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Old School RuneScape

Old School RuneScape is a massive but compelling time sink, and even after all these years, there's simply nothing else like it.
Old School RuneScape Game Cover
81%Game Brain Score
Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics
Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, monetization
82% User Score Based on 16,719 reviews
Critic Score 77%Based on 1 reviews

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Old School RuneScape Game Cover

About Old School RuneScape

Old School RuneScape is a single player and multiplayer open world role playing game with a fantasy theme. It was developed by Jagex Ltd and was released on February 24, 2021. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and positive reviews from players.

Open world fantasy mmorpg. Retro sandbox RPG with epic quests, PVE & PVP battles

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Old School RuneScape screenshot
Old School RuneScape screenshot
Old School RuneScape screenshot
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Old School RuneScape screenshot
Old School RuneScape screenshot
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Reviews

82%Audience ScoreBased on 16,719 reviews
story214 positive mentions
grinding703 negative mentions
  • The storytelling and quest design in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) are highly praised for their depth, creativity, and humor, providing a rich lore experience that enhances gameplay.
  • The game offers a nostalgic charm with addictive gameplay, a vibrant community, and a vast array of content, making it a must-play for MMORPG enthusiasts.
  • Character development is highly granular, allowing for personalized progression and a virtually limitless array of choices, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
  • A significant portion of the game's content is locked behind a membership paywall, which frustrates players seeking access to the full narrative experience.
  • The official client, particularly on Steam, suffers from performance issues, bugs, and crashes, leading many players to seek alternatives like third-party clients.
  • The game's monetization practices have drawn criticism, with concerns over recent price hikes and potential predatory practices that could compromise the player experience.

  • story

    953 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    22% positive mentions, 75% neutral mentions, 3% negative mentions

    The story aspect of Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is highly praised for its depth and creativity, with players noting that quests are engaging, well-written, and often humorous, setting them apart from typical fetch quests found in other MMORPGs. Many quests feature intricate storylines that interconnect, providing a rich lore experience that enhances gameplay and encourages exploration. However, a significant portion of the game's content, including many quests, is locked behind a membership paywall, which some players find frustrating, as it limits access to the full narrative experience.

    • “The quests in this game are charming and fun.”
    • “The storytelling is fantastic and if you ever played a 90s point-and-click adventure game, you will feel some nostalgia even if you have never played runescape (rs) before.”
    • “The quests are well-written stories.”
    • “Don't waste 100 dollars a year on this crap when you're locked out of story content because you are forced to rely on a complete stranger to complete story content.”
    • “The quests that I did finish gave me almost nothing in return, discouraging me even more.”
    • “The game retains much of what made the early runescape experience so captivating: a vast world to explore, challenging quests to undertake, and a community that values camaraderie.”

  • grinding

    709 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    0% positive mentions, 1% neutral mentions, 99% negative mentions

    The grinding aspect of Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a defining feature, with players often describing it as both incredibly tedious and rewarding. Many reviews highlight the extensive time investment required to level up skills and obtain gear, with some players finding the grind addictive and satisfying, while others view it as a significant drawback that can lead to burnout. Overall, the game appeals to those who enjoy long-term progression and the sense of achievement that comes from grinding, but it may not be suitable for players who prefer a more action-oriented or less repetitive experience.

    • “I've played a month now, 1400+ total level, 250 qp+, I really enjoy this and making progress in the main game is not too tedious if you put in the time.”
    • “Good game, not that grindy and not at all addicting.”
    • “In RuneScape, you're not grinding; the grind is youing.”
    • “To become absolutely anything in this game, you must spend sickening amounts of time grinding, clicking on virtual rocks, trees, and places on the map. Just search how much time it physically takes to get 99s (the highest level in any skill) in the game.”
    • “The grind-heavy gameplay that once felt rewarding now often comes across as tedious and repetitive.”
    • “The stat grinding to be able to grind another stat so you can grind the thing you want to grind in an unengaging point-and-click system is a true waste of time.”

  • graphics

    581 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    18% positive mentions, 72% neutral mentions, 10% negative mentions

    The graphics of Old School RuneScape (OSRS) are widely described as dated and simplistic, reflecting its origins from the early 2000s. While some players find the low-poly, retro aesthetic charming and nostalgic, others view it as a significant drawback that detracts from the overall experience. Despite the graphical limitations, many reviews emphasize that the game's depth, engaging gameplay, and community interactions more than compensate for its visual shortcomings.

    • “The graphics, while simple looking, consistently manage to land the atmosphere.”
    • “The graphics may be retro, but they carry a unique charm that immediately transports you to a realm filled with endless possibilities.”
    • “The graphics are old but charming and set it apart from anything else out there!”
    • “The game's graphics, while charming to some, feel crude and dated, lacking the polish and immersion many players expect.”
    • “The graphics look like a scuffed mobile game from 2007, the gameplay is repetitive and all the same thing day in and day out, and the community is terrible.”
    • “The graphics suck, the music sucks, the combat is boring and the sky is black.”

  • gameplay

    453 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    21% positive mentions, 76% neutral mentions, 3% negative mentions

    The gameplay of Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is characterized by its nostalgic charm, simple mechanics, and deep complexity, appealing to both new and veteran players. While many appreciate the grind-heavy nature and extensive content, some criticize the repetitive gameplay and outdated graphics, noting that it can feel tedious over time. Overall, OSRS offers a unique blend of casual and intensive gameplay experiences, supported by a dedicated community and regular updates, making it a must-try for MMORPG enthusiasts.

    • “Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate players with its nostalgic charm and immersive gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay is incredibly addictive, with a wide range of skills to master, quests to complete, and monsters to conquer.”
    • “With its addictive gameplay, vibrant community, and timeless charm, OSRS is a must-play for any MMORPG fan.”
    • “The gameplay is also heavily reliant on the grind and simply spending exorbitant amounts of time leveling up skills, more so than your typical MMO.”
    • “The core gameplay loop, if you still remember it, is still fairly intact.”
    • “The gameplay itself is fairly boring, but it's more like an idle game that you progress on over a decade.”

  • monetization

    395 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    4% positive mentions, 23% neutral mentions, 73% negative mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has drawn significant criticism from players, who express concerns over recent price hikes in membership fees, the potential introduction of in-game advertisements, and the implementation of tiered subscription models that could restrict access to essential features. Many players feel that these changes reflect a shift towards predatory monetization practices reminiscent of past failures in the franchise, leading to fears that the game may become a cash grab rather than a player-focused experience. Overall, the community is largely opposed to any form of monetization that compromises the integrity and enjoyment of the game.

    • “Really fun! It's a game that doesn't force a million microtransactions in your face.”
    • “Currently, there are no predatory monetization schemes in the game.”
    • “I'm impressed with how an MMO such as Old School RuneScape can exist in today's day and age without being bogged down by microtransactions, apart from bonds which can be exchanged for subscription time and allow the game's main currency known as gold pieces to be bought with real-world money.”
    • “Monetization and quality-of-life features add another layer of frustration.”
    • “The proposed membership changes and the addition of ads are tone deaf.”
    • “Poor monetization options made by the developers will kill this game, and Jagex has never gone back and undone monetization decisions in the history of running this company.”

  • music

    254 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    43% positive mentions, 55% neutral mentions, 2% negative mentions

    The music in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is widely praised for its nostalgic charm and catchy melodies, with many players highlighting the iconic soundtrack as one of the game's standout features. The diverse range of over 600 tracks enhances the immersive experience, creating a unique atmosphere for each area and evoking fond memories for long-time fans. While some players appreciate the retro MIDI style, others find it dated, yet the overall sentiment is that the music significantly contributes to the game's enduring appeal.

    • “The music is catchy.”
    • “The soundtrack is iconic and really good.”
    • “From the iconic chime of leveling up to the timeless soundtracks, OSRS wraps its players in a warm blanket of nostalgia and challenge.”
    • “The graphics suck, the music sucks, the combat is boring and the sky is black.”
    • “If you ever need a game to fall asleep to (if that is a thing you need), this game's soundtrack will lull you to a coma in no time!”
    • “While the graphics and music do have that old school charm, some might find them dated and unappealing.”

  • humor

    141 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    99% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 1% negative mentions

    The humor in the game is widely praised, with players highlighting its witty dialogue, clever quest writing, and a charming blend of British humor. Many quests are described as hilarious, often featuring unique and engaging storylines that keep players entertained. Overall, the game's comedic elements contribute significantly to its appeal, making it a memorable experience for both new and returning players.

    • “But here it's actually fun reading through the conversations; the game has a lot of humor and some quests really make you chuckle as some of it is pure comedy.”
    • “The quests are humorous and unique; they don't fit into an average 'fetch/kill quest' mold of other MMOs.”
    • “The humor and storytelling in them is 10/10 honestly, and if I could freely replay all of them one day, I wouldn't think about it twice.”
    • “Over and over is not funny!”
    • “Sorry for bad, outdated, not funny jokes, puns, and references.”

  • emotional

    37 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    100% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 0% negative mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is deeply felt among players, with many expressing nostalgia and heartfelt connections to their experiences, such as completing significant quests or sharing moments with the community. While some lament recent changes that feel like a betrayal of the game's roots, others celebrate the wholesome and supportive nature of the player base, highlighting both the joy and heartbreak that come with the game's challenges. Overall, the emotional impact ranges from joyous nostalgia to profound disappointment, reflecting a complex relationship with the game's evolution and community.

    • “The road to completing Dragon Slayer was probably the most emotional one for me.”
    • “I cried when the menu music started.”
    • “When I finally completed my first 99, I cried tears of happiness because it was always a childhood dream.”

  • optimization

    26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    12% positive mentions, 76% neutral mentions, 12% negative mentions

    Overall, the optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players expressing frustration over the official client’s performance issues, particularly on Steam, where it suffers from bugs and high CPU usage. In contrast, third-party clients like Runelite are praised for their superior performance and smoother gameplay. While some players appreciate the nostalgic feel of the game with minor optimizations, there is a strong demand for better support and updates, especially for Mac users.

    • “Performance or gameplay surpasses the passing mark and stands out from the average.”
    • “Great! I did not think I could get so obsessed over an online game, and above all, this is the first 3D online game that runs smoothly on my potato PC and uses extremely little data, so I don't need to worry about checking my balance.”
    • “It's everything it was back in the day, but with performance improvements and polish.”
    • “I hate to have to say this, since overall the game is decent, but because we're on Steam, the fact of the matter is that the Steam client for OSRS is garbage on both accounts, features and performance.”
    • “Performance-wise, both the Steam client and the vanilla Java client run roughly the same, but once again the Steam client loses here due to the bugs and glitches, which for me personally have been various graphical glitches like trees grown in farming patches not fully rendering from the edges, as well as my CPU usage skyrocketing from ~15% to 80-85% at highly populated places (which in the Java client would still remain at 10-15% usage).”
    • “Game client is same vanilla, not optimized at all or with Steam at this point.”

  • stability

    25 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    28% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 72% negative mentions

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting frequent crashes and freezes, particularly on the official client and Steam version. While some users have noted that the game runs well on modern hardware and alternative clients like RuneLite, others have expressed frustration over persistent bugs and glitches that disrupt gameplay. Overall, the game's stability issues seem to detract from the experience, leading to a significant number of players seeking alternatives.

    • “Thanks to the passionate Jagex team and its incredibly active community, OSRS has grown into something much greater than a nostalgic relic; it's an updated variation that still runs great on modern hardware.”
    • “It runs great on my Mac; I'm only a bit disappointed that I didn't discover this game earlier.”
    • “I played this game for most of my childhood, and the Steam version runs great!”
    • “Every time I kill a monster, the game freezes and closes itself on the official client. This has happened many, many times, so I have to use RuneLite. So forget the official client and the HD renderer coming too.”
    • “Can't get past the play button; I click it and the client freezes. I've been playing for years and now it just refuses to work. I have to either force restart my PC or use Task Manager to force it to close. Anyone know what's going on?”
    • “The game is also filled with bugs and glitches, which can be extremely frustrating for players.”

  • atmosphere

    24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    54% positive mentions, 33% neutral mentions, 13% negative mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and captivating environment, enhanced by unique music that gives each area its own identity. Players appreciate the rich content, charming graphics, and nostalgic elements that contribute to a vibrant community, despite some concerns about negative player interactions and company decisions affecting the overall experience. Overall, the game successfully creates a compelling atmosphere that keeps players engaged and returning for more.

    • “The atmosphere is brilliant, and the graphics grew on me very quickly.”
    • “Lovely atmosphere, rich in content, vibrant in community.”
    • “This game brings back a nostalgic memory for a lot of us, and I am happy I have the opportunity to play the game now, not because it's exactly as I remember, but because it has maintained the atmosphere I remember from childhood.”
    • “I highly suggest changing the music type to classical in the options, as each area will have a unique music piece that plays, adding to each small region's identity and atmosphere instead of cycling through multiple tracks of music randomly.”
    • “This game has a sense of atmosphere that makes you want to keep playing.”
    • “I went into this and found that I was mesmerized by the atmosphere and got sucked in too deep.”

  • replayability

    16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    25% positive mentions, 56% neutral mentions, 19% negative mentions

    The game is praised for its exceptional replayability, offering a vast array of content including bossing, skilling, and mini-games that cater to various playstyles. Players appreciate the depth and customization options, such as specialized account builds, which significantly enhance the gameplay experience and provide thousands of hours of content. Overall, it is regarded as one of the best MMOs for its longevity and addictive nature.

    • “This game is addicting, very replayable, and overall, the best MMO ever.”
    • “With a humongous volume of content, from bossing, skilling to questing and mini-games, this game is one of the ultimate MMOs and typifies the replayability of gaming.”
    • “Insane amount of content with an absurd amount of replay value.”
    • “All in all, while playing as a general main provides thousands of hours of content, the game also has a lot of replayability with specialized account builds and modes that can drastically alter the gameplay experience.”

  • character development

    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    50% positive mentions, 50% neutral mentions, 0% negative mentions

    Character development is highly praised for its depth and granularity, allowing players to advance and unlock game content through a virtually limitless array of choices. This flexibility enhances the overall gameplay experience, making character progression feel personalized and engaging.

    • “Character development is extremely granular, and you can choose to advance and unlock more of the game in essentially an infinite number of ways.”
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Critic Reviews

77%Critics’ scoreBased on 1 critic reviews
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Play Times

135h Median play time
1302h Average play time
9-2000h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 93 analyzed playthroughs
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Game News

Humanity's best friend is coming to Old School RuneScape, and seeing a low-poly shiba has me temporally disoriented

September 8 on rockpapershotgun.com

Old School RuneScape makes sure you're not feeling ruff with the inclusion of dogs in latest update

September 8 on pocketgamer.com

8-year Old School RuneScape saga comes to a close with former dev sentenced for stealing $400K in gold and items from players

September 5 on pcgamer.com

Former Old School Runescape dev sentenced for stealing from players to cash in over $400,000 in "black market" payouts

September 5 on pcgamesn.com

Court sentences disgraced Old School RuneScape dev who stole players' gold and "banked more than £364,829 in cash"

September 4 on gamesradar.com

Old School RuneScape began when a dev 'found the 2007 server in their desk drawer:' 13 years later, it's setting subscriber records for the long-lived MMO

August 14 on pcgamer.com

In a fascinating use of free will, Old School RuneScape player spent 4,304 hours catching catching 275,196 shrimp and 257,064 anchovies to max out his fishing skill in the worst way possible

August 11 on pcgamer.com

Old School RuneScape player hits 99 fishing by just catching shrimp and anchovies. Jagex approves

August 11 on pcgamesn.com
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Frequently Asked Questions

Old School RuneScape is a open world role playing game with fantasy theme. Common tags for Old School RuneScape include trading, exploration, nostalgia, third person, soundtrack and others.

Old School RuneScape is available on PC, Mac OS, Phone, iPad and others.

On average players spend around 1302 hours playing Old School RuneScape.

Old School RuneScape was released on February 24, 2021.

Old School RuneScape was developed by Jagex Ltd.

Old School RuneScape has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked Old School RuneScape for its story but disliked it for its grinding.

Old School RuneScape is a single player game with multiplayer support.