The ZMI altar offers a strong balance of XP and effort. XP scales with RuneScape gold 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. 

New 2026 Runecrafting Methods: Fastest XP from 1-99 in OSRS
Runecrafting is one of Old School RuneScape's most notorious skills. It's slow, demanding, and often misunderstood-but it's also one of the most rewarding skills in the game. Whether you're chasing diary requirements, maxing an Ironman, or stacking millions of OSRS GP, Runecrafting offers some of the best long-term payoffs in OSRS.

This updated 2026 guide breaks down everything you need to know from level 1 to 99, including the fastest experience methods, profitable routes, low-intensity options, and Ironman-specific advice.

What Is Runecrafting and Why Train It?

Runecrafting allows players to transform runes or pure essence into magical runes at altars across Gielinor. While many players train it purely for quest and diary requirements-most notably level 91 for the Elite Karamja Diary-it also stands as the most profitable non-combat skill in the game, with several methods exceeding 1M GP per hour.

For Ironmen, Runecrafting is essential. Making your own runes removes reliance on shops and enables consistent spellcasting for both PvM and skilling.

Important Quests for Runecrafting

Contrary to popular belief, Rune Mysteries is not required to start Runecrafting, but it is essential for mining essence, using lamps, and unlocking future progression. Several quests significantly improve your training efficiency or unlock powerful methods:

Key quests include:

Rune Mysteries

Enter the Abyss

Temple of the Eye

Lunar Diplomacy

Lost City

Troll Stronghold

Sins of the Father

Desert Treasure II

Dragon Slayer II

Partial completion of Fairy Tale II

These unlock Guardians of the Rift, the Abyss, Lunar spells, Daeyalt Essence, Blood and Wrath altars, and other vital tools.

Early Levels (1-27): Questing and Setup

New players and Ironmen should start with Rune Mysteries, followed immediately by Enter the Abyss, which grants early Runecrafting experience and a small essence pouch. This alone takes you to level 9.

From there, craft a small number of air or earth runes to reach level 10, then complete Temple of the Eye. This quest introduces the Guardians of the Rift minigame and boosts you straight to level 27, while also unlocking a medium essence pouch.

An alternative early method is the Arceuus Library, where players collect books to trade for experience tomes. This is viable for RS gold both Runecrafting and Magic, but is best treated as a temporary shortcut rather than a long-term solution.