Hey guys! So you're diving into the world of Old School RuneScape (OSRS) or maybe dusting off your account for a fresh start? Awesome! OSRS is a fantastic MMORPG that blends nostalgia with engaging gameplay. But let's be real, it can be a bit overwhelming, especially with its vast content and old-school mechanics. This guide is designed to give you a solid foundation, whether you're a complete newbie or a returning veteran. We'll cover everything from account creation to early-game strategies and beyond, ensuring you're well-equipped to make the most of your OSRS journey. So, grab your rune scimitar (or bronze dagger, if you're just starting!), and let's get started.

Account Creation and Initial Setup

Alright, first things first: creating your account. Head over to the official Old School RuneScape website and follow the prompts to register. Choose a username you like – remember, you'll be seeing it a lot! Once you're in, you'll be prompted to complete the tutorial on Tutorial Island. Don't skip this! It's a crucial introduction to the game's basic mechanics, including movement, combat, and interacting with the environment. The tutorial also provides essential starter gear and skills, giving you a small but significant head start. Pay attention to the instructors; they'll guide you through tasks like cooking, woodcutting, and combat. Completing Tutorial Island sets you up perfectly for your adventures in Gielinor. Moreover, use this time to familiarize yourself with the interface. Understand where your inventory, equipment, prayer book, and spellbook are located. Knowing the UI will save you precious time later on. After you are done with tutorial island set your goals to what skills you want to train or quest that you want to do.

Early-Game Questing and Skill Training

Early-game questing in OSRS is incredibly important for accelerating your progress. Quests provide substantial experience rewards, often far exceeding what you'd gain from grinding skills alone. Focus on quests that offer significant XP boosts in essential skills like Attack, Strength, Defence, and Prayer. "Waterfall Quest," "The Grand Tree," and "Fight Arena" are excellent choices for melee training, providing massive XP rewards that can catapult you to respectable levels early on. Similarly, quests like "Cook's Assistant" and "Sheep Shearer" are quick and easy ways to level up Cooking and Crafting. Completing these quests not only saves you time but also unlocks new areas, items, and content that would otherwise be inaccessible. When it comes to skill training, consider a balanced approach. While it's tempting to focus solely on combat, diversifying your skills opens up more opportunities and makes your character more versatile. Woodcutting, Fishing, and Mining are all valuable skills that can provide resources for crafting, fletching, and smithing. These skills also offer alternative methods for generating income, which is crucial for purchasing gear and supplies. Set small, achievable goals for each skill to stay motivated. For example, aim to reach level 30 in Woodcutting to unlock better trees, or level 40 in Fishing to access more profitable fishing spots. Breaking down your training into manageable chunks makes the process less daunting and more enjoyable.

Combat Training: Melee, Ranged, and Magic

Okay, let's talk combat. In OSRS, you've got three main styles: melee, ranged, and magic. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and choosing the right one depends on your play style and the enemies you're facing. Melee is up-close and personal, focusing on strength and defense. It's generally the easiest to start with, as melee weapons and armor are relatively affordable. Good early-game training spots include cows, chickens, and goblins. As you level up, move on to tougher opponents like Hill Giants for better XP and the chance to obtain valuable drops like Big Bones and Limpwurt Roots. Ranged allows you to attack from a distance, which can be a huge advantage against certain monsters. However, ranged weapons and ammunition can be more expensive than melee gear. Start by training on chickens or cows using a shortbow and bronze arrows. As you progress, consider upgrading to a better bow and ammunition, and try training on Rock Crabs or Sand Crabs for efficient XP. Magic is the most versatile combat style, offering a wide range of spells for attacking, teleporting, and utility. However, magic requires runes, which can be costly, and it can be slow to train at lower levels. Begin by completing quests that provide magic XP, such as "Witch's House" and "Imp Catcher." Then, train your magic by casting combat spells like Wind Strike or Water Strike on low-level monsters. As you level up, explore more powerful spells like Fire Strike and eventually, high-level spells like the God Spells or Burst/Barrage spells. Remember to always consider your gear when training combat. Wearing appropriate armor and using the right weapon can significantly impact your damage output and survivability. Experiment with different combat styles and find the one that suits you best. Don't be afraid to switch it up depending on the situation!

Making Money: Simple and Effective Methods

Alright, let's talk about everyone's favorite topic: making MONEY! In OSRS, having a steady income is essential for buying gear, supplies, and training skills. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple and effective methods for making money, even in the early game. Collecting cowhides is a classic method for beginners. Cows are easy to kill, and their hides can be sold for a decent price at the Grand Exchange. Simply kill cows, collect their hides, and sell them in bulk. This method is low-risk and requires minimal equipment. Mining ores is another reliable way to make money. Start by mining copper and tin, which can be smelted into bronze bars and sold for profit. As you level up your Mining skill, move on to mining iron, coal, and eventually, more valuable ores like gold and adamantite. Mining can be a bit monotonous, but it's a consistent source of income. Fishing is a relaxing and profitable skill to train. Start by fishing shrimp and anchovies, which can be sold to vendors or other players. As you level up, you can fish more valuable species like salmon, tuna, and lobsters. Fishing is a great way to make money while also training a useful skill. Completing clue scrolls can also be a lucrative activity, especially if you're lucky enough to receive valuable rewards. Clue scrolls are obtained randomly while training skills or killing monsters. They require you to solve puzzles and complete tasks in exchange for a chance to receive rare and valuable items. These are just a few examples of the many ways to make money in OSRS. Experiment with different methods and find the ones that work best for you. Remember, consistency is key. The more time and effort you put into making money, the faster you'll be able to achieve your goals.

Essential Items and Gear to Acquire

Okay, let’s talk about essential items and gear you should be aiming for in the early to mid-game. Equipping yourself properly can make a HUGE difference in your training efficiency and overall survivability. For melee combat, focus on obtaining a rune scimitar as soon as possible. It’s a relatively cheap and powerful weapon that will carry you through a significant portion of the game. Pair it with a dragonhide shield for added defense. For armor, aim for full rune armor, which provides a good balance of protection and affordability. Consider completing the quests that reward you with armor pieces, such as the “Dragon Slayer” quest for a rune platebody. For ranged combat, a magic shortbow is an excellent choice for its speed and accuracy. Use it with rune arrows for optimal damage output. For armor, go for green dragonhide armor, which offers good ranged defense and is relatively cheap to acquire. If you're focusing on magic, equip yourself with mystic robes for their magic damage and accuracy bonuses. A staff of air is a good starting weapon, as it provides unlimited air runes, saving you money. Later on, upgrade to a better staff like the ancient staff or the mud staff for increased magic damage. In addition to combat gear, there are several essential items that every player should have. Amulets of glory are invaluable for their teleportation abilities, allowing you to quickly travel to key locations. Rings of wealth increase your chances of receiving rare drops from monsters. And of course, always carry a supply of food and potions to heal yourself and boost your stats during combat. Remember, gear progression is an ongoing process in OSRS. Always be on the lookout for upgrades and don't be afraid to invest in better equipment as you accumulate wealth. Having the right gear can make all the difference in your OSRS journey.

Joining a Clan and Community Engagement

Joining a clan in OSRS can significantly enhance your gaming experience. A clan provides a sense of community, offering opportunities to socialize, collaborate, and learn from experienced players. Clans often organize events such as bossing trips, skill training sessions, and PvP battles. Participating in these events can be a fun and rewarding way to improve your skills and make new friends. When choosing a clan, consider your interests and play style. Some clans focus on PvM (Player vs. Monster), while others are more oriented towards PvP (Player vs. Player) or skilling. Look for a clan that aligns with your goals and offers a supportive and welcoming environment. Don't be afraid to try out different clans until you find one that feels like a good fit. Engaging with the OSRS community extends beyond joining a clan. There are numerous online forums, social media groups, and streaming platforms where you can connect with other players, share tips and strategies, and stay up-to-date on the latest game news and updates. The official OSRS forums are a great place to ask questions, participate in discussions, and provide feedback to the developers. Reddit's r/2007scape is another popular online community where you can find helpful guides, memes, and discussions. Watching OSRS streamers on platforms like Twitch and YouTube can be a great way to learn from experienced players and stay entertained. Many streamers offer valuable insights into the game and provide live commentary on their gameplay. By actively engaging with the OSRS community, you can expand your knowledge, improve your skills, and make lasting connections with fellow players.

Setting Goals and Staying Motivated

Finally, let's talk about setting goals and staying motivated. OSRS is a game that requires patience, dedication, and a long-term mindset. It's easy to get discouraged when you're grinding for hours without seeing immediate progress. That's why it's important to set realistic goals and celebrate your achievements along the way. Start by setting small, achievable goals, such as reaching a certain level in a skill or completing a specific quest. As you progress, gradually increase the difficulty of your goals. For example, you might aim to defeat a challenging boss, acquire a rare item, or complete a difficult achievement diary task. Breaking down your long-term goals into smaller, more manageable steps can make the overall process seem less daunting. It's also important to reward yourself for your accomplishments. Treat yourself to a new piece of gear, take a break to do something fun, or simply acknowledge your progress and pat yourself on the back. Staying motivated in OSRS requires finding ways to keep the game fresh and engaging. Experiment with different activities, try new skills, and challenge yourself to learn new strategies. Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try something you've never done before. Variety is the spice of life, and it can help prevent burnout and keep you coming back for more. Remember, OSRS is a game that's meant to be enjoyed. Don't get too caught up in the grind and forget to have fun. Set goals that are challenging but also achievable, and celebrate your successes along the way. With a positive attitude and a clear sense of direction, you'll be well on your way to achieving your OSRS dreams.