Introduction
Herblore seems simple until you start spending real money on it. The potion list is long, ingredient costs vary constantly, and most guides tell you what to make without explaining why it beats the alternative at that level. I've tracked the GP per XP across all of these methods, including which potions look great on a calculator but fall apart when you're buying in bulk.
The decisions matter more here than in most skills. Get the ingredient timing wrong before a price spike, and you're down 10M before you've made a single potion. Pick the wrong method for 20 levels, and you've paid twice the GP for the same XP. Herblore isn't a skill you can sleepwalk through, which is exactly why most players end up overpaying.
Fastest 99, cheapest route, making money while training all covered, with real costs and actual XP per hour. Ingredient tables with quantities and costs are included throughout, so you can buy in bulk and get straight into it.
Is Herblore Worth Training?
Let me be straight with you guys: Training Herblore is expensive! If you're a new player with limited gold, chasing 99 in Herblore will be expensive. But once you're doing any serious PvM, it becomes the most essential part of your PvM fights.
Essential for Raids and Bossing
These potions are really the backbone of almost every boss in the game. At high-level slayer and bossing, you're going through multiple doses per kill. Being able to make your own means you're never relying on the GE price spikes that hit this game every time a new boss drops.
I started Chambers of Xeric at 78 Herblore and noticed the gap straight away. Longer runs just weren't sustainable without the right potion supply. Most people say 78 as the CoX entry point, but 85+ is where raiding actually becomes comfortable. Worth knowing too: at 82, you can prep potions for the Duke Sucellus fight in advance, giving yourself a 2-4 kill buffer before restocking.
Herblore Cape Perk Is Genuinely Useful
The Herblore skillcape lets you mix grimy herbs directly into unfinished potions without cleaning them first. It sounds minor, but over the course of thousands of potions, it saves real time and eliminates the need to clean herbs as a separate step. It also bypasses the Hard Desert Diary requirement for the Nardah herbalist (Zahur), who can create unfinished potions for 200GP. This cape is also used to search for a Pestle and Mortar daily.
Mastering Mixology Minigame
It is now the best XP-per-herb ratio method in the game. Beyond XP, it unlocks genuinely powerful equipment such as the Alchemist's Amulet (15% chance to produce a 4-dose potion), Prescription Goggles (10% chance to save secondaries on use), and the Reagent Pouch (holds 26 of each secondary, saving a ton of inventory space). The minigame also unlocks Potion Storage at the bank, saving up to 248 bank spaces. If you're a mid-to-late game account, this alone is worth engaging with the minigame.
The following are the rewards that you can obtain from the Mastering Mixology minigame.
We have our dedicated guide on Mastering Mixology here.
General Efficiency Tips and Tricks
Before you dump millions into herbs, make sure you have these tools to save money and time:
- Amulet of Chemistry: This is mandatory. It has a 5% chance (or 15% with the Alchemist's Amulet from Mastering Mixology) to create a 4-dose potion instead of a 3-dose. It significantly reduces your GP/XP loss.
- Botanical Pies: These give a +4 boost, allowing you to start high-XP potions (like Saradomin Brews or Super Restores) several levels early.
- Mixology Rewards: If you’ve spent time at the new Mastering Mixology minigame, prioritise getting the Prescription Goggles (10% chance to save secondaries) and the Alchemist's Amulet.
- Nardah Herb Cleaning: If you have the Desert Hard Diary, Zahur in Nardah can clean all grimy herbs in your inventory instantly for 200 GP each. It’s faster than doing it manually and is highly efficient.
- Set Custom Quantity: Set the custom (X) quantity for withdrawing items from the bank to 14, so that both ingredients are withdrawn in 14 each time. As shown in the following image:
- Use the ESC key: This is a highly recommended tip from me. You can close the Bank with the ESC key on your Keyboard instead of using your mouse. It might look like a minor thing, but once you get the rhythm, it will help you boost your XP rates.
Getting Started: Druidic Ritual and Starter Levels
Before you train Herblore at all, you need to complete the Druidic Ritual quest in Taverley. Complete the Druidic Ritual before anything else: short quest, no real requirements, about 10 minutes. You can't train Herblore without it.
Levels 3-5: Attack Potions
After finishing Druidic Ritual, the first thing I'd recommend is grabbing some of Guam Potions (unfinished) and Eye of Newt from the GE and making Attack Potions until level 5. It's only 9 potions. The XP per potion is low, but the ingredients are dirt cheap, and this phase is over in 1 to 2 minutes.
First Ingredient | Second Ingredient | Quantity |
Guam Potion (unf) | Eye of Newt | 9 |
The XP/hr making attack potions is around 60K per hour, which is quite nice for starter levels. We are not sticking to Attack Potions only.
Levels 5-12: Antipoison Potion
Starting at level 5, switch to Antipoison Potions (Marrentill Potion (unfinished) combined with Unicorn Horn Dust). These remain affordable, and the experience gained increases to 37.5 per potion, which makes it a more satisfying progress compared to early attack potions. Only 32 Antipoison Potions are necessary to reach level 12.
First Ingredient | Second Ingredient | Quantity |
Marrentill Potion (unf) | Unicorn Horn Dust | 32 |
The 37.5 XP per potion helps us to gain around 85K XP/hr from 60K XP/hr.
Levels 12-22: Strength Potions
From level 12, move to Strength Potions (Tarromin Potion (unfinished) + Limpwurt Root). These are cheap, fast to make, and carry you through to level 22 without much difficulty. The XP/hr while making Strength Potions is really great, which is around 125K XP/hr. You need 81 Potions to reach level 22.
First Ingredient | Second Ingredient | Quantity |
Tarromin Potion (unf) | Limpwurt Root | 81 |
So, these were our starter levels. Now, I’ll guide you through multiple pathways to reach 1-99 in Herblore. We’ll be looking into The Fastest route to reach 99, standard methods, profitable methods, etc. Let’s get into it.
Fastest Ways to Reach Herblore Level 99
To reach level 99, there are actually two pathways: the first one is by doing tick manipulation (1 Tick), and the second method is the standard method without tick manipulation.
Fastest 99 With Tick Manipulation
Before diving into this method, we need to understand “what is tick manipulation in Herblore?” It is a click-intensive technique in which you use stackable ingredients to overlap the potion-making animation tick by tick (one tick = 0.6 seconds). Usually, mixing takes 3 ticks, but we use tick manipulation to squeeze out significantly more XP per hour than standard mixing does.
Tick manipulation doesn’t work on every potion; instead, it is only available to potions that use stackable ingredients. For example, in stamina potions, we can use the one-tick method because it uses Amylase Crystals, which are stackable (they take up only one inventory space).
Let’s get into it!
Levels 1-22: Attack Potions, Antipoisons, Strength Potions
As we covered in the Getting Started section above.
Levels 22-26: Restore Potions
At level 22 of Herblore, you have to make Restore Potions till level 26. Making of Restore Potions requires Harralander potion (unfinished) and Red Spiders’ Eggs; each potion gives 62.5 XP, and you can reach up to 150K XP/hr.
Restore Potions |
First Ingredient | Second Ingredient | Quantity |
Harralander Potion (unf) | Red Spiders’ Eggs | 50 |
The following is the realistic XP rate at level 72 of herblore.
Level 26-34: Energy Potions
After completing level 26 of herblore, start making Energy Potions by combining Harralander Potion (unfinished) and Chocolate dust. It’ll give 67.5 XP per potion, and the XP per hour will be around 170K per hour. And the cost per potion will be around 670 GP.
Energy Potions |
First Ingredient | Second Ingredient | Quantity |
Harralander Potion (unf) | Chocolate Dust | 171 |
Level 34-36: Agility Potions
So, at level 34 of herblore, you should start making Agility Pots, which can be made by mixing Toadflax Potion (unfinished) and Toad’s legs, granting 80 XP per potion, and XP rates can reach up to 200K XP/hr. Though you can lose money making them, as the profit per potion is -2800, it's only for just two levels.
Agility Potions |
First Ingredient | Second Ingredient | Quantity |
Toadlfax Potion (unf) | Toad’s legs | 58 |
Level 36-38: Combat Potions
After reaching level 36, you can start making Combat Potions, which are always in demand. You can make them by combining Harralander Potion (unfinished) with Goat horn dust, granting 84 XP per potion, and the XP rates can reach up to 210K per hour.
Combat Potions |
First Ingredient | Second Ingredient | Quantity |
Harralander Potion (unf) | Goat horn dust | 67 |
Levels 38-45: Prayer Potions
After hitting level 38, we can now make Prayer Potions, which are always in demand on GE. They can be made by combining Ranarr Potion (unfinished) with Snape grass. The XP is decent too (87.5 XP each), and you can often reimburse much of the cost by selling them.
Prayer Potions |
First Ingredient | Second Ingredient | Quantity |
Ranarr Potion (unf) | Snape Grass | 356 |
Levels 45-48: Super Attack Potions
After making prayer potions and reaching level 45, we start making Super Attack Potions (Irit Potion (unfinished) + Eye of Newt), which give 100 XP each. We only need to make around 200 of these potions, so they are not going to take more than an hour.
Super Attack Potions |
First Ingredient | Second Ingredient | Quantity |
Irit Potion (unf) | Eye of Newt | 216 |
Levels 48-50: Super Antipoisons Potions
At level 48, we need to make Super Antipoison potions till level 50. It is formed by combining Irit Potion (unf) and Unicorn Horn Dust, which gives us 106.3 XP each, which can reach our XP/hr all the way up to 265K. We’ll need a total of 173 Potions to reach level 50. Below is the real screenshot of the XP rates.
Super Antipoisons Potions |
First Ingredient | Second Ingredient | Quantity |
Irit Potion (unf) | Unicorn Horn Dust | 173 |
Levels 50-52: Fishing Potions
At level 50, we move on to Fishing Potions. These are created by mixing an Avantoe Potion (unfinished) with Snape Grass. Each potion grants 112.5 XP, and with focus, you can push the rates up to 270K XP/hr. Since this is a short-level bracket, it serves as a quick bridge to the more efficient mid-level (above level 50) potions.
Fishing Potions |
First Ingredient | Second Ingredient | Quantity |
Avantoe Potion (unf) | Snape Grass | 199 |
You can have a look at the real XP/hr below by making Fishing Potions.
Levels 52-55: Super Energy Potions
Upon reaching level 52, we unlock Super Energy Potions. These require combining an Avantoe Potion (unfinished) with Mort Myre Fungus, giving 117.5 XP per potion. The XP is very consistent, reaching roughly 293k XP/hr. You need to make about 366 of them to reach level 55.
Super Energy Potions |
First Ingredient | Second Ingredient | Quantity |
Avantoe Potion (unf) | Mort Myre Fungus | 366 |
Levels 55-58: Super Strength Potions
At level 55, we begin making Super Strength Potions. You mix a Kwuarm Potion (unfinished) with Limpwurt Root for 125 XP each. These are incredibly fast to churn out at the bank, allowing for a realistic XP rate of around 300K XP/hr.
Super Strength Potions |
First Ingredient | Second Ingredient | Quantity |
Kwuarm Potion (unf) | Limpwurt Root | 463 |
Levels 58-62: Prayer Regeneration Potions
At level 58, you move on to Prayer Regeneration Potions, a newer addition to the Herblore training meta. These are made by mixing a Huasca Potion (unfinished) with Aldarium. Each potion provides 132 XP, allowing you to reach a very competitive 330k XP/hr.
Prayer Regeneration Potions |
First Ingredient | Second Ingredient | Quantity |
Huasca Potion (unf) | Aldarium | 829 |
Level 62-63: Super Fishing Potions
After making exactly 829 Pots of Prayer Regeneration from level 58 to 62, you can now start making Super Fishing Potions, which offer 140.5 XP per potion, and the XP/hr can reach up to 354K/hr. The GP loss-making Super Fishing Potions is ~1500. You can create them by combining Pillar Potion (unfinished) and Haddock Eye.
Super Fishing Potions |
First Ingredient | Second Ingredient | Quantity |
Pillar Potion (unf) | Haddock Eye | 248 |
Levels 63-66: Super Restore Potions
After reaching level 63, you unlock Super Restore Potions. These are created by combining a Snapdragon Potion (unfinished) with Red Spiders’ Eggs. These are a staple for high-level PvM, so they’re always in Demand and provide 142.5 XP per potion. With steady banking, you can expect around 360K XP/hr.
Super Restore Potions |
First Ingredient | Second Ingredient | Quantity |
Snapdragon Potion (unf) | Red Spiders’ Eggs | 896 |
Levels 66-67: Super Defence Potions
At level 66, you have access to make Super Defence Potions. You combine a Cadantine Potion (unfinished) with White Berries. Each potion grants 150 XP, pushing your XP rates up to 375k XP/hr.
Super Defence Potions |
First Ingredient | Second Ingredient | Quantity |
Cadantine Potion (unf) | White Berries | 345 |
Level 67-69: Super Hunter Potions
At level 67, you can start mixing Pillar Potions (unfinished) and Crab Paste to make Super hunter potions, which grant 154 XP per potion, and the XP rates can go up to ~380K XP/hr. You have to make 780 potions to reach level 69, where we can start making Antifire Pots.
Super Hunter Potions |
First Ingredient | Second Ingredient | Quantity |
Pillar Potion (unf) | Crab Dust | 780 |
Levels 69-72: Antifire Potions
Upon hitting level 69, you can start brewing Antifire Potions. These require mixing a Lantadyme Potion (unfinished) with Dragon Scale Dust. They give 157.5 XP each. Because Lantadymes are widely available, this bracket is very consistent, with rates of 380K+ XP/hr.
Antifire Potions |
First Ingredient | Second Ingredient | Quantity |
Lantadyme Potion (unf) | Dragon Scale Dust | 1468 |
Levels 72-76: Ranging Potions
At level 72, you unlock Ranging Potions, made by combining a Dwarf Weed Potion (unfinished) with Wine of Zamorak. These yield 162.5 XP per potion. The XP rates here are quite good, and you can easily maintain a rate of 400k XP/hr.
Ranging Potions |
First Ingredient | Second Ingredient | Quantity |
Dwarf Weed Potion (unf) | Wine of Zamorak | 2691 |
Levels 76-77: Magic Potions
For the final level before moving into 1-tick methods, you will have to make Magic Potions. These require a Lantadyme Potion (unfinished) and a Potato Cactus. Each potion gives 172.5 XP, and since it’s a very small level gap, you'll clear this bracket quickly at 435k XP/hr.
Magic Potions |
First Ingredient | Second Ingredient | Quantity |
Lantadyme Potion (unf) | Potato Cactus | 807 |
Levels 77-84: 1-Tick Stamina Potions
Once you hit level 77, the training style shifts into the high-intensity 1-tick method. By manually using Amylase Crystals on Super Energy Potions (4) every 0.6 seconds, you bypass the standard wait time. It grants 102 XP per action and boosts your potential output to a massive 515K XP/hr. Each Potion of 4 Doses will use 4x Amylase Crystals and 1x Super Energy Potion (4), and it will grant 102 XP.
How to Perform 1-tick?
- First, we need to have enough ingredients to make Stamina Potions. They require 4x Amylase Crystals and 1x Super Energy Potions (4) (you have to purchase the 4-dose variant of Super Energy Potion, not the 3- or 2-dose variants).
- If you don’t know that, but Amylase crystals are stackable, meaning that they only require one inventory space, no matter how many there are. Place the Amylase crystals in the centre of your inventory and fill the remaining inventory space with Super Energy Pots. You have to click the amylase crystal first and then the super energy potion. Don’t make a mistake by clicking the super energy potion; you’ll drink it. You have to repeat this cycle every tick (0.6 seconds) for all the remaining super energy potions until your whole inventory fills up with stamina potions, except the stacked amylase crystals. You have to quickly open your bank and deposit the stamina potions, drop the super energy potions in your inventory and repeat the cycle by clicking the amylase crystal first and then the super energy potions second. Do this 4-5 times, and you’ve successfully mastered the 1-tick herblore potions. You’ll definitely mis-click in your initial trials, but don’t worry, you’ll eventually get to the rhythm. 4. That’s how you’re gonna master the 1-tick Stamina Potions; it is also the same for the next 1-tick potions. Check out the GIF below to get a better understanding.
1-Tick Stamina Potions |
First Ingredient | Second Ingredient | XP per Potion | XP per Hour | Quantity for lv. 84 |
Super Energy Potion (4) | Amylase Crystal (x4) | 102 | 515K | 14469 |
Levels 84-87: 1-Tick Extended Antifire
At level 84, you move into the second phase of 1-tick training. By manually using Lava Scale Shards (x4) on Antifire Potions (4), you bypass the standard production timer entirely. Each action provides 110 XP, and because of the rapid 0.6-second cycle, you can reach speeds of 560K XP/hr. It is a high-intensity "sprint" method that bridges the gap between Stamina and Anti-Venom.
1-Tick Extended Antifire Potions |
First Ingredient | Second Ingredient | XP per Potion | XP per Hour | Quantity for lv. 87 |
Antifire Potion (4) | Lava Scale Shard (x4) | 110 | 560K | 9282 |
Levels 87-98: 1-Tick Anti-Venom
It is the final major grind toward the skillcape. Starting at level 87, you will 1-tick Zulrah's Scales(x20) onto Antidote++ (4). Each successful combination gives 120 XP. Because of the high XP per action and the speed of 1-ticking, you can sustain a staggering 610K XP/hr, making this the most efficient way to clear the gap to level 98. But it is also the most expensive method in our 1-99 Herblore journey, costing around 55M.
1-Tick Anti-Venom Potions |
First Ingredient | Second Ingredient | XP per Potion | XP per Hour | Quantity for lv. 98 |
Antidote++ (4) | Zulrah’s Scales (x20) | 120 | 610K | 65278 |
Levels 98-99: 1-Tick Extended Super Antifire
For the final push to level 99, we use the fastest method in this guide. By 1-ticking Lava Scale Shards(x4) onto Super Antifire Potions (4), you earn 160 XP per action. It is the last sprint to our 99 in Herblore finish line, offering the highest XP rate of 840k XP/hr. But I managed to keep a consistent rate of 780K/hr.
1-Tick Extended Super Antifire Potions |
First Ingredient | Second Ingredient | XP per Potion | XP per Hour | Quantity for lv. 99 |
Antifire Potions (4) | Lava Scale Shards x4 | 160 | 780k | 7681 |
Note: You can’t directly make Extended Super Antifire Potions; you have to learn “How to make them.” You can do this by talking to an NPC Primula in the Myths’ Guild, which is unlocked if you complete Dragon Slayer II.
Remarks and Cost Breakdown
The 1-Tick pathway above is the fastest, but it is very click-intensive and requires a lot of focus and clicking speed. You can reach up to 840K XP/hr, making Extended Super Antifire Potions in this path, which is the fastest method in the 1-99 journey of Herblore.
I wouldn’t recommend this method to you, unless you’re doing it for a speed run or a challenge. But you can do 99 in Herblore by following the above 1-Tick pathway in about 23-24 Hours.
Here’s the complete breakdown of ingredient quantities and costs so that, before starting your 99 journey, you have an estimated budget.
Potions | Levels | First Ingredient | Second Ingredient | XP/hr | Quantity | Cost |
Attack Potions | 3-5 | Guam Potion(unf) | Eye of Newt | 61k | 9 | 6K |
Antipoison Potions | 5-12 | Marrentil Potion (unf) | Unicorn Horn Dust | 85k | 32 | 20K |
Strength Potions | 12-22 | Tarromin Potion (unf) | Limpwurt Root | 125k | 81 | 80K |
Restore Potions | 22-26 | Harralander Potion (unf) | Red Spiders’ Eggs | 150k | 50 | 35K |
Energy Potions | 26-34 | Harralander Potions (unf) | Chocolate dust | 170k | 171 | 76K |
Agility Potions | 34-36 | Toadflax Potion (unf) | Toad’s legs | 200k | 58 | 170K |
Combat Potions | 36-38 | Harralander Potion (unf) | Goat horn dust | 210k | 67 | 42k |
Prayer Potions | 38-45 | Ranarr Potion (unf) | Snape Grass | 220k | 356 | 65K |
Super Attack | 45-48 | Irit Potion (unf) | Eye of Newt | 250k | 216 | 100K |
Super Antipoison | 48-50 | Irit Potion (unf) | Unicorn Horn Dust | 265k | 173 | 220K |
Fishing Potions | 50-52 | Avantoe Potion (unf) | Snape Grass | 270k | 199 | 550K |
Super Energy | 52-55 | Avantoe Potion (unf) | Mort Myre Fungus | 295k | 366 | 250K |
Super Strength | 55-58 | Kwuarm Potion (unf) | Limpwurt Root | 300k | 463 | 350K |
Prayer Regeneration | 58-62 | Huasca Potion (unf) | Aldarium | 325k | 829 | 4.5M |
Super Fishing Potion | 62-63 | Pillar Potion (unf) | Haddock Eye | 354k | 248 | 700K |
Super Restore | 63-66 | Snapdragon Potion (unf) | Red Spiders’ Eggs | 360k | 896 | 500K |
Super Defense | 66-67 | Cadantine Potion (unf) | White Berries | 375k | 345 | 400K |
Super Hunter | 67-69 | Pillar Potion (unf) | Crab dust | 380k | 780 | 2M |
Antifire Potions | 69-72 | Lantadyme Potion (unf) | Dragon Scale Dust | 380k | 1468 | 2M |
Ranging Potions | 72-76 | Dwarf Weed Potion (unf) | Wine of Zamorak | 400k | 2691 | 3.5M |
Magic Potions | 76-77 | Lantadyme Potion (unf) | Potato Cactus | 435k | 807 | 1.6M |
1T. Stamina Potions | 77-84 | Super Energy (4) | Amylase Crystal (x4) | 515k | 14469 | 19M |
1T. Ext. Antifire | 84-87 | Antifire Potion (4) | Lava Scale Shard (x4) | 560k | 9282 | 9.5M |
1T. Anti-venom | 87-98 | Antidote++ (4) | Zulrah’s Scales (x20) | 610k | 65278 | 65M |
1T. Ext. Super Antifire | 98-99 | Super Antifire (4) | Lava Scale Shard (x4) | 780k | 7681 | 16M |
Total | 126M |
NOTE: The cost may vary due to market trends. This cost is according to the date this blog was published.
So, according to the above table, you have to spend around 125M to 130M to train Herblore from 1 to 99. The best advice I can give you is to sell potions as the target level is reached. By following this way, you’ll never run out of GP because you’re selling them instantly. Just keep around 150M in your bank to start training Herblore 99
Standard Fastest 99 Without Tick Manipulation
If you don’t want to burn yourself with highly click-intensive 1-Tick methods, I have another path to complete your 99 Journey. But it also comes at a cost: around 160M more than 1-Tick methods. So, keep that in mind before going this way.
This path will take around 28 Hours, and will cost around 160M.
Levels 1-76: Attack Potions to Ranging Potions
Follow the above methods from level 1 all the way up to 76 in Fastest 99 With Tick Manipulation.
Levels 76-81: Magic Potions
After following the above methods from level 1 to 76, now you have to make Magic Potions till level 81. They require Lantadyme Potion (unfinished) and Potato Cactus to make, and grant 172.5 XP each. You will have to make 4965 Potions to reach level 81. You can easily reach and maintain a consistent 430K XP/hr, making magic potions.
Magic Potions |
First Ingredient | Second Ingredient | Quantity |
Lantadyme Potion (unf) | Potato Cactus | 4965 |
Levels 81-99: Saradomin Brews
Once you reach level 81, you unlock one of the most consistent standard methods in the game: Saradomin Brews. These are made by mixing a Toadflax Potion (unfinished) with a Crushed Nest. Each brew gives 180 XP. Since they are always in extremely high demand for high-level bossing, you can easily find supplies and go up to 450k XP/hr.
Saradomin Brew |
First Ingredient | Second Ingredient | Quantity |
Toadflax Potion (unf) | Crushed Nest | 60232 |
Cost Breakdown
Here, we look at the cost breakdown of the Regular Fastest 99 without tick manipulation, but keep one thing in mind: you have to spend more GP if you follow this path. By following this path, you can reach 99 in Herblore in about 28 hours at a cost of around 160M.
Potions | Levels | First Ingredient | Second Ingredient | XP/hr | Quantity | Cost |
Attack Potions | 3-5 | Guam Potion(unf) | Eye of Newt | 61k | 9 | 6K |
Antipoison Potions | 5-12 | Marrentil Potion (unf) | Unicorn Horn Dust | 85k | 32 | 20K |
Strength Potions | 12-22 | Tarromin Potion (unf) | Limpwurt Root | 125k | 81 | 80K |
Restore Potions | 22-38 | Harralander Potion (unf) | Red Spiders’ Eggs | 150k | 397 | 400K |
Prayer Potions | 38-45 | Ranarr Potion (unf) | Snape Grass | 220k | 356 | 65K |
Super Attack | 45-48 | Irit Potion (unf) | Eye of Newt | 250k | 216 | 100K |
Super Antipoison | 48-50 | Irit Potion (unf) | Unicorn Horn Dust | 265k | 173 | 220K |
Fishing Potions | 50-52 | Avantoe Potion (unf) | Snape Grass | 270k | 199 | 550K |
Super Energy | 52-55 | Avantoe Potion (unf) | Mort Myre Fungus | 295k | 366 | 250K |
Super Strength | 55-58 | Kwuarm Potion (unf) | Limpwurt Root | 300k | 463 | 350K |
Prayer Regeneration | 58-63 | Huasca Potion (unf) | Aldarium | 325k | 1092 | 5M |
Super Restore | 63-66 | Snapdragon Potion (unf) | Red Spiders’ Eggs | 360k | 896 | 500K |
Super Defense | 66-69 | Cadantine Potion (unf) | White Berries | 380k | 1146 | 1.2M |
Antifire Potions | 69-72 | Lantadyme Potion (unf) | Dragon Scale Dust | 380k | 1468 | 2M |
Ranging Potions | 72-76 | Dwart Weed Potion (unf) | Wine of Zamorak | 400k | 2691 | 3.5M |
Magic Potions | 76-81 | Lantadyme Potion (unf) | Potato Cactus | 435k | 4965 | 1.6M |
Saradomin Brews | 81-99 | Toadflax Potion (unf) | Crushed Nest | 450K | 60232 | 140M |
Total | 156M |
NOTE: The cost may vary due to market trends. This cost is according to the date this blog was published.
Cheapest Way to Level 99 in Herblore
If spending 150M GP on a single skill sounds painful, you're not alone. The good news is there's a real budget path through 99 that dramatically cuts costs. The trade-off is that you'll spend 35-40 hours training instead of 28, but you'll spend around 28M instead of 150M+.
Note: These prices are based on GE prices as of the date this guide was published.
The cheapest viable route to 99 relies heavily on Super Potions such as Super Attack, Defence and Super Combats as the endgame.
Calculating the Cheapest Potions:
To find the cheapest potions, you have to find the following things first.
- Ingredient cost: Cost of base ingredient + cost of secondary ingredient
- Cost per Potion: Selling price of potion – Ingredient cost
- Cost per XP: Cost per potion / XP gained
- Demand and Volume of Potions: The potions you’re going to make must be in demand and have a strong buying and selling volume. You can check these things from the GE Tracker.
Example:
For instance, let's assume that we are going to calculate about Super Attack Potions.
Ingredient Cost = Irit Potion (unf) 1974 GP + Eye of newt 5 GP = 1979 GP
Cost per Potion = Super Attack Potion 1586 GP – 1979 GP = -393 GP
Cost per XP = -393/100 = -3.93
- Super attack potions are almost always in demand; players need them to boost their attack skill while training.
- Decanting: It is the process of combining partially full potions of the same kind. We know that all the unfinished potions are 3-dose, and the potion which is made after combining the second ingredient with any unfinished potion is also a 3-dose potion. So, decanting will allow us to make 4-dose potions, as most players purchase the 4-dose variant of the potions from the Grand Exchange.
Cost Breakdown
Potions | Levels | First Ingredient | Second Ingredient | XP/hr | Quantity | Cost |
Attack Potions | 3-5 | Guam Potion(unf) | Eye of Newt | 61k | 9 | 6K |
Antipoison Potions | 5-12 | Marrentil Potion (unf) | Unicorn Horn Dust | 85k | 32 | 20K |
Strength Potions | 12-22 | Tarromin Potion (unf) | Limpwurt Root | 125k | 81 | 80K |
Restore Potions | 22-38 | Harralander Potion (unf) | Red Spiders’ Eggs | 150k | 397 | 400K |
Prayer Potions | 38-45 | Ranarr Potion (unf) | Snape Grass | 220k | 356 | 120K |
Super Attack | 45-63 | Irit Potion (unf) | Eye of Newt | 250k | 3071 | 1.2M |
Super Restore | 63-66 | Snapdragon Potion (unf) | Red Spiders’ Eggs | 360k | 896 | 600K |
Super Defence | 66-90 | Cadantine Potion (unf) | White Berries | 375k | 32334 | 23M |
Super Combat | 90-99 | Torstol Potion (unf) / Torstol | Super Attack (4), Super Defence (4), Super Strength (4) | 325k | 51254 | 2.5M |
Total | 28M |
Profitable Methods to train Herblore
We all know that training Herblore requires a lot of GP, but it is also true that we can make money with Herblore. However, it does not come with fast XP. You have to sacrifice fast XP for the sake of money. I’m going to show you some decent Herblore Money Makers now.
Mastering Mixology
The Mastering Mixology minigame is the best addition to Herblore training and one of the smartest things Jagex has done with the skill. It gives the best XP-per-herb ratio of any method in the game. The points rewarded in the game can be traded for Aldarium, which can then be sold.
The cost-to-profit breakdown is below if you start playing this minigame at level 60 in Herblore and train all the way up to 99.
Paste Required | Quantity | Herb | Quantity | Cost of Herbs |
Mox Paste | 506662 | Harralander | 25334 | 11.5M |
Aga Paste | 495979 | Dwarf Weed | 11810 | 21.5M |
Lye Paste | 48431 | Kwuarm | 14677 | 37.5M |
Total | 70.5M |
Total cost is roughly 71M in herbs. Total profit potential from selling Aldarium is 320M. That's a net gain of roughly 249M while training Herblore. The catch here is that this isn't a fast method, and you need to engage with the minigame mechanics properly, rather than just mindlessly clicking. But for Ironman players, or those who want to offset their Herblore costs partially, it's outstanding. You’ll have to spend around 180 hours to achieve level 99 from level 60.
Cleaning Herbs
Cleaning herbs is technically a Herblore XP method (very low XP per herb), but its real value is the GP. Huasca herbs, in particular, can net up to 1.8M GP per hour when cleaned, as the price difference between grimy and clean is significant. The catch is that it is extremely click-intensive and gives almost no meaningful XP. This is a money-making method that uses Herblore, not a training method. Useful if you need GP to fund your actual Herblore training.
Making Divine Potions
Once you've completed Song of the Elves, adding Crystal Dust to Super Combat Potions or Super Ranging Potions creates Divine versions of those potions. The Divine variants are worth significantly more than the base potions, and the profit margin from the Crystal Dust conversion is consistently strong. At optimal efficiency, you can net over 1M GP per hour doing this, while also gaining Herblore XP.
Herblore AFK Methods
Herblore is generally a low-intensity skill, but AFK timing varies significantly depending on the method. Here's the breakdown based on actual testing:
Method | AFK Window |
Standard Potions – 14/inventory | ~17 seconds |
Stackable ingredients (e.g., Stamina pots) | ~31 seconds |
Unfinished Potions | ~8.4 seconds |
Herb Cleaning | ~50 Seconds |
The maximum AFK window for Stamina Potions while cleaning herbs is 50 seconds, which isn't very effective since you can speed it up by clicking. If you truly want to step away, Herblore isn't the right skill to choose. If you want a skill, you can train while watching TV, and that only needs your attention every 30 seconds; it qualifies. Manage your expectations accordingly.
Common Mistakes That Cost Players Millions
Bulk Buying Without Checking Prices First
This one’s gonna cost you serious money if you don’t pay attention to actively fluctuating prices of ingredients. Always check the Grand Exchange price history graph before buying in bulk. Buy over multiple days if you can.
Not Making Unfinished Potions
A lot of players make the mistake of buying the unfinished potions from GE instead of making their own from grimy herbs. I also used to make this mistake, but then I realised that I could save a ton of GP by making my own unfinished potions.
Ignoring the Mastering Mixology Completely
Since the Mixology minigame was released, many main account players have dismissed it as an ironman activity. That's incorrect. The net profit potential and the equipment unlocks (especially the Potion Storage for bank space) are valuable for mains, too. Even if you only partially engage with the minigame to unlock the Reagent Pouch, it's worth the time investment.
Not Using the Alchemist's Amulet
After doing Mastering Mixology and unlocking the Alchemist's Amulet. The 15% chance to produce 4-dose potion compounds over large volumes into meaningful extra supplies. Make it a habit to put it on before any Herblore training session.
And that’s it for the Herblore 1-99 Guide. If this guide was helpful for you, consider sharing it with your friends, too.
Best of Luck for Your 99 Journey in Herblore!
