Maxing in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a marathon, not a sprint. When you get into the high 90s of a skill, especially one like Firemaking, every level feels like an eternity. Many players get stuck grinding inefficiently, or they burn out from the monotony. The good news is that with the right methods and mindset, you can fly through the last stretch of Firemaking while still making room for fun activities like PKing. And while efficiency is key, some players also look for ways to support their progress by choosing to buy OSRS gold, which can help fund supplies for training or PvP gear upgrades. This guide breaks down how to efficiently move from level 97 to 99 Firemaking, explains why methods like Wintertodt and bonfires matter, and shows you how to balance grinding with player-versus-player (PvP) combat to keep things fresh.

1. Understanding the XP Rates

Firemaking is often dismissed as a “fast but useless” skill. However, in today’s OSRS, it plays an important role-not only through Wintertodt rewards but also as a cornerstone of maxing.

· Wintertodt (Solo): Roughly 320k XP/hour when done efficiently. This is still solid training, especially for Ironmen seeking loot like herbs, ores, and seeds.

· Bonfire Method (Redwood Logs): A newer, more efficient approach that can push you to about 450k XP/hour. This is the method most high-level players use from 97 onward when they’re purely focused on XP rates.

· At 97 Firemaking, you’ll need about 7.1 million XP to hit 99. That translates into:

· Wintertodt grind only: ~22 hours.

· Bonfire method: ~16 hours.

The difference may not sound massive, but when you’re staring at a nearly two-day grind, shaving six hours off is significant.

2. Why Not Just AFK?

It’s tempting to AFK Firemaking-especially while watching videos or chilling with friends. But here’s the tradeoff:

· AFK training usually cuts your XP/hour in half or worse. Instead of 450k XP/hour, you might be pulling 200k or less.

· At that rate, going from 97-99 would take 35+ hours of training instead of 16-22.

The key lesson: efficiency now gives you freedom later. If you put in the focused grind to 98 using bonfires, you can relax and AFK your way through 98-99 while PKing or hanging out in-game.

3. Making the Grind Enjoyable

The hardest part of late-level training is not the mechanics-it’s staying motivated. Here are a few ways to keep things fun:

· Stream or Chat with Friends: Many players grind Firemaking while talking with their clan or streaming for accountability.

· Mix in PKing Sessions: A good rhythm is dedicating half your session to Firemaking, then taking a break for PvP. For example, grind 3-4 hours of Firemaking, then switch gears into the Wildy for PK action.

· Set Micro-Goals: Instead of thinking “7 million XP left,” break it into chunks of 1 million XP. Each milestone keeps momentum going.

4. Firemaking and PvP Synergy

Many maxing players pair their grind with PKing, both to break up monotony and to make bank. Here’s why it works:

· Efficient hours bank XP, not GP. Firemaking itself doesn’t make money, so alternating with PKing lets you balance your economy.

· PvP requires sharp focus. After a few hours of clicking logs, jumping into a PK fight sharpens your gameplay and brings adrenaline back.

· Risk fights and rewards: Players often turn their grind into entertainment by setting wagers. For example, risking 50m setups or doing capped fights adds stakes beyond raw XP.

5. The Long-Term Picture

Firemaking may be just one skill, but maxing requires discipline across the board. Efficient grinds today free up more time later for:

· High-level PvM: Once you’re maxed, you’ll have the stats for top-tier bosses like Zuk or Inferno runs.

· Collection Log Hunts: Although green-logging every slot is practically impossible (third age items alone could take decades), a maxed account puts you in the best position to chase rare drops.

· Flexibility in Playstyle: With Firemaking out of the way, you can fully shift into content you enjoy, whether that’s PKing, raiding, or merching on the Grand Exchange.

6. Final Thoughts

From level 97 to 99 Firemaking, you’re looking at a grind of 16-22 hours if you’re efficient. The bonfire method is king for raw XP, while Wintertodt offers useful loot if you still need resources. Avoid falling into the AFK trap until 98-after that, you can relax your way to 99. Some players also choose to fund their supplies or gear upgrades with cheap OSRS gold, which makes the process smoother and lets them focus entirely on efficient training. Balancing PvM efficiency with PKing fun is the key to staying motivated. Maxing isn’t about suffering through endless hours; it’s about finding the rhythm that works for you. Put in the focus now, reward yourself with PvP breaks, and before long you’ll see that glorious 99 cape draped across your shoulders.