Old School RuneScape New Player Guide
What is Old School RuneScape?
Old School RuneScape is a retro version of RuneScape, a game originally launched by Jagex in 2007. OSRS is based on a 2007 version of the game, with regular updates voted on by the community. It features classic mechanics, pixel art graphics, and a player-driven economy.
The game revolves around exploring the fantasy world of Gielinor, completing quests, leveling up skills, battling monsters, and socializing with other players. OSRS is free-to-play with an optional membership that unlocks more content.
Getting Started: Creating Your Account and Character
1. Create Your Account
Start by registering on the official Old School RuneScape website or downloading the game client on your PC or mobile device. You'll need a username and password to create an account.
2. Choose a World
After logging in, you'll select a world to play in. Worlds are servers that host thousands of players. For new players, it's recommended to choose worlds with lower player counts to reduce lag or join a world popular with newbies for a more social experience.
3. Customize Your Character
You can customize your character's appearance, including gender, hairstyle, and clothing. This choice is cosmetic and can be changed later in the game.
Navigating the Game Interface
The OSRS interface may seem daunting initially, but it's intuitive once you get familiar:
Minimap: Shows your location and surroundings.
Inventory: Displays the items you carry.
Skills: Shows your progress in different skills like Mining, Fishing, Combat, and more.
Chat Box: Communicate with other players or receive game messages.
Action Bar: Includes quick access to items or spells.
Quest Log: Tracks your quest progress.
Take some time to explore these tabs to familiarize yourself with how they function.
Essential Tips for New Players
1. Complete the Tutorial Island
When you first enter OSRS, you'll start on Tutorial Island. This helps you learn the basic controls, combat, skilling, and interacting with NPCs (non-player characters). Complete all tasks here as it provides a solid foundation.
2. Focus on Skilling Early On
Skills are the backbone of OSRS progression. Skills like Woodcutting, Fishing, Mining, and Cooking are beginner-friendly and good ways to earn money while leveling up. Spend time practicing these skills to build a strong base.
3. Learn to Use the Grand Exchange
The Grand Exchange is OSRS's player-driven marketplace located in Varrock. It allows you to buy and sell items easily. Learning how to use it effectively will help you obtain necessary supplies and make OSRS gold.
4. Join a Clan or Community
OSRS has a welcoming community. Joining a clan or chatting in beginner-friendly worlds can provide you with valuable advice, friends, and sometimes in-game assistance.
The Basics of Combat
Combat is a huge part of OSRS. Understanding the different combat styles and mechanics is key.
Combat Styles:
Melee: Close-range combat using swords, axes, and other weapons.
Ranged: Attacking enemies from a distance using bows, crossbows, or throwing weapons.
Magic: Using spells to attack or defend.
You can switch between combat styles depending on the enemy or situation.
Combat Tips for Beginners:
Train your Attack, Strength, and Defence skills to improve melee combat.
Use Ranged or Magic for fighting weaker monsters safely.
Always keep food in your inventory to heal during fights.
Learn to use the Prayer skill to boost your combat stats or protect yourself.
Earning Gold and Managing Your Inventory
Making Money:
Money (coins) is essential for buying gear, supplies, and unlocking content.
Some beginner-friendly money-making methods include:
Fishing and Cooking: Catch fish and cook them for sale or use.
Mining and Smithing: Mine ores and smelt them into bars for profit.
Woodcutting: Chop trees for logs to sell or use.
Killing low-level monsters: Drops like bones, herbs, or seeds can be sold.
You can also just buy OSRS gold.
Inventory Management:
Your inventory space is limited (28 slots). Prioritize carrying essential items: weapons, food, tools, and quest items. Use the bank (found in most towns) to store extra items safely.
Questing in OSRS
Quests are missions that guide you through the story of Gielinor and reward you with experience, items, and unlocking new areas.
Tips for Questing:
Start with beginner quests like "Cook's Assistant" and "The Restless Ghost."
Use the Quest Log to track objectives.
Some quests require specific skill levels or items, so prepare in advance.
Quests can unlock new game features, shops, and abilities.
Skills Overview
There are 23 skills in OSRS divided into three categories:
Combat Skills:
Attack
Strength
Defence
Ranged
Magic
Hitpoints
Prayer
Gathering Skills:
Mining
Fishing
Woodcutting
Hunter
Artisan Skills:
Smithing
Cooking
Fletching
Crafting
Herblore
Firemaking
Runecrafting
Farming
Construction
Support Skills:
Slayer (kill assigned monsters)
Agility (improves run energy recovery)
Thieving (steal from NPCs)
Start by training Gathering and Artisan skills to build money and supplies, then mix in combat skills to prepare for tougher challenges.
Tips for Staying Safe in OSRS
Avoid Risky Areas: The Wilderness is a PvP (player versus player) zone where players can attack each other and lose items. New players should avoid this area until confident.
Use the Bank: Always deposit valuable items to avoid losing them upon death.
Be Wary of Scammers: Never share your password or personal info. Use official trade channels and be cautious when trading players.
Helpful Resources for New Players
OSRS Wiki: The ultimate source for information about quests, items, monsters, and mechanics.
YouTube Tutorials: Many content creators make beginner-friendly videos.
Forums and Discords: Communities where you can ask questions and get help.
In-game Guides: NPCs often provide tips and tutorials.
Final Thoughts
Old School RuneScape is a game that rewards patience, exploration, and community interaction. As a new player, take your time to learn, experiment with different skills, and enjoy the journey. The world of Gielinor is vast and full of secrets waiting for you to discover.
Whether you want to become a master craftsman, a fearsome warrior, or a savvy trader, OSRS offers countless paths for you to forge your own adventure. Welcome to Old School RuneScape - your epic journey starts now!
