OSRS Ironman Beginner's Guide | Getting Started Tips (Standard Ironman)

Q: What happens if I die as a Hardcore Ironman?

Your account becomes a regular Ironman (with the grey helm icon). You keep all your items and stats, but you lose the Hardcore status forever. If you were ranked high enough on the Hardcore Hiscores, your death might be publicly announced. Safe deaths (like inside certain minigames check the Wiki!) usually don't count.

Q: Can Ironmen do group PvM like Raids?

Yes! Ironmen can team up with other players (Ironmen or main accounts) for group content like Chambers of Xeric (CoX), Theatre of Blood (ToB), and Tombs of Amascut (ToA). Loot works differently, though – unique drops are usually assigned directly to one player based on performance/points, you can't just split everything like mains do. Check our CoX Prep Guide.

Q: What's the best way for a new Ironman to get starting cash (GP)?

Early GP can be tough! Good options include: grabbing the 10k from Stronghold of Security, doing quests with GP rewards, picking up Steel Platelegs/Platebodies in the Wilderness graveyard (careful!), Thieving (especially Ardougne Knights later), Agility Pyramid (requires decent Agility), or selling low-value items gathered from basic skilling to general stores. HAM Storeroom keys can also give jewellery to High Alch once you have the Magic level.

Thinking of starting an OSRS Ironman? This beginner's guide covers choosing your mode, essential first goals & quests, resource management, and the Ironman mindset.

Published on: April 21, 2025 by Tons of XP Team

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Getting Started with OSRS Ironman Mode: Essential Tips for Beginners

So, you're thinking about taking on the Old School RuneScape Ironman challenge? Awesome! It's a super rewarding way to play, forcing you to be self-sufficient and really making you appreciate every item and level you get. No Grand Exchange, no trading with other players – just you against Gielinor.

Starting fresh as an Ironman can seem tough. This guide gives essential tips for beginners to get you going on the right path.

1. Choosing Your Ironman Type

Right before you leave Tutorial Island, you have to pick your mode:

Standard Ironman (Grey Helmet): The classic way. No trading, no GE, can't pick up most items other players drop, no PvP loot (mostly), no XP boosts from certain group activities. This is usually the best choice for first-timers.
Hardcore Ironman (Red Helmet): Same rules as Standard, BUT if you die (an unsafe death), you lose Hardcore status and become a Standard Ironman. It's high risk, high reward (mostly bragging rights!). Safe deaths (like in Fight Caves, CoX, ToB, some minigames - always check the wiki for specifics) don't count.
Ultimate Ironman (Lighter Grey Helmet): The ultimate difficulty. All Ironman rules PLUS you cannot use a bank. You must carry everything or use specific storage like a looting bag or Player Owned House (POH). Definitely not recommended for your first Ironman!

For most people starting out, Standard Ironman is the way to go.

2. Essential Early Goals & Quests

Your first steps should focus on unlocking key travel options, skilling methods, and getting basic supplies:

Ardougne Easy Diary: Do this ASAP. The Ardy Cloak 1 gives a free teleport close to a Fairy Ring and a useful farming patch. Needs low levels in a few skills.
Fairy Rings: Start Fairy Tale Pt 1 and get part way through Pt 2 to unlock the Fairy Ring network. This is non-negotiable for getting around Gielinor quickly. (See Essential Quest Unlocks).
Quests for Big XP: Do Waterfall Quest, Witch's House, Tree Gnome Village, The Grand Tree early for huge Combat and Agility XP boosts.
Graceful Outfit: Start training Agility early. The full Graceful set makes you weigh less, saving run energy – super important for Ironmen who run everywhere. Get Marks of Grace from Rooftop Agility courses.
Basic Tools & Gear: Get started on getting basic tools (Steel Axe/Pickaxe) and maybe Rune gear. Quests can help, or you'll need to skill (Mining/Smithing). See our Gear Progression Guide for later goals.

3. Think Like an Ironman (Resource Management!)

As an Ironman, you need to plan everything:

Gather What You Need: Need runes? Kill monsters that drop them or train Runecrafting. Need food? Go Fishing and Cooking. Need gear? Kill monsters that drop it, or make it via Smithing/Crafting.
Bank Everything (Almost): Keep almost everything you get! That random "junk" might be needed for a quest or clue scroll later. Organize your bank from the start! (Doesn't apply to Ultimates!). Use our Bank Management Tips.
Don't Waste Stuff: Every rune, arrow, herb, and potion matters more. Be mindful of using supplies efficiently.
Plan Ahead: If you know a quest or skill goal needs specific items, start passively collecting them whenever you can (e.g., specific drops from Slayer tasks).

4. Key Ironman Skilling Tips

Agility: Train it early and often for Graceful and run energy. It sucks, but it's needed.
Herblore: Very important for potions, but gathering supplies is a huge grind. Start collecting herbs (farming is key) and secondaries early from Slayer, PvM, and gathering. Needs Druidic Ritual quest done first.
Mining & Smithing: Vital for early gear, tools, bars for quests/darts etc. Power-mining Iron is fast XP, but MLM or regular ore mining gives usable resources.
Crafting: Needed for jewelry (teleports!), magic gear, Slayer rings, etc. Gathering materials (sand, seaweed, flax, hides) takes dedicated time.
Thieving: Great for early GP (Ardy Knights with diary) and useful seeds from Master Farmers.

5. The Ironman Mindset

Be Patient: Progress is much slower than a main account. Enjoy the process! It takes ages to max.
OSRS Wiki is Your Bible: Use the official OSRS Wiki (oldschool.runescape.wiki) constantly. Check monster drops, quest guides, skilling methods – everything.
Set Small Goals: Don't aim for end-game right away. Focus on finishing a diary tier, unlocking a boss from the Bossing Ladder, getting a specific skill level, or completing key quests.
Talk to People: Even though you can't trade, you can still join clans and chat with other players for advice, motivation, and help with group content.

Quick Note on Services Later: While the main appeal is doing it yourself, know that for incredibly boring late-game grinds (like mass resource collecting or certain painful 99s), safe, 100% hand-trained Ironman services like those from Tons of XP are an option if real-life time becomes a huge issue. But definitely focus on the core DIY experience first!

Ironman mode is an amazing way to experience OSRS differently. Good luck starting your adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

+What happens if I die as a Hardcore Ironman?

Your account becomes a regular Ironman (with the grey helm icon). You keep all your items and stats, but you lose the Hardcore status forever. If you were ranked high enough on the Hardcore Hiscores, your death might be publicly announced. Safe deaths (like inside certain minigames - check the Wiki!) usually don't count.

+Can Ironmen do group PvM like Raids?