OSRS Guide: How to Make Cannonballs Efficiently
What Are Cannonballs?
Cannonballs are ammunition for the Dwarf Multicannon, an item that can fire multiple shots per turn to damage enemies in a designated area. They are stackable, weigh 1 kg per 4 cannonballs, and can be crafted by players with the proper Smithing level. Each cannonball deals significant damage when used in conjunction with the cannon, making them highly valuable for Slayer and bossing tasks.
Cannonballs are primarily made from steel bars, which are smelted from iron and coal. They are a combination of convenience and cost-effectiveness, allowing players to maintain an active combat setup without constantly purchasing ammunition from other players.
Requirements to Make Cannonballs
To make cannonballs in OSRS, you must meet certain skill and item requirements:
1. Level Requirements
Smithing Level: 35 Smithing is required to make cannonballs at the Dwarf Cannonball Maker.
Mining/Smelting: While not strictly required, having levels in Mining and Smithing will make gathering materials easier.
2. Items Required
Steel Bars: The core material for making cannonballs. Steel bars require 1 iron ore and 2 coal to smelt, and the Smithing level to make steel bars is 30.
Cannonball Mould: This can be obtained from Otto Godblessed in the Dwarven Mine. It is necessary to shape the steel into cannonballs.
Anvils: Any standard anvil in OSRS can be used for crafting cannonballs.
Hammer: Required for smithing activities.
3. Optional Items
Coal Bag (from Motherlode Mine): Allows carrying extra coal for smelting.
Ring of Forging: Increases success rate when smithing bars from ores.
Stamina Potions: Useful if running between bank and furnace repeatedly.
How to Make Cannonballs
The process of making cannonballs in OSRS involves several steps:
Step 1: Gather Materials
Mining Iron Ore and Coal: Iron ore can be mined from iron rocks in various locations such as the Mining Guild, Al Kharid Mine, or the Wilderness. Coal is mined from coal rocks and is often found in the Mining Guild for faster access.
Purchasing Bars: Alternatively, steel bars can be purchased from the Grand Exchange or smelted from iron and coal at a furnace.
Step 2: Smelt Steel Bars
Furnace Locations: Furnaces can be found in Edgeville, Al Kharid, and the Dwarven Mine, among other locations. Edgeville and Al Kharid are particularly convenient for banking and furnace proximity.
Smelting Process: Combine 1 iron ore and 2 coal at a furnace to produce a steel bar. Steel bars require a Smithing level of 30 to create.
Tips for Efficiency:
Use the Superheat Item spell (requires level 43 Magic) to smelt ores directly from your inventory.
Utilize the nearby bank to deposit ores and withdraw new supplies quickly.
Step 3: Craft Cannonballs
Once you have steel bars, you can craft them into cannonballs:
Using the Cannonball Mould: Take a steel bar to an anvil with a hammer and select the "Make Cannonball" option.
Experience Gain: Each cannonball crafted gives 2.5 Smithing experience.
Speed: A high-level Smithing player can make multiple cannonballs per minute, making this method efficient for XP and ammunition supply.
Alternative Cannonball Production Methods
While traditional smithing is the most common method, there are alternative ways to acquire cannonballs:
Buying from the Grand Exchange:
Quick and easy but less profitable than crafting your own. Prices fluctuate, so check the market.
Cannonball Crates in Dwarf Mines:
Some Dwarf Mine locations have crates containing cannonballs. These can be looted and saved for personal use.
Dwarf Multicannon Shop (Otto Godblessed):
Occasionally sells cannonballs in bulk; useful if you lack materials or need them urgently.
Tips for Efficient Cannonball Production
Bank-Furnace Optimization:
Set up a loop where you withdraw steel bars from the bank, smith at the anvil or furnace nearby, and return empty containers. Edgeville and Al Kharid offer short distances for this loop.
Maximizing Smithing XP:
If your goal is Smithing XP, focus on continuous crafting without bank breaks. Use stamina potions or weight-reducing items to reduce run energy consumption.
Inventory Management:
Carry as many steel bars as possible to reduce trips to the bank. Items like the Rune pouch or inventory setups that maximize steel bars are recommended.
Use Boosts and Potions:
The Ring of Forging can be worn to slightly increase the chance of successfully crafting steel bars, though it has a minimal effect on cannonballs. You can buy OSRS GP to get the ring.
Superheat Item can save time when smelting bars directly from ores.
Consider Ironman Mode Implications:
Ironman players must gather all materials themselves, so mining in efficient locations and utilizing the Motherlode Mine can save time.
Where to Store and Use Cannonballs
Banking: Cannonballs can be banked easily, as they are stackable items. Keeping them in a bank near a combat training area or Slayer location is ideal.
Combat Training: The Dwarf Multicannon is highly effective in Slayer tasks and dungeon activities. Deploy cannonballs strategically to maximize damage.
Weight Management: 4 cannonballs weigh 1 kg; plan your inventory accordingly to avoid encumbrance.
Profitability and XP
Crafting your own cannonballs can be profitable depending on market prices. Making cannonballs offers a balance of:
Smithing Experience: Each cannonball crafted yields 2.5 XP, making it a steady Smithing trainer for mid-level players.
Cost Efficiency: Buying steel bars or mining iron and coal yourself reduces the cost compared to purchasing cannonballs directly.
Long-Term Savings: Using your own cannonballs instead of buying them allows prolonged use of the Dwarf Multicannon for combat activities.
Final Thoughts
Making cannonballs in OSRS is a highly practical and profitable activity, offering both Smithing experience and a steady supply of ammunition for the Dwarf Multicannon. By gathering materials efficiently, utilizing furnaces and anvils strategically, and optimizing your crafting loop, players can maximize both XP gain and profit. Whether you are a new adventurer looking to train Smithing or a veteran preparing for high-level Slayer tasks, making your own cannonballs ensures a self-sufficient and efficient approach to combat in Old School RuneScape.
Following this guide will provide a clear path from gathering materials to crafting cannonballs, making it easier to maintain a full supply of ammunition for your adventures. With consistent practice and strategic planning, crafting cannonballs can become one of the most rewarding activities in your OSRS journey.