RuneScape questing in a starting town
RuneScape questing in a starting town
OSRS players skilling at a bank chest
OSRS players skilling at a bank chest
RS3 boss fight arena with abilities bar
RS3 boss fight arena with abilities bar
Old School RuneScape group doing a quest boss
Old School RuneScape group doing a quest boss

RS3 vs Old School RuneScape (Which to pick?)

RuneScape 3 (RS3)

Modern interface and abilities, evolving story, Skillcape perks, Archaeology, keeps legacy + EoC combat.

Good for: New MMO players who like modern QoL and ability-based combat.

Old School RuneScape (OSRS)

2013 snapshot with community-polled updates. Tick-based combat, nostalgic look, deep economy and PvM.

Good for: Players who want a classic feel and min-maxable skilling/PvM depth.

You can swap versions anytime in the Jagex Launcher, so try both and see which loop you prefer.

Download, Register & Start

Create a Jagex account

Use your main email and enable the Authenticator for security.

Open official page →

Select a world near you

Lower ping = smoother play. Members worlds require membership.

Open official page →

Finish the tutorial

RS3: Tutorial Island + Path System. OSRS: Tutorial Island basics.

Open official page →
Tip: choose a world with low ping and your language/community. Avoid PvP worlds while learning.

Your First 60 Minutes

Enable the Authenticator

Turn on 2FA in your account settings before you invest time or GP.

Do the tutorial fully

It teaches movement, combat, skilling, and banking—don’t rush it.

Unlock lodestones / teleports

RS3: activate lodestones. OSRS: grab a few key teleports early.

Bank and note items

Learn withdraw/deposit, note items for trade runs (where allowed).

Complete 2–3 starter quests

They unlock great QoL and give fast early XP (see below).

Day-1 route (fast & safe)

  1. Finish tutorial; configure camera and keybinds.
  2. Do Cook’s Assistant & Doric’s Quest (quick XP).
  3. Skilling loop: Fish → Cook → Bank (sell later) or Woodcut → Firemake.
  4. Learn a teleport route and unlock lodestones (RS3) or key ports (OSRS).

Starter Quests (Huge Value Early)

Quests are the best early time-to-reward activities—fast XP, teleports, and unlocks.

Leveling Routes (RS3 & OSRS)

RS3: Smooth Start

  • Intro & Interface: Finish tutorial, enable Revolution/Full Manual (your choice), set keybinds.
  • Path System / Yak Track: Follow suggested tasks for structured early progression.
  • Skilling core: Woodcutting → Firemaking → Cooking → Fishing; do lodestones.
  • Combat unlocks: Do early Slayer, learn thresholds and ultimates on dummies.
  • Quest burst: Knock out quick quests for teleports, lamps, and unlocks.
Early GP ideas →

OSRS: Classic Path

  • Tutorial Island → Lumbridge: Bank, set run to toggle, adjust zoom and shift-drop in settings.
  • Skilling triangle: Fishing+Cooking, Woodcutting+Firemaking, Mining+Smithing loops.
  • Combat basics: Train melee on cows/chickens; try ranged or magic as you prefer.
  • Quest XP: Target quests that grant big early XP rewards (see starter list).
  • Movement & safety: Learn safe spots, food use, and avoid PvP worlds for now.
Begin money making →

Early Money (Low Risk)

Gathering basics

Chop logs, mine ore, fish+cook. Bank or sell to players (check prices).

Daily lamps & events (RS3)

Check daily challenges, Treasure Hunter promos for XP/keys.

Quest rewards

Several early quests reward GP, gear, and teleports—efficient and safe.

Crafting runs

Early fletching/crafting can flip a profit depending on market.

Prices change—sell when demand is high. Avoid scams; use the official Grand Exchange and trade windows.

Membership (When & Why)

Members benefits

Huge map expansion, more skills (e.g., Farming, Slayer variety), bosses, and money methods.

When to sub

After 5–10 hours F2P, if you like the loop. Your progress carries over.

Bonds (Membership via GP)

In both games, membership can be bought using in-game currency via Bonds.

Open MMORPG dictionary → Back to MMO guide →

RuneScape FAQ

RS3 vs OSRS — which should I choose?

RS3 has modern abilities/QoL and active storyline; OSRS is the classic, community-polled version with tick-based combat. Try both; your account works in the Launcher.

Is RuneScape free to play?

Yes, both RS3 and OSRS have F2P worlds. Membership unlocks most content. You can buy it with real money or Bonds bought with in-game GP.

Can I solo?

Absolutely. Both games support solo skilling and questing; group PvM and minigames are optional but fun.

What’s the “goal” of RuneScape?

Level skills, complete quests, earn GP, collection log, and tackle bosses or group content. It’s a sandbox—set short goals and build from there.

How do I stay safe?

Enable the Jagex Authenticator, beware of “doublers,” and avoid third-party clients unless officially approved.