Before diving into RuneScape gold strategies, it's important to distinguish between the different Ironman account types:

Ironman: The standard mode—no trading, no Grand Exchange, and no player assistance.

Hardcore Ironman (HCIM): Same rules as Ironman, but with a twist—death is permanent. If you die, you revert to a regular Ironman account.

Ultimate Ironman (UIM): The most difficult variant. No access to a bank; all items must be carried or stored in your player-owned house.

This guide focuses on standard Ironman accounts but will touch on differences relevant to HCIM and UIM players where appropriate.

Early Game Survival: Laying the Foundation

The early game is arguably the most difficult part of Iron Man mode. Without the safety net of trading or assistance, your focus should be on creating a stable base of skills, resources, and quest unlocks.
Prioritize Questing for Free XP and Unlocks

Questing is the most efficient way to gain experience in Ironman mode. Many quests offer large XP rewards, unlock new areas, or provide key items essential for progression. Here are some vital early-game quests:

Cook's Assistant: Fast and easy, it's your first introduction to cooking and resource collection.

Doric's Quest: Grants early Mining XP and access to a useful anvil for early Smithing.

The Restless Ghost: Jumpstarts Prayer training with a generous XP reward.

Imp Catcher: Unlocks access to RS gold for sale basic elemental runes for Magic training.