This guide primarily focuses on RuneScape gold the standard Ironman mode, but some advice can also apply to Ultimate and Hardcore variations, though these require even more precise strategies.

Early Game Survival

The early game in Ironman mode is often the toughest part, as you start without access to help from other players. Establishing self-sufficiency quickly while building a strong foundation of skills and equipment is essential.

Questing for Key Rewards

Quests are vital for early progression. They provide valuable experience across multiple skills, unlock new areas, and grant useful rewards. Some essential quests include:

Cook's Assistant: Offers early cooking experience and access to ingredients.

Doric's Quest: Provides mining experience and access to Doric's Anvil for early smithing.

The Restless Ghost: Grants early prayer experience.

Imp Catcher: Rewards runes necessary for magic training.

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

Certain quests also open access to important areas, such as The Grand Tree for the Tree Gnome Stronghold and Lost City for Dragon weapon access.

Sustainable Resource Gathering

Ironman mode requires gathering all your resources independently. Prioritize skills that provide essential early resources:

Woodcutting: Logs are vital for Firemaking, Fletching, and Construction. Start with bronze or iron axes, and aim to eventually access higher-level logs like yew.

Mining: Essential for smithing equipment. Begin with copper and tin, progressing to iron, coal, and mithril.

Fishing: Provides a reliable food source. Early targets like shrimp and anchovies support low-level combat, while salmon, tuna, and lobsters are goals for later stages.

Firemaking: Paired naturally with woodcutting to train both skills efficiently.

Herblore: Early herb gathering and potion-making (strength, prayer, combat) enhance combat survivability.

Combat Training

Early combat experience is necessary to equip yourself and survive tougher encounters. Target low-level creatures to train your combat skills safely:

Chickens and Cows: Drop feathers, bones, and cowhide. Bones support Prayer training; hides provide crafting material.

Goblins: Easy enemies that drop low-level armor.

Stronghold of Security: Offers free combat experience and 10,000 coins while serving as a safe early training area.

Prayer Training

Prayer significantly enhances survival during tougher battles. Gather bones from early monsters and train Prayer via:

Burying bones for basic experience.

Using a Gilded Altar in a player-owned house for efficient gains.

Prioritizing Prayer early improves your ability to use protective abilities like Protect from Melee and Protect from Missiles, which are vital in OSRS GP mid- and late-game combat.