Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a nostalgic MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) developed and published by Jagex. Originally launched in 2013 as a revival of the 2007 version of RuneScape, OSRS has since become one of the most enduring games in the MMORPG genre. With its simple but deeply immersive gameplay, large player base, and commitment to staying true to its roots, Old School RuneScape continues to capture the hearts of both new and veteran players alike.

If you're just starting out, it can be a bit overwhelming due to the game's complexity, depth, and the sheer volume of activities available. This guide will help you navigate the early stages of your OSRS journey, providing you with tips, tricks, and insights to make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

1. Creating Your Account and Understanding the Interface

Before you dive into the world of Gielinor (the fictional world of OSRS), you'll first need to create your account. You can register via the official RuneScape website and choose a username and password. Once you're logged in, you'll be taken to the character creation screen, where you can customize your avatar's appearance.

Once your character is ready, you'll enter the game and be greeted with the interface:

Health Bar: Your current health, displayed as hitpoints (HP).

Prayer and Special Attack Bars: These are important for combat and can be used to activate specific abilities or prayers.

Skill Interface: At the top of the screen, you'll see the icons for the skills you can level up in the game.

Inventory: Located on the bottom right, this is where all the items you carry are stored.

Mini-map: This is an overhead view of the area surrounding your character, showing locations, players, and interactive points.

Getting familiar with the interface is key to understanding how to navigate the world of Gielinor and perform tasks efficiently.

2. Understanding the Skills in OSRS

OSRS offers a wide variety of skills that players can train to improve their character's abilities. There are 23 skills in total, divided into three categories: Combat, Gathering, and Artisan skills.

Combat Skills:

Attack, Strength, Defence: These determine how effective you are in combat, whether it's melee, range, or magic.

Hitpoints: This stat grows as you train other combat skills and affects your overall survivability.

Prayer: Unlocks various prayers that can help you during combat or provide utility.

Ranged: Determines your proficiency with ranged weapons such as bows and crossbows.

Magic: Allows you to cast spells for combat, teleportation, and utility purposes.

Herblore: Lets you make potions for combat, healing, and other uses.

Crafting: Used to create jewelry, pottery, and other items.

Slayer: Tasks you with killing certain monsters, providing both combat experience and valuable loot.

Gathering Skills:

Mining: Extract ores from rocks to use in smithing or to sell.

Fishing: Catch fish for food or other products.

Woodcutting: Chop down trees for wood, which can be used in crafting or construction.

Hunter: Involves setting traps and capturing creatures for rewards.

Artisan Skills:

Smithing: Forge items such as armor and weapons from ores.

Cooking: Prepare food for healing or selling.

Fletching: Create arrows and bolts from various materials.

Firemaking: Start fires for light or warmth, which is also used in some quests.

Construction: Build and customize your house for convenience.

Agility: Increase your stamina and movement speed, making it easier to traverse obstacles in the game world.

Thieving: Steal items from NPCs or chests for profit.

Farming: Grow crops that can be used for food or potion-making.

For beginners, it's essential to focus on a few key skills that will give you the best foundation. Typically, you'll want to start by focusing on Combat skills and a few Gathering skills like Mining, Woodcutting, and Fishing to build your resources.

3. Starting Out: Early Quests and Combat Training

At the start of the game, you'll find yourself in Lumbridge, a small village with a lot of activity. From here, you can begin exploring and taking on your first quests. Completing quests is an excellent way to learn the basics of the game, unlock new areas, and earn experience points.

Important Early Quests:

Cook's Assistant: A short and simple quest that will introduce you to the basic mechanics of OSRS, including item collection and item usage.

The Restless Ghost: A beginner quest that teaches you about combat and Prayer.

Prince Ali Rescue: This quest will give you a good introduction to stealth and thieving mechanics.

Sheep Shearer: An easy quest for beginners to complete that provides some early rewards.

While quests are a great way to learn the game, you'll also want to train your combat skills. You can begin by fighting low-level monsters like goblins, cows, and chickens. These provide useful resources (like bones and hides) that you can either use for training other skills or sell for gold.

As a new player, it's recommended to focus on training your Attack and Strength to level 20-30, as this will allow you to defeat a wider range of monsters. After this, you can start training your Defence and Hitpoints, which will improve your overall survivability in combat.

4. Money-Making Methods for Beginners

OSRS gold is essential  as it enables you to purchase better gear, upgrade your skills, and fund other in-game activities. As a beginner, earning gold can seem challenging, but there are plenty of accessible methods for making money.

Popular Beginner Money-Making Methods:

Killing Chickens or Cows: These creatures drop feathers, raw chicken, and cowhides, which can be sold to other players or to NPCs. Cowhides are particularly valuable for crafting and can be sold on the Grand Exchange (GE).

Fishing: Fishing is an excellent money-making skill, especially at higher levels. Start by catching shrimp and anchovies, which can be sold in bulk for small profits.

Mining Iron Ore: At level 15 Mining, you can mine iron ore, which is highly sought after by players training Smithing. You can either smelt it into bars and sell the bars or sell the ores directly on the GE.

Woodcutting: Chopping down trees, especially willows, can be a steady source of income for beginners. Willows are used in Firemaking and Fletching, and logs can be sold for gold.

5. Training Efficiently: Tips and Tricks

Old School RuneScape rewards patience and time investment. To maximize your experience gains and make the most of your time, consider these tips:

Focus on one or two skills at first: Trying to level too many skills at once can spread your resources thin. Pick a combat skill and a gathering or artisan skill to focus on in the early game.

Use the best available gear: Even as a beginner, upgrading your gear can significantly improve your combat efficiency. Use the best weapons and armor you can afford to make training faster.

Utilize the Grand Exchange: The Grand Exchange is a marketplace where you can buy and sell items. It's a fantastic way to get your hands on better gear or make cheap RS gold by selling your loot.

Take breaks: OSRS has a lot to offer, but you can easily burn out if you play for long stretches of time. Take breaks and come back with fresh eyes!

6. The Social Aspect of OSRS

While OSRS is largely a solo experience, the game has an active and vibrant community. You can join clans, participate in in-game events, and trade items or resources with other players. This social aspect is a key part of what makes the game so engaging.

Joining a clan early on can provide a sense of camaraderie and may open up opportunities for group activities like bossing or training. Don't be afraid to ask experienced players for help—most players are more than happy to offer advice to new adventurers.

7. Conclusion: Your Journey Ahead

Old School RuneScape can seem intimidating at first with its wide variety of skills, quests, and monsters, but once you get the hang of it, you'll find it to be an incredibly rewarding experience. Whether you want to focus on combat, crafting, or exploring the vast world of Gielinor, there's always something to do in OSRS. As a beginner, don't be afraid to take things slow and enjoy the process of learning and growing your character.

With patience, dedication, and a little help from fellow players, you'll be well on your way to becoming a seasoned adventurer in the world of Old School RuneScape!