Ironman Starter Guide: Early Game Priorities

By Expos.GG Team · 2026-01-29

Start your Ironman account right with our early game guide. Learn essential unlocks, efficient training, and smart resource management.

Welcome, Ironman

You've chosen the path of self-sufficiency. No trading, no Grand Exchange - just you and the game. Here's how to start strong.

First 10 Hours

Tutorial Island - Pick up all items - Save coins - Note skill locations

Immediate Tasks 1. Enable Ironman at tutor 2. Bank your items 3. Plan your route

Essential Early Unlocks

Fire Making for Wintertodt

Why: - Best done at low HP (no damage) - 50 Firemaking required - Gives tons of supplies

How: - Cut and burn willows - Takes 2-3 hours - Do at 10 HP

Wintertodt to 85-99

What You Get: - GP (100k+) - Seeds - Ores - Logs - Fish

Strategy: - Solo for max crates - Bank when low HP - Get Pyro outfit

Quest Priority

Must-Do Early

1. Waterfall Quest - 30 Attack/Strength - No requirements - Dangerous but doable

2. Fight Arena - Combat XP - Can safe spot

3. Tree Gnome Village - Spirit tree access - Attack XP

4. Priest in Peril - Opens Morytania - Essential area

Training Strategies

Combat - Don't rush - gather resources while training - Crabs are still best - Quest for XP when possible

Gathering Skills - Everything you gather matters - Bank everything - Plan ahead

Early Money - Thieving (Master Farmers) - Agility (Rogues' outfit first) - Kingdom management

Ironman-Specific Tips

Shop Runs - Buy runes from shops - Collect daily items - Know your stock resets

Resource Management - Don't waste anything - Plan big drops - Track what you need

No GE Solutions - Make your own potions - Craft your own gear - Grow your own food

Gear Progression

Early Game (Level 1-40) - Steel/Mithril from shops - Quest rewards - Monster drops

Mid Game (40-60) - Adamant (Mith drag drops) - Rune (shop/drops) - Fighters torso

Late Game (60+) - Barrows - Slayer uniques - Boss drops

Supplies to Stockpile

Always Keep - Seeds (all types) - Ores - Bars - Herbs - Logs

Why It Matters - No buying when needed - Self-sufficiency requires stock - Plan for future content

Common Mistakes

Avoid These 1. Rushing combat 2. Not doing Wintertodt low HP 3. Ignoring gathering skills 4. Not completing quests 5. Wasting supplies

30-Day Goals

Combat - 40+ all melee stats - 30+ Ranged - 30+ Magic

Quests - 50+ Quest Points - Fairy rings - Spirit trees

Skills - 85+ Firemaking (Wintertodt) - 50+ Agility - 38+ Farming (Toadflax)

The Ironman Mindset

Remember: - Progress is slower - Every drop matters - Plan ahead always - Enjoy the journey

Need Ironman Help?

Get your ironman leveled without breaking iron rules.