RuneScape is a classic game with a huge world to explore. It’s abundant with various interesting NPC’s, monsters and locations. This big variety, while encourages exploration, can be overwhelming for a new player. That is why we’ve decided to make a short guide for beginners in RuneScape.
RuneScape Basics
The first thing you should know is that RuneScape has a vast and open world and you are not directed towards anything by the game. While there are some restrictions and requirements, they will only come into play later, when you’ll no longer be in need of this guide.
Second, while RuneScape is a F2P game, to access the majority of features you’ll have to purchase a membership, which essentially is a form of subscription. Since the introduction of bonds it is possible to acquire a bond and exchange it for membership time with in-game gold. This means that you can virtually play the game to its fullest without spending a cent.
Third, if you’re a person who likes this freedom and exploration, go ahead, explore. However, keep in mind that you will not be able to keep to a single type of play: you can’t completely avoid crafting, questing or fighting – these three are necessary for full progression of your character. Combat and skilling are quite straightforward: most actions performed or items made grant you experience. Quests also grant various rewards, but they have a plethora of requirements and completion methods.
Combat
Combat in RuneScape is a relatively simple affair. Essentially, kill or be killed. In the first case you get drops, in the second you get dropped. Experience is accumulated on successful hits (there are exceptions, but those are not relevant for a beginner). RuneScape3 and Old School RuneScape combat systems differ in that RS3 has a skill-based combat system which can be turned off at a players leisure. In OSRS melee and ranged combat is click-based, so is magic, however magic requires you to choose a spell. Higher tier weapons for any of the combat styles have special attacks. In both games combat is pretty simple and straightforward.
Skilling
Skilling, like combat is a simple process. Whichever profession or professions you choose to master, you will be required to turn something useless or close to useless into something that can be used or consumed by you or other players. Usually you will, at least at first, need raw materials. For that we have such professions as Woodcutting, Fishing or Mining. These professions mostly require you to have appropriate level and tools. Fletching or Cooking requires materials that can be obtained using gathering professions. New players are recommended to pick at least one of the aforementioned gathering professions, if not all of them. They are also known as the “Big Three” and for a reason: these skills are consistent money makers since the raw materials obtained through them are always in demand. Leveling up skills efficiently is a good way to make money. Click here if you wish to learn about both or either of them.
Questing
Questing is an essential part of the game and probably one of the most interesting ones. Quests in RS vary from simple tasks to engaging quizzes to full blown detectives or epic journeys. There are hundreds of quests and all of them are unique. Questing is one of the strongest features in RS. You will surely remember doing most of them. A new player should look out for quests with low requirements first and only later think about the amazing rewards some of them provide and features they unlock. To make things easier, we will provide a short list of quests that are good for beginners:
Cook’s Assistant – provides Cooking XP, the only requirement is to be able to go places.
Goblin Diplomacy – Crafting XP.
Witch’s Potion – decent amount of Magic XP.
Rune Mysteries – ability to use Runecraft.
The Restless Ghost – Prayer XP and a funny short story.
Imp Catcher – Magic XP.
Waterfall Quest – members only, provides a huge boost in Combat Level.
This is, of course, not an extensive list. You can check the wiki’s of both OSRS and RS3 for a full list of quests.
Trading
Trading in RS can be done mainly in two ways: direct trade offers to players or using the Grand Exchange. Direct trade is done rarely. People mostly trade via the GE, because it is convenient and the price suggestion by the system itself make it a perfect spot for newbies, who could be taken advantage of otherwise. Besides, you can access your bank in the GE, making it a perfect place to trade if you’re aiming to accumulate wealth of draconic proportions.