Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers a vast array of ways to make money, but not all of them require you to be glued to your screen for hours. If you're looking to make gold while you're not actively playing the game, AFK (Away From Keyboard) money-making methods are the perfect solution. These methods allow you to generate income passively, giving you the freedom to multitask, whether you're watching TV, studying, or simply relaxing. In this article, we'll explore some of the best AFK money-making methods in Old School RuneScape, covering various skill sets, from gathering resources to bossing.

1. Nightmare Zone (NMZ) – AFK Combat Training and Money

Requirements:

Completion of specific quests (e.g., "Recipe for Disaster" for access to the quests and to unlock the necessary prayer bonuses).

70+ Combat stats (recommended but not required).

Why It's Great for AFK: The Nightmare Zone (NMZ) is one of the most popular AFK money-making methods in OSRS gold. It combines combat training with passive income, making it an ideal method for players looking to make money while grinding out experience. NMZ allows you to fight a range of bosses from quests you have completed, where you can choose to fight in an environment with safe zones, and the bosses attack you at a manageable rate. This provides ample opportunity for you to AFK the combat process.

How to Do It: You can start NMZ by entering the zone with a full inventory of Absorption potions and Overload potions (if you have high enough stats). The goal is to stay within the zone for long periods, allowing your character to continue fighting while you don't need to actively engage in combat. The Absorption potions reduce the damage you take, while Overload potions boost your stats, allowing you to defeat the bosses without much input from you.

Money-Making Potential: While the primary benefit of NMZ is training combat skills, you can also earn money from the rewards that include points. You can exchange these points for items like Herb boxes, rune items, and other valuable drops. The rune and imbued items can be sold for a decent amount of money, especially with a high number of points accumulated.

AFK Potential: High. You can leave the game running, only needing to top off your Absorption potions occasionally.

2. Fishing – Rocktail Fishing

Requirements:

Level 90 Fishing.

Completion of the Shilo Village quest to access the Shilo Village bank.

Why It's Great for AFK: Fishing Rocktails is one of the most efficient and profitable AFK methods in OSRS. Rocktails can be fished in the Shilo Village with a Fishing rod and bait. They are highly sought after for their use in Herblore (for making potions) and are popular with high-level players. The Rocktail fish themselves can be sold in the Grand Exchange for a decent price, especially during periods of high demand for Herb boxes and Shards.

How to Do It: To fish for Rocktails, you'll need level 90 Fishing and access to the Shilo Village bank. Simply bring your fishing rod and bait to the fishing spots located in the Shilo Village fishing area. You can leave your character fishing while you step away from your computer, as Rocktail fishing is relatively AFK-friendly due to the long time between catches. However, you will need to occasionally deposit your inventory into the bank.

Money-Making Potential: Rocktails can be sold for a decent amount of gold, often going for more than 1,000 coins per fish. The AFK nature of the method means that you can rack up a considerable number of fish over time, making it a steady source of income.

AFK Potential: Very high, especially when combined with high levels of Fishing.

3. Woodcutting – Teak or Mahogany Trees

Requirements:

35 Woodcutting (Teaks) or 50 Woodcutting (Mahogany).

Why It's Great for AFK: Woodcutting Teak or Mahogany trees is one of the most classic AFK money-making methods in OSRS. These methods are simple, requiring just the basic Woodcutting skill and some tools, and they offer a solid income. Both Teak and Mahogany logs are in high demand for their use in Fletching and Construction.

How to Do It: For the best AFK experience, Mahogany trees in Tai Bwo Wannai (with level 50 Woodcutting) or Teak trees in Karamja are fantastic locations. These trees respawn relatively quickly, allowing for a mostly AFK experience. You can simply click to chop down the tree and then step away, returning occasionally to empty your inventory.

Tip: Using a dragon axe can speed up the chopping process and increase profits.

Money-Making Potential: Both Teak and Mahogany logs can be sold for good profit on the Grand Exchange. Mahogany logs typically sell for more due to their higher demand for Construction (mainly for players building Mahogany planks). On average, you can expect to make between 500,000 to 1 million gold per hour, depending on your level, gear, and activity.

AFK Potential: Very high. Once you've set your character to chop down the trees, you can leave and return every few minutes.

4. Hunter – Red Chinchompas

Requirements:

Level 63 Hunter.

Access to the Red Chinchompa hunting area.

Why It's Great for AFK: Hunter is a skill that many players overlook, but Red Chinchompas provide a highly profitable AFK method. Red Chinchompas are used in Ranged training, making them a valuable commodity. They are stackable and can be sold for a high price, making them a great money-making option for players who don't want to actively engage in combat.

How to Do It: The best way to catch Red Chinchompas is in the Feldip Hills area, where you can use box traps. Once you have the required level, you can set the traps and simply wait for the chinchompas to appear in the traps. When the traps are full, you'll need to deposit them in your inventory or bank, but this is a relatively AFK process.

Money-Making Potential: The price of Red Chinchompas can vary, but they tend to sell for a good amount of coins due to their high demand from players training Ranged. With efficient trapping and moderate AFK intervals, you can expect to make up to 600,000 gold per hour, depending on your method and luck.

AFK Potential: High, though you will need to occasionally check on your traps.

5. Mining – Gem Rocks (For High-Level Players)

Requirements:

Level 68 Mining.

Completion of the Lunar Diplomacy quest for the Lunar Isle access.

Why It's Great for AFK: Gem rocks provide an AFK-friendly way to make money while training Mining. By mining gem rocks on Lunar Isle, you can receive valuable gems that can be sold for a good amount of gold. The process of mining gem rocks is somewhat AFK, and while it doesn't produce as much experience as other methods, it's profitable and enjoyable.

How to Do It: To mine gem rocks, you'll need to travel to Lunar Isle and find the gem rock locations. This method requires a pickaxe and the ability to mine at least level 68 Mining. Once you're at the gem rocks, you can continue mining for Sapphires, Emeralds, Rubies, and Diamonds, which you can later sell in the Grand Exchange.

Money-Making Potential: The gems mined at Lunar Isle can bring in a steady income, particularly when you sell them in bulk. With good luck, you may get rare gems that sell for a premium. Expect to make between 200,000 and 500,000 coins per hour with this method.

AFK Potential: Moderate. Requires occasional checking but can be done for long stretches.

Conclusion

AFK money-making methods in Old School RuneScape are perfect for players who don't want to spend every minute of their game time grinding away at high-intensity tasks. Whether it's combat training in the Nightmare Zone, fishing for Rocktails, woodcutting Mahogany logs, or even catching Red Chinchompas, each of these methods allows you to cheap RuneScape gold without constant attention.

It's important to note that the potential profits will depend on various factors, such as market conditions, your levels, and the gear you have at your disposal. However, the beauty of AFK methods is that they allow you to progress in the game and make money while pursuing other activities or enjoying the game at a more relaxed pace. With the right combination of activities, you'll be able to make consistent gold while enjoying the peaceful, low-stress grind that OSRS is known for.