Old School RuneScape remains one of the most beloved MMORPGs in gaming history. Released in 2013 as a restored version of the 2007 game, it has attracted millions of players worldwide. The game offers a unique blend of nostalgia and fresh content that keeps both veteran and new players engaged.
This guide covers everything players need to know about Old School RuneScape. From creating a first character to mastering high-level content, readers will find practical advice for every stage of the journey. Whether someone played the original game years ago or is discovering it for the first time, this resource provides clear direction for success in Gielinor.
Key Takeaways
- Old School RuneScape (OSRS) preserves the 2007 game experience while adding fresh content through a unique community polling system.
- New players should start free-to-play to learn the basics before committing to membership, which unlocks over 95% of the game’s content.
- OSRS features 23 skills, 150+ quests, and no linear progression—players set their own goals and play at their own pace.
- Early quests like “Waterfall Quest” provide massive experience rewards that let players skip slow beginner training.
- The official OSRS Wiki is an essential resource that saves hours of confusion and can be accessed directly from in-game chat.
- Joining a clan or community enhances the Old School RuneScape experience by providing help, motivation, and group content opportunities.
What Is Old School RuneScape
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game developed and published by Jagex. The game exists as a separate entity from RuneScape 3, preserving the look and feel of the 2007 version that many players remember fondly.
The game takes place in the fantasy world of Gielinor. Players create characters and choose their own paths through questing, skilling, combat, and social interaction. Unlike many modern MMORPGs, Old School RuneScape doesn’t force players down a linear progression path. Freedom defines the experience.
OSRS uses a polling system that gives players direct control over game updates. Any significant change requires 75% approval from the community before implementation. This approach has helped Old School RuneScape maintain its identity while still receiving regular new content.
The game supports both desktop and mobile platforms. Players can switch between devices while keeping their progress. This flexibility has helped OSRS reach peak player counts exceeding 150,000 concurrent users in recent years.
Getting Started as a New Player
New players begin their Old School RuneScape adventure on Tutorial Island. This starting area teaches basic mechanics like combat, fishing, cooking, and mining. The tutorial takes about 15 minutes to complete.
After leaving Tutorial Island, players arrive in Lumbridge. This town serves as the main hub for beginners. Several important NPCs offer early quests and guidance. The nearby goblins provide easy combat training.
Creating an Account
Players need a free Jagex account to start playing Old School RuneScape. The registration process requires an email address and password. Two-factor authentication adds an extra security layer, highly recommended for protecting in-game progress.
Choosing a Play Style
OSRS accommodates multiple play styles. Some players focus entirely on combat and bossing. Others prefer the peaceful grind of gathering and crafting skills. Many enjoy the challenge of completing every quest in the game. Ironman modes restrict trading with other players for those seeking extra difficulty.
The beauty of Old School RuneScape lies in its lack of pressure. Players set their own goals and work toward them at their own pace. There’s no “wrong” way to play.
Core Gameplay and Skills
Old School RuneScape features 23 different skills. Each skill caps at level 99, though some offer virtual levels up to 200 million experience points. Maxing all skills represents one of the game’s ultimate achievements.
Combat Skills
Seven skills govern combat effectiveness in OSRS:
- Attack determines accuracy with melee weapons
- Strength increases melee damage
- Defence reduces incoming damage
- Ranged covers bow and crossbow combat
- Magic enables spell casting
- Prayer provides combat buffs and protection
- Hitpoints represents total health
Combat level calculates from these skills and determines which monsters and players pose threats.
Gathering and Production Skills
Old School RuneScape’s economy runs on player-gathered resources. Mining, Fishing, Woodcutting, and Farming supply raw materials. Smithing, Cooking, Crafting, and Fletching transform these materials into useful items.
The Grand Exchange facilitates trading between players. This centralized marketplace lets anyone buy or sell items without direct player interaction.
Questing
OSRS contains over 150 quests ranging from simple fetch tasks to epic storylines. Quests unlock new areas, items, and abilities. Some of the game’s best rewards hide behind quest completion. “Recipe for Disaster” remains a fan favorite for its difficulty and excellent rewards.
Free-to-Play vs Membership
Old School RuneScape offers both free and paid experiences. Understanding the differences helps players decide where to invest their time.
Free-to-Play Content
Free players access about 5% of the game’s total content. This includes:
- 15 skills (8 are members-only)
- 23 quests
- Limited map areas
- Basic combat equipment
Free-to-play works well for testing whether OSRS suits a player’s tastes. Many players spend weeks or months enjoying free content before subscribing.
Membership Benefits
Members unlock the full Old School RuneScape experience. The subscription costs approximately $12.99 per month, with discounts for longer commitments. Members gain:
- All 23 skills
- 130+ additional quests
- The complete world map
- Boss fights and raids
- Better money-making methods
- Minigames and activities
Dedicated players can purchase membership using in-game gold through bonds. This system lets skilled players maintain membership without real-world spending.
Which Option Works Best?
New players should start free-to-play. Learn the basics, complete available quests, and train combat skills. Once the free content feels limiting, membership opens enormous possibilities.
Tips for Progressing Efficiently
Smart planning accelerates progress in Old School RuneScape. These strategies help players reach their goals faster.
Set Clear Goals
OSRS can feel overwhelming due to its open-ended nature. Picking specific targets provides direction. Want to defeat a particular boss? Research the requirements and work backward. Need gold for a specific item? Calculate how much and plan accordingly.
Complete Early Quests
Quests offer experience rewards that skip slow early training. “Waterfall Quest” grants enough Attack and Strength experience to jump from level 1 to level 30 in both skills. Similar shortcuts exist throughout Old School RuneScape.
Use the Wiki
The official OSRS Wiki contains detailed information on every aspect of the game. Typing “::wiki” followed by a search term in the game chat opens relevant articles instantly. This resource saves countless hours of confusion.
Join a Community
Old School RuneScape thrives on its community. Joining a clan or finding friends makes the grind more enjoyable. Other players share knowledge, help with group content, and provide motivation during tedious training.
Manage Time Wisely
Some OSRS activities require active attention. Others allow semi-AFK play while doing other things. Matching activities to available focus levels maximizes real-world efficiency. Fishing while watching TV beats staring at the screen for hours.