Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is one of the longest-running MMORPGs ever made, blending nostalgia with endless depth and freedom. Whether you’re a brand-new player or returning after years away, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from the game’s history and setup to combat, skills, quests, and long-term goals.

Getting Started: Accounts and Clients

Before playing, you’ll need a Jagex Account. It’s the secure, modern way to manage your characters and offers built-in two-factor authentication. You can register through the official OSRS website or download the Jagex Launcher or mobile app.

Once your account is ready, you’ll need a client to play:

RuneLite: Highly recommended for beginners — it includes essential plugins like Quest Helper and tile indicators.

Official Client: Clean, but lacks plugin customization.

HDOS: Offers a more graphically enhanced experience.

RuneLite is the best choice for newcomers thanks to its quality-of-life features and integrated guides.

Tutorial Island and Core Mechanics

Every player starts on Tutorial Island, a small area designed to teach the basics of combat, crafting, and exploration. RuneScape runs on a tick-based system, meaning actions occur every 0.6 seconds. It’s a point-and-click sandbox game — you’re free to do whatever you want with no fixed storyline.

Use your mouse or touchscreen to move, and the arrow keys or middle mouse button to rotate your camera. Dialogue boxes can be navigated with the spacebar or number keys, and you can enable Escape-to-Close in settings for smoother play.

Combat Basics

There are three main combat styles in OSRS:

Melee – Close-range, physical attacks.

Ranged – Uses bows, darts, or thrown weapons.

Magic – Casts spells using runes.

Combat involves a mix of stats, random number generation (RNG), and strategy. Enemies have different weaknesses — for example, dragons are weak to stab and magic attacks, while ghosts take extra damage from magical spells.

Early on, melee training with a scimitar is best for free-to-play players. You can buy one in Al Kharid or from the Grand Exchange.

Wear the best armor you can use (Bronze → Rune).

Equip an Amulet of Strength and a Combat Bracelet for bonus stats.

For ranged, start with leather armor and a shortbow, upgrading to Dragonhide armor as you level up.

For magic, use Fire Strike to begin, and upgrade gear to Wizard Robes or Mystic gear for better spellcasting. Having enough RuneScape gold can also enhance your spellcasting ability.

Early Combat Training Spots

Free-to-play players can start at cows, goblins, or chickens near Lumbridge. Around level 20, move on to the frogs in Lumbridge Swamp, then the Flesh Crawlers in the Stronghold of Security. At level 50+, train on Spiders deeper inside the Stronghold, or farm Ogress Warriors for profit.

Members should complete Waterfall Quest immediately — it boosts both Attack and Strength to level 30 instantly. Afterward, train at Rock Crabs (Rellekka) or Sand Crabs (Zeah). Once you reach level 50–60, transition to Slayer, which combines combat XP with valuable loot.

Quests and Progression

Quests are central to progression in OSRS. While not mandatory, they unlock crucial features, teleports, and gear. The Quest Helper plugin in RuneLite is invaluable — it literally guides you step-by-step.

Key quests for beginners:

Waterfall Quest: Huge Attack/Strength XP boost.

Cook’s Assistant: Unlocks early Cooking experience.

Druidic Ritual: Unlocks the Herblore skill.

Rune Mysteries: Unlocks Runecrafting.

Aim to complete Recipe for Disaster over time — finishing it grants Barrows Gloves, one of the best early-game items.

Skills and Training

OSRS features 23 skills — from combat to gathering and artisan skills. Free-to-play skills include Mining, Fishing, Smithing, Woodcutting, Firemaking, Crafting, and Runecrafting. Member-exclusive ones like Agility, Herblore, Slayer, and Construction add even more depth.

Each skill maxes out at level 99, requiring 13 million XP. Most players train skills to unlock money-making methods or content access.

Examples:

Mining + Smithing: Smelt and forge armor.

Fishing + Cooking: Catch and prepare food for combat.

Agility: Run longer distances and unlock shortcuts.

Slayer: Train combat efficiently while earning profits.

Farming: Plant herbs and crops for steady, passive income.

Making Money Early

RS gold is essential for gear, teleportation, and supplies. Early methods include:

Collecting Cowhides (sell at the Grand Exchange).

Thieving from stalls for cash and items.

Fishing for Lobsters and cooking them for food sales.

Crafting Jewelry (especially gold amulets or rings).

Farming Herbs – one of the best low-effort money makers.

Use the OSRS Wiki or dedicated money-making guides to find the best method for your stats.

Your First Major Goals

In your first weeks of play, aim to:

Complete essential quests (Waterfall, Druidic Ritual, Rune Mysteries).

Unlock key teleports and travel items.

Begin Slayer training once your combat stats hit 50+.

Earn your first Barrows Gloves and Dragon Defender.

Explore mini-games like Barbarian Assault, Pest Control, and Wintertodt.

Once you’re confident, you’ll progress naturally into mid-game activities — bossing, minigames, and quest chains that unlock higher-tier gear. Eventually, the endgame offers Raids, Grandmaster Quests, and high-level achievements for dedicated adventurers.

Final Thoughts

Old School RuneScape’s beauty lies in its freedom. You can become a skilled crafter, a fierce boss slayer, or a collector of pets and capes. There’s no “wrong” way to play — only goals to chase and milestones to celebrate.

Whether you’re slaying goblins or earning your first Fire Cape, every achievement feels earned. So grab your bronze pickaxe, head to Lumbridge, and start your journey across Gielinor — one tick at a time.