Thieving is a skill in Old School RuneScape that allows players to steal various items from non-player characters (NPCs), chests, and stalls. It is a great way to earn money, obtain valuable items, and gain experience points (XP). In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the basics of thieving, including XP rates, required items, and important requirements.

Getting Started

To begin your journey as a skilled thief in Old School RuneScape, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Thieving Tutor: Located in Lumbridge, the Thieving Tutor will provide you with a basic introduction to thieving and give you a small amount of starting XP.
2. Equip your Thieving Tools: Thieving requires specific tools for different activities. These tools include lockpicks, gloves of silence, and dodgy necklaces. Acquire these items before embarking on your thieving adventures.

Training Methods

Levels 1-5: Pickpocketing Men and Women

At the early stages of your thieving training, pickpocketing men and women is an ideal method. Here's how to do it:

1. Location: Find men and women NPCs in various cities such as Lumbridge, Varrock, or Ardougne.
2. Action: Right-click on them and select "Pickpocket." Be careful not to get caught, as failure results in stunning and temporarily preventing you from attempting another pickpocket.
3. XP Rates: Expect around 8,000-10,000 XP per hour at these levels.

Levels 5-20: Stealing Cake Stalls

Stealing cakes from cake stalls is a profitable way to level up your thieving skill. Follow these steps:

1. Location: Head to Ardougne, east of the market square, where you'll find cake stalls.
2. Action: Right-click on the cake stall and choose "Steal from." Be wary of guards in the area.
3. XP Rates: You can expect approximately 15,000-20,000 XP per hour during this stage.

Levels 20-38: Thieving Silk Stalls

Silk stalls are an excellent option for gaining XP and earning some money. Here's what you need to know:

1. Location: Travel to Ardougne and locate the silk stalls in the market square.
2. Action: Right-click on the silk stall and select "Steal from." Watch out for nearby NPCs and guards who may catch you.
3. XP Rates: During this stage, you can achieve around 30,000-40,000 XP per hour.

Levels 38-55: Blackjacking

Blackjacking is an advanced thieving method that requires completion of The Feud quest. It offers fast XP rates but requires more attention and practice. Follow these steps:

1. Location: You can find bandits to blackjack in Pollnivneach, a city located in the Kharidian Desert.
2. Action: Use a blackjack weapon on a bandit NPC, and select the appropriate dialog options to knock them out, pickpocket, and then knock them out again. This process can be repetitive but yields substantial XP gains.
3. XP Rates: Expect to earn approximately 50,000-60,000 XP per hour at these levels.

Advanced Thieving Methods

As you progress further, more lucrative thieving methods become available. Here are two notable ways to continue your thieving journey:

Pyramid Plunder (Levels 91+)

Pyramid Plunder is a thrilling minigame located in Sophanem that offers high XP rates and valuable rewards. Here's what you need to know:

1. Requirements: To access Pyramid Plunder, you must complete the Icthlarin's Little Helper quest.
2. Action: Enter the pyramid and search for urns, chests, and sarcophagi while avoiding traps and mummies. The higher your thieving level, the better treasures you can find.
3. XP Rates: At level 91 or above, you can earn around 200,000-250,000 XP per hour.

Master Farmers (Levels 38+)

Stealing from master farmers is an excellent way to gather valuable seeds, which are useful for herblore or farming. Follow these steps:

1. Location: You can find master farmers in Draynor Village or at the Farming Guild.
2. Action: Right-click on the master farmer and select "Pickpocket." They have a chance of dodging your pickpocket attempts, so be prepared