OSRS Firemaking Guide 1-99: The Path to the Skill Cape

Firemaking is a simple and straightforward skill in Old School RuneScape. While its direct uses are limited, it's a popular choice for a first 99 skill cape thanks to the engaging and highly rewarding Wintertodt boss.

This guide will cover the old-school, fast-paced log-burning route, the modern and highly recommended Wintertodt method, and the strategic approach for Ironmen.

Essential Items and Unlocks

  • Tinderbox: The only tool you'll ever need.
  • Warm Clothing: Essential for the Wintertodt. Any four pieces of warm gear (like the Clue Hunter outfit, Santa outfit, or Fire Cape) will protect you from the cold.
  • Axe & Hammer: Needed for the Wintertodt activity.

The Fastest Path to 99: Burning Logs

This is the traditional, click-intensive method. The process is simple: have a full inventory of logs and a tinderbox, and click your way across a long, straight path, lighting a fire on each square.

  • Levels 1-15: Normal Logs
  • Levels 15-30: Oak Logs
  • Levels 30-45: Willow Logs
  • Levels 45-60: Teak Logs
  • Levels 60-75: Maple Logs
  • Levels 75-90: Yew Logs
  • Levels 90-99: Redwood Logs
    • XP Rates: This method offers the highest potential XP per hour in the game, especially with high-tier logs. However, it is very expensive and requires constant attention.

The Best Path for Most Players: The Wintertodt

The Wintertodt is a skilling boss located in the Northern Tundras of Great Kourend. Subduing it requires you to aid the Pyromancers by chopping Bruma roots and feeding them into braziers. It has completely revolutionized Firemaking training.

  • Requirements: 50 Firemaking.
  • Why it's the best:
    • Great XP: Offers competitive XP rates (up to 300k/hr) that scale with your Firemaking level.
    • Profitable: Each round you contribute to earns you a supply crate. These crates can contain valuable resources like high-level logs, herbs, seeds, gems, and even the rare Tome of Fire or Phoenix pet.
    • Semi-AFK: While it requires attention, the gameplay loop is simple and much more engaging than just burning logs.
    • Safe: It's impossible to die, though the cold will damage you. It's recommended to do this with low Hitpoints (10 HP) to minimize food consumption.

Ironman Firemaking Strategy: The Early Game Game-Changer

For Ironmen, the Wintertodt isn't just a training method; it's the single best early-game activity you can do to set your account up for success.

  • Go Straight to Wintertodt at 50 Firemaking: As soon as you hit the requirement, this should be your primary goal.
  • Do it at 10 HP: Before you train any combat, grind out Wintertodt. The damage you take from the cold is based on your max HP. At 10 Hitpoints, you can heal with a few cheap cakes or jugs of wine, saving your high-healing food for later.
  • The Rewards are Everything:
    • Cash: The rewards provide a fantastic starting cash stack.
    • Seeds: You will get a huge supply of tree and herb seeds to kickstart your Farming.
    • Logs & Ores: You'll get plenty of logs for Fletching and ores/bars for Smithing.
    • Gems: A great head start on your Crafting grind.
  • Getting to 50: Before Wintertodt, you'll need to burn standard logs that you've gathered from early Woodcutting.

Conclusion

While the simple act of burning logs in a line is still the fastest raw XP, the Wintertodt skilling boss has rightfully become the standard for Firemaking training. It offers a perfect blend of great XP, profit, and engagement that makes the journey to 99 enjoyable. For Ironmen, it's not just a choice-it's a foundational step in building a successful account.

Tired of feeling the chill at Wintertodt? Our team can brave the cold for you.

→ OSRS Firemaking Services
→ Check out our full Wintertodt Guide