Smithing is one of the fastest and most flexible skills to train in Old School RuneScape, but which route should you choose on the journey to level 99? Do you want maximum experience per hour, a profitable grind that builds your bank, or a relaxed path that avoids spending dozens of hours at the Blast Furnace? This OSRS 1-99 Smithing guide breaks down three powerful training routes: the fastest route, the most profitable route, and a low-stress alternative. Players who want to strengthen their bankroll can also buy OSRS gold at eld.gg to level up their game and prepare for costly training methods.

Why Train Smithing in OSRS?

Smithing is useful for far more than simply chasing the prestigious Smithing cape. High Smithing levels are required for important quests, achievement diaries, and valuable item unlocks.

Several major quests require high Smithing levels, including Song of the Elves and Dragon Slayer II, while elite achievement diaries can demand Smithing levels approaching or exceeding level 90. Smithing is also required to create or upgrade useful equipment, including powerful weapons and tools.

At level 99, the Smithing cape provides additional utility. Its perks include benefits related to coal storage and gold smithing, making it useful for players who continue training beyond 99.

Key Takeaway: Smithing is worth training for quest requirements, diary completion, equipment unlocks, and efficient access to endgame content.

Essential Items Before Starting Your Smithing Grind

Before choosing a training route, several items can make the process significantly easier.

Goldsmith gauntlets are essential for players using gold bars at the Blast Furnace because they dramatically increase the experience earned per bar. Ice gloves are also highly useful because they allow players to handle hot bars without repeatedly using buckets of water.

For Blast Furnace training with most metals, a coal bag is one of the most valuable upgrades because it allows you to transport significantly more coal per trip. Meanwhile, the Smiths' Uniform is especially useful for anvil smithing by improving efficiency.

Key Takeaway: Investing time in the right unlocks before beginning can save hours during the journey to 99.

Route One: The Relaxed Non-Blast Furnace Path

Players who dislike repetitive Blast Furnace training can follow a competitive alternative.

Start by completing The Knight's Sword and Sleeping Giants to quickly reach level 33 Smithing. From there, smith iron keel parts from levels 33 to 38, followed by steel keel parts until level 56. Mithril keel parts can then carry you from level 56 to 70.

At level 70, move to Giants' Foundry. A mithril and adamant alloy can provide a balance between experience, cost, and manageable gameplay. Continue until level 88 while working toward important Foundry rewards, especially the Smiths' Uniform.

From level 88 to 99, adamant platebodies offer a relaxed and efficient finish. This entire route can take roughly 54 hours and may remain close to break-even depending on market prices.

Key Takeaway: The non-Blast Furnace route is ideal for players who value variety and comfort without sacrificing too much experience.

Route Two: The Fastest Way to 99 Smithing

For players focused purely on speed, the Blast Furnace gold bar method remains the standout choice.

After completing The Knight's Sword and Sleeping Giants, train to level 40 with iron keel parts or a similar anvil method. From level 40 onward, move directly to the Blast Furnace and begin producing gold bars with Goldsmith gauntlets.

Efficient players can achieve around 350,000 Smithing experience per hour, with theoretical rates approaching 380,000 XP per hour. The full journey from level 40 to 99 can take approximately 37 to 38 hours, although it requires substantial concentration and can cost around 20 million coins depending on prices.

Key Takeaway: Gold bars at the Blast Furnace offer the fastest route to 99, but the repetitive nature of the method is not for everyone.

Route Three: Make Serious OSRS Gold While Training

Smithing can also become a powerful money-making skill. The profitable route begins at the Blast Furnace with steel bars from level 33 to 50, followed by mithril bars until level 70 and adamant bars through the early 80s.

At higher levels, players can choose between specialized high-profit methods such as Oathplate armor or the more consistent runite bar route. Runite bars from approximately level 85 to 99 can generate substantial profits, although the journey takes much longer than the gold bar method.

Depending on market conditions and the methods selected, the profitable route can generate hundreds of millions in OSRS gold by the time you reach level 99.

Key Takeaway: The profitable route trades speed for a significantly stronger bank balance.

Which Smithing Route Is Best for You?

Different players will benefit from different approaches:

·Speedrunners and efficient players: Choose gold bars at the Blast Furnace for maximum XP.

·Relaxed players: Use keel parts, Giants' Foundry, and adamant platebodies.

·Money-makers: Focus on profitable Blast Furnace bars and high-level smithing.

·Quest and diary players: Train only to the level required for your next unlock.

·Completionists: Pick the route that best balances your budget and long-term goal of reaching 99.

Key Takeaway: There is no single perfect route-the best method depends on whether you value speed, profit, or a more enjoyable training experience.

Helpful Tips for Reaching 99 Smithing

1. Complete The Knight's Sword early to skip a large portion of the beginner grind.

2. Obtain Goldsmith gauntlets before using the gold bar Blast Furnace method.

3. Get Ice gloves to make Blast Furnace and Giants' Foundry training smoother.

4. Use a coal bag for profitable Blast Furnace methods whenever possible.

5. Unlock the Smiths' Uniform if you plan to spend significant time smithing at anvils.

6. Check current item prices before committing to a profitable method, as margins can change.

7. Choose a route you can sustain-slightly slower training is often better than burning out.

Final Thoughts: Choose Your Own Road to the Smithing Cape

The journey from level 1 to 99 Smithing offers something for every type of OSRS player. The Blast Furnace gold method is perfect for speed-focused grinders, Giants' Foundry and anvil training provide a more relaxed alternative, and profitable bars or Oathplate crafting can turn the skill into a serious money-maker. Whether you are chasing quest requirements, elite diaries, valuable unlocks, or the Smithing cape itself, choosing the right route will make the grind more efficient and enjoyable. For players who want extra financial flexibility, you can buy OSRS gold at eld.gg to level up your game and focus on the Smithing goals that matter most.