Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is more than just a nostalgic MMORPG—it's a living, breathing sandbox where your journey is entirely your own. Whether you're a brand-new adventurer or a returning veteran, this complete beginner's guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from creating your account to stepping into raids and endgame challenges.
A Brief History of OSRS
RuneScape began in 1999 as a browser-based game called DeviousMUD, created by the Gower brothers. Over time, it evolved into RuneScape Classic, then RuneScape 2, and eventually RuneScape 3.
In 2013, Jagex released a preserved 2007 version of the game—now known as Old School RuneScape. What started as a nostalgic throwback quickly became a thriving MMORPG with weekly updates and one of the most dedicated player communities in gaming.
Since then, RuneScape gold has expanded with:
The Grand Exchange (2015) – A player-driven trading hub
Ironman Modes (2014–2021) – Including Hardcore and Group Ironman
Raids (2017–2022) – Three massive PvM challenges with billion-GP loot
New Continents and Grandmaster Quests – Game-changing unlocks and lore
Mobile Support (2018) – Play on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android
Creating Your Account and Choosing a Client
To begin your adventure, you'll need a Jagex Account, which stores multiple characters under one secure login. It offers enhanced protection, two-factor authentication, and better account recovery options.
Recommended Clients
RuneLite (Best for Beginners) – Offers plugins like Quest Helper and XP trackers
Official OSRS Client – Clean, simple, and reliable
HDOS – For players who prefer enhanced visuals
Once installed, your journey begins on Tutorial Island.
Core Gameplay Basics
OSRS is a tile-based, point-and-click MMORPG that runs on a tick system where actions occur every 0.6 seconds. There's no forced path—you choose how you want to play.
Movement and Controls
Click or tap to move
Use the minimap for fast navigation
Rotate the camera with arrow keys or middle mouse button
Use number keys or spacebar for dialogue options
Combat Styles and Mechanics
There are three main combat styles:
Melee – Close-range physical combat
Ranged – Bows, crossbows, knives, and darts
Magic – Spells for damage, teleportation, and utility
Combat relies heavily on RNG (Random Number Generation). Your accuracy, gear bonuses, and enemy defense determine whether you hit and how hard.
High-level encounters introduce mechanics like:
Protection prayers
Area-of-effect attacks
Gear and prayer switching
Early Combat Training Guide
Free-to-Play Players
Weapons: Scimitars (fast and effective)
Armor: Best metal set available (Bronze → Rune)
Training Spots:
Cows (Starter money and XP)
Frogs in Lumbridge Swamp
Flesh Crawlers (Stronghold of Security)
Ogress Warriors (Great GP and runes)
Members
Quest First: Waterfall Quest boosts Attack and Strength to 30 instantly
Crab Training: Rock Crabs and Sand Crabs for low-effort XP
Slayer: Best long-term method for combat training and profit
The 23 Skills of Old School RuneScape
Free-to-Play Skills
Attack, Strength, Defense, Hitpoints
Ranged, Magic, Prayer
Mining, Smithing, Fishing
Cooking, Firemaking, Woodcutting
Crafting, Runecrafting
Members-Only Skills
Construction – Player-owned house and teleport hubs
Agility – Faster run energy and shortcuts
Herblore – Potions and combat boosts
Thieving – Steal for profit
Fletching – Ranged weapons and ammo
Slayer – Assigned monster hunting
Hunter – Trapping creatures
Farming – Grow crops across the world
Each skill caps at 99, requiring roughly 13 million XP—and some players push to the legendary 200 million XP cap.
Questing and Account Progression
Quests are the backbone of OSRS gold progression. They unlock:
Untradeable gear
New regions and bosses
Training methods
Teleports and utilities
Key Goals
Free-to-Play: Dragon Slayer
Members: Recipe for Disaster (Barrows Gloves)
Early Unlocks: Herblore, Runecrafting, and Slayer
Using tools like the RuneLite Quest Helper or OSRS Wiki can save you hundreds of hours.
Making Money in the Early Game
Some of the best beginner-friendly money makers include:
Herb Runs – Consistent, low-requirement GP
Thieving – Up to 15M GP on the way to 99
Crafting Jewelry – Profitable at low levels
Slayer – Profit and XP combined
From Midgame to Endgame
Midgame
Barrows Gloves
Dragon Defender
Void Armor
First real boss encounters
Endgame
Raids
Elite Achievement Diaries
High-tier bosses
Clue Scrolls
Maxing skills
Boss fights at this level demand prayer flicking, gear switching, and mechanical mastery.
Legendary Achievements and Rare Rewards
Skillcapes – Reward for reaching level 99
Pets – Rare companions from bosses and skills
Penance Queen Pet – One of the rarest in the game
Hardcore Ironman Feats – Completing Grandmaster challenges without dying
Some players, like Lynx Titan, have achieved the impossible: 200 million XP in all 23 skills.
Final Thoughts
Old School RuneScape isn't about rushing to the finish—it's about setting goals, chasing milestones, and building your own adventure. Whether you want to max a skill, conquer raids, or collect every pet in the game, OSRS offers one of the deepest and most rewarding MMORPG experiences ever created.
If you're ever stuck, the OSRS Wiki, community guides, and RuneLite plugins are your best friends. The world of Gielinor is massive—and your story is just beginning.
