Old School RuneScape: 10 Best Pickaxes

Mining in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a skill that can be slow to train but highly rewarding, especially when you unlock the ability to mine Rune Ore. With Rune Ore selling for over 11,000 GP per ore, a full inventory can net you more than 300,000 GP, making it one of the most profitable skills in the game.

To maximize your mining efficiency and experience rates, it’s essential to use the best pickaxes available. A good pickaxe not only improves mining speed but is also required for combat in some unique situations, such as defeating Guardians in the Chambers of Xeric or Rune Golems in the Wilderness Resource Area.

In this article, we’ll break down the 10 best pickaxes in OSRS, covering their stats, uses, and where to find them. Whether you’re mining for profit, experience, or adventure, these pickaxes will help you achieve your goals. Let’s dive in!

#10: Steel Pickaxe

The Steel Pickaxe is an early-game mining tool that provides a solid starting point for players progressing through the Mining skill. With a Mining level requirement of 6, it offers a modest improvement over the bronze and iron pickaxes, making it a practical choice for beginners.

In addition to its use for Mining, the Steel Pickaxe requires only Attack level 5 to wield, allowing players to use it as a weapon in situations where combat with mining tools is necessary, such as in the Chambers of Xeric or against Rune Golems.

The Steel Pickaxe can be purchased from mining shops, dropped by low-level monsters, or crafted by smithing with steel bars. While it won’t provide the fastest mining speeds, it’s a reliable option for players still climbing the Mining ranks.

If you’re just starting out or need an affordable pickaxe with decent stats, the Steel Pickaxe is a dependable choice.

#9: Iron Pickaxe

The Iron Pickaxe is a step up from the Bronze Pickaxe and an excellent tool for players in the early stages of the Mining skill. Requiring a Mining level of 1 to use, it offers slightly faster mining speeds than its bronze counterpart, making it a good option for beginners who are just getting started.

Additionally, the Iron Pickaxe only requires Attack level 1 to wield, which allows players to equip it for niche combat scenarios, such as facing mining-related monsters like Guardians in the Chambers of Xeric or Rune Golems in the Wilderness.

This pickaxe is readily available from mining shops or as a drop from low-level monsters, making it an accessible and affordable tool for early-game players.

While its stats won’t carry you far into the mid-game, the Iron Pickaxe is a reliable companion for new miners starting their journey. It’s a great way to gain early levels before upgrading to stronger tools.

#8: Rune Pickaxe

The Rune Pickaxe is a powerful and iconic tool in Old School RuneScape, long regarded as one of the best mining pickaxes before the release of higher-tier options. Requiring a Mining level of 41 and an Attack level of 40 to wield, this pickaxe delivers excellent mining efficiency for mid- to high-level players.

The Rune Pickaxe is widely used for training Mining and is particularly effective at mining ores like Mithril, Adamantite, and Rune, providing fast experience rates and good profitability. Its decent melee stats also make it a viable weapon for combat scenarios involving mining-related creatures, such as Guardians in the Chambers of Xeric.

Players can obtain the Rune Pickaxe from shops, monster drops, or the Grand Exchange at a relatively affordable price, making it a practical and efficient choice for those looking to improve their Mining experience.

While higher-tier pickaxes have since surpassed it, the Rune Pickaxe remains a staple for players seeking reliable performance without breaking the bank. It’s an essential tool for miners progressing through the mid-game!

#7: Black Pickaxe

The Black Pickaxe is a unique and rare mining tool that combines utility with style. Requiring a Mining level of 11 to use, it offers slightly better mining speed than the Iron Pickaxe, making it a good option for early-game players looking for a modest boost in efficiency.

What sets the Black Pickaxe apart is its exclusivity—it can only be obtained as a drop from Venenatis, a dangerous boss in the Wilderness. This makes it a rare item with high prestige among collectors and players who enjoy unique gear.

In addition to its mining utility, the Black Pickaxe requires only Attack level 10 to wield, making it usable in combat scenarios where mining tools are necessary.

While not the most efficient pickaxe in terms of mining speed, the Black Pickaxe is an excellent option for those who value rarity and uniqueness in their gear. It’s a stylish addition to any miner’s collection!

#6: Dragon Pickaxe

The Dragon Pickaxe is a top-tier mining tool that offers one of the fastest mining speeds in Old School RuneScape. Requiring a Mining level of 61 to use and an Attack level of 60 to wield, it provides a significant boost in efficiency, making it a highly sought-after pickaxe for high-level players.

What sets the Dragon Pickaxe apart is its special attack, “Rock Knocker,” which temporarily increases your Mining level by 3 levels, allowing you to mine faster and access higher-level ores more efficiently. This makes it especially useful for mining Rune or Amethyst ores, where every second counts.

The pickaxe is dropped by Revenants in the Wilderness and bosses like Venenatis, Callisto, and Vet’ion, making it a valuable but risky item to obtain. It can also be purchased on the Grand Exchange for players who prefer to avoid the Wilderness.

With its superior stats and special ability, the Dragon Pickaxe is an essential tool for serious miners looking to maximize their XP rates and profitability. It’s a game-changer for high-level Mining content!

#5: Adamant Pickaxe

The Adamant Pickaxe is a reliable and efficient choice for players transitioning from mid-game to high-level Mining. Requiring a Mining level of 31 and an Attack level of 30 to wield, it offers faster mining speeds compared to its lower-tier counterparts, making it a valuable tool for training and resource gathering.

This pickaxe is especially effective for mining Coal, Mithril, and other mid-tier ores, providing a decent balance of speed and accessibility for players working their way up to Rune or Dragon Pickaxes. Its affordability and availability from mining shops or the Grand Exchange make it an easy upgrade for most players.

While it doesn’t offer special abilities like the Dragon Pickaxe, the Adamant Pickaxe is a solid and cost-effective choice for miners looking to boost their efficiency and gather resources more quickly. It’s a dependable tool for any player progressing through the Mining grind!

#4: Mithril Pickaxe

The Mithril Pickaxe is an excellent mid-tier tool for players advancing through the Mining skill. Requiring a Mining level of 21 to use and an Attack level of 20 to wield, it offers improved mining speed compared to the Steel and Iron Pickaxes, making it a great choice for players seeking faster ore gathering.

This pickaxe is particularly useful for mining ores like Coal and Mithril, providing a solid balance of efficiency and accessibility. It is available in mining shops, dropped by certain monsters, or can be purchased from the Grand Exchange, making it an affordable option for players progressing through the early-to-mid stages of Mining.

While it will eventually be outclassed by higher-tier pickaxes like Adamant or Rune, the Mithril Pickaxe is a practical and reliable tool for those working their way up the Mining ladder. It’s a great stepping stone for miners aiming to maximize their XP rates without breaking the bank!

#3: Infernal Pickaxe

The Infernal Pickaxe is a powerful and unique tool designed for efficient Mining with added Firemaking benefits. This pickaxe requires a Mining level of 61, an Attack level of 60, and a Firemaking level of 85 to use, making it ideal for high-level players.

What makes the Infernal Pickaxe stand out is its ability to smelt ores into bars while mining, consuming charges from a Smouldering Stone or Dragon Pickaxe to do so. This feature significantly boosts efficiency, especially when mining ores like Iron or Gold, as it reduces inventory management and adds Firemaking XP along with Mining XP.

To create the Infernal Pickaxe, players must combine a Dragon Pickaxe with a Smouldering Stone, both of which are obtainable through Wilderness bosses or purchased on the Grand Exchange.

Perfect for Mining training and resource gathering, the Infernal Pickaxe is an essential tool for players looking to maximize efficiency while gaining XP in two skills simultaneously. It’s an excellent investment for dedicated miners!

#2: 3rd Age Pickaxe

The 3rd Age Pickaxe is a rare and prestigious mining tool that is both functional and a status symbol in Old School RuneScape. Requiring a Mining level of 61 and an Attack level of 65 to wield, it provides mining speeds equivalent to the Dragon Pickaxe, making it an excellent choice for high-level Mining activities.

What truly sets the 3rd Age Pickaxe apart is its rarity and aesthetic appeal. It is obtained exclusively from 3rd Age Treasure Trails rewards through Elite or Master Clue Scrolls, making it one of the rarest pickaxes in the game. Its unique design makes it highly desirable for collectors and players who want to show off their wealth and achievements.

While it lacks the special attack of the Dragon Pickaxe, the 3rd Age Pickaxe is equally effective for mining high-value ores like Runite or Amethyst, combining utility with prestige.

For those seeking the ultimate combination of functionality and fashion, the 3rd Age Pickaxe is a standout choice. It’s more than just a tool—it’s a symbol of success in OSRS!

#1: Crystal Pickaxe

The Crystal Pickaxe is the best-in-slot mining tool in Old School RuneScape, offering the fastest mining speeds and excellent utility for high-level players. Requiring a Mining level of 71, an Attack level of 50, and completion of the Song of the Elves quest, this pickaxe is perfect for those who want maximum efficiency in both XP rates and resource gathering.

What makes the Crystal Pickaxe exceptional is its 10% increased mining speed over the Dragon Pickaxe, making it the most efficient option for mining high-value ores like Runite, Amethyst, and Volcanic Ash. Additionally, the pickaxe never degrades as long as players keep their Crystal Shard charges replenished, ensuring long-term use without the need for replacements.

To obtain this pickaxe, players must combine a Dragon Pickaxe with a Crystal Tool Seed and Crystal Shards, which are obtainable from the Prifddinas region.

For serious miners who want to achieve the fastest possible experience rates and optimize resource collection, the Crystal Pickaxe is the ultimate choice, combining unmatched speed with long-term durability. It’s the crown jewel of mining tools in OSRS!

Conclusion

Having the right pickaxe in Old School RuneScape is essential for maximizing your Mining efficiency, whether you’re grinding for XP, gathering high-value ores, or tackling unique content like the Chambers of Xeric or Wilderness Resource Area. From beginner-friendly tools like the Steel Pickaxe to top-tier options like the Crystal Pickaxe, each pickaxe offers distinct benefits tailored to different stages of your Mining journey.

For players seeking both functionality and prestige, rare tools like the 3rd Age Pickaxe provide a perfect blend of performance and style. Meanwhile, tools like the Infernal Pickaxe add extra utility, making Mining more efficient by integrating Firemaking XP.

Whether you’re a seasoned miner or just starting out, investing in the right pickaxe will save you time and help you achieve your goals faster. Equip yourself with one of these 10 best pickaxes and take your Mining grind to the next level.