A solid RuneScape guide can save new players dozens of hours of confusion. This massively multiplayer online game has captivated millions since 2001, and it continues to grow today. Whether players choose the modern version or the classic Old School edition, the learning curve can feel steep. This guide covers the essential skills, combat systems, money-making strategies, and early quests that every beginner should know. By the end, new adventurers will have a clear path forward in Gielinor.
Key Takeaways
- A solid RuneScape guide helps new players navigate between RuneScape 3 (modern graphics, action combat) and Old School RuneScape (classic 2007 gameplay) before committing to one version.
- Focus on training combat skills to level 50 first, and pair Slayer training with combat for efficient progression and valuable loot.
- Use the combat triangle to your advantage: Melee beats Ranged, Ranged beats Magic, and Magic beats Melee.
- Start earning gold early by collecting cowhides near Lumbridge, mining iron ore, or flipping items on the Grand Exchange.
- Complete Waterfall Quest early to instantly gain 13,750 Attack and Strength experience, skipping hours of low-level grinding.
- Work toward Recipe for Disaster to unlock Barrows Gloves, which remain best-in-slot gear for most of the game.
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 players should understand the differences before investing time.
RuneScape 3 features modern graphics, an action bar combat system, and frequent content updates. The game includes voice acting, cinematic quests, and quality-of-life improvements. RS3 also offers faster progression and more ways to customize characters. Players who enjoy modern MMOs typically prefer this version.
Old School RuneScape recreates the game as it existed in 2007. It uses click-to-attack combat and retains the classic pixel art style. OSRS has a dedicated player base that votes on all new content. The community must approve changes with a 75% majority before developers add them. This version appeals to nostalgic players and those who prefer slower, more deliberate gameplay.
Both versions use the same subscription model. Members gain access to additional skills, quests, and areas. Free-to-play content provides enough gameplay to test which version feels right. A RuneScape guide for beginners should mention that progress does not transfer between versions. Players must choose one and commit to building their character there.
Essential Skills and How to Train Them
RuneScape contains over 20 skills that players can level from 1 to 99. Some skills prove more useful than others for new players. This RuneScape guide highlights the ones worth prioritizing.
Gathering Skills
Mining, Fishing, and Woodcutting provide raw materials. These skills generate income and supply resources for other activities. Players simply click on rocks, fishing spots, or trees to train them. Higher levels unlock better resources and faster gathering rates.
Processing Skills
Smithing, Cooking, and Crafting turn raw materials into usable items. Cooking food for combat makes early gameplay much easier. Smithing creates weapons and armor. These skills often cost money to train but unlock valuable item creation.
Combat Skills
Attack, Strength, Defense, Ranged, Magic, and Prayer form the combat foundation. Attack improves accuracy with melee weapons. Strength increases damage. Defense reduces incoming damage. Most players train these together for balanced progression.
Support Skills
Agility reduces run energy drain and unlocks shortcuts. Thieving provides quick cash through pickpocketing NPCs. Slayer assigns combat tasks that drop valuable loot. This RuneScape guide recommends training Slayer alongside combat skills for efficient progression.
New players should focus on a few skills rather than spreading attention too thin. Reaching level 50 in combat skills takes priority for most content.
Combat Basics and Character Builds
Combat in RuneScape uses a triangle system. Melee beats Ranged, Ranged beats Magic, and Magic beats Melee. Understanding this relationship helps players choose the right attack style for each enemy.
New players should pick a primary combat style early. Melee remains the most straightforward option. Players equip swords, axes, or maces and attack enemies directly. Armor provides high defense but limits mobility.
Ranged combat allows players to attack from a distance. Bows, crossbows, and thrown weapons deal damage before enemies reach the player. This style works well for bosses with dangerous melee attacks.
Magic requires runes to cast spells. It offers the most variety, including combat spells, teleports, and utility magic. Magic proves expensive to train but becomes powerful at high levels.
A balanced build trains all three styles equally. This approach unlocks all content but takes longer to achieve. Pure builds focus on one style while keeping Defense low. Pures deal maximum damage in PvP but die quickly.
This RuneScape guide suggests new players train Defense to at least 40. Better armor significantly improves survival rates. Players can always specialize later once they understand the game better.
Money-Making Methods for New Players
Gold coins drive the RuneScape economy. Better gear, supplies, and training methods all cost money. This RuneScape guide covers beginner-friendly methods to build wealth.
Gathering and Selling
Collecting cowhides near Lumbridge generates easy starting cash. Each hide sells for a few hundred gold pieces. Players can tan hides at a tanner for higher profits. Mining iron ore or fishing lobbsters also provides steady income at higher skill levels.
Questing for Rewards
Some quests give substantial gold rewards. Others unlock money-making methods unavailable otherwise. The “Waterfall Quest” grants combat experience that skips early grinding. “Plague City” unlocks access to Ardougne, a city with many opportunities.
Flipping Items
The Grand Exchange allows players to buy and sell items with other players. Smart traders buy items below market value and sell them higher. This method requires starting capital but scales infinitely. Even small margins add up over hundreds of transactions.
Skill-Based Methods
Runecrafting creates runes that other players need for magic. High-level runecrafting generates millions of gold per hour. Farming herbs and selling them provides consistent daily income. These methods require time investment in skill training first.
New players should avoid scams promising quick riches. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Stick to legitimate methods from this RuneScape guide.
Quests Worth Completing Early
Quests in RuneScape tell stories and unlock rewards. Some quests provide experience, items, or access to new areas. This RuneScape guide recommends these quests for beginners.
Waterfall Quest grants 13,750 Attack and Strength experience. Players can complete it at level 3 with careful preparation. This quest instantly boosts combat levels and saves hours of training.
Cook’s Assistant teaches basic quest mechanics. Players gather ingredients for a cake. The quest takes five minutes and introduces the quest journal system.
Rune Mysteries unlocks the Runecrafting skill. Players learn about the Rune Essence mine and begin crafting their own runes. This quest proves essential for magic users.
Dragon Slayer serves as the free-to-play finale. Players earn the right to wear rune platebodies, the best free armor. The quest features a boss fight against Elvarg the dragon.
Recipe for Disaster spans multiple sub-quests and unlocks Barrows Gloves. These gloves remain best-in-slot for most of the game. Completing all requirements takes time but proves worthwhile.
Players should check quest requirements before starting. Some quests require specific skill levels or completed prerequisites. The game’s wiki provides detailed guides for every quest.
