OSRS Starter Guide: How to Progress Quickly and Efficiently

Whether you’re stepping into the world of Old School RuneScape (OSRS) for the first time or returning after years away, this guide will walk you through the essentials of becoming a well-rounded player. RuneScape has evolved dramatically since its inception, with OSRS retaining its 2007-era gameplay while still adding new content over the years. In this extensive guide, we’ll cover everything from starting the game, making the best choices for your playstyle, and avoiding common pitfalls. Let’s jump in.

1. OSRS vs RuneScape 3: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve played RuneScape before, you may be confused by the different versions available. The game you remember from years ago has evolved into what is now known as RuneScape 3 (RS3). RS3 features significant updates, including a new combat system and microtransactions, which many players found polarizing. On the other hand, Old School RuneScape (OSRS) was launched in 2013, based on a backup of the game from 2007. OSRS is a nostalgic return to form, focusing on traditional gameplay without microtransactions.

Good news: Even if you have an old RuneScape account, you’ll still start fresh in OSRS. Think of it as a clean slate, free from modern conveniences like advanced combat systems and microtransactions.

2. Leverage the OSRS Wiki for Success

A crucial resource for any new player is the OSRS Wiki. It is an expansive library filled with skill training guides, money-making methods, and general game information. Bookmarking the wiki will save you countless hours of trial and error.

• Skill Training Guides: These help you decide how to efficiently level up your skills based on your current progress, separating methods for free-to-play (F2P) and members.
• Money-Making Methods: Find the best way to earn gold based on your account type, whether it’s through combat or gathering skills like fishing or woodcutting.

3. Download and Use Runelite

Another essential tool for any OSRS player is the Runelite client. This is a community-developed game client packed with plugins that enhance gameplay, from simple quality-of-life improvements to game-changing overlays.

Notable plugins include:

• XP trackers to help you monitor your skill progress.
• Ground item highlighters to ensure you never miss valuable loot.
• 117 HD Plugin: This optional plugin upgrades the game’s graphics, offering a more modern visual experience.

Runelite’s plugins are fully sanctioned by Jagex, so there’s no risk of breaking the rules. As you gain more experience, you’ll discover other plugins that suit your playstyle.

4. Understanding the Rules: Avoid Getting Banned

OSRS is strict when it comes to enforcing its rules. Two of the most common mistakes new players make involve auto-clicking (using third-party software to play for you) and real-world trading (buying gold or items with real money). Both are serious offenses that can result in permanent bans. Stick to playing the game as intended, and you’ll have a much better experience.

5. Ironman Mode: The Ultimate Challenge

When you first create your account, you’ll have the option to play as an Ironman. This mode prevents you from trading with other players, meaning you’ll need to gather all your resources on your own. For an even greater challenge, you can choose Hardcore Ironman, where death demotes you to a regular Ironman. There’s also Ultimate Ironman, which restricts your ability to use the bank, and Group Ironman, where you team up with a group of friends to take on the game’s challenges.

Pro Tip: If you’re entirely new to OSRS, it’s recommended to start with a normal account to learn the ropes. Ironman mode can be rewarding, but it’s more suitable for seasoned players or those looking for a self-sufficient challenge.

6. Master the Grand Exchange (GE)

The Grand Exchange (GE) is where OSRS players conduct their trading. It’s a centralized marketplace where you can buy and sell items, and it’s a massive time-saver. Non-Ironman accounts can use the GE for nearly everything, from purchasing gear upgrades to selling loot for gold.

A 1% tax is levied on every sale, but it’s a minor cost compared to the convenience. Ironmen, however, cannot sell items on the GE—they can only purchase bonds, which we’ll discuss next.

7. Bonds: Membership Without Spending Real Money

A bond is an in-game item that grants 14 days of membership. Bonds can be purchased with either real money or in-game gold. Currently, a bond costs around $8 or 11 million gold.

For players who can’t afford to pay for membership, bonds provide a pathway to maintain access to member content. If you’re willing to grind out 11 million gold in-game, you can buy a bond to sustain membership without spending any real money.

8. Is Membership Worth It?

Absolutely. Membership vastly expands the world of OSRS, unlocking new areas, quests, skills, and much more. It accelerates your progression by offering better money-making methods, more training opportunities, and access to higher-tier content. If you’re serious about playing OSRS, consider getting membership as soon as possible.

If you can’t afford membership right away, it’s possible to start as a free-to-play (F2P) player and grind enough gold to buy your first bond. From there, you can maintain your membership with in-game earnings.

9. Essential Quests to Get You Started

Questing is one of the best ways to progress your account. Completing quests unlocks new areas, training methods, and rewards, often making them more efficient than grinding for XP. Many quests offer experience lamps, which give you large chunks of XP in specific skills, saving you time in training.

To know what quests to prioritize, check out the Optimal Quest Guide on the wiki. It provides a roadmap of the best quests to complete in sequence, ensuring you get the most out of your time. Early on, focus on unlocking key items like the Dragon Scimitar and Ava’s Devices, which are game-changers for combat and ranged training.

10. Money-Making: Earn Your First Bond

If you’re stuck in free-to-play and want to earn your first bond, you’ll need a reliable money-making strategy. The wiki’s money-making section has tons of guides, but common methods include:

• Crafting: Create items like leather bodies or rings and sell them on the GE.
• Woodcutting: Chop trees, particularly yews, and sell the logs.
• Fishing and Cooking: Catching fish like lobsters and selling cooked fish can earn you a steady income.

Once you’ve earned your bond and unlocked membership, you’ll have access to far more lucrative money-making methods, such as herb runs or Slayer tasks.

11. Set Goals to Stay Motivated

Old School RuneScape is a game of long-term progress. To keep things interesting, set both short- and long-term goals for yourself. For instance:

• Short-term goals: Level up skills to unlock better money-makers, gear upgrades, or new training methods.
• Medium-term goals: Complete key quests like Recipe for Disaster for Barrows Gloves, or finish diaries for important rewards.
• Long-term goals: Max out a skill, earn a fire cape, or save up 100 million GP.

12. Getting Involved in the OSRS Community

OSRS isn’t just about the grind—it’s a social game, and playing with others can make your experience far more enjoyable. Consider joining a Discord server or Clan to meet other players. Many YouTubers and streamers have active communities where players share tips, ask questions, and even do group activities like bossing and raids.

Joining a Discord community is a great way to stay motivated, and you might even make some lifelong friends. The OSRS community is known for being welcoming, especially to new players.

OSRS offers a rich and nostalgic experience, full of opportunities for new players to explore, progress, and connect. With this guide, you’re equipped with the tools and knowledge to jump into the game, avoid common mistakes, and start building your RuneScape legacy.