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This guide primarily focuses on RuneScape gold standard Ironman gameplay, but many of the strategies will also benefit HCIM and UIM players.

Survive the Early Game with Smart Questing

In Ironman mode, questing isn't optional—it's essential. Quest rewards can skip hours of tedious grinding, unlock new areas, and provide crucial early-game gear and resources. Here are some must-do quests early on:

Cook's Assistant: A simple introduction to questing that opens access to cooking ingredients and XP.

Doric's Quest: Quick and easy Mining XP plus access to Doric's anvil for Smithing.

The Restless Ghost: Grants early Prayer XP and gets you started on training that vital skill.

Imp Catcher: Offers early Magic XP and gives you elemental runes.

Rune Mysteries: Unlocks Runecrafting, essential for crafting your own runes later.

The Grand Tree and Tree Gnome Village: Important for travel access and Attack XP.

Lost City: Critical for wielding Dragon weapons later in the game.

Focus on quests that give large XP boosts, unlock key transport, or provide access to crucial gear. Questioning efficiently early on can save dozens of hours down the line.

Create a Sustainable Resource-Gathering Plan

You won't be able to buy logs, ores, or food from other players, so your skilling setup must be self-sustaining. Start training these key resource-gathering skills right away:
Woodcutting & Firemaking

Train Woodcutting by chopping regular and oak trees.

Use logs for Firemaking and Cooking fires.

Progress toward cutting yews for Fletching and long-term cash via High Alch.

Mining & Smithing

Start with copper and tin in Lumbridge or Varrock.

Smelt bronze bars to make early gear.

Progress to iron and steel for better weapons and armor.

Fishing & Cooking

Fish, shrimp, and anchovies in Lumbridge or Draynor.

Cook them to begin stockpiling food.

Work toward catching trout and salmon in Barbarian Village, then tuna and lobsters later.

Herblore

Unlocked via Druidic Ritual.

Start collecting herbs and secondary ingredients.

Early potions (Strength, Prayer, Antipoison) give huge advantages in combat.

Crafting

Kill cows for hides, tan them, and craft leather armor.

Train early, crafting while saving hides for OSRS gold for sale future gear.

Gathering and training these foundational skills ensures you have consistent food, armor, and money-generating options.