Before jumping into RuneScape gold strategy, it's important to know the three variations of Ironman mode:

Ironman: The standard mode—no trading, no Grand Exchange, complete self-sufficiency.

Hardcore Ironman (HCIM): Same restrictions as standard Ironman, but with one life. A single death reverts your account to regular Ironman.

Ultimate Ironman (UIM): The most extreme version—no access to banks. You carry everything on your character or store items in your player-owned house.

This guide focuses primarily on standard Ironman gameplay but offers tips that benefit all three variations.

Questing: Your Fast Track to Progression

In Ironman mode, quests are your best friend. They provide vital experience, unlock useful tools and areas, and often reward you with valuable items that would otherwise take hours to obtain through grinding.

Essential Early Quests:

Cook's Assistant – Unlocks basic cooking functionality and introduces you to farming and food prep.

The Restless Ghost – Grants early Prayer XP, essential for unlocking Protect Prayers.

Doric's Quest – Provides a nice boost to Mining and grants access to a convenient anvil location.

Imp Catcher – A quick Magic XP reward that helps you unlock early combat spells.

Rune Mysteries – Unlocks Runecrafting, a skill vital for making your own runes.

Waterfall Quest – MASSIVE Attack and Strength XP without any combat requirements. Do this early.

Grand Tree / Tree Gnome Village – Unlocks the Spirit Tree transportation network and boosts Attack.

Focus on quests that give you early access to buy RS gold utility areas and fast XP in combat, Magic, Prayer, and Crafting.