OSRS continues to evolve in 2025 with fresh content, new bosses, and crucially, new ways to make money and train skills. While the spotlight has been on the recent endgame boss Yama, what's flown under the radar is how Yama's drops and the surrounding update have introduced or significantly buffed skilling and moneymaking methods.

In this article, we'll break down the best new methods for making OSRS gold and XP, covering mining, runecrafting, and more, thanks to the addition of items and mechanics tied to Yama and the Castle of Fire. Whether you want to chill with a semi-AFK grind or push your limits with high-efficiency skilling, there's something here for you.

Mining at the Castle of Fire: Infernal Shale

Let's kick things off with mining. A brand new ore called Infernal Shale is now available in the Castle of Fire, accessed by fighting through a few Black Demons on the bottom floor's northeastern side. Be sure to bring your Prospector outfit and best pickaxe, but note that Varrock Armor 4's perks don't apply here.

Infernal Shale is the foundation of a new smithing chain that ultimately results in the new Oath Plate armor. Here's a quick breakdown of how it's used:

· Mine Infernal Shale from the red rocks.

· Use a hammer to crush it into Crushed Infernal Shale.

· Combine with Oath Blade Shards to create Infernal Nuggets.

· Nuggets turn into Infernal Chunks.

· Chunks become Infernal Plates.

· Plates are finally turned into pieces of Oath Plate Armor.

Because Oath Blade Shards are obtained from Yama and needed for these smithing processes, Infernal Shale will have lasting demand, making it a reliable moneymaker.

Method 1: AFK Mining (Star Mining Style)

The simplest method is similar to star mining: click on large, passive rocks (resembling those from the Volcanic Mine) and slowly harvest Infernal Shale. Every few minutes, you alternate between two rock locations. Once your inventory is full, use a hammer to crush the shale.

· XP/hr: ~10k Mining XP

· GP/hr: ~100k from selling crushed shale

At the time of testing, each crushed shale was worth around 2.5k GP despite a much lower GE guide price. Prices will likely dip but should remain strong due to the continuous demand from smithing.

Method 2: Active Rock Mining

If you want something with better returns and still semi-AFK, you can mine the smaller rocks in the Castle. These use the old standard rock model (not like the new ones seen in Perennus), which is a nostalgic touch.

· XP/hr: 20–30k (depending on level and pickaxe)

· GP/hr: ~2M at peak demand, possibly stabilizing at 1 M+

In just 10 minutes, you can get nearly 400k in raw resource value. Even as prices stabilize, this method remains a strong contender for profit-focused miners.

Method 3: Tick Manipulated Mining (High-Efficiency)

For the sweatiest players looking to squeeze out every bit of efficiency, tick manipulation has a new twist. A nearby imp gives you a Wet Cloth after a short dialogue. Using it triggers a forehead-wiping animation that allows tick manipulation without needing items like swamp tar or logs.

The tick cycle is simple once you learn it:

· Cloth → Move → Rock

· Repeat: Cloth, move, rock rhythmically every tick.

This method is far easier to learn than traditional 3-tick granite and offers incredible returns.

· XP/hr: ~60k

· GP/hr: ~5M (based on peak crushed shale prices)

It's a great blend of high experience and fantastic GP, provided you can maintain the rhythm and avoid burnout.

Ether Runes: New Runecrafting Method

Next up is a surprise update for one of the most niche money-making skills: Runecrafting. The new boss Yama drops an item called the Ether Catalyst, which allows players to create a new rune type—Ether Runes—by combining Soul and Astral Runes.

While the applications of Ether Runes are still unclear, the production process itself is profitable and offers a new way to train Runecrafting at high levels.

Requirements:

· Runecrafting Level: 90

· Quests: Lost City, Fairy Tale Part II, Lunar Diplomacy, Temple of the Eye

· Access: Cosmic Altar in Zanaris (no true Soul Altar exists yet)

· Items:

  o Ether Catalyst (from Yama)

  o Soul Runes

  o Pure Essence

  o Lunar Spellbook (for Magic Imbue)

  o Binding Necklace (ensures 100% success rate)

  o Colossal Pouch (from Guardians of the Rift)

  o Raiments of the Eye set (Rune multiplier)

  o Ring of Endurance (optional for stamina pot efficiency)

  o Rune Pouch (for holding runes to cast Magic Imbue)

  o Fairy Ring access (for banking and travel)

Process:

1. Equip the Binding Necklace and set the Lunar spellbook.

2. Use Magic Imbue to eliminate the need for a talisman/talisman staff.

3. Load up essence (ideally using a Colossal Pouch).

4. Head to the Cosmic Altar.

5. Craft Ether Runes using the combination of Astral and Soul runes.

Profits & XP:

The XP rates aren't mind-blowing, but the profit margins are solid, especially with market instability. Since Ether Runes are brand new, early crafters may enjoy inflated profits before prices stabilize.

· XP/hr: ~25k–35k Runecrafting XP

· GP/hr: 500k–1M depending on Ether Rune value

This is a top-tier method for experienced players who already have high Runecrafting and a completed quest list.

Other Skilling Changes and Outlook

While the major skilling updates relate to mining and runecrafting, this update sets a new standard for integrating boss content with the skilling economy. Yama's loot is not just for PvMers—skillers have a new economy to tap into thanks to the demand for smithing materials, Ether Runes, and various crafting combinations.

As always, prices will fluctuate drastically in the first few weeks. If you're reading this soon after release, profits might be sky-high. If you're reading this a few months down the line, some methods will settle into a more sustainable range—but the demand for materials like crushed Infernal Shale and Ether Runes is likely to remain steady as long as players chase Oath Plate armor and new spell mechanics.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a casual player looking for an AFK way to make some gold while watching Netflix, or a tick-perfect grinder seeking 5 M+ GP/hr, the 2025 Yama update has something for you. Mining is no longer a dead skill. Runecrafting has a fresh twist. And the PvM-skilling connection is stronger than ever.

Now's the time to experiment with these new methods before the rest of the player base catches on. And as always, happy skilling, and good luck on your drops.

RSorder Team