Runescape wiki smithing remains a cornerstone skill for players who want to shape raw metal into weapons, armor, and profit. This guide walks through practical methods, efficiency tips, and market insights that help you turn furnace heat into long-term gains.
Use the quick reference below to compare key training routes and decide which fits your playstyle, budget, and level.
| Smithing Route | Recommended Levels | Profit Potential | Time Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze to Iron Bars | 1–15 | Low, mainly cost recovery | Fast early levels |
| Steel to Mithril Bars | 30–60 | Moderate, good for market sales | Moderate with steady ores |
| Adamant to Rune Bars | 60–99 | High when prices align | Slower due to higher XP per bar |
| Gilded Altar & Superheat Item | 75–99 | High profit with access to gold bars | Efficient with prayer and furnace presets |
Getting Started with Basic Smithing Tasks
Essential Early-Level Smithing Actions
Early in your Runescape journey, focus on bronze and iron bars to reach level 15 quickly. Use a furnace near Lumbridge or Edgeville to minimize travel time and keep your inventory filled with ores. Smithing these bars trains efficiently while you gather initial capital for better gear.
Intermediate Bar Production and Market Strategy
Steel through Mithrial Bar Workflows
Once you reach level 30, shift to steel and iron ores in areas like the Al Kharid furnace or the Mining Guild. Monitor Grand Exchange prices to sell mithril bars when demand spikes, and consider bulk smelting during double experience weekends to accelerate progress without extra costs.
High-Level Profit and Power Build Paths
Adamant, Rune, and Gilded Specialties
At level 60, start producing adamant bars in the Heroes' Guild or using blast furnaces with coal porters. From level 90, focus on rune bars and combine superheat item with prayer for maximum gold conversion efficiency. Gilded armor production becomes viable when you can sustain gold bar costs and leverage high market demand.
Optimizing Your Smithing Sessions
Tools, Presets, and Location Choices
Use furnace presets, portable ranges, and stamina potions to keep your actions uninterrupted. Position yourself near banking spots like the Artisan's Workshop to reduce downtime, and always check the Grand Exchange for the most profitable bars to craft during that session.
Advanced Smithing Techniques and Efficiency Goals
- Master furnace presets to automate bar selection during high-volume smithing sessions.
- Track Grand Exchange trends to identify profitable windows for selling bars and crafted armor.
- Combine portable ranges with stamina potions to maximize active smithing time per hour.
- Leverage Blast Furnace and gold accumulator setups to lower cost per rune bar at scale.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which bars give the best profit for mid-level smithing?
Steel and mithril bars typically offer reliable profit between levels 30 and 60, especially when you sell during peak trading hours and avoid overstocking during low-demand periods.
Is it worth superheating items for pure profit?
Superheat Item becomes profitable at higher levels when gold bar costs are manageable and market prices for platebodies remain stable; combine it with gilded altars for additional prayer-based efficiency.
How can I reduce time spent traveling between ores and furnaces?
Use the Artisan's Workshop portable forge, charter ships, and ring of dueling to minimize travel, and bank frequently at nearby deposit boxes to keep your inventory optimized for continuous smithing.
What are the best locations for high-level rune bar training?
The Blast Furnace in Keldagrim with a gold accumulator or the Runecrafting teleport to the Abyssal Area combined with nearby banking provide fast rune bar production when you have sufficient coal and gold bar access.