Old School RuneScape is a player-driven MMORPG. Unlike most modern games, OSRS puts proposed updates directly in the hands of players through a polling system. This approach has helped maintain the game's integrity and classic feel, with thousands of active players daily. However, for newcomers, it can seem overwhelming at first. The game's content, developed over decades of updates and refinements, presents a learning curve that might be exhausting to fresh adventurers.
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to start your OSRS adventure. We'll guide you through the rich world of Old School RuneScape and set you up for success in your builds, skilling, gold, and more!
Account Builds
Main accounts represent the most important approach to OSRS. These account builds were made to access particular sides of the game, from high-level bossing to complex quests. Mains can participate in any activity and typically aim to achieve maximum levels across all skills.
Pure accounts maintain level 1 Defense while maximizing offensive capabilities like Strength and Range. This build keeps the combat level low while dealing substantial damage.
Staker accounts are precisely designed for the PvP Arena, focusing on specific combat stats that optimize dueling success. These accounts typically maintain equal Attack and Strength levels while carefully managing their Defense and Hitpoints to remain within desired combat brackets, maximizing their effectiveness in staking duels.
Berserker (Zerker) builds strike a strategic balance by maintaining exactly 45 Defense - just enough to equip the Berserker Helm and other key gear. This build combines high offensive capabilities with moderate defensive stats, making it effective in both PvP combat and certain PvE scenarios.
Starter accounts represent either new players beginning their OSRS journey or experienced players laying the groundwork for a specific build. These accounts are characterized by their low-level stats and basic gear.
Gold
Gold coins, or GP (Gold Pieces), are OSRS's primary currency for all transactions. Gold can be used to purchase equipment, fund your skills training, or trade with other players. Players can earn gold through combat, skilling, and trading. Some players also choose to Buy OSRS Gold directly through third-party websites. As a new player, activities like collecting and selling resources, completing beginner quests, and fighting low-level monsters provide reliable early income sources.
Also Read: OSRS Low-Level Money Making: Beginners Guide (2025)
Quests
Quests are your primary goal in OSRS, offering far more than just entertaining storylines. Each completed quest can unlock new regions, grant access to powerful items, or game-changing features. For example, completing the Troll Stronghold quest grants you access to the God Wars Dungeon, one of the game's high-level combat areas where players can face legendary bosses and obtain valuable rewards.
Quests XP rewards can help you bypass early leveling grind in various skills, sometimes the rewards are equivalent to hours of traditional training, saving you considerable time in combat training.
Quests in OSRS also tell rich stories about the world of Gielinor. They introduce you to memorable characters, reveal the deep lore of the game, and help you understand the complex relationships between different regions and factions.
Also Read: How to Get to Varlamore in OSRS?
Skills
Skills form the core progression system, divided into three categories. Each skill offers unique training methods and rewards. Combat skills revolve around battle proficiency, Attack for accuracy, Strength for damage output, Defence for damage reduction, Hitpoints for survival, Ranged for distance combat, Magic for spellcasting, and Prayer for combat buffs.
Gathering skills focus on resource collection. Mining extracts ores from rocks, Fishing, Woodcutting harvests logs from trees, Farming grows crops and herbs, and Hunter captures creatures across the land.
Artisan skills transform raw materials into useful items. Smithing creates metal equipment, Cooking prepares food, Crafting produces leather and jewelry, Fletching makes ranged equipment, Herblore brews potions, Runecrafting creates magical runes, Construction builds and furnishes houses, and Firemaking burns logs for various benefits.
Support skills, Agility allow longer periods of running without exhaustion, Thieving allows players to pickpocket NPCs, and Slayer trains players to defeat specific monsters that often drop valuable items.
Final Words
Old School RuneScape offers a rich, player-driven experience that rewards dedication. Your journey in OSRS is uniquely yours to shape. Remember that the game's complexity is part of its charm, take time to learn mechanics, engage with the community, and gradually work toward your goals. What starts as a challenging learning experience will transform into an engaging adventure filled with achievements and memorable moments.
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