Ultimate Guide to F2P Mining in OSRS: From Zero to Mastery

Have you ever wondered how players in OSRS amass millions of GP just by mining without ever spending a dime? It’s the allure of free-to-play (F2P) mining—where the grind feels real and the stakes feel high. And if you’ve ever dabbled in the mining skill, you know that progress can be slow, but with the right strategy, it can also be immensely rewarding. In this guide, we’ll break down the secrets to F2P mining in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), walking you through the best spots, the optimal tools, and the most efficient paths to mining mastery.

The Power of Patience: Why F2P Mining Is Worth It

For any veteran OSRS player, mining in F2P is a true test of endurance. There are no shortcuts. You won’t have access to members-only equipment, locations, or experience boosts. Yet, for those who are persistent, mining in F2P can yield surprising rewards.

Why is mining so appealing to F2P players? First, it’s one of the few skills where you can make money consistently. Unlike combat, where loot drops are uncertain, or woodcutting, where logs are low-value, mining offers solid returns for your time investment, even in F2P worlds. This is because ores such as iron and coal, common in F2P, are always in demand by smiths and those looking to power-level their smithing skill. With this in mind, let's dive into the best practices and strategies for becoming a mining master in the F2P world.

Key Mining Locations

1. Varrock South-East Mine
Located just south-east of Varrock, this mine is a hub for early-level miners. It contains copper and tin rocks, the foundation for training your mining skill from levels 1-15. These ores are not valuable but are crucial for reaching level 15, where the real money-making begins.

2. Al Kharid Mine
Al Kharid offers a range of ores, from iron to silver. For mid-level F2P miners, this is a prime location. Once you hit level 15 mining, iron becomes your go-to ore, and Al Kharid offers plenty of it. For those with a steel pickaxe, this is the perfect spot to grind out levels 15-60 quickly and efficiently.

3. The Mining Guild (F2P)
Yes, there is a F2P section of the Mining Guild! At level 60 mining, players can access this exclusive area, which has an abundance of coal and mithril ores. The mining guild is perfect for those seeking higher profits, as both of these ores are highly sought after.

The Tools of the Trade

As with any skill in OSRS, your efficiency is determined by your tools. Here’s a breakdown of the pickaxes and their impact on your mining journey:

Pickaxe	Mining Level Required	Speed Improvement
Bronze/Iron	1	Basic
Steel	6	+10%
Mithril	21	+20%
Adamant	31	+30%
Rune	41	+40%

Starting with a bronze or iron pickaxe is a necessity, but as soon as you can, upgrade to steel. This small investment will save you hours of mining time in the long run. By the time you hit level 41, a rune pickaxe will be your best friend, helping you mine ores faster and more efficiently.

Mining Techniques

Power-mining—the act of dropping ores instead of banking them—is the go-to method for leveling up quickly. But where should you power-mine? Here are the best spots:

• Iron Ore at Al Kharid: Al Kharid is not only convenient but also filled with iron ore rocks. Set up in the north-west corner of the mine for easy access.
• Copper and Tin at the Lumbridge Swamp: For players who want to focus on the basics, the Lumbridge swamp offers ample copper and tin for fast experience gains.

Power-mining these spots will allow you to maximize your XP per hour, often reaching 20,000 XP/hour with a rune pickaxe at level 41.

Making GP While Mining

F2P mining isn’t just about leveling up your skill. It’s also about making money. And while power-mining is efficient, those who want to see their bank grow should focus on ores with a high GP/hour rate:

• Iron Ore: Selling for 50-100 GP per ore, iron is in high demand and is easy to mine.
• Coal: Found in the Mining Guild and valued at over 150 GP per ore, coal is a fantastic way to make serious money.
• Mithril Ore: This is a rarer find but sells for 200-300 GP per ore, making it a lucrative option for higher-level miners.

Mining Strategies for Different Levels

Levels 1-15: Copper and Tin
At the start of your mining journey, focus on mining copper and tin. These ores are found in multiple locations, but the Lumbridge Swamp and Varrock South-East Mine are ideal. You’ll level up quickly, reaching level 15 in no time.

Levels 15-60: Iron Ore
Once you hit level 15, iron becomes the most efficient ore to mine. Not only does it provide decent experience, but it also sells for a nice profit. Al Kharid Mine or Falador Mine are the best spots for iron.

Levels 60+: Coal and Mithril
At level 60, you’ll gain access to the Mining Guild, which offers higher-value ores like coal and mithril. Coal is highly sought after for smithing, and mithril provides solid experience and profit for those willing to mine it. You can expect to make upwards of 200,000 GP per hour once you start mining coal consistently.

Advanced Tips for F2P Mining Mastery

• Upgrade your pickaxe ASAP: Efficiency is key in mining. By using the best pickaxe available, you can drastically reduce the time it takes to level up.
• Hop worlds to avoid competition: F2P worlds can get crowded, especially in prime mining locations. By hopping between worlds, you can avoid competition and maximize your ore yield.
• Take breaks to avoid burnout: Mining can be repetitive, so make sure to take breaks or alternate between mining and other skills to stay motivated.

Mining in F2P is a long grind, but the rewards are worth it. With persistence and the right strategies, you can master the skill, amass wealth, and maybe even make your way to becoming a RuneScape mining legend.