Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is one of the longest-running MMORPGs, with a unique history and a dedicated player base. Whether you’re brand new or returning after years away, getting started can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through the basics of OSRS, from account creation to early training goals, so you can set yourself up for long-term success. Sufficient RuneScape gold will help you prepare better.

 

Creating Your Account and Choosing a Client

 

To play OSRS, you’ll need a Jagex Account. This system provides improved security, two-factor authentication, and the ability to manage multiple characters. You can create one through the official RuneScape website or by downloading the Old School RuneScape app.

 

On PC, you’ll also need a client. The three main options are:

 

Official Client – simple and supported directly by Jagex.

 

HDOS – adds high-definition visuals.

 

RuneLite – the most popular choice, with plugins like Quest Helper that streamline your gameplay.

 

If you’re just starting, RuneLite is highly recommended.

 

The Basics: Tutorial Island

 

Your journey begins on Tutorial Island, where you’ll learn movement, skilling, and combat. OSRS runs on a tick-based system, with game actions processed every 0.6 seconds. Controls are point-and-click, but you can use hotkeys for faster navigation.

 

Once you graduate from Tutorial Island, you’ll land in Lumbridge—the central hub for most beginners. From here, the world is open, and you can pursue any path you choose.

 

Combat Styles and Training

 

OSRS features three main combat styles:

 

Melee – Close-range fighting using swords, scimitars, and heavy armor.

 

Ranged – Bows, crossbows, darts, and throwing knives for distance fighting.

 

Magic – Offensive spells, teleportation, and utility abilities.

 

Combat is influenced by RNG (random number generation). Your accuracy and damage depend on your stats, gear, and enemy defenses. Higher-level bosses often require swapping prayers, dodging attacks, and switching combat styles on the fly.

 

Training Tips

 

Melee: Scimitars are ideal early weapons. Train with the best metal armor you can equip, and aim for quests like Waterfall Quest to quickly boost Attack and Strength.

 

Ranged: Free-to-play players can use bows and arrows; members unlock faster options like darts and knives. Start with leather armor, then move to dragonhide.

 

Magic: Fire Strike is a reliable early spell. Members gain access to a wider variety of training options, including teleportation and alchemy.

 

Beginner Training Spots

 

For free-to-play players:

 

Levels 1–20: Cows near Lumbridge—good XP and valuable hides.

 

Levels 20–30: Frogs in Lumbridge Swamp—higher health, steady combat training.

 

Levels 30–50: Flesh Crawlers in the Stronghold of Security—aggressive monsters, minimal effort.

 

Levels 50+: Ogress Warriors—excellent money-making with rune drops.

 

For members:

 

Early Game: Rock Crabs (Rellekka) and Sand Crabs (Zeah) are efficient, low-effort training spots up to around level 70.

 

Mid Game: Transition to Slayer tasks for profit and combat XP.

 

Quests: The Foundation of Progression

 

Quests aren’t just storylines—they unlock powerful items, training methods, and shortcuts. For example:

 

Waterfall Quest – Boosts Attack and Strength to level 30 instantly.

 

Druidic Ritual – Unlocks Herblore.

 

Rune Mysteries – Unlocks Runecrafting.

 

Many players follow an optimal quest order guide, saving hours of grinding. Completing Recipe for Disaster for the powerful Barrows Gloves is one of the biggest early-to-mid game milestones.

 

Skills and Skilling

 

OSRS features 23 skills, with level 99 as the cap. Skills range from combat-focused (Attack, Strength, Magic) to gathering (Fishing, Mining, Woodcutting) and production (Smithing, Herblore, Fletching).

 

Free-to-play players have access to a limited set of skills, while members unlock advanced ones like Slayer, Farming, Agility, and Construction.

 

Fishing & Cooking: Great for food and steady AFK training.

 

Woodcutting & Firemaking: Simple but slow, with unique minigames like Wintertodt for faster training.

 

Slayer: Assigns monster tasks, combining combat training with profits.

 

Construction: Expensive but unlocks a Player-Owned House with teleports, altars, and utilities.

 

Each skill contributes to your progression, and many unlock new money-making methods.

 

Making Money Early

 

Money is critical for gear, food, and travel. Some reliable beginner methods include:

 

Herb Runs (members) – Consistently profitable once you unlock patches.

 

Thieving – Up to 15M OSRS GP on the way to 99, plus early starter cash.

 

Crafting Jewelry – Profitable at lower levels, especially for Ironmen.

 

Combat Drops – Farming Ogress Warriors or Slayer monsters can yield valuable loot.

 

The OSRS Wiki and YouTube creators like Slayermusiq provide detailed money-making guides suited for every stage of the game.

 

Setting Goals

 

RuneScape is a sandbox. There’s no single “right” path, so setting your own goals is important. You might aim for:

 

Achieving level 99 in a favorite skill.

 

Unlocking Barrows Gloves or a Fire Cape.

 

Completing achievement diaries for powerful rewards.

 

Tackling bosses like Barrows, Zulrah, or eventually raids.

 

Reaching the endgame means high-level PvM (player versus monster) challenges, raids, and elite diaries. Players who max out even one skill (13M XP) or chase the ultimate 200M XP in all 23 skills join an elite group of RuneScape legends.

 

Final Thoughts

 

OSRS can be overwhelming at first, but it rewards patience and planning. Start small—train your combat, complete essential quests, and set achievable goals. Use community resources like RuneLite plugins, the OSRS Wiki, and quest guides to smooth your journey.

 

Whether you’re here for the grind, the economy, or epic boss battles, Old School RuneScape offers endless possibilities. Your adventure is what you make of it.