Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a massively popular, free-to-play MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) developed and published by Jagex. Released in 2013, OSRS is a nostalgic return to the original version of RuneScape, as it existed in 2007, with certain improvements and quality-of-life features that have been added over time based on community feedback. It is a game that combines exploration, combat, crafting, and questing in a massive, open world filled with opportunities for adventure and skill development.

If you're new to OSRS gold, it can be a bit overwhelming at first, given its depth and vastness. This guide will help you navigate the basics, give you some tips on where to start, and explain how to set yourself up for success in your journey across Gielinor—the world of RuneScape.

What is Old School RuneScape?

OSRS is set in the fantasy world of Gielinor, where players can explore different regions, undertake quests, and develop their character in several ways. Unlike modern MMORPGs that are linear or quest-driven, OSRS focuses heavily on player-driven gameplay and sandbox mechanics. The game doesn't tell you exactly what to do—you're free to explore, train skills, and complete quests at your own pace.

The game is divided into two primary aspects:

PvE (Player vs Environment): This includes combat against NPCs (non-player characters), completing quests, and training various skills like fishing, mining, woodcutting, and more.

PvP (Player vs Player): OSRS features a competitive aspect where you can engage with other players in combat, especially in areas like the Wilderness, where you risk losing your items upon death.

Creating Your Character

When you first launch OSRS, you will need to create a player character. Character creation is relatively straightforward and consists of choosing:

Gender: You can select either male or female.

Appearance: The game offers some customization options for your character's look, such as hairstyles and clothing.

Once you've designed your character, you'll be able to start your journey in the world of Gielinor.

Getting Started: The Tutorial Island

The Tutorial Island is where all new players begin their journey. It's a helpful introduction to the game's core mechanics, where you'll learn the basics of combat, item management, and skill training. You'll be guided by NPCs (non-playable characters) who explain essential elements like:

Combat: How to fight with different types of weapons, magic, and ranged attacks.

Skills: How to train different skills such as Woodcutting, Mining, and Fishing.

Questing: How to undertake tasks and quests that will help you progress in the game.

It's important to complete the Tutorial Island thoroughly, as it sets you up with a basic understanding of how to interact with the game and its various mechanics.

The Core of OSRS: Skills and Combat

In Old School RuneScape, your character's power comes from developing skills and combat abilities. There are 23 skills in total, and you can train most of them right from the start. These skills are divided into three main categories:

Combat Skills: These include Attack, Strength, Defense, Ranged, Magic, and Prayer. These skills allow you to fight and defeat enemies, whether you're slaying monsters, taking on bosses, or fighting other players in PvP combat.

Gathering Skills: These skills allow you to collect resources from the environment. Examples include Mining, Fishing, Woodcutting, and Agriculture.

Production Skills: These skills allow you to craft items from resources, such as Smithing, Crafting, Cooking, and Herblore. You can turn raw materials into valuable items or even equipment for combat.

Each of these skills has its own specific methods for training and requires you to dedicate time and effort. As you train, your character will gain experience points (XP) in cheapest OSRS gold each skill, which helps you level up and unlock new abilities and items.