Old School RuneScape (OSRS) has remained a beloved title for both new players and veterans who enjoy the classic feel of the game. With its retro style and deep gameplay systems, OSRS offers countless activities ranging from questing and skilling to player-versus-player combat and socializing with other adventurers. This guide is designed to help beginners get started while also providing useful tips for those returning to the game after some time away.

 

First Steps in Lumbridge

 

Every new account begins on Tutorial Island, where you’ll learn the basics of movement, combat, and skilling. Once finished, you’ll find yourself in Lumbridge, the hub where most players take their first steps into the world of Gielinor. If you’re unsure of what to do next, the Adventure Paths system is a great place to start. By speaking to Adventurer Jon, located just north of the Lumbridge castle gates, you’ll gain access to structured early-game objectives. Completing these will reward you with useful starter items and provide direction as you learn the game’s systems.

 

Adventure Paths and Steam Achievements

 

Adventure Paths encourage you to hit early milestones in both combat and gathering skills. They serve as mini-guides, giving you short-term goals to work toward as you build your character. If you’re playing through the Steam client, achievements add another layer of objectives. While these are optional, they can guide you toward discovering features and content you might otherwise miss. Even if you’re not on Steam, many of the achievement goals can still act as helpful markers for early progress.

 

Questing in OSRS

 

Quests are one of the most enjoyable aspects of Old School RuneScape. For free-to-play players, over twenty quests are available, each offering unique stories, skill rewards, and access to new areas. Members have access to a much larger quest list, with adventures that take you deep into the lore of Gielinor. Free players can follow the Free-to-Play Optimal Quest Guide, which outlines an efficient order for questing. Members can use the full Optimal Quest Guide to maximize experience and unlocks. Whether you prefer following a structured path or picking quests that sound fun, questing is a core way to progress your character and explore the world.

 

Training Skills

 

After leaving Tutorial Island, you’ll have access to a wide variety of skills. Free players can train fifteen different ones, while members gain access to an additional eight. Skills range from combat-related ones like Strength, Defence, and Magic to gathering and crafting skills such as Fishing, Mining, and Smithing. Each skill can be trained almost indefinitely, with new abilities and activities unlocking as your level increases. Some players focus on maxing their stats, while others specialize in a few key skills to support money-making or combat efficiency. Even if you have limited playtime, working on a skill can be a productive way to spend a short session.

 

Other Activities and Playstyles

 

RuneScape’s open-world nature means there is no single correct way to play. Beyond skills and quests, players enjoy different activities depending on their preferences. Some like roleplaying and dressing their character in unique outfits, while others focus on competitive aspects like minigames or PvP combat. Many players spend their time earning RuneScape gold through various methods, investing in the Grand Exchange to grow their wealth, or working toward achievements like boss kills or rare item drops. If you’re unsure what to do, exploring the world and experimenting with different activities is a great way to find your personal playstyle.

 

Installing and Accessing OSRS

 

Old School RuneScape is available on multiple platforms. On PC, it runs smoothly on both Windows and Mac through the official client. For mobile players, the game can be downloaded on Android via Google Play or on iOS through the App Store. Progression is shared across platforms as long as you log in with the same credentials. However, only one login per account can be active at a time, meaning you cannot play simultaneously on both PC and mobile with the same character.

 

Understanding Gameplay Basics

 

Knowing how the game systems work can make your journey smoother. The world map is invaluable for navigation, while understanding weight and energy mechanics helps manage your run speed. Equipment stats and combat training systems define your effectiveness in battle. If your character dies, items may be lost depending on where you are, so always plan accordingly.

 

Moving Beyond Lumbridge

 

As you grow more familiar with the game, you’ll branch out from Lumbridge into other iconic areas such as Varrock, Falador, and Al Kharid. These cities offer new quests, training spots, and access to the Grand Exchange, the central hub for trading items with other players. Over time, you’ll also encounter random events, official activities like minigames, and even player-organized events. PvP zones, such as the Wilderness, offer high risk but also the chance for high rewards.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Old School RuneScape’s appeal lies in its freedom. Enough OSRS gold to expand your freedom. Whether you’re here for quests, skills, PvP battles, or just socializing with friends, the game offers countless ways to play. Beginners should focus on completing Adventure Paths, experimenting with skills, and working through early quests. Over time, you’ll find the activities that suit you best. With shared progression across PC and mobile, accessible membership, and a welcoming community, OSRS remains one of the most versatile and engaging MMORPGs available today.