Compare Thieving training methods
OSRS Thieving calculator for pickpocketing, stalls, blackjacking, and Pyramid Plunder. Compare XP/hr, GP/hr, and profit to 99. Updated 2026.
Time estimates assume ~1,000 actions per hour of focused gameplay. Your actual rate varies with attention, latency, and banking. Use the time column as a comparative guide rather than an exact prediction.
Level | Item | Actions | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8 | 1,629,304 | 84.9d | |
| 1 | 350 | 37,242 | 1.9d | |
| 2 | 10 | 1,303,443 | 67.9d | |
| 5 | 16 | 814,652 | 42.4d | |
| 5 | 16 | 814,652 | 42.4d | |
| 5 | 20 | 651,722 | 33.9d | |
| 5 | 16 | 814,652 | 42.4d | |
| 5 | 25 | 521,378 | 27.2d | |
| 10 | 14.5 | 898,927 | 46.8d | |
| 13 | 7.8 | 1,671,081 | 87.0d | |
| 15 | 22.2 | 587,137 | 30.6d | |
| 15 | 22.2 | 587,137 | 30.6d | |
| 20 | 24 | 543,102 | 28.3d | |
| 22 | 27 | 482,757 | 25.1d | |
| 25 | 26 | 501,325 | 26.1d | |
| 25 | 28.5 | 457,349 | 23.8d | |
| 25 | 1,350 | 9,656 | 12.1h | |
| 27 | 10 | 1,303,443 | 67.9d | |
| 28 | 25 | 521,378 | 27.2d | |
| 32 | 36.5 | 357,108 | 18.6d | |
| 35 | 45 | 289,654 | 15.1d | |
| 36 | 40 | 325,861 | 17.0d | |
| 38 | 43 | 303,127 | 15.8d | |
| 40 | 46.8 | 278,514 | 14.5d | |
| 42 | 42 | 310,344 | 16.2d |
When choosing between methods, weigh time investment against cost or profit. For gathering skills, profitable methods take longer but offset supply costs. For buyable skills like Prayer or Construction, faster methods cost more GP per XP - match your choice to your budget.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use these answers to choose a route that matches your budget, risk tolerance, and session style before buying supplies.
01What is the fastest way to train Thieving in OSRS?
The fastest Thieving training method is blackjacking Menaphite Thugs at level 45+ in Pollnivneach, which provides 200K-250K XP per hour but is extremely click-intensive. For more relaxed training, pickpocketing Ardougne Knights at 55+ (or 45+ with summer pie boost) offers 200K-250K XP per hour and is semi-AFK. Pyramid Plunder at 91+ provides 270K-300K XP per hour with profit. Early levels: Sorceress's Garden (1-45) or fruit stalls (25-45) are recommended for less intensive training.
02What is blackjacking and how does it work?
Blackjacking is a Thieving training method that involves knocking out and pickpocketing Bandits or Menaphite Thugs in Pollnivneach. You lure NPCs into houses, knock them out with a blackjack weapon, pickpocket twice while they're unconscious, then repeat. It requires the Feud quest and provides 200K-250K XP per hour. It's the fastest early-game Thieving method but extremely click-intensive and can cause wrist strain. Many players prefer Ardougne Knights for similar XP with less effort.
03Can you make money training Thieving?
Yes, Thieving is profitable at most levels! Pickpocketing Master Farmers at 38+ provides 100K-200K GP per hour with ranarr and snapdragon seeds. Ardougne Knights at 55+ offer 200K-300K GP per hour. Pyramid Plunder at 91+ gives 200K-300K GP per hour plus artifacts. Pickpocketing Elves at 85+ (Song of the Elves required) provides 300K-500K GP per hour with enhanced crystal teleport seeds. Even early methods like fruit stalls generate modest profit while training.
04What is Pyramid Plunder and should I do it?
Pyramid Plunder is a Thieving minigame in Sophanem requiring 21+ Thieving and the Icthlarin's Little Helper quest. You have 5 minutes to loot urns, chests, and sarcophagi in rooms scaling with your Thieving level. At 91+, it provides 270K-300K XP per hour and is the fastest high-level method. It's more engaging than pickpocketing and offers profit from Sceptre of the Gods and artifacts. Many players use it from 71-99 as an alternative to repetitive pickpocketing.
05What are Ardougne Knights and why are they popular?
Ardougne Knights are NPCs that can be pickpocketed at level 55+ (or 45+ with summer pie boost) in Ardougne. They provide 200K-250K Thieving XP per hour and 200K-300K GP per hour. With the Ardougne medium diary complete, you have a 10% increased success rate. They're extremely popular because they're semi-AFK (can be splashed by a mage to keep them in one spot) and less intensive than blackjacking while offering similar XP rates. They're the go-to method for 55-99.
06Do I need any items or equipment for Thieving training?
Recommended Thieving gear: Rogue equipment (50% chance of double loot from pickpocketing, obtained from Rogues' Den minigame) significantly increases profit. Dodgy necklaces (requires 75 Crafting) reduce chance of being caught and stunned. Shadow veil spell (requires Arceuus spellbook) reduces failure rate by 15%. Ardougne cloak (from Ardougne diary) increases pickpocketing success. These items make training more efficient and profitable, especially the Rogue outfit which doubles GP/hour from pickpocketing.
07How long does it take to get 99 Thieving?
Getting 99 Thieving takes approximately 90-200 hours depending on methods. Using blackjacking or Ardougne Knights (200K-250K XP/hour) takes 65-85 hours. Pyramid Plunder at high levels (270K-300K XP/hour) takes 50-60 hours. More relaxed methods like Master Farmers (100K-150K XP/hour) take 110-160 hours but offer better profit. Most players achieve 99 Thieving in 2-5 months using Ardougne Knights, making it a moderate-speed skill. It's profitable throughout, often generating 50-100M GP by 99.