Save big bones for RuneScape gold use on a Gilded Altar (if you have POH access later).

Use Ectofuntus as an alternative for better XP rates if you have access.

Getting Prayer to at least level 43 early will drastically increase your survivability.

Efficient Skill Training Routes

Maximizing your time is essential in Ironman mode. Plan out training methods that let you work on multiple goals at once.
Recommended Combos:

Woodcutting + Firemaking: Cut trees and immediately burn logs.

Ironman mode in Old School RuneScape offers one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences in the game. With restrictions on trading, Grand Exchange use, and player-to-player assistance, Ironman accounts must rely entirely on their own skills and knowledge to progress. Every resource, item, and piece of gear must be earned the hard way.

Whether you're starting your first Ironman or returning for another challenge, mastering the early game is crucial. The choices you make in the first 20–40 hours will define your pace, power, and potential well into the mid-game.

Here's everything you need to know to dominate the early game as an Ironman in OSRS.

Understanding Ironman Modes

Before jumping into strategy, it's important to know the three variations of Ironman mode:

Ironman: The standard mode—no trading, no Grand Exchange, complete self-sufficiency.

Hardcore Ironman (HCIM): Same restrictions as standard Ironman, but with one life. A single death reverts your account to regular Ironman.

Ultimate Ironman (UIM): The most extreme version—no access to banks. You carry everything on your character or store items in your player-owned house.

This guide focuses primarily on standard Ironman gameplay but offers tips that benefit all three variations.

Questing: Your Fast Track to Progression

In Ironman mode, quests are your best friend. They provide vital experience, unlock useful tools and areas, and often reward you with valuable items that would otherwise take hours to obtain through grinding.

Essential Early Quests:

Cook's Assistant – Unlocks basic cooking functionality and introduces you to farming and food prep.

The Restless Ghost – Grants early Prayer XP, essential for unlocking Protect Prayers.

Doric's Quest – Provides a nice boost to Mining and grants access to a convenient anvil location.

Imp Catcher – A quick Magic XP reward that helps you unlock early combat spells.

Rune Mysteries – Unlocks Runecrafting, a skill vital for making your own runes.

Waterfall Quest – MASSIVE Attack and Strength XP without any combat requirements. Do this early.

Grand Tree / Tree Gnome Village – Unlocks the Spirit Tree transportation network and boosts Attack.

Focus on OSRS gold for sale quests that give you early access to utility areas and fast XP in combat, Magic, Prayer, and Crafting.