Learning how to RuneScape can feel overwhelming at first. The game has decades of content, thousands of quests, and more skills than most players know what to do with. But here’s the good news: millions of players have started exactly where you are right now, and they figured it out.
RuneScape remains one of the most popular MMORPGs in the world for a reason. It offers freedom, adventure, and a community that welcomes newcomers. This guide breaks down everything a new player needs to know, from picking the right version to training the first essential skills. By the end, anyone can jump in and start their RuneScape journey with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Choose between Old School RuneScape (classic gameplay, slower progression) or RuneScape 3 (modern graphics, faster leveling) based on your preferred play style.
- Enable two-factor authentication and set a bank PIN immediately to protect your account from hackers.
- Focus on a few core skills first—combat for content access, and gathering skills like Mining, Fishing, and Woodcutting for income.
- Complete early quests like “Waterfall Quest” in OSRS to gain massive experience rewards and save hours of grinding.
- Join a beginner-friendly clan and bookmark the official RuneScape Wiki to make learning how to RuneScape much easier.
- Start with free-to-play content to master the basics before investing in a membership subscription.
Choosing Between Old School RuneScape and RuneScape 3
Before downloading anything, new players face their first major decision: Old School RuneScape (OSRS) or RuneScape 3 (RS3). Both versions share the same world and lore, but they play very differently.
Old School RuneScape uses the 2007 game engine. It features retro graphics, point-and-click combat, and a nostalgic feel that appeals to veteran players and those who enjoy classic MMO mechanics. The grind is real in OSRS, progress takes time, and the community values that slower pace.
RuneScape 3 offers modern graphics, a redesigned combat system, and faster progression. Players can choose between legacy combat (similar to OSRS) or the Evolution of Combat system, which adds abilities and action bars. RS3 also includes more quality-of-life features like loadouts and customizable interfaces.
So how to RuneScape the right way? It depends on personal preference:
- Choose OSRS if: You prefer classic gameplay, enjoy grinding, or want that old-school MMO experience.
- Choose RS3 if: You want modern graphics, faster leveling, or more complex combat options.
Both games have active communities and receive regular updates. Neither choice is wrong, many players eventually try both versions.
Creating Your Account and Character
Getting started requires a free Jagex account. Players can sign up on the official RuneScape website or through Steam. The process takes about two minutes.
Here’s how to RuneScape account creation works:
- Visit the official RuneScape website.
- Click “Play Free” or “Create Account.”
- Enter an email address and create a password.
- Verify the email through a confirmation link.
- Download the game client or play through the browser.
Character creation is straightforward. Players pick a display name (this can be changed later), select a gender, and customize their appearance. Don’t stress over these choices, RuneScape allows appearance changes at any time through in-game makeover options.
New players should enable two-factor authentication immediately. Account security matters in RuneScape. Hackers target accounts with valuable items, and recovery can be difficult without proper protection. Link an authenticator app and set a bank PIN once in-game.
Free-to-play accounts have access to a significant portion of the game. Members get more skills, quests, and areas, but starting free makes sense for beginners learning how to RuneScape.
Understanding the Basic Game Mechanics
RuneScape operates differently than most modern games. There’s no linear storyline forcing players down a specific path. Instead, the game offers complete freedom from the start.
Movement and Interaction
Players click to move and interact with objects. Right-clicking opens context menus with additional options. The minimap shows nearby locations and allows for quick travel by clicking on it.
The Skills System
RuneScape features 23 skills in OSRS and 28 in RS3. Each skill levels from 1 to 99 (some go to 120 in RS3). Players gain experience by performing related activities. Chop trees to level Woodcutting. Cook fish to level Cooking. The system rewards dedication.
Combat Basics
Combat involves three main styles: melee, ranged, and magic. Each style has associated skills:
- Melee: Attack, Strength, Defence
- Ranged: Ranged, Defence
- Magic: Magic, Defence
Players gain a combat level based on these skills plus Hitpoints and Prayer. Higher combat levels unlock tougher monsters and better gear.
Quests and Story
Quests in RuneScape tell stories, unlock areas, and provide valuable rewards. They range from short tasks to massive adventures spanning multiple hours. Completing quests offers the best way to learn how to RuneScape’s world works.
Essential Skills Every New Player Should Train
New players don’t need to train every skill immediately. Focusing on a few core skills makes early progression smoother.
Combat Skills
Training combat opens most game content. New players should pick one combat style and stick with it initially. Melee works well for beginners because gear is cheap and widely available. Train Attack first for accuracy, then Strength for damage.
Gathering Skills
Mining, Fishing, and Woodcutting generate resources and income. These skills require no starting capital, just time. Players can sell gathered materials or use them to train other skills.
Processing Skills
Smithing, Cooking, and Crafting turn raw materials into useful items. These skills cost money but create valuable products. New players learning how to RuneScape should train these alongside gathering skills.
Money-Making Priority
Some skills generate gold faster than others:
| Skill | Early Gold Potential | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Fishing | Medium | Easy |
| Mining | Medium | Easy |
| Combat | High | Medium |
| Runecrafting | Very High | Hard |
Players should balance training with money-making. Having gold opens more training methods and better equipment.
Tips for Progressing Through Early Game Content
The first few hours in RuneScape shape the entire experience. Smart decisions early on save time and frustration later.
Complete Tutorial Island. Don’t skip this. The tutorial teaches basic mechanics and provides starting equipment. It only takes 10-15 minutes.
Follow the New Player Pathway. Both game versions include guided content for beginners. These tasks introduce important locations, NPCs, and game systems. They’re worth completing.
Do Early Quests. Several beginner quests provide massive experience rewards. In OSRS, “Waterfall Quest” grants enough Attack and Strength experience to reach level 30 in both skills instantly. That’s hours of training saved.
Join a Clan. The RuneScape community helps new players constantly. Clans provide advice, group activities, and social connections. Finding a beginner-friendly clan makes learning how to RuneScape much easier.
Use the Wiki. The official RuneScape Wiki contains everything. Quest guides, skill calculators, money-making methods, it’s all there. Experienced players reference the wiki constantly. New players should bookmark it immediately.
Set Small Goals. RuneScape can feel overwhelming. Instead of trying to do everything, pick one goal: complete a specific quest, reach level 50 in a skill, or earn your first million gold. Small wins build momentum.
Don’t Rush Membership. Free-to-play content provides dozens of hours of gameplay. Master the basics before subscribing. Membership offers more value when players understand the core game.
