Banking can be done at Edgeville or Castle Wars for faster trips.
• Profitability: High, especially during peak hours. Risk is involved due to the Wilderness location.
• Tips: Use the Abyss for faster trips but be aware of potential PKers. Consider using a combination of pouches to maximize your inventory space.

Soul Runes:

• Requirement: Level 90 Runecrafting
• Location: Soul Altar in the Wilderness (requires completion of the ‘Dishonour Among Thieves’ quest).
• Method: Similar to Blood Runes, use a Binding Necklace to teleport between the Soul Altar and the bank. Edgeville or Castle Wars are good banking options.
• Profitability: Very high, especially due to the high level requirement and Wilderness location.
• Tips: The Abyss is riskier for Soul Runes due to the higher level requirement attracting more PKers. Prioritize anti-PK gear and awareness.

Wrath Runes:

• Requirement: Level 95 Runecrafting (Requires completion of the Dragon Slayer II Quest).
• Location: On Myths’ Guild Island.
• Method: Teleport to Myths’ Guild, Run to the Rune Altar, Craft Runes, teleport out and repeat.
• Profitability: Very high, due to the high level requirement.
• Tips: Utilize run energy potions or graceful equipment to minimize run time.

2. Mining

Mining is another reliable skill for generating income, particularly at higher levels. Focusing on ores that are in high demand for Smithing or other skills is the key to maximizing profits.

Mining Gem Rocks (Levels 40+):

• Requirement: Level 40 Mining
• Location: Shilo Village mine (requires completion of the ‘Shilo Village’ quest), or the Mining Guild.
• Method: Mine gem rocks and collect uncut gems.
• Profitability: Moderate, depending on the current prices of uncut gems.
• Tips: The Varrock Armour 3 or 4 provides a chance to mine two ores at once, increasing efficiency. Use a Dragon Pickaxe or better.

Mining Amethyst (Level 92+):

• Requirement: Level 92 Mining
• Location: Mining Resource Area near the mining guild.
• Method: Mine Amethyst.
• Profitability: Moderate-High, depends on the GE prices.
• Tips: Use a Dragon Pickaxe or better.

Volcanic Mine (Team Activity, Levels 50+ Recommended):

• Requirement: Level 50 Mining, decent combat level.
• Location: Fossil Island.
• Method: Participate in the Volcanic Mine minigame as a team. Coordinate with other players to efficiently mine ores and defeat the lava monster.
• Profitability: Can be quite profitable, depending on team coordination and luck with rare drops.
• Tips: Find a consistent team to maximize efficiency. Use a Dragon Pickaxe or better. The higher your mining level, the better your rewards will be.

3. Fishing

Fishing offers a relatively AFK moneymaking option, although profitability varies depending on the fish you catch.

Monkfish (Level 62+):

• Requirement: Level 62 Fishing
• Location: Piscatoris Fishing Colony (requires completion of the ‘Swan Song’ quest)
• Method: Fish for Monkfish using a small fishing net.
• Profitability: Moderate.
• Tips: Completion of the hard Fremennik Diary increases the amount of fish caught.

Anglerfish (Level 82+):

• Requirement: Level 82 Fishing
• Location: Fishing spots in the Fossil Island swamp.
• Method: Fish for Anglerfish using a fishing rod and sandworms.
• Profitability: Good, Anglerfish are used in high-level cooking.
• Tips: Use the full angler outfit to significantly reduce the chance of being attacked by leeches.

Sacred Eels (Level 87+):

• Requirement: Level 87 Fishing (requires completion of the Tai Bwo Wannai Trio Quest)
• Location: Tai Bwo Wannai.
• Method: Fish for Sacred Eels using bait.
• Profitability: Moderate. The scales can be used to craft potions or sold on the GE.
• Tips: Utilize run energy potions or graceful equipment to minimize run time.

4. Woodcutting

Woodcutting, while often considered a slower skill, can still generate decent income, especially at higher levels. The key is to focus on high-level trees that yield valuable logs.

Redwood Trees (Level 90+):

• Requirement: Level 90 Woodcutting
• Location: Seer’s Village, Farming Guild.
• Method: Chop Redwood Trees.
• Profitability: Moderate.
• Tips: Use a Dragon Axe or better. Consider using the Lumberjack outfit for bonus woodcutting experience.

5. Farming

Farming is a multifaceted skill that offers various opportunities for profit. From growing herbs to trees, Farming can be a very consistent and profitable moneymaker.

Herb Runs (All Levels):

• Requirement: Varies depending on the herb, but typically starts at low Farming levels.
• Location: Herb patches located throughout RuneScape.
• Method: Plant herb seeds, tend to them, and harvest the herbs when they are fully grown.
• Profitability: Consistent and reliable profit. The profitability depends on the herb being grown and the market price.
• Tips: Use the best compost available to reduce the chance of disease. Utilize teleports (e.g., Fairy Rings, Teleport Tablets) to quickly access herb patches. Protect your crops with plant pots and appropriate payments to farmers.

Tree Runs (All Levels):

• Requirement: Varies depending on the tree, starting at low Farming levels.
• Location: Tree patches located throughout RuneScape.
• Method: Plant tree saplings, tend to them, and harvest the logs when the trees are fully grown.
• Profitability: Consistent profit, especially with fruit trees and hardwood trees.
• Tips: Pay farmers to protect your trees from disease. Utilize teleports to quickly access tree patches. Consider growing fruit trees for the secondary benefit of fruit, which can be used for cooking or sold on the GE.

6. Herblore

Herblore provides opportunities for profit by creating potions. The key is to focus on potions that are in high demand, such as prayer potions, super combat potions, and ranging potions.

Prayer Potions (Level 38+):

• Requirement: Level 38 Herblore
• Ingredients: Ranarr weed and snape grass
• Method: Combine Ranarr weed and snape grass in a vial of water.
• Profitability: Moderate, prayer potions are always in demand.
• Tips: Buy the ingredients in bulk when prices are low.

Super Combat Potions (Level 90+):

• Requirement: Level 90 Herblore (Requires recipe from the Grand Exchange)
• Ingredients: Torstol, Super Attack (clean irit, eye of newt), Super Strength (kwuarm, limpwurt root), Super Defence (cadantine, white berries).
• Method: Combine the required ingredients in the correct order.
• Profitability: High, super combat potions are in high demand for bossing and high-level combat.
• Tips: Buy the ingredients in bulk when prices are low. The Herb Sack is useful for holding a large quantity of herbs.

Combat-Based Moneymaking Methods

Combat offers some of the most lucrative moneymaking opportunities in RuneScape. However, it also requires a higher level of investment in terms of gear and supplies.

1. Slayer

Slayer is a skill that combines combat with moneymaking. By completing Slayer tasks, you earn Slayer points, which can be used to purchase useful rewards. Many Slayer monsters also drop valuable items, making Slayer a profitable activity.

Gargoyles (Level 75 Slayer):

• Requirement: Level 75 Slayer
• Location: Slayer Tower, Catacombs of Kourend
• Method: Kill Gargoyles, using a rock hammer to finish them off when they are low health.
• Profitability: Good, Gargoyles drop granite mauls and rune items.
• Tips: Use a Slayer Helm (i) for increased accuracy and damage. Protect from Melee.

Nechryael (Level 80 Slayer):

• Requirement: Level 80 Slayer
• Location: Slayer Tower, Catacombs of Kourend
• Method: Kill Nechryael, using a burst or barrage spell to kill the exploding skeletons that they summon.
• Profitability: Good, Nechryael drop rune items, dragon boots, and other valuable items.
• Tips: Use a Slayer Helm (i) for increased accuracy and damage. Protect from Magic.

Hydra (Level 95 Slayer):

• Requirement: Level 95 Slayer
• Location: Mount Karuulm Slayer Dungeon (Requires 95 Slayer).
• Method: Kill Hydra, a multi-stage boss.
• Profitability: Very high, Hydra drops the Hydra Claw which is used to make the best-in-slot melee weapon, the Dragon Hunter Lance.
• Tips: High level gear is required.

2. Bossing

Bossing offers the potential for the highest profits in RuneScape. However, it also requires the highest level of skill, gear, and preparation. Bosses drop rare and valuable items, making them highly sought after.

Zulrah:

• Requirement: Decent combat stats (75+ in Attack, Strength, Defence, Ranged, and Magic recommended). Completion of the ‘Regicide’ quest.
• Location: Zul-Andra, accessible via boat from Port Tyras.
• Method: Defeat Zulrah, a serpentine boss that uses both ranged and magic attacks.
• Profitability: Very high, Zulrah drops unique items such as the toxic blowpipe, serpentine helm, and magic fang.
• Tips: Learn Zulrah’s attack patterns and rotations. Use gear switches to maximize your damage output. Protect from Magic and Ranged as needed.

Vorkath:

• Requirement: Completion of the ‘Dragon Slayer II’ quest, decent combat stats (75+ in Attack, Strength, Defence, Ranged, and Magic recommended).
• Location: Vorkath’s Lair, accessible via teleport from Lunar Isle or the Fremennik Sea Boots 4.
• Method: Defeat Vorkath, a powerful dragon that uses a variety of attacks.
• Profitability: Very high, Vorkath drops the dragonbone necklace, skeletal visage, and vorkath’s head, as well as valuable alchable items.
• Tips: Learn Vorkath’s attack patterns. Use dragonfire protection. Protect from Magic or Ranged depending on Vorkath’s attack style.

The Grotesque Guardians:

• Requirement: Level 75 Slayer, decent combat stats (70+ in Attack, Strength, Defence, Ranged, and Magic recommended).
• Location: Top of the Slayer Tower.
• Method: Defeat Dusk and Dawn.
• Profitability: Moderate to High, Grotesque Guardians drop Granite dust and the Granite Maul Ornament Kit.
• Tips: Use protect from melee.

3. Raids

Raids are high-level, team-based content that offer the potential for massive profits. However, they also require a significant investment in gear, supplies, and teamwork.

Chambers of Xeric:

• Requirement: High combat stats (80+ in Attack, Strength, Defence, Ranged, and Magic recommended), good teamwork and communication skills.
• Location: Kourend Woodland.
• Method: Complete the Chambers of Xeric raid as a team.
• Profitability: Extremely high, Chambers of Xeric drops unique items such as the twisted bow, ancestral robes, and dragon claws.
• Tips: Find a consistent team. Learn the raid mechanics. Bring a variety of gear and supplies.

Theatre of Blood:

• Requirement: Very high combat stats (90+ in Attack, Strength, Defence, Ranged, and Magic recommended), excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Location: Ver Sinhaza.
• Method: Complete the Theatre of Blood raid as a team.
• Profitability: Extremely high, Theatre of Blood drops unique items such as the scythe of vitur, sangiunesti staff, and avernic defender hilt.
• Tips: Find a skilled and coordinated team. Master the raid mechanics. Bring top-tier gear and supplies.

Merchanting and Flipping

Merchanting, or flipping, involves buying items low and selling them high on the Grand Exchange. This requires a good understanding of market trends and price fluctuations.

General Flipping:

• Method: Identify items with a significant difference between their buy and sell prices. Place buy orders for the item at a slightly lower price than the current buy price. Once the buy orders fill, place sell orders for the item at a slightly higher price than the current sell price.
• Profitability: Varies depending on the item and market conditions.
• Tips: Start with low-value items to minimize risk. Use the Grand Exchange price history to identify profitable items. Be patient and don’t get greedy.

Margin Checking:

• Method: Place a buy order for one of the item. After the buy order completes, immediately place a sell order for the item. Record the difference between the buy and sell price. This is the margin. If the margin is high enough, the item is potentially profitable to flip.
• Profitability: Varies depending on the item and market conditions.
• Tips: Start with low-value items to minimize risk. Use the Grand Exchange price history to identify profitable items. Be patient and don’t get greedy.

High-Volume Flipping:

• Method: Focus on items with a high trading volume. This allows you to quickly buy and sell items, generating profit more frequently.
• Profitability: Can be very profitable, but requires a larger initial investment.
• Tips: Use the Grand Exchange price history to identify high-volume items. Be aware of price fluctuations and adjust your orders accordingly.

Other Moneymaking Tips

• Daily Activities: Many daily activities, such as collecting battlestaves from Zaff or claiming free items from the Grand Exchange, can contribute to your overall income.
• Events: Participate in seasonal events, as they often offer unique items that can be sold for a profit.
• Minigames: Some minigames, such as Blast Furnace and Wintertodt, can be profitable ways to train skills and earn rewards.
• Keep an Eye on Updates: Stay informed about upcoming updates and balance changes, as they can significantly impact the prices of certain items.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Try different moneymaking methods and find what works best for you.
• Utilize RuneLite Plugins: RuneLite offers a variety of plugins that can assist with moneymaking, such as the GE Tracker and Price Checker plugins.

Conclusion

Making money in RuneScape as a member is a multifaceted endeavor that requires knowledge, skill, and strategy. By understanding the RuneScape economy, mastering various skill-based and combat-based methods, and utilizing merchanting techniques, you can maximize your profits and achieve your financial goals in the game. Remember to stay informed, adapt to market changes, and experiment with different strategies to find what works best for you. Good luck, and happy ‘scaping!