Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a massively popular, free-to-play MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) developed and published by Jagex. Released in 2013, OSRS is a nostalgic return to the original version of RuneScape, as it existed in 2007, with certain improvements and quality-of-life features that have been added over time based on community feedback. It is a game that combines exploration, combat, crafting, and questing in a massive, open world filled with opportunities for adventure and skill development.

If you're new to Old School RuneScape, it can be a bit overwhelming at first, given its depth and vastness. This guide will help you navigate the basics, give you some tips on where to start, and explain how to set yourself up for success in your journey across Gielinor—the world of RuneScape.

What is Old School RuneScape?

OSRS is set in the fantasy world of Gielinor, where players can explore different regions, undertake quests, and develop their character in several ways. Unlike modern MMORPGs that are linear or quest-driven, OSRS focuses heavily on player-driven gameplay and sandbox mechanics. The game doesn't tell you exactly what to do—you're free to explore, train skills, and complete quests at your own pace.

The game is divided into two primary aspects:

PvE (Player vs Environment): This includes combat against NPCs (non-player characters), completing quests, and training various skills like fishing, mining, woodcutting, and more.

PvP (Player vs Player): OSRS features a competitive aspect where you can engage with other players in combat, especially in areas like the Wilderness, where you risk losing your items upon death.

Creating Your Character

When you first launch OSRS, you will need to create a player character. Character creation is relatively straightforward and consists of choosing:

Gender: You can select either male or female.

Appearance: The game offers some customization options for your character's look, such as hairstyles and clothing.

Once you've designed your character, you'll be able to start your journey in the world of Gielinor.

Getting Started: The Tutorial Island

The Tutorial Island is where all new players begin their journey. It's a helpful introduction to the game's core mechanics, where you'll learn the basics of combat, item management, and skill training. You'll be guided by NPCs (non-playable characters) who explain essential elements like:

Combat: How to fight with different types of weapons, magic, and ranged attacks.

Skills: How to train different skills such as Woodcutting, Mining, and Fishing.

Questing: How to undertake tasks and quests that will help you progress in the game.

It's important to complete the Tutorial Island thoroughly, as it sets you up with a basic understanding of how to interact with the game and its various mechanics.

The Core of OSRS: Skills and Combat

In Old School RuneScape, your character's power comes from developing skills and combat abilities. There are 23 skills in total, and you can train most of them right from the start. These skills are divided into three main categories:

Combat Skills: These include Attack, Strength, Defense, Ranged, Magic, and Prayer. These skills allow you to fight and defeat enemies, whether you're slaying monsters, taking on bosses, or fighting other players in PvP combat.

Gathering Skills: These skills allow you to collect resources from the environment. Examples include Mining, Fishing, Woodcutting, and Agriculture.

Production Skills: These skills allow you to craft items from resources, such as Smithing, Crafting, Cooking, and Herblore. You can turn raw materials into valuable items or even equipment for combat.

Each of these skills has its own specific methods for training and requires you to dedicate time and effort. As you train, your character will gain experience points (XP) in each skill, which helps you level up and unlock new abilities and items.

Combat Basics: How to Fight in OSRS

Combat is a significant part of Old School RuneScape, and there are several ways to engage in battle. The core of combat revolves around the three primary styles:

Melee Combat: This involves using weapons like swords, axes, and maces to attack enemies in close combat. It's great for dealing with tough, single targets but can be dangerous when fighting in open areas or against large groups.

Ranged Combat: This combat style uses bows, crossbows, and throwing weapons to attack from a distance. Ranged is ideal for picking off enemies from afar and can often keep you safe while still delivering a lot of damage.

Magic Combat: Magic involves using spells cast from a staff or book to inflict damage, heal, or use various debuffs on enemies. Magic is versatile and often combined with other combat styles, as it can provide buffs or debuffs, such as teleportation for quick escapes.

You'll need to train combat skills by fighting various monsters scattered throughout the world. Monsters have different combat levels, so it's a good idea to start with low-level creatures like chickens or cows to practice.

Quests: Completing Tasks and Unlocking Rewards

One of the main aspects of Old School RuneScape is questing. Quests give you a sense of progression and reward you with experience, items, and sometimes new areas to explore.

There are over 100 quests in OSRS, ranging from beginner-level tasks to more complex adventures. Some quests are standalone, while others are part of quest chains that unlock new areas, dungeons, and important game features.

For new players, it's recommended to start with easy quests like Cook's Assistant or Sheep Shearer, as these are short, simple, and provide rewards such as useful items and experience in some skills.

To begin a quest, simply find the NPC offering the quest (indicated by a yellow quest symbol) and follow the steps outlined in the quest journal.

Money Making in OSRS: How to Earn Gold

In Old School RuneScape, OSRS gold is essential for buying items, supplies, and gear. As a beginner, it's crucial to learn how to make gold efficiently to help with your progression.

Here are a few methods to get started with earning gold:

Skilling: By training skills like Fishing, Woodcutting, and Mining, you can gather valuable resources that can be sold for gold at the Grand Exchange.

Killing Monsters: Fighting and killing low-level monsters will give you useful drops that can be sold for gold. Some monsters drop rare items, like Runes or Herbs, which can be sold for a high price.

Flipping Items at the Grand Exchange: If you're familiar with buying low and selling high, you can make cheap RS gold by flipping items on the Grand Exchange. This requires some initial investment, but it can be a rewarding method once you learn market trends.

Tips for Beginners

Set Goals: OSRS can feel overwhelming at first because of the sheer number of skills and activities. It's a good idea to set small goals. For example, you can focus on training a skill to level 30 before moving on to another task.

Use a Safe Spot: Safe spots are locations where you can kill monsters without being attacked. These are particularly useful for ranged or magic combat.

Join a Clan: The OSRS community is vast, and joining a clan can help you stay motivated, learn from other players, and have fun in group activities like boss fights and raids.

Be Patient: OSRS is a game of patience, as many of the skills take time to level up. Enjoy the process and don't rush through the content.

Conclusion

Old School RuneScape is a game of endless possibilities. Whether you prefer combat, skilling, or questing, there's always something to do in the world of Gielinor. As a beginner, it's important to take your time and enjoy the journey. By following the steps in this guide, you'll be well on your way to becoming a skilled adventurer in the world of OSRS. Good luck, and may your adventures be prosperous!