In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), combat efficiency is crucial for training stats, completing tasks, and fighting high-level bosses. One of the most effective tools in combat training is the Dwarf Multi-cannon, a powerful ranged weapon that allows players to unleash rapid-fire attacks on multiple enemies at once. To use the Multi-cannon effectively, you need a consistent supply of cannonballs, which are consumed every time the cannon fires.

Making cannonballs in OSRS is a straightforward process, but it requires some initial setup and an understanding of the materials involved. This guide will walk you through how to make cannonballs in OSRS, from gathering resources to crafting them efficiently. Whether you're an experienced player or a beginner, mastering the cannonball-making process is essential for maximizing the power of your Dwarf Multi-cannon.

What Are Cannonballs in OSRS?

Cannonballs are a special type of ammunition used by the Dwarf Multi-cannon. This ranged weapon is favored by many players due to its ability to deal high damage to multiple enemies simultaneously, making it invaluable for tasks such as Slayer, bossing, and even certain experience-grinding activities. The cannonball is consumed with each shot fired by the cannon, so players must continuously supply their Multi-cannon with these ammunition items to keep it active.

Cannonballs are crafted using steel bars, which must be shaped into the spherical form of a cannonball using a cannonball mould and a hammer. In this article, we will cover the step-by-step process for creating cannonballs, including where to gather materials, how to use a furnace to craft them, and tips for optimizing your efficiency.

Materials Needed to Make Cannonballs

Before you can begin crafting cannonballs, you'll need to gather the necessary materials. Here's a breakdown of everything you'll need:

Steel Bars

Steel bars are the primary resource required to make cannonballs. You cannot directly craft cannonballs from ores, so you must first smelt iron ore and coal together to create a steel bar.

1 iron ore + 2 coal = 1 steel bar

Steel bars are a common resource in OSRS, used for a variety of items such as weapons and armor, and can be obtained through mining or purchasing from the Grand Exchange with use OSRS gold.

Cannonball Mould

The cannonball mould is a special item used to shape steel bars into cannonballs. It is not an item that can be acquired from drops or loot but must be purchased from Mac, a non-playable character (NPC) located near the Edgeville Furnace. The cost of the cannonball mould is 1,000 coins, and once purchased, you will not need to buy it again.

Hammer

A hammer is required to craft cannonballs. This is a standard tool in OSRS and can be found in most banks or your toolbelt. A hammer is used to mold the steel bars into cannonballs after they've been placed in the furnace.

Furnace

To make cannonballs, you will need access to a furnace. Furnaces are scattered across Gielinor, but the Edgeville Furnace is the most commonly used furnace for making cannonballs, as it is conveniently located near a bank and Mac (who sells the cannonball mould).

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cannonballs

Once you have all the required materials, it's time to start crafting your cannonballs. Follow these steps to efficiently create cannonballs:

Step 1: Obtain Steel Bars

There are two ways to acquire steel bars:

Option 1: Smelting Steel Bars Yourself

Smelting steel bars requires 1 iron ore and 2 coal. The ores are then combined at a furnace to produce a steel bar. Smelting steel bars is an affordable option but requires you to have mining and smithing skills.

The process involves mining iron ore and coal from various locations, then using a furnace to smelt the ores. Popular locations for smelting steel bars include:

Edgeville Furnace: Located near Mac and a bank, this is one of the best places for making cannonballs.

Varrock: Another accessible furnace, though it requires a bit more travel time to the bank.

Seers' Village Furnace: A bit farther from a bank, but still a viable option.

Option 2: Buying Steel Bars from the Grand Exchange

If you don't want to smelt your own steel bars, you can purchase them from the Grand Exchange. The price fluctuates based on market demand but typically costs around 300-400 coins per steel bar.

Step 2: Purchase the Cannonball Mould and Hammer

To craft cannonballs, you'll need a cannonball mould and a hammer.

Cannonball Mould: Purchase the mould from Mac, who is located near the Edgeville Furnace. The cost of the mould is 1,000 coins, and it is a one-time purchase.

Hammer: A hammer is required to shape the steel bars into cannonballs. If you don't already have a hammer in your inventory, you can buy one from a tool shop or use one from your toolbelt.

Step 3: Travel to a Furnace

Once you have yourmaterials, head to the Edgeville Furnace. This is the most convenient furnace for making cannonballs because it's located near a bank, making it easy to withdraw and deposit your items. It's also close to Mac, where you can purchase the cannonball mould.

Other furnaces across Gielinor can be used, but the Edgeville Furnace remains the most efficient due to its proximity to necessary resources.

Step 4: Craft Cannonballs

Now that you're at the furnace and have your steel bars, cannonball mould, and hammer, follow these steps:

Deposit Steel Bars: Right-click the furnace and select "Use" with your steel bars in your inventory.

Craft Cannonballs: With your steel bars in the furnace, use your cannonball mould and hammer to start the crafting process.

1 steel bar will yield 4 cannonballs.

Collect the Cannonballs: After crafting, the cannonballs will appear in the furnace interface. Simply collect them and add them to your inventory.

Tips for Efficiently Making Cannonballs

To optimize your cannonball production and minimize downtime, here are a few helpful tips:

1. Use Edgeville Furnace and Bank

Edgeville Furnace is the best location for making cannonballs because it's close to a bank and Mac (who sells the cannonball mould). This makes it easy to quickly withdraw steel bars, deposit finished cannonballs, and buy any missing materials. It reduces unnecessary travel time and speeds up the crafting process.

2. Stockpile Steel Bars

Stockpiling steel bars allows you to make cannonballs in bulk without having to stop and mine or buy more ores. By gathering a large quantity of steel bars in advance, you can craft cannonballs more efficiently and avoid interruptions.

3. Use Bank Presets

Bank presets are an excellent way to streamline the crafting process. Set up a preset with your steel bars, hammer, and cannonball mould so you can quickly withdraw everything you need and start crafting.

4. Keep Your Inventory Organized

To avoid wasting time searching through your inventory, bring only the items you need: steel bars, a hammer, and the cannonball mould. This makes crafting more efficient and minimizes unnecessary clutter.

Cost and Profitability of Making Cannonballs

The cost of making cannonballs depends largely on how you obtain your steel bars. Here's a breakdown of the costs:

Cost of Steel Bars:

Smelting your own steel bars: If you smelt your own bars, the cost will be the price of 1 iron ore (about 100-150 coins) and 2 coal (about 50-100 coins). This means each steel bar costs approximately 200-250 coins.

Buying steel bars: Purchasing steel bars from the Grand Exchange typically costs around 300-400 coins per bar.

Cannonball Mould: The cannonball mould is a one-time expense of 1,000 cheap RS gold.

Hammer: The hammer is a minor cost that most players already have in their toolbelt or inventory.

Given these costs, making 1 cannonball from a steel bar will cost approximately 75-100 coins if you smelt your own bars. If you buy steel bars from the Grand Exchange, the cost will be higher, but making cannonballs is still relatively affordable and can save time in the long run.

Conclusion

Making cannonballs in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a critical process for players who want to take full advantage of the Dwarf Multi-cannon. Whether you're using it for Slayer tasks, bossing, or simply training ranged combat, the cannonball is an essential resource.

By gathering steel bars, using a furnace to craft cannonballs, and utilizing helpful tips to improve efficiency, you can produce cannonballs in bulk and keep your Dwarf Multi-cannon firing at full power. While there is an initial investment in obtaining the cannonball mould, the ability to craft cannonballs at a steady pace is worth the effort and will pay off in your combat training and gameplay. Happy cannonball crafting