RuneScape for beginners can feel overwhelming at first. The game offers hundreds of quests, dozens of skills, and a massive open world. Millions of players have explored Gielinor since 2001, and many still log in daily. This guide breaks down everything new players need to know. From choosing the right version to earning gold, these tips will help any beginner build a strong foundation. RuneScape rewards patience and planning, this article provides both.
Key Takeaways
- RuneScape for beginners starts with choosing between RuneScape 3 (modern graphics, ability-based combat) or Old School RuneScape (classic 2007 gameplay).
- After completing the tutorial, explore Lumbridge to find banks, shops, and low-level training areas perfect for new players.
- Focus on core skills like Attack, Strength, Defence, Mining, Fishing, and Woodcutting to unlock more content and money-making methods faster.
- Complete early quests like Cook’s Assistant, The Restless Ghost, and Waterfall Quest to gain massive experience rewards and skip hours of grinding.
- Earn gold by collecting cowhides, tanning leather, or gathering resources like flax—then sell everything on the Grand Exchange for the best prices.
- Avoid wasting gold on gear you can obtain from drops, and let patience guide your journey to building long-term wealth.
Understanding the Two Versions of RuneScape
RuneScape exists in two distinct forms: RuneScape 3 (RS3) and Old School RuneScape (OSRS). Each version offers a different experience, and beginners should understand the differences before committing time.
RuneScape 3 features modern graphics, faster combat, and quality-of-life improvements. The game uses an ability-based combat system similar to other MMORPGs. RS3 also includes more frequent content updates and a larger development team.
Old School RuneScape recreates the 2007 version of the game. It uses point-and-click combat and retains the classic pixel art style. OSRS has a dedicated player base that votes on all major updates.
For RuneScape beginners, RS3 often feels more accessible. The tutorial system guides players through core mechanics effectively. But, OSRS appeals to those who prefer a slower, more nostalgic grind.
Both versions share the same account system through Jagex. Players can try both without creating separate logins. Many beginners test each version for a few hours before deciding. There’s no wrong choice, pick the one that feels right.
Creating Your Character and First Steps
Character creation in RuneScape is straightforward. Players choose their appearance, select a name, and enter the tutorial area. The tutorial teaches movement, combat basics, and interface navigation.
In RS3, new players start on Tutorial Island or Ashdale. The game walks through essential actions like attacking enemies and gathering resources. OSRS uses the classic Tutorial Island, which covers fishing, mining, cooking, and combat in about 15 minutes.
After completing the tutorial, RuneScape beginners arrive in Lumbridge. This starting city contains banks, shops, and low-level training areas. Spend time exploring the immediate surroundings before venturing further.
Key Early Actions
- Talk to NPCs with yellow exclamation marks, they offer guidance
- Visit the bank to store items safely
- Grab a bronze axe and pickaxe from the general store
- Enable the minimap and world map for easier exploration
RuneScape doesn’t force a linear path. Players can train any skill, explore any area, or start quests immediately. This freedom defines the experience. But, beginners benefit from focusing on a few goals initially rather than spreading attention too thin.
Essential Skills Every New Player Should Train
RuneScape features over 20 skills across combat, gathering, and production categories. Beginners don’t need to train everything at once. Focus on these core skills first.
Combat Skills
Attack, Strength, and Defence form the melee triangle. Training these skills allows players to equip better weapons and armor. Ranged and Magic offer alternative combat styles with their own equipment progressions.
For RuneScape beginners, training combat on goblins and cows near Lumbridge works well until level 20-30. After that, move to the Stronghold of Security for better experience rates.
Gathering Skills
Mining and Smithing let players create their own armor. Mining copper and tin ore, then smelting bronze bars, provides early crafting practice.
Fishing and Cooking supply food for combat. Shrimp and anchovies from the Lumbridge fishing spots require no special tools.
Woodcutting generates logs for Firemaking and Fletching. Cut regular trees until level 15, then switch to oak trees.
Why Skills Matter for Beginners
Higher skill levels unlock new content, quests, and money-making methods. RuneScape beginners who train multiple skills early gain access to more game content faster. Even 30 minutes of daily skilling adds up quickly over weeks.
Completing Early Quests for Quick Progression
Quests provide experience rewards, unlock new areas, and tell Gielinor’s stories. RuneScape for beginners becomes much easier with strategic quest completion.
Best Starter Quests
Cook’s Assistant takes five minutes and rewards Cooking experience. Gather an egg, bucket of milk, and pot of flour from Lumbridge.
The Restless Ghost introduces Prayer and grants enough experience to reach level 9 immediately. Find Father Aereck in Lumbridge church to start.
Sheep Shearer requires collecting 20 balls of wool. The reward is small but the quest takes minimal effort.
Imp Catcher sends players hunting imps across Gielinor. Completing it unlocks the Wizard Tower and provides Magic experience.
Quest Benefits for New Players
Many RuneScape beginners skip quests for pure grinding. This is a mistake. Quest rewards often bypass hours of training. The Waterfall Quest, completable at any combat level, gives enough Attack and Strength experience to reach level 30 in both skills.
Quests also provide gold, useful items, and transportation unlocks. The more quests completed, the easier everything else becomes.
Tips for Making Gold as a Beginner
Gold (GP) matters in RuneScape. Better gear, training supplies, and quest items all cost money. RuneScape beginners can start earning gold immediately with these methods.
Low-Level Money Makers
Cowhides sell for decent prices on the Grand Exchange. Kill cows near Lumbridge, collect hides, and bank them. This method also trains combat skills.
Tanning leather turns cowhides into soft leather for profit. The tanner in Al Kharid charges a small fee per hide.
Mining and smithing bronze bars generates steady income. Sell bars directly or craft items for additional profit.
Collecting resources works at any level. Pick flax south of Seers’ Village, spin it into bowstrings, and sell them. No combat required.
Smart Money Habits
RuneScape beginners often waste gold on unnecessary items. Avoid buying armor that better drops provide freely. Don’t purchase food when fishing and cooking supplies it.
Use the Grand Exchange for all buying and selling. The GE offers better prices than NPC shops. Check current prices before listing items to maximize profit.
Patience pays off. Small gold amounts accumulate into millions over time. Focus on enjoying the game while building wealth gradually.
