Reaching level 99 in Herblore is a significant achievement in Old School RuneScape (OSRS). It unlocks the ability to create powerful potions, enhance your combat capabilities, and even make a profit in the process. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the journey from level 1 to 99 Herblore, providing you with valuable tips, methods, and strategies to make the process as efficient and enjoyable as possible.
Understanding the Basics of Herblore
Before embarking on your journey to 99 Herblore, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental mechanics of the skill. Herblore is the skill of cleaning and using herbs to create potions, many of which have beneficial effects for combat and other activities. To begin your Herblore journey, you will need vials, herbs, and secondary ingredients, all of which can be obtained in various ways throughout the game.
Training Methods for Herblore
1. Cleaning Herbs (Levels 1-99)
Cleaning herbs is the most basic and fundamental method of training Herblore. This method involves cleaning grimy herbs that you obtain from various sources, such as drops from monsters or herb patches. Cleaning herbs grants a small amount of Herblore experience and is the primary method for leveling from 1 to 99.
2. Mixing Potions (Levels 3-99)
Once you’ve cleaned herbs, you can start mixing potions. Potions are created by combining cleaned herbs with secondary ingredients, such as vials of water, ashes, or other items, depending on the potion being made. This method becomes the staple of Herblore training once you’ve gained some initial levels.
3. Making Unfinished Potions (Levels 3-99)
Another training method is making unfinished potions. This involves mixing herbs with a secondary ingredient to create unfinished potions, which can later be used to make various potions. This method can be more cost-effective than mixing completed potions and is a viable training option, especially for ironmen.
4. Questing (Levels 1-99)
Completing quests is an effective way to gain Herblore experience while also progressing through the game. Some quests offer substantial Herblore experience rewards, which can provide a significant boost to your levels. Notable quests for Herblore experience include “Druidic Ritual” and “Zogre Flesh Eaters.”
5. Wilderness Slayer (Levels 1-99)
If you’re up for some player versus player (PvP) action, Wilderness Slayer can be a rewarding way to train Herblore. You can receive Larran’s small and big keys as rewards, which can be exchanged for herbs and other valuable items.
Efficient Herblore Training Methods
To reach 99 Herblore efficiently, consider the following methods and strategies:
1. Optimal Potion Choices
As you progress through Herblore, focus on creating potions that offer the best experience-to-cost ratio. Some recommended potions include Prayer potions, Saradomin brews, and Super combat potions. These potions are in high demand and can often be profitable to make and sell.
2. Herb Runs
Regularly participate in herb farming runs to obtain a steady supply of herbs. This can significantly reduce the cost of training Herblore, as you’ll have a consistent source of grimy herbs to clean and use. Farming runs also provide valuable secondary ingredients like snape grass.
3. Dailies and Weekly Activities
Take advantage of daily and weekly activities that provide Herblore experience, such as Tears of Guthix, the Kingdom of Miscellania, and the Herbi herb box from the Tithe Farm minigame. These activities can offer a substantial boost to your Herblore levels over time.
4. Efficient Inventory Setup
When mixing potions, optimize your inventory setup to maximize efficiency. Use placeholders in your bank and have your secondary ingredients readily available to streamline the potion-making process.
Money-Making with Herblore
While training Herblore, you can also make a profit by creating and selling high-demand potions. Some profitable potions to consider include:
1. Prayer Potions
Prayer potions are consistently in demand due to their widespread use for PvM activities and boss fights. Crafting and selling these potions can yield a substantial profit.
2. Saradomin Brews
Saradomin brews are valuable for their ability to heal large amounts of hitpoints and restore some prayer points. Creating and selling these potions can be a lucrative venture.
3. High-Level Combat Potions
Potions like Super combat potions and Ranging potions are always in demand among high-level players. Crafting and selling these can provide a steady income.
99 Herblore Milestones
As you progress towards 99 Herblore, celebrate your achievements at various milestones:
1. Level 38: Antifire Potions
At level 38, you can create Antifire potions, which are essential for fighting dragons without taking fire damage. These potions are valuable and can be used in boss fights like the King Black Dragon.
2. Level 72: Saradomin Brews
At level 72, you can start making Saradomin brews, one of the most potent healing potions in the game. These are sought after for high-level bossing and can fetch a high price on the Grand Exchange.
3. Level 78: Super Combat Potions
Super Combat potions are a game-changer for combat training. At level 78, you can create these powerful potions that boost your Attack, Strength, and Defence levels. They are indispensable for bossing and high-level combat encounters.
4. Level 92: Overloads
Reaching level 92 Herblore allows you to create Overload potions, arguably the most potent combat-enhancing potion in OSRS. Overloads boost your Attack, Strength, Defence, Ranged, and Magic levels significantly for a short duration.