One of the defining strengths of Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is the flexibility it offers. Whether you prefer highly intensive, attention-demanding gameplay or a relaxed, semi-AFK experience while multitasking, the game accommodates all playstyles. This article outlines some of the most effective AFK money-making methods available, explains the differences between AFK tiers, and presents practical recommendations for players seeking efficient profit with minimal attention-whether you’re grinding passively or looking to supplement your progress before you decide to buy OSRS gold.

Understanding AFK Levels

Before selecting a method, it is important to understand the distinctions between AFK intensities. Low-intensity methods typically require one click every 30 to 60 seconds and allow for partial focus on other tasks. Very AFK methods extend this window to one or two minutes between required interactions. True AFK, the rarest category, refers to activities that allow five minutes or more of inactivity between clicks. Properly matching a method to your available attention ensures both efficiency and convenience.

Firewatch Sentinels

Firewatch Sentinels remain one of the most popular semi-AFK combat methods. Access requires completing Sins of the Father and using the Blisterwood flail. With a prayer-focused setup and Protect from Melee active, players benefit from the Sentinels’ innate aggression. Because they continuously re-engage the player unless disguised, this activity offers seven to eight minutes of uninterrupted combat per prayer cycle. Although blood shards are rare-approximately one every ten hours-the overall hourly profit remains near 900,000 GP.

Salt Mines in Weiss

The salt mines offer a simple, low-intensity gathering method unlocked after completing Making Friends with My Arm and achieving 72 Mining. The three salt formations produce around 450,000 to 500,000 GP per hour. The stackable resources allow extremely long sessions without banking, and the click interval of roughly 30 seconds makes this method ideal for mobile devices or players looking for a reliable, low-engagement activity.

Rune Dragons

For players with high combat stats and significant quest progression, rune dragons provide exceptional returns. Requirements include Dragon Slayer II, insulated boots, and ideally a dragon hunter lance. With Protect from Magic active and strong defensive gear, players can tank most incoming damage, interact only every 30 to 60 seconds, and generate well over one million GP per hour. The setup cost is steep, but the profitability quickly compensates for the investment.

Gargoyles

Gargoyles remain among the most efficient AFK melee tasks in OSRS. Requiring only 75 Slayer and the auto-smasher unlock, they deliver strong returns largely driven by the granite maul’s value. Players can operate on or off task using a crush-based weapon and either tank gear or prayer gear. With AFK windows up to three minutes and earnings nearing one million GP per hour, this remains a top-tier mid-level moneymaker.

Brutal Black Dragons

Thanks to elevated dragon bone prices, brutal black dragons have become highly profitable. Players need 77 Slayer, Protect from Magic, a dragon crossbow with diamond bolts, and super antifire potions. These conditions reduce nearly all incoming damage, creating a relaxed 30- to 60-second AFK rhythm. The combination of valuable bones and consistent drops ensures strong hourly income.

Fishing Karambwans

For players seeking true AFK gameplay, karambwan fishing is one of the most laid-back methods available. Requiring Tai Bwo Wannai Trio and 65 Fishing, this method becomes significantly more efficient with a fish barrel from Tempoross. Because the fishing spot does not move, players can AFK for nearly six minutes at a time while generating roughly 200,000 GP per hour and 30,000 Fishing XP.

Sacred Eels

At 87 Fishing and 72 Cooking, sacred eels provide another strong AFK option. Each eel can be processed on-site into stackable Zulrah scales, eliminating banking entirely. With stable fishing spots, one- to three-minute intervals between clicks, and profit tied directly to cooking level, sacred eels offer an excellent mobile-friendly method.

Amethyst Mining

For high-level players with 92 Mining, amethyst is among the most hands-off gathering methods in the game. The rocks deplete slowly and often provide up to five minutes of AFK time. With profits of approximately 300,000 GP per hour and the option to chisel amethyst into dart tips to avoid banking, this method delivers both convenience and consistency.

Additional Low-Intensity Options

Classic methods such as making cannonballs (35 Smithing) or cooking anglerfish (with appropriate non-burn thresholds) round out the AFK money-making landscape. Cannonball production offers long stretches of predictable AFK time, while anglerfish cooking can deliver more than 300,000 XP per hour and up to 350,000 GP per hour depending on market conditions.

Conclusion

The most effective AFK method is not necessarily the most profitable; it is the one that aligns with your available attention and in-game progression. By selecting methods that match your lifestyle-whether you have five minutes or an entire work session-you can accumulate wealth passively and efficiently, reducing the temptation to rely on external options like cheap OSRS gold. Over time, these low-engagement activities contribute meaningfully to long-term financial progression within OSRS.