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, OSRS 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 cheapest OSRS gold 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 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 gold 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.