The Best Low-Effort AFK OSRS Money-Making Methods
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is known for its grind-heavy nature, but not every activity demands your full attention. Whether you're working, watching a movie, or just don't feel like actively clicking around, there are plenty of money-making methods in Cheap OSRS gold that require minimal effort while still padding your bank account. In this guide, we'll cover some of the best low-effort, AFK (Away From Keyboard) money-making methods that players of various levels can use to earn steady profit.
What Makes a Good AFK Money-Making Method?
When considering AFK money-making methods in OSRS, the best activities share a few important traits:
Low attention requirement: You can look away for extended periods without serious consequences.
Consistent profits: The method steadily brings in gold, whether through drops, resources, or passive mechanics.
Minimal risk: You won't risk dying or losing valuable items if left unattended for a minute or two.
Reasonable requirements: Some methods require a higher level investment, but others are accessible to mid-level players.
Top AFK Money-Making Methods in OSRS
1. Amethyst Mining
Requirements:
92 Mining
Access to the Mining Guild
Amethyst mining is one of the most iconic low-effort moneymakers in the game. At 92 Mining, you can mine Amethyst crystals in the Mining Guild Expansion. Each amethyst takes around 1 minute to mine with an Amulet of Glory equipped, making this one of the most AFK mining activities available.
Profit:
~400K-600K GP per hour depending on your efficiency and current market prices.
Why It's Great:
You only need to click every minute or so, making it perfect for working or watching Netflix.
2. Sandstone Mining (for Buckets of Sand)
Requirements:
35 Mining
Access to the Desert Quarry
Completion of “The Tourist Trap” for quick access
Waterskins and desert clothing recommended
At the Desert Quarry, players can mine sandstone and deposit it directly into a nearby grinder (with the “Sandstorm” NPC) to turn it into buckets of sand. This is highly AFK because the rocks don't move, and the process is simple.
Profit:
While not the most profitable on its own (~200K GP per hour), the main advantage is stockpiling resources for crafting or selling sand on the GE.
Why It's Great:
Nearly no competition and extremely laid-back clicking with little to no movement.
3. Wyvern Bones on a Gilded Altar
Requirements:
1 Prayer (higher is better for efficiency)
Access to a POH with a gilded altar and burners lit (or someone else's house)
Buying Wyvern bones (or other high-level bones) and offering them on a gilded altar is a great passive gold-making option because you can resell the Prayer XP service to other players, or buy and resell bones for profit during XP events.
Profit:
Upwards of 500K GP per hour, depending on bone prices and burner efficiency.
Why It's Great:
You only need to click to use bones on the altar, and you can AFK for several seconds at a time.
4. Nightmare Zone (NMZ) Overload Potion Creation
Requirements:
82 Herblore for Overloads
Access to Nightmare Zone
70+ combat stats recommended
Many players use NMZ for AFK combat training, but it's also a great passive moneymaker if you're brewing Overloads between fights. While the profit margins depend on the cost of herbs and supplies, you can make passive cash while your character auto-fights bosses.
Profit:
Varies, but can reach 200K-400K GP per hour combined with combat XP.
Why It's Great:
Double value with combat training + potion brewing, and minimal attention required.
5. Cannoning Dagannoths (Waterbirth Dungeon)
Requirements:
40 Ranged
Dwarf Multicannon
Fremennik Isles access
Dagannoths have consistently valuable drops, and setting up a cannon can AFK most of the combat for you. All you need to do is reload the cannon every 25 shots, loot valuable items, and bring enough cannonballs.
Profit:
400K-700K GP per hour depending on your ranged level, cannonball prices, and RNG.
Why It's Great:
Highly AFK and scalable with better gear and levels.
6. Divine Super Combat Potions Creation
Requirements:
97 Herblore
Access to combat potions and crystal dust
Creating divine super combat potions is a click-intensive process in bursts, but after making a full inventory, you can AFK while you watch the GE sales or play another account.
Profit:
Around 800K-1M GP per hour if market prices are favorable.
Why It's Great:
Good returns for high-level players with brief bursts of effort.
Honorable Mentions
AFK Fishing (Barbarian Fishing / Minnows): Not as profitable but great for passive GP and XP.
Blood Rune Crafting at the Blood Altar: Requires 77 Runecrafting and decent gear for safety, but very AFK and profitable.
Chinchompa Hunting: High GP/hr at red or black chinchompa spots, though requires occasional movement.
Final Thoughts
Not every moment in OSRS needs to be a high-focus grind. With these low-effort AFK methods, you can steadily build your bank while multitasking in real life. Whether you prefer mining, herblore, or cannoning monsters, there's an AFK money-making strategy for every kind of player.
Pro Tip: Always check the Grand Exchange prices before committing to a method, as profit margins can fluctuate with updates and market trends.
If you're looking for relaxing, low-maintenance ways to earn Cheap RuneScape gold, these methods are reliable, proven, and perfectly suited for those chill gaming sessions.