Back in the early 00s, Runescape’s revolutionary browser-based design created a way for legions of fans to get started in the world of swords and sorcery. With Yahoo’s report highlighting the release on Android and Steam of the classic title, a new generation of gamers can get involved with the game and all of its idiosyncrasies. Runescape and Old School Runescape (OSRS) always were curious games – the graphical design and unique wit of the characters in its universe set it apart from other titles of the day. For gamers looking to try Runescape out for the first time, there’s a wealth of information out there from others who’ve taken the same path.
Two decades
Runescape has existed, in one form or another, for two decades now. Fan website RuneFanatics.com highlights the huge range of player guides that can be found as a result – players have ticked every box in the game, and can be a great way to get started. The community is bigger than ever, too. Forbes highlights the fact that Runescape now holds over 1.2 million subscribers on the main platform alone – with OSRS having plenty of its own, too. There’s a huge community there, built up from loyalty for the game over the past twenty years, and they’ll be able to help you find your footing and get grinding right off the bat.
Getting good
Mastering Runescape is quite straightforward. Combat in the game is simple, as is farming – there’s just a lot of it to be done. Grinding is the name of the game, and although it can be time-consuming, many people enjoy the relaxation of farming away skills and goods and then trading them off. Runescape is a bit like that – a curious and unique world where you can lose hours to enjoying yourself and getting your character leveled up to the best place it can be in. What really sells Runescape, however, is its community, and what the game has to offer for people who need that real sense of escapism.
A real community
Runescape’s low barrier to entry and relaxed vibe has created fond memories for millions of gamers. For some, this has gone even further than simple pleasant nostalgia. Wired highlights the case of one fan who states the game saved her life by giving her a purpose when bed-bound with a debilitating illness; The Polygon report that Venezuelans living in poverty have used the game to generate a lifeline for themselves. Runescape occupies a strange niche in the world of online gaming and provides inspiration every single day – that’s something you can get behind, and become part of.
Why not get started? Runescape is free, though paid-for options exist. It’s a unique and vibrant world that has lots to offer, whether you’re playing OSRS or the newer variant. Runescape has made an impact on millions of lives and will continue to do so, maybe for the next 20 years.
Old School Gamer Old School Gamer (1120 Posts)

This is the general editors account for Old School Gamer Magazine. Press releases and other general information sent to Old School Gamer are often posted here.