Welcome to Old School RuneScape
OSRS is one of the greatest MMOs ever made, but it can be overwhelming for new players. This guide walks you through everything from creating your account to your first meaningful accomplishments.
Step 1: Create Your Account
Visit oldschool.runescape.com and create a free account. You can play F2P content indefinitely or subscribe for members content. Download the official client or RuneLite (runelite.net) for the best experience.
Step 2: Tutorial Island
Follow the tutorial. It teaches basic skills, combat, and interface navigation. Takes about 15 minutes. Pay attention — the basics matter.
Step 3: Your First Hour
- Complete Stronghold of Security in Barbarian Village for 10K GP + boots
- Set a bank PIN immediately at any bank
- Enable Authenticator on your account settings
- Start questing: Cooks Assistant, Sheep Shearer, and Restless Ghost
Step 4: Early Quests (First Day)
These quests give massive free XP:
- Waterfall Quest: 30 Attack + 30 Strength instantly
- Witchs House: Hitpoints XP boost
- Knights Sword: 29 Smithing instantly
- Tree Gnome Village + Grand Tree: Attack XP + teleport unlocks
Step 5: Set Your Goals
OSRS is a sandbox. Common early goals include:
- Recipe for Disaster for Barrows Gloves
- Fire Cape from the Fight Caves
- Full Graceful from Agility training
- First million GP from herb runs or Barrows
Step 6: Install RuneLite
RuneLite is the recommended client. Essential plugins: Quest Helper, Ground Items, Menu Entry Swapper, GPU, and Tile Indicators. See our RuneLite plugins guide for the full list.
Common New Player Mistakes
- Training skills to 99 before questing. Quest first for free XP.
- Ignoring Slayer. Start Slayer early — it is the best skill in the game.
- Not using the Wiki. Type /wiki [anything] in chat for instant information.
- Buying expensive gear at low levels. Focus on unlocks, not gear.
Get a Head Start
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