osrs best things to alch

2 min read 21-12-2024

Alching, the process of using the High Alchemy spell to turn items into gold, is a classic and reliable method for making money in Old School RuneScape (OSRS). But not all items are created equal when it comes to alching profit. This guide will cover the best items to alch in OSRS to maximize your gold per hour, considering both profit margin and alch speed. We'll also touch upon strategies to optimize your alching efficiency.

Understanding Alching Profitability

The profitability of alching depends on two key factors:

Item Value: The higher the value of the item after alching, the more gold you'll make.
Alch Cost: The cost of the runes and nature runes required to perform the spell. Higher level alchemy reduces the cost per alch.

Best Items to Alch in OSRS: A Tiered List

We'll categorize the best items for alching based on their overall profitability and ease of acquisition.

Tier 1: Top-Tier Alching Items (High Profit, Potentially High Supply Costs)

Addy bars: These offer a good balance between profit and ease of acquisition for mid-level players.
Rune bars: These are among the most profitable items to alch but require a higher level and significant investment in materials or buying them. High level alchemy is crucial for profitability here.

Tier 2: Excellent Alching Items (Good Profit, Readily Available)

Iron bars: A solid choice for players just starting out with alching, offering a decent return without needing high levels.
Steel bars: A step up from iron bars, these provide better profit while remaining relatively accessible.
Mithril bars: A good choice once you have access to the necessary smithing level and resources.

Tier 3: Budget-Friendly Alching Options (Lower Profit, Easy to Acquire)

Copper bars: These are excellent for very low-level players learning the basics of alching. Profits are lower, but the low entry barrier makes them ideal for beginners.
Bronze bars: A slight upgrade from copper, offering marginally better profits.

Optimizing Your Alching Strategy

To maximize your gold per hour, consider these tips:

High Alchemy Spell: Unlocking the High Alchemy spell is essential for maximizing profits. It significantly reduces the rune costs compared to the Low Alchemy spell.
Efficient Rune Management: Organize your runes efficiently to minimize time spent switching between different rune pouches.
Banking Strategy: Choose a bank close to your alching location to reduce travel time. Use a teleport method for quick access.
Auto-Clickers (Use with Caution): While some players utilize auto-clickers, be mindful of Jagex's rules against botting. Use at your own risk.
Focus on Consistent Alching: Maintaining a consistent rhythm while alching is key to maximizing your hourly income.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the best item to alch for beginners?

A: Iron bars or Bronze bars provide a good balance between profit and accessibility for new players. Copper bars are an even easier option, though profit will be lower.

Q: How can I make alching more profitable?

A: Focusing on higher-value items like rune bars (with high alchemy) and optimizing your rune management and banking strategies can significantly increase your profits.

Q: Are there any risks associated with alching?

A: The primary risk is losing money if the prices of the items you're alching fluctuate dramatically.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Alching Items

The best items to alch in OSRS depend on your skill level, resources, and overall goals. By carefully considering the factors outlined above and optimizing your alching strategies, you can effectively maximize your gold per hour and enjoy a reliable income source in the game. Remember to always check the Grand Exchange for current prices before committing to a large alching session. Happy alching!