The Ultimate OSRS Runecrafting Guide 2026: Fast XP, Profit, and New Methods
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 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 the most comfortable mid-to-high-level methods.
Profitable Runecrafting Methods
Most Runecrafting methods are profitable once you leave combination runes behind.
Astral Runes (40+) – Consistent profit and solid XP, especially with sailing teleports
Nature Runes (44+, 91 for double) – Extremely profitable at high levels
Death Runes (65+) – Moderate XP, strong rune supply for irons
Blood Runes (77+) – Excellent GP/hour with blood essence
Wrath Runes (95+) – Among the most profitable methods in the game
Ethereal Runes (90+) – High XP combo rune method with strong profit
Completion of quests like Sins of the Father, Dragon Slayer II, and Desert Treasure II unlocks advanced altars and bonus mechanics that dramatically increase returns.
Lower-Intensity (AFK-Style) Training
While Runecrafting is never truly AFK, Zeah Runecrafting offers the lowest-intensity option.
Blood Runes (77+) – ~37k XP/hr, ~700k GP/hr
Soul Runes (90+) – ~42k XP/hr, ~700k GP/hr
Mining essence blocks is the most AFK part, making this method ideal for long sessions.
A final passive alternative comes from Sulphur Nagua, which drops sulphurous essence used for small Runecrafting XP gains while training combat.
Recommended Paths to 99
Main Account (Balanced)
1–27: Questing
27–75: Guardians of the Rift
75–99: ZMI or Zeah
Ironman
1–27: Questing
27–85+: Guardians of the Rift
85–99: Blood runes or continued GotR
Fastest
1–27: Questing
27–99: Lava runes (with daeyalt and runners)
Most Profitable
Mix of GotR, Nature, Blood, Wrath, and Ethereal runes
Final Thoughts
Runecrafting may be slow, but it is one of the most rewarding skills in Old School RuneScape. Whether you prioritize speed, profit, or sustainability, the 2026 methods offer more flexibility than ever before. With Guardians of the Rift, improved QoL, and new rune options, reaching 99 no longer has to feel like a punishment—just a long, profitable journey.