While most of the hype last week has rightfully surrounded the release of Yama, the new endgame boss, there's been a surprising lack of focus on the important skilling and money-making changes that came alongside this massive update OSRS gold. So today, we're stepping away from combat and diving into the juicy skilling content that's been overlooked. Whether you're chasing experience, GP, or just a chill new grind, there's something in this update for you.

 

Mining in the Castle of Fire - Three New Methods

Let's start with mining, because the Castle of Fire brings some exciting new training methods - from fully AFK to tick-intensive madness.

 

1. AFK Infernal Shell Mining

If you like chill grinds like star mining, the new Infernal Shell nodes are for you. Located in the northeastern section of the bottom floor of the Castle of Fire, you'll pass through some black demons to reach the mining area. Don't worry - they barely touch you.

Here's how it works:

• Mine Infernal Shells from volcanic-looking red rocks.
• Use a hammer to crush them into Crushed Infernal Shell.
• Combine crushed shell with Oathblade Shards (dropped by Yama) to make Infernal Nuggets, and progress through several stages to ultimately create Oath Plate Armor.
• Why is this important? Because Oathblade Shards are a hot commodity right now, and Infernal Shells are part of the armor-making process, meaning the resource has lasting demand.

AFK Method Stats:

• XP per Hour: ~10K
• GP per Hour: ~100K
• Effort: None, just click when nodes change and crush the shell

 

1. Semi-AFK Active Mining

Want a bit more XP and significantly more GP? Mine the "real" rocks in the castle. These use the classic OSRS rock models (not fancy Perennus variants), which is a nice nostalgic touch.

Semi-AFK Method Stats:

• XP per Hour: 20K-30K (depending on level and pickaxe)
• GP per Hour: ~2M
• Effort: Light; click around a few rocks and crush shells every inventory

 

1. Three-Tick Method with the Wet Cloth

This is where things get sweaty-but oh, the rewards. Talk to the imp in the mine and tell him it's hot. He'll give you a Wet Cloth. When you use it, your character performs a "wipe forehead" animation. This animation functions just like swamp tar or herb + tar for tick manipulation.

By repeating a simple rhythm-"cloth, move, rock"-you can consistently three-tick mine and significantly boost your XP and income.

Three-Tick Method Stats:

• XP per Hour: ~60K
• GP per Hour: ~5M (tested at early prices)
• Effort: High; a precise but learnable rhythm, more forgiving than 3-tick granite
• Even if prices drop a bit over time, the consistent demand for Oath Plate Armor ensures that this method remains one of the most profitable ways to train Mining.

 

New RuneCrafting Method - Ether Runes

Yama also drops an exciting item: the Ether Catalyst. This allows players to combine Soul Runes and Astral Runes into a new hybrid rune - the Ether Rune.

What does this mean for RuneCrafting? A fresh combination rune, level 90 requirement, and a money-making method that rivals blood and wrath runes.

How to Craft Ether Runes:

You'll need:

• Level 90 RuneCrafting
• Ether Catalyst
• Soul Runes
• Pure Essence
• Magic Imbue (Lunar Spellbook)
• Binding Necklace (for 100% success rate)
• Colossal Pouch + Raiments of the Eye set
• Rune Pouch for runes
• Fairy Ring access to Zanaris

 

Process Summary:

1.Start at a bank and fill up on Pure Essence.

2.Use a fairy ring to teleport to Zanaris and head to the Cosmic Altar.

3.Activate Magic Imbue.

4.Use your Soul Runes on the altar while holding the Ether Catalyst.

5.Bank, repeat.

 

Efficiency Tips:

• Equip a Catalytic Tiara (or use Max Cape/RC Cape if available).
• Bring Ring of Endurance and stamina potions to conserve run energy.
• Every time you craft multiple runes thanks to Raiments of the Eye, only one extra Ether Catalyst is used, not extra Soul Runes.
• Ether Rune Stats:
• XP per Hour: ~90K
• GP per Hour: 2.4M-2.8M (at post-Yama early prices)
• Effort: Medium; slightly click-intensive but not sweaty
• Compared to Wrath (~40K XP/hr) and Soul (~30K XP/hr) runes, Ether Runes offer double the XP and still remain highly profitable. With how combination runes work, this could be a top-tier RC method moving forward, depending on the long-term use of Ether Runes.

Bonus tip: You can take Ether crafting materials into Guardians of the Rift and wait for the cosmic altar to open for even more GP, points, and experience.Diabolic Worms and Anglerfish Catch Rate

Anglerfish fishing has always been a super slow but consistent moneymaker, locked behind 100% Piscarilius favor. Enter: Diabolic Worms, a new item that boosts the catch rate for Anglerfish.

These worms are a direct buff to one of the slowest but steadiest money-making methods in the game. Here's what changed:

• Better catch rate = more raw anglerfish = more GP
• Still AFK and easy
• Great for Ironmen or those with food-centric money-making
• No big XP gains here, but for those who love their AFK grinds, this is a welcome upgrade.

 

Why These Updates Matter

While endgame PvM content like Yama always grabs attention, the skilling changes introduced with this update are equally impactful. Here's why:

1.Long-Term Profitability: Items like Infernal Shell and Ether Catalyst are tied to core production chains (armor and runes), ensuring consistent demand.

2.Training Variety: OSRS thrives when players have choices. These new methods offer AFK, semi-AFK, and sweaty options across skills like Mining and RuneCrafting.

3.Accessibility: Outside of the high RC level requirement, most of these methods are accessible to mid-to-high-level players.

4.Community Engagement: Updates like this also breathe life into community content. Expect calculators, guides cheap OSRS gold, and efficiency videos in the coming weeks as people min-max these methods.

 

Final Thoughts

There you have it - the skilling side of the Yama update, packed with XP, GP, and innovation. Whether you're a RuneCrafting purist or a degenerate three-tick miner, this update has something for you.