RuneScape has shaped online gaming for over two decades. This browser-based MMORPG launched in 2001 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Millions of players have explored its fantasy world, trained dozens of skills, and completed hundreds of quests. Today, RuneScape continues to attract both nostalgic veterans and curious newcomers. This guide covers everything players need to know about the game, from its two main versions to core gameplay mechanics.
Key Takeaways
- RuneScape is a free-to-play MMORPG that has captivated millions of players since 2001 with its open-ended gameplay and fantasy world of Gielinor.
- Two distinct versions exist today: Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers classic 2007-era gameplay, while RuneScape 3 (RS3) features modern graphics and action-bar combat.
- New players can start for free in minutes and should focus on completing early quests, training multiple skills, and joining a clan for guidance.
- The game features 23–29 skills across combat, gathering, production, and support categories, each offering unique progression from level 1 to 99 or beyond.
- RuneScape remains popular due to its nostalgic appeal, unmatched gameplay depth, AFK-friendly mechanics, and cross-platform mobile support.
- Jagex actively develops both versions with regular updates, and the community continues to thrive through player-created content and guides.
What Is RuneScape?
RuneScape is a free-to-play massively multiplayer online role-playing game developed by Jagex. Players create characters and explore the medieval fantasy world of Gielinor. The game offers open-ended gameplay without a fixed storyline or required progression path.
Players can choose their own adventure in RuneScape. Some focus on combat and boss fights. Others prefer skilling activities like mining, fishing, or crafting. Many players enjoy quests that range from simple fetch tasks to complex narratives with meaningful choices.
The game runs directly in web browsers or through dedicated clients. This accessibility helped RuneScape reach massive popularity during the mid-2000s. At its peak, the game had over 200 million registered accounts worldwide.
RuneScape operates on a freemium model. Free players access substantial content, while members pay a subscription fee for expanded features. Members unlock additional skills, quests, areas, and items. Both versions provide hundreds of hours of gameplay.
Old School RuneScape vs RuneScape 3
Jagex currently maintains two distinct versions of RuneScape. Each version appeals to different player preferences and play styles.
Old School RuneScape (OSRS)
Old School RuneScape launched in 2013 as a restored version of the 2007 game. Jagex created OSRS after players petitioned for a return to classic gameplay. This version features the original click-to-move combat system and retro graphics.
OSRS has grown significantly since launch. The development team adds new content through player polls. Updates only proceed if 75% of voters approve. This system gives the community direct control over the game’s direction.
The Old School version attracts players who prefer slower, methodical gameplay. Combat requires careful timing and gear switches. Skills take longer to train compared to RuneScape 3.
RuneScape 3 (RS3)
RuneScape 3 represents the main evolution of the original game. It features modern graphics, action-bar combat, and quality-of-life improvements. RS3 receives regular updates with new quests, bosses, and seasonal events.
The combat system in RS3 resembles traditional MMORPGs. Players use abilities from an action bar rather than clicking enemies repeatedly. This change divided the community when introduced in 2012.
RS3 offers faster progression and more convenience features. Players can complete tasks quicker through various boosts and bonuses. The game also includes microtransactions through Treasure Hunter and Solomon’s General Store.
Getting Started as a New Player
New players can start their RuneScape journey in minutes. The process requires only an email address and password.
First, visit the official RuneScape website and create a free account. Players must choose which version they want to play. Both OSRS and RS3 use the same account, but progress is separate.
The game begins with a tutorial that teaches basic mechanics. Players learn how to move, interact with NPCs, and use the interface. The tutorial introduces combat, skilling, and quest systems.
After the tutorial, new players should explore starter towns. Lumbridge serves as the main hub in both versions. The area offers beginner quests and low-level training spots.
Here are practical tips for beginners:
- Complete early quests for experience rewards and unlocks
- Train multiple skills to understand different activities
- Join a clan or community for guidance and social interaction
- Set small goals rather than focusing on max-level content
- Use the official wiki as a comprehensive resource
New players should avoid trading valuable items to strangers. Scams remain common in RuneScape even though security measures. The official wiki and community forums provide trustworthy information.
Core Gameplay and Skills
RuneScape features an extensive skill system that defines character progression. OSRS has 23 skills while RS3 has 29 skills. Each skill levels from 1 to 99, with some RS3 skills extending to level 120.
Combat Skills
Combat skills determine fighting ability. Attack increases accuracy with melee weapons. Strength boosts melee damage. Defence reduces incoming damage and unlocks better armor. Ranged and Magic cover alternative combat styles.
Players can train combat through monster hunting, Slayer tasks, or minigames. Higher combat levels unlock access to more challenging bosses with better rewards.
Gathering Skills
Gathering skills let players collect raw materials. Mining extracts ore from rocks. Fishing catches various fish species. Woodcutting chops trees for logs. Farming grows crops and herbs over time.
These skills provide resources for other activities. Players sell gathered materials or use them for crafting.
Production Skills
Production skills transform raw materials into useful items. Smithing creates metal equipment. Crafting produces jewelry, leather goods, and pottery. Cooking prepares food for healing. Herblore creates potions with various effects.
High-level production skills generate significant profit. Players often specialize in one or two production skills for consistent income.
Support Skills
Support skills provide various benefits. Agility unlocks shortcuts and increases run energy restoration. Thieving lets players steal from NPCs and chests. Slayer assigns combat tasks against specific monsters.
Why RuneScape Remains Popular Today
RuneScape maintains a dedicated player base after more than 20 years. Several factors explain its continued success.
Nostalgia drives many returning players. Adults who played RuneScape as children now revisit the game. OSRS specifically targets this audience with its preserved classic experience.
The game offers unmatched depth for an MMORPG. Few games match RuneScape’s variety of activities. Players can spend thousands of hours without repeating content.
RuneScape works well as a secondary activity. The game’s click-based mechanics allow players to watch videos, listen to podcasts, or work while training skills. This “AFK-ability” fits modern lifestyles.
Mobile versions launched in 2018 for OSRS and 2020 for RS3. Cross-platform play lets users continue their progress on phones. Mobile access expanded the potential audience significantly.
The community creates additional content. Players produce guides, videos, and streams about RuneScape. Content creators like J1mmy, Settled, and SoupRS have millions of views on their RuneScape content.
Jagex continues developing both versions actively. Regular updates keep the games fresh. The company announced record revenue in recent years, indicating strong financial health.
