Rune Axes are an essential mid-level Woodcutting tool in Old School RS, especially for Ironman players who must find ways to earn items without relying on trading. While these axes are relatively easy to obtain on regular accounts, Ironmen must rely on a few specific methods to get their hands on one. For free-to-play (F2P) Ironmen, the path is even more restrictive, as they are locked out of many member-only options. Here, we'll dive into the three main methods for obtaining a Rune Axe on Ironman mode: PvM drops, purchasing at the Woodcutting Guild, and crafting through skilling. We'll also explore why the third option is the only route available for F2P Ironmen.

What Are Rune Axes and Why Are They Important?

Rune Axes require level 41 Woodcutting to use and level 40 Attack if you want to wield them as a weapon. They are the best-in-slot axes for free-to-play players, alongside the Gilded Axe, and serve as a strong mid-level choice for members. Rune Axes significantly speed up woodcutting compared to their Adamant counterparts, making them highly sought after for players looking to progress through the game. For Ironmen, obtaining a Rune Axe can be a game-changing upgrade, especially for cutting down trees more efficiently to train Woodcutting or gather logs for other skilling needs.

Method 1: PvM Drops

For members who are starting in Ironman mode, obtaining a Rune Axe through Player vs. Monster (PvM) combat is a viable option. The best enemy for this approach is the Tree Spirit, found in the Enchanted Valley. Accessing the Enchanted Valley requires using the Fairy Ring network (code BKQ), so you'll need to unlock Fairy Rings first.

Tree Spirits have a drop rate of 1/32 for Rune Axes, making them the most efficient enemy to target for this item. This drop rate means that, on average, you should get a Rune Axe within 32 kills, although RNG (Random Number Generation) can make this grind shorter or longer. The Tree Spirits also drop useful resources such as herbs, seeds, and nature runes, making this grind potentially rewarding beyond just the Rune Axe itself.

Tree Spirits are relatively easy to defeat with safespotting methods, making this a low-risk option. Simply attack the Tree Spirit from a distance while positioning yourself behind obstacles in the environment, keeping you out of harm’s way. Safespotting allows lower-level players to farm Tree Spirits without needing to invest in many supplies or combat training.

If Tree Spirits are not accessible or appealing, other options include enemies like Ancient Zygomites, Steel Dragons, or Kurasks. These have similar drop rates, around 1/45 for Rune Axes. However, these monsters are much stronger and typically require higher combat levels or Slayer levels to defeat, making them less practical for low-level players.

Method 2: Purchasing at the Woodcutting Guild

The most straightforward way to obtain a Rune Axe for member Ironmen is through the Woodcutting Guild. This method, however, comes with a few requirements. To access the Woodcutting Guild, you need:

· 60 Woodcutting

· 75% Hosidius favor

The Woodcutting Guild is located in Great Kourend, and inside, there is an NPC shop that sells Rune Axes for 40,960 OSRS gold coins each. This is a convenient option for those who meet the entry requirements, as it involves a simple purchase rather than relying on combat or high-level skilling.

The main challenge here is that reaching level 60 Woodcutting requires some time and effort, particularly if you only have access to Adamant axes or lower during the grind. While it’s not the most time-consuming grind in the game, it can be tedious to progress through the later Woodcutting levels without the faster cutting speed of a Rune Axe.

If you have access to the Woodcutting Guild, it’s often worth it to buy the Rune Axe here for the guaranteed result. But if you want to get the axe earlier in your progression, hunting Tree Spirits or crafting one yourself might be the better option.

Method 3: Skilling for a Rune Axe

The final method, crafting your own Rune Axe through the Smithing skill, is the only choice available for F2P Ironmen. This option is significantly more challenging, as it requires a high level of skilling:

· 86 Smithing to create a Rune Axe head

· 85 Mining to mine Runite Ore (if you wish to gather your materials)

To craft a Rune Axe, follow these steps:

1. Mine Runite Ore: For F2P Ironmen, the only accessible Runite Ore spawns are located in the Wilderness, which is a high-risk area where other players can attack you. This makes the task risky, as Runite Ore is highly contested, and you may need to watch out for PKers (Player Killers).

2. Smelt Runite Bar: Once you have 1 Runite Ore, smelt it at any furnace using 8 Coal to create a Runite Bar. This step requires level 85 Mining and level 85 Smithing.

3. Smith the Rune Axe: Finally, use the Runite Bar with a hammer at an anvil to craft a Rune Axe. This requires level 86 Smithing.

This method is very resource-intensive and time-consuming, especially since it requires two skills (Mining and Smithing) to be leveled to 85 and beyond. It’s generally not recommended for members, as obtaining a Rune Axe through PvM drops or purchasing it from the Woodcutting Guild is far easier. However, F2P Ironmen have no choice but to follow this path if they want a Rune Axe, as they are locked out of other methods due to the members-only nature of PvM and the Woodcutting Guild.

Comparing the Methods

Each method has its pros and cons, making the choice depends on your account’s status and your goals:

· PvM Drops: Ideal for lower-level members looking for an early Rune Axe without the need to reach high skill levels. Tree Spirits are the best option for this, offering a good balance between drop rate and difficulty.

· Purchasing at the Woodcutting Guild: Best for those who already have a high Woodcutting level and access to Great Kourend. It provides a guaranteed Rune Axe but requires a significant upfront investment of time to meet the requirements.

· Crafting through Skilling: The only choice for F2P Ironmen, but it’s extremely demanding due to the high skill levels required. For members, this is generally not worth the effort due to easier alternatives.

Conclusion: Choosing the Best Method for Your Ironman

For member Ironmen, PvM drops from Tree Spirits or buying one at the Woodcutting Guild are by far the more efficient routes. These methods allow you to skip the demanding requirements of high-level Smithing and Mining while still offering a relatively quick way to obtain the Rune Axe.

For F2P Ironmen, however, crafting a Rune Axe through skilling is the only viable path, making it a long-term goal rather than an immediate upgrade. Despite the challenges, earning a Rune Axe through this method can be highly rewarding, as it allows F2P Ironmen to maximize their woodcutting efficiency and work towards self-sufficiency.

RSorder Team