Complete OSRS Starter Guide for New Players

Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by Jagex. Released in 2013, it is a nostalgic return to the original version of RuneScape, offering players a more classic, grind-heavy experience compared to modern MMOs. While the game's mechanics and world have largely remained unchanged, OSRS remains one of the most popular and enduring games of its kind, with a thriving community and regular updates.

For new players, OSRS can seem overwhelming at first. With its complex world, countless skills, quests, and combat mechanics, it can be a bit much to take in. This guide will walk you through the essential information, tips, and strategies you need to know to get started in OSRS, making your entry into the game as smooth as possible.

1. Understanding OSRS Basics

Before diving into gameplay, it's important to familiarize yourself with some of the core mechanics of OSRS.

Combat

Combat in OSRS is based on a system of Attack, Strength, Defence, Hitpoints, and Prayer. Each combat style (melee, ranged, magic) uses different skills and gear. As a new player, you'll spend a lot of time training your combat skills to take on NPC enemies, participate in PvP (player versus player) combat, or complete quests.

Melee: Uses a weapon like swords, maces, or axes and requires high Attack and Strength stats.

Ranged: Involves using bows and crossbows to attack from a distance, with a focus on Ranged and Hitpoints.

Magic: Involves casting spells with runes and requires the Magic stat to unlock stronger spells.

Prayer: A vital skill that provides buffs and healing in combat. It is often used to enhance other combat stats.

Skilling

OSRS also features skills that are not combat-related but are essential to progressing in the game. These include skills like Woodcutting, Fishing, Mining, Smithing, and Crafting, which players use to gather resources, make items, or complete certain quests.

Your journey will see you constantly working to level up these skills, as higher levels open up new ways to earn OSRS gold and gain more experience.

Quests

Quests are a core part of OSRS gameplay. They not only provide engaging storylines and world-building but also reward you with experience, items, and sometimes even unlock new areas or abilities. Completing quests is one of the best ways to progress in OSRS, especially for newer players who are looking for an easy, structured path to leveling up.

2. Getting Started: Creating Your Character

Once you create your account and log in, you will be greeted with the character creation screen. Here, you can customize your character's appearance, such as hair, skin tone, and clothing. However, appearance has no impact on gameplay, so feel free to create a character that suits your aesthetic preferences.

3. The First Steps: Tutorial Island and Initial Skills

After creating your character, you'll begin on Tutorial Island, which is the game's introduction for new players. The tutorial will walk you through basic mechanics like moving, attacking, and interacting with NPCs.

While on Tutorial Island, be sure to take your time and understand the basics. You'll be introduced to some skills like Woodcutting, Fishing, and Mining. These are essential to your journey and will serve as a foundation for later activities.

After completing the tutorial, you will arrive in the main OSRS world, Lumbridge. It's the central hub for most early-game activities and quests.

4. Exploring the World: Locations, Travel, and Communication

Once you're done with the tutorial, the game world opens up. The OSRS world is vast, with several different regions and cities that you can explore. The primary cities for new players are Lumbridge, Varrock, Falador, and Port Sarim.

Lumbridge: The starting point and home to many early-game quests.

Varrock: The largest city in OSRS, home to a variety of shops, quests, and training opportunities.

Falador: Known for its White Knights and proximity to Minigames and various skill training areas.

Port Sarim: A port town that serves as a major transport hub to other parts of the world.

You'll use Teleportation spells, Boats, and Hot Air Balloons to travel across the world. These methods help you save time when completing quests or training skills.

As you explore, you'll also encounter NPCs (non-player characters), who will provide you with tasks, quests, and information. Many quests have requirements, such as a certain level in a skill, so it's important to continuously train your skills.

Communication

You can interact with other players using the chat box. There are several types of chat, including public chat, trade chat, and clan chat. Trade chat is essential for buying and selling items with other players, while clan chat allows you to interact with members of your clan if you decide to join one.

5. Skill Training Tips for New Players

Training your skills is essential in OSRS, and there are several ways to improve them effectively.

Start with the basics: For new players, start training essential skills such as Attack, Strength, Defence, Woodcutting, and Mining. These skills form the foundation for most activities in the game.

Focus on quests: Many quests will reward you with experience, and some give access to better training spots or powerful items. Completing these quests is a great way to level up quickly.

Use lamps and experience books: Some quests and activities reward you with Experience Lamps and books, which give you experience in a selected skill. Make sure to use these on high-priority skills.

Train efficiently: Some skills have more efficient methods than others. For instance, Fishing and Cooking are often best trained by fishing Salmon or Trout at Barbarian Village and then cooking them at nearby fires.

6. Combat Training and PVM (Player vs. Monster)

One of the core aspects of OSRS is PVM (Player versus Monster) combat. You'll be spending a lot of time fighting various monsters across the world to train your combat skills and gather resources.

Start with chickens and cows: These low-level monsters are perfect for starting out, as they drop useful items like bones, feathers, and cowhides.

Focus on basic gear: Early in the game, it's crucial to focus on upgrading your gear. Start with bronze, iron, or steel gear, and gradually work towards better armor, such as rune or dragon.

PVM drops: Many monsters drop valuable items, such as coins, runes, and rare drops. Learning the drop tables for different creatures will help you decide where to focus your efforts.

7. Money Making in OSRS

Making money (often called GP, or gold pieces) is crucial for your progression. Here are a few ways to make money early on:

Pickpocketing: Once you have unlocked the Thieving skill, you can start pickpocketing NPCs.

Fishing and Cooking: Fish for salmon, trout, and lobsters, then cook them to sell for a profit.

Mining and Smithing: Mine ores like copper, tin, and iron, and then smelt them into bars. Sell these items or use them to train Smithing.

If you want to get gold more easily, you can also choose to buy cheap RS gold on rsorder.

Conclusion

Old School RuneScape offers a vast world filled with adventure, quests, and challenges. For new players, the game can seem like a massive and complex experience, but by focusing on the basics-training combat and skills, completing quests, and learning how to make money-you can gradually become a powerful and wealthy player in Gielinor. The key is to take your time, explore, and enjoy the journey.

Happy adventuring, and may your journey in Old School RuneScape be a prosperous one!