View source for New player guide

{{external|rs=Guide for new players}}
The '''new player guide''' is intended to help both new and returning players. The guide covers a wide range of topics including; [[skills]], [[Money making guide|money making]], and some early-game content in ''[[Old School RuneScape]]''.
{{ToC|align=right|limit=2}}
'''Important:'''
* All new accounts will start on [[Tutorial Island]].
* ''[[rsw:RuneScape|RuneScape]]'' login credentials will work on ''Old School RuneScape'', however previous account progress is not carried over.
* Account progression is not shared between ''Old School RuneScape'' and ''RuneScape''.
* [[Members|Membership status]] is shared between ''Old School RuneScape'' and ''RuneScape''.
* Account progression is not tied to a specific world/server. 
* Players can play ''Old School RuneScape'' on [[Game client|PC]] or [[Old School RuneScape Mobile|phone]], and account progression is shared as long as the same login details are entered.
* A specific account can only be logged into one location at a time, whether PC and phone, or ''Old School RuneScape'' and ''RuneScape''. In order to play the other game or at a different location, the first needs to be logged out.
** Separate accounts, on the other hand, '''can''' log into multiple locations or games at the same time, even on the same computer.

== I'm in [[Lumbridge]] − what now? ==
This section is for players who are not interested in information about the game client, interfaces and mechanics, but instead want to know where to start after just completing the [[Tutorial Island]].

If you have not yet left [[Tutorial Island]] and would like some tips about that, as well as information on how to become an [[Ironman]], check out the '''[[#Tutorial Island|Tutorial Island section]]''' below.

=== Adventure Paths ===
[[File:Adventurer Jon.png|left|x64px|link=Adventure Paths]]
If you have told the [[Gielinor Guide]], the first Non-Player Character (NPC) you talked to after creating your account, that you are new to the game, you should be greeted by [[Adventurer Jon]] in Lumbridge, just north of the castle gates. He will introduce you to the '''[[Adventure Paths]]''' system, which rewards you for obtaining several early milestone levels in [[combat]] and gathering [[skills]]. He can also give you a [[Combat path starter kit]], full of several useful items for training combat. Following these Adventure Paths gives some clear early goals, and helps you to get going.
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=== Steam Achievements ===
[[File:A New Hero (unlocked).jpg|left|x64px|link=Steam Achievements]]
Players playing on the [[New Official Client|Steam Client]] will be able to complete '''[[Steam Achievements|several achievements]]''', which serve as a good guide in getting to know the game. Check out the different achievements you can get, and try to see which ones you can get. Are you not playing on the Steam client? No problem! These tasks are still a very useful tool to find new things to do in the game!
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=== Quests ===
[[File:Mounted Quest Cape (t).png|left|x64px|link=Quests/Free-to-play]]
One aspect of the game that is sure to act as a goal for experienced and inexperienced players alike, is '''[[Quests/Free-to-play|questing]]'''. There are over twenty quests available for free-to-play players, and [[Quests/Members|many more]] for members. Free-to-play players can check out the '''[[Optimal quest guide/Free-to-play|Free-to-play optimal quest guide]]''' for a quick way to complete all quests. Members can check out the '''[[optimal quest guide]]''' for a list of quests that is made to be one of the most efficient ways to level up your account. Feel like exploring? Simply look for a quest start icon on the [[world map]] and talk to the NPC there. You can find a guide for any quest by simply using the [[Wiki lookup]] button below the [[minimap]] and then clicking the quest name in your [[Quest List]], or by typing the quest name in the search bar.
{{clear|left}}

=== Skills ===
[[File:Now We're Getting Somewhere (unlocked).jpg|left|x64px|link=Skill training guides]]
Fresh off Tutorial Island, your player character has not unlocked their full potential yet. However, you can change that by '''[[Skill training guides|training]]''' one of 15 [[free-to-play]] skills, or 8 [[members]]-only skills. The more you train, the better you will become at that skill, unlocking many new abilities in each skill. If you ever have some spare time on your hands, training one skill or another is always something you can do with very little planning.
{{clear|left}}

=== Other activities ===
[[File:Lumbridge Guide.png|left|x64px|link=#Unofficial activities]]
Other than those activities, there are many things to do around RuneScape. Simply walk around, and go looking for things to do. RuneScape is an open world, and everybody has their own playstyle. Some people like to dress up and [[Role-playing|role play]], other people like to get their stats as high as possible, and yet other people like to compete in [[minigames]] and [[player killing|player-versus-player battles]] to see who is best. The ultimate goal is to do what feels best. Still need inspiration though? Check out the [[#Unofficial activities|Unofficial activities]] section down below for some more inspiration!
{{clear|left}}

==How do I install OSRS?==
''Old School RuneScape'' is available on several platforms for both PC and mobile.
* Windows & Mac - [https://www.runescape.com/oldschool/download OSRS for PC]
* Android - [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jagex.oldscape.android Google Play Store]
* iOS - [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/old-school-runescape/id1269648762 App Store]
* Linux - see the [[Linux game installation guide]]
* Steam - [https://store.steampowered.com/app/1343370/Old_School_RuneScape/ Steam store]

==Servers==
[[File:Server list.png|right|thumb|220px|The ''Old School RuneScape'' server list.]]
{{Main|Server}}
''Old School RuneScape'' has over a hundred game servers across the world. These are referred to as "worlds" in-game. '''All worlds are exactly the same''' except for some minor variances:
*Physical hosting location - Servers are hosted all over the world as to offer every player a server they can connect to without high latency.
*[[File:Free-to-play icon.png]] Silver stars indicate worlds that are for free-to-play players and content, members content cannot be used in these worlds.
*[[File:Member icon.png]] Gold stars indicate members worlds. Players require membership to play on these servers.
*[[File:PvP world icon.png]] Red stars indicate '''dangerous''' worlds in which players can attack each other anywhere.
*[[File:Deadman world icon.png]] Black stars indicate servers dedicated to [[Deadman Mode]], an entirely separate game mode.
*[[File:League world icon.png]] Green stars indicate servers dedicated to [[Old School RuneScape Leagues]], an entirely separate game mode.
*[[File:Tournament world icon.png|frameless]] '''/''' [[File:Beta world icon.png]] Blue stars and "β" indicate servers that are "Unrestricted". These worlds are commonly used by the developers to "Beta test" new features by giving players max stats and the ability to use any item in the game.
*[[File:Quest Speedrunning world icon.png]] Cyan stars indicate servers dedicated to [[Quest Speedrunning]], an entirely separate game mode.
*Level requirement - Some servers have a [[total level]] requirement to play on.

Progress is synchronised across worlds (except for Unrestricted, Deadman Mode, League, and Quest Speedrunning worlds), so there is no need to worry about picking a specific server to play on, as is the case with some other MMOs. Logging out of one world and into another, you will find yourself exactly where you left off.

==Tutorial Island==
{{main|Tutorial Island}}

The first thing players must do when arriving at tutorial island is to customise your character. Your character appearance is ''not'' permanent! Do not worry about picking the perfect outfit, you can find various ways to get a [[makeover]] later.

After selecting your appearance, players must talk to the [[Gielinor Guide]]. If you want to qualify for the [[Adventure Paths]] system, you must tell him either that you are completely new, or that you have not played for a long time. Experienced players will not have access to this system. Once you've done that, you need to [[Tutorial Island|complete the tutorial]] which explains basic game concepts and user interfaces. Once you complete the tutorial, players will be teleported to [[Lumbridge]] where your adventure begins.

===Ironman mode and other restrictions===
{{Main|Account#New account restrictions|Ironman Mode}}
During Tutorial Island, players will speak to [[Paul]] who allows players to impose sets of ''restrictions'' on an account, this is known as [[Ironman mode]]. Players can speak to [[Adam]], in [[Lumbridge]], to revert to a normal account or downgrade ultimate/hardcore to regular ironman, this process has a 7 day delay.

* Ironman accounts are restricted from trading with other players.
* Ultimate ironman accounts cannot trade nor use [[banks]] to store items.
* Hardcore ironman are regular ironman accounts with only 1 life. Dying will revert their account back to a regular ironman.
* Group ironman accounts can only trade with their group, which is between two to five players in total. Groups can be started as hardcore and revert to a normal group ironman group when all lives are lost. Any ironman account can be converted into an unranked group ironman at the [[ironman tutor]] in Lumbridge.

==Trade restrictions==
{{Main|Account#New account restrictions}}
New accounts are subject to trade restrictions of commonly botted items on the [[Grand Exchange]]. This restriction will be removed once the account surpasses 20 hours of game time, a skill total of 100, and 10 or more quest points have been gained. Players will still be able to use the Grand Exchange as normal but they will not be able to sell any items that are restricted. 

A quick way to reach the quest point requirements in order to trade is to complete the [[Sheep Shearer]], [[Cook's Assistant]], and [[Romeo & Juliet]] [[quest]]s.

=Things to consider=
This section will cover subjects including the player's [[account]] and [[Code of Conduct|official rules]].

==Membership==
{{main|Members|Free-to-play}}
Players with active Membership have access to wider variety of content including, but not limited to: 8 additional skills, a larger game world, over 100 quests.

Players without membership still have plenty of early-game content to experience; membership only becomes fully advantageous at mid-game. This guide assumes that the player's account is free-to-play and that they are ''not'' a subscriber.

==Account security==
Account security is of the utmost importance, and account [[Scams#Scams related to phishing|phishing]] and theft is often attempted due to the black market value of stolen accounts. Common tactics include in-game website spamming, fake streams, fake social media accounts, fake websites, and advertisements that steal login information- all usually under the guise of in-game benefits. [[Jagex]] '''only''' advertises in-game special events on the '''[https://oldschool.runescape.com/ official website]'''. It's important to read up on account security and what you can do to protect yourself. You can read Jagex's official article on account security [https://www.runescape.com/oldschool/security here].

=== Jagex Account ===
The [[Jagex Account]] system is the recommended method of logging into your account, combining all your accounts into one Jagex account for easy access and enhanced security. The two-factor authentication methods that the Jagex account system brings are two-step verification codes via email and via an authenticator app. To manage your Jagex account security settings, visit the [https://account.jagex.com/en-GB/manage/profile Account Management page]. 

It is important to safely store your backup codes, as you '''cannot regain access''' if you lose access to your configured two-step method.

If you have an older account that still uses traditional login, it is highly recommended that you create a Jagex account and import your accounts to benefit from the enhanced security and convenience of a modern account system. Any imported characters that previously used the RuneScape Authenticator will instead use the Jagex account security settings, automatically disabling the legacy authenticator security method.

===RuneScape Authenticator===
'''The RuneScape Authenticator has been replaced by [[Jagex Account|Jagex accounts]] and is only available on accounts that have not yet been imported to a [[Jagex Account|Jagex account]].'''

The {{RSL|RuneScape Authenticator|''RuneScape'' Authenticator}} is an additional layer of protection players can utilise on their accounts. It is compatible with {{WP|Google Authenticator}}. To set up the ''RuneScape'' Authenticator, a player must visit the [https://secure.runescape.com/m=totp-authenticator/landing Authenticator landing page]. [[Jagex]] generates a random 80-bit secret key unique to each user and presents it as a {{WP|QR code}} and as a 16-character {{WP|Base32}} string. Many mobile devices can read the barcode directly through their camera, which is equivalent to entering the Base32 string manually. The implementation generates a 6-digit code every 30 seconds.

Once set up, players are prompted to enter the 6-digit time-based code whenever they log in to the game using an untrusted computer. Players can choose to trust the computers on which they play ''Old School RuneScape'' for up to 30 days or choose to enter a code every time they wish to play.

===Bank PIN===
[[File:Bank PIN settings.png|thumb|220px|The Bank PIN interface.]]
{{Main|Bank PIN}}
The [[Bank PIN]] is the last line of defence between would-be hackers and your in-game items. It can be set up by talking to any [[Banker]] and by following the instructions provided.

===Scams and luring===
{{Main|Scams}}
[[Scams]] and lures are fraudulent in-game methods where players attempt to mislead you into giving them your wealth.

==Game rules==
{{Main|Code of Conduct}}
All players must follow the rules of the game. Certain things are not allowed, and can result in your account being muted, suspended, or permanently banned from play:
#Seriously offensive language
#[[Scamming]]
#Breaking real-world laws
#[[Glitch|Exploiting a bug]] (bug abuse)
#Staff impersonation
#Encouraging rule breaking (all rules included)
#[[Macroing]] or use of bots
#Offensive account name
#Advertising websites
#Buying or selling an [[account]]
#Asking for or providing contact information
#Solicitation
#Player-run Games of Chance
#Disruptive behaviour
#Real-life threats

===Jagex and player moderators===
[[Jagex Moderator]]s (or "Jmods") are employees of [[Jagex|Jagex Ltd]] and are denoted in-game by a gold chat crown ([[File:Jagex moderator emblem.png]]). <br>
[[Player Moderators]] (or "Pmods") are players chosen specifically by Jagex staff due to their commitment to the in-game community, and they are denoted in-game by a silver chat crown ([[File:Player moderator emblem.png]]) which should not be confused for the [[Ironman]] symbols ([[File:Ironman chat badge.png]][[File:Hardcore_ironman_chat_badge.png]][[File:Ultimate ironman chat badge.png]][[File:Group ironman chat badge.png]][[File:Hardcore group ironman chat badge.png]][[File:Unranked group ironman chat badge.png]]). These moderators have special privileges, and can mute rule-breakers.

==Options==
{{Main|Chat Interface|Options}}
There are many settings within the game which are worth looking into and changing where preferable before getting too deep into your adventure. Some settings of note include:
[[File:Interface.png|thumb|220px|right|The interface in fixed mode.]]
*'''[[Chat Interface]]''' filters
**'''[[Public chat]]''' has several options to filter out messages, this is particularly useful in the [[Grand Exchange]] or other highly populated areas.
**'''[[Private chat]]''' when set to "show friends" instead of "show all" there is hidden functionality that also makes you '''appear''' offline to people you don't have on your friend's list. This will heighten your privacy.
*'''[[Options]]''' settings
**'''Controls''' has several extremely useful settings that can be changed to better suit your gameplay.
**'''[[Accept Aid]]''' when enabled, allows other players to use certain items and certain spells on you outside of combat. This includes both helpful and potentially dangerous spells, players should watch out for spells that can send you deep into the '''[[Wilderness]]''' (such as '''[[Tele Group Ice Plateau]]'''). While all "Teleport Other" spells cast on you will prompt you asking whether you wish to be teleported or not, this prompt can be '''mistaken''' for a [[Trading|'''Trade with another player''']].

===Graphic settings===
''Old School RuneScape'' has two graphical modes in the PC version of the game - '''fixed''' and '''resizable'''. On mobile, there is only one, and it cannot be customised.

Fixed mode is a single 765x503 window that can not be skewed in any direction. It is a fixed size, and can look small on pixel-dense monitors. Resizable mode can be expanded to any size.

=Gameplay=
This section covers mechanics and other information relating to the game itself. From here on out, the guide will assume the player has completed Tutorial Island, and has a basic understanding of the mechanics and interfaces of ''Old School RuneScape''.

==World map==
[[File:Old School RuneScape world map.png|thumb|220px|right|[{{filepath:Old_School_RuneScape_world_map.png}} Full resolution image].]]
{{Main|World map}}
[[File:World map icon.png|left]]
The world map is a realtime-interactable tool full of information to help the player navigate the game world. To open the world map, simply click or right-click the globe icon by the minimap. A left click will open the World map in a small window, and a right click will offer an option to open the map in fullscreen mode, which gives considerably more viewing space.

==Energy and weight==
{{Main|Energy}}
All players have a finite amount of [[energy]] that can be used to run. The more weight the character has, the faster energy will deplete ''when running''. To see the current weight of the inventory and worn items, click the '''Equipment Stats''' button inside the '''Worn Equipment'''. It is more energy efficient to spend energy running when the inventory is most empty - for example, running back ''to'' a resource area after banking rather than running back to bank.

==Skills==
{{Main|Skills}}
Free-to-play players have access to 15 skills, split up into three categories: combat, gathering, and artisanal. For more information on each skill see their respective article.
{| class="wikitable align-center-1"
!colspan="3"|Combat skills
|-
|{{SCP|Attack}}||[[Attack]]
|Allows players to wield stronger [[melee weapon]]s and determines how accurate the player is in [[Melee]].
|-
|{{SCP|Strength}}||[[Strength]]
|Determines how high of a number you hit in melee combat if you successfully hit.
|-
|{{SCP|Defence}}||[[Defence]]
|Allows players to wear stronger [[armour]] and decrease chance of being hit (does not reduce damage dealt, which is a common misconception).
|-
|{{SCP|Ranged}}||[[Ranged]]
|Ranged encompasses all archery weapons that attack from a distance. Ranged levels determine both the chance to hit ''and'' the maximum damage a hit can do.
|-
|{{SCP|Magic}}||[[Magic]]
|Determines both the chance to hit with magical attacks, as well as the chance to dodge them yourself. Higher levels give access to more [[spells]].
|-
|{{SCP|Hitpoints}}||[[Hitpoints]]
|Allows players to sustain more damage.
|-
|{{SCP|Prayer}}||[[Prayer]]
|Determines what [[Prayer#Prayers|prayers]] you can use, as well as how many prayer points you have. The more points you have, the longer prayers can be enabled.
|-
!colspan="3"|Gathering skills
|-
|{{SCP|Mining}}||[[Mining]]
|Used to gather ores from rocks. A higher Mining level allows use of better [[pickaxe]]s.
|-
|{{SCP|Fishing}}||[[Fishing]]
|Allows players to catch [[fish]] at [[fishing spots]].
|-
|{{SCP|Woodcutting}}||[[Woodcutting]]
|Allows players to cut down trees to obtain [[logs]]. A higher Woodcutting level allows use of better [[axe]]s.
|-
!colspan="3"|Artisan skills
|-
|{{SCP|Runecraft}}||[[Runecraft]]
|Allows players to make [[runes]] using [[rune essence]]. Completion of [[Rune Mysteries]] is highly recommended.
|-
|{{SCP|Crafting}}||[[Crafting]]
|Allows players to create [[items]], from [[jewellery]] to [[ranged armour]].
|-
|{{SCP|Smithing}}||[[Smithing]]
|Allows players to smelt [[ores]] into [[bars]] and smith [[bars]] into [[armour]] and [[weapons]].
|-
|{{SCP|Cooking}}||[[Cooking]]
|Allows players to cook [[food]] that can be eaten to heal players' [[Hitpoints]].
|-
|{{SCP|Firemaking}}||[[Firemaking]]
|Allows players to make [[fire]]s which can be used for [[Cooking]] as an alternative to [[range]]s.
|}

==Combat training==
[[File:CombatStyles Stab Sword.png|thumb|right|The standard combat styles interface.]]
{{Main|Combat}}
Below is a brief explanation of the three [[Combat styles]] that can be used.
*In [[Melee]] combat, the maximum damage is determined by [[Strength]], along with the strength bonuses provided by equipment. Accuracy is determined by [[Attack]] and the attack bonuses provided by weapons and other equipment.
*For [[Ranged]] combat, both the [[Ranged]] level and the type of ammunition determine the maximum damage. The accuracy is determined by the weapon used.
*[[Magic|Magic-based]] damage is typically based on the selected [[Magic]] combat spell, not by Magic level. Magical accuracy is affected by both the equipment bonuses and by the Magic level.

===Combat experience===
Players gain combat skill [[experience]] when dealing damage. The normal value is 4 XP per damage in the [[Combat Options|combat style]] used, which is dependent on the type of weapon you're using and what combat style you've selected for it. However, certain high defence monsters have higher experience for hitpoint damage ratio.{{CiteTwitter|author=Mod Ash|url=https://twitter.com/JagexAsh/status/611516047707893761|date=18 June 2015|archiveurl=https://archive.is/5keFs|archivedate=28 May 2020|quote=There's a formula, yes. I believe it adds a little extra XP per damage for the NPC's armour bonuses.}} The normal value for hitpoint experience gained is 1.33 XP per 1 damage done.

[[Magic]] spells grant base [[experience]] for each spell cast plus any experience gained from damage dealt, as indicated above. This base XP is granted regardless of whether the spell does damage or splashes on the target.

[[Combat Options#Defensive|Defensive]] mode in [[magic]] and [[range]] are another exception. If a player uses magic on defensive mode, the normal value is 1 experience to magic XP and 1 experience to defence XP per damage done, plus base casting experience. For ranging with long range, the normal value is 2 ranged XP and 2 defence XP per damage done. If a player is using a melee weapon, such as an [[Abyssal Whip]] or [[Rune Spear]] that shares experience with [[attack]], [[strength]], and [[defence]], then the normal value is 1.33 experience (4 divided by 3) per damage done to attack, strength, and defence.

==Equipment stats==
[[File:Equipment Stats interface.png|thumb|220px|The stats interface shows all bonuses in one area.]]
{{Main|Equipment stats}}
Equipped gear have bonuses that impact combat. Equipment is immune to stat-draining effects. Higher-level players have access to better armour with higher bonuses.
*'''Accuracy bonuses''' improve the chance of landing a hit with the specified attack type.
*'''Strength bonuses''' exist for all three schools, a higher strength bonus increase the max hit.
*'''Defence bonuses''' increase the chance to block a specific attack type.
*'''Prayer bonus''' slows the decay rate of prayer points when prayers are used.

==Death==
[[File:Dying animation.gif|thumb|right|130px|A player dying.]]
{{Main|Death}}

'''Death''' occurs when a [[Account|player's]] [[Hitpoints]] reach zero. If this happens, a message in the [[Chat Interface]] will appear: ''Oh dear, you are dead!'' Players who die in an unsafe location are respawned at the [[Spawning#Respawn point|respawn point]] that they had set prior to dying, losing all but [[Items Kept on Death|three of the most valuable items]] as well as any untradeable items that they were carrying at the time of death. Item value is determined first by effective [[Grand Exchange]] value, and then by [[alchemy]] [[value]] if the item lacks an effective Grand Exchange value.

Items not kept on death will usually be moved to the player's [[gravestone]], which appears where the player died. Players have to pay a fee to retrieve items from their gravestone, though some low-valued items can be retrieved for free. If the player's death occurred in an [[instance]], the [[Wilderness]], or a [[PvP world]], then different rules apply.

==Lumbridge onwards==
[[File:Starting out.png|right|thumb|220px|Starting in Lumbridge with the default starter kit, just east of Lumbridge Castle]]
Immediately after completing [[Tutorial island]], the player will spawn by [[Lumbridge Castle]] with an inventory of basic supplies. It is recommended that the player goes into the castle, up the staircase to the top floor, and deposits everything into their [[bank]]. The player's bank is also pre-stocked with 25 gp, which, for example, can be invested in an [[Iron axe]] for [[Woodcutting]].

Note: Whilst at a bank, players can select the "withdraw as note" option and all withdrawn items will withdraw as [[bank note]]s. Once noted, they can be easily traded to other players, sold to shops, and carried weightlessly. However, you cannot use or equip items withdrawn as notes. To unnote items, simply put them back in a bank ''or'' use them on a banker.

Once everything has been deposited, there are several ways to start playing:
*The player can train combat. There are many cows, chickens, goblins in [[Lumbridge]]. A monster's [[aggressiveness]] is dependent on [[combat level]].
*The player can train non-combat skills.
*The player can start nearby [[quests]] such as [[X Marks the Spot]] or [[Cook's Assistant]]. Some quests have requirements that must be met before they can be started.

===Tutor items===
[[Tutor]]s around [[Lumbridge]] will provide various items to help the player start their adventure. They will provide the following items listed below assuming the player does not have any of them in their [[inventory]] or [[bank]], as they will not be able to claim more if they have any in their possession. These items can help kick-start combat and some skills. Players may repeatedly use and then re-acquire runes or arrows from the tutors to avoid having to trade for, or buy them from shops.

{| class="wikitable"
!Tutor
!Free Items
|-
|{{Chatl|Melee combat tutor}}
|{{plink|Training sword}} and {{plink|Training shield}}
|-
|{{Chatl|Ranged combat tutor}}
|{{plink|Training bow}} and {{plink|Training arrows}}
|-
|{{Chatl|Magic combat tutor}}
|{{plink|Mind rune}} x30, {{plink|Air rune}} x30
|-
|{{Chatl|Fishing tutor}}
|{{plink|Small fishing net}}
|-
|{{Chatl|Woodsman tutor}}
|{{plink|Bronze axe}} and {{plink|Tinderbox}}
|-
|{{Chatl|Mining tutor}}
|{{plink|Bronze pickaxe}}
|-
|{{Chatl|Master smithing tutor}}
|{{plink|Hammer}}
|}

=Official activities=
[[File:Adventure Paths.png|left|100px]][[File:Adventurer_Jon.png|thumb|right|80px|Adventurer Jon stands along the southern wall of [[The Sheared Ram]] in Lumbridge]][[File:Activity Adviser- Phase One (1).png|thumb|right|220px|The Activity Adviser interface.]]
If new players tell the [[Gielinor Guide]] on Tutorial Island that they are new to the game, the [[Adventure Paths]] feature will be enabled. Speak to the [[Adventurer Jon]] NPC to receive a [[Combat path starter kit]] and begin paths. Adventure Paths are like the unofficial activities below, except they are designed by Jagex and have a reward system in place for completion.

Adventure Paths task new players with leveling up various skills. Most skills have a milestone at level 5, level 10, and level 20. Each milestone offers a reward specific to that skill. For example, players reaching the level 10 milestone in Attack are rewarded with a [[Black Longsword]].

{| class="wikitable"
!Skills
!Reward Milestones
|-
|{{SCP|Attack}} Attack
|5, 10, and 20
|-
|{{SCP|Strength}} Strength
|5, 10, and 20
|-
|{{SCP|Defence}} Defence
|5, 10, and 20
|-
|{{SCP|Ranged}} Ranged
|5, 10, and 20
|-
|{{SCP|Magic}} Magic
|5, 10, and 20
|-
|{{SCP|Fishing}} Fishing
|5
|-
|{{SCP|Woodcutting}} Woodcutting
|5
|-
|{{SCP|Mining}} Mining
|5
|}
[[File:Activity Adviser orb.png|left]]
Players can also check the in-game [[Activity Adviser]] for a personalised list of recommended activities based on the player's skill levels, quest progress, and recent activity. It will also suggest content the player is close to unlocking, but doesn't quite have the requirements for. The Activity Adviser can be accessed at any time by clicking on the orange orb marked with a scroll just below the minimap.

=Unofficial activities=
This section contains a variety of activities covering a wide range of skills, both for levelling up and making money. None of them are required - they are merely examples of things that many new players choose to do. Their design is arbitrary in nature - there's no wrong way to play ''Old School RuneScape''!

==Beginner==
Beginner-level activities are all mainly around Lumbridge. They require few steps, very little travel, and are not click or skill-intensive.

{{/Beginner activities}}

==Intermediate==
Intermediate-level activities are not confined to Lumbridge. They may require you to travel or require some monetary wealth, higher account skill levels when compared to beginner activities.

{{/Intermediate activities}}

==Advanced==
Advanced-level activites will have you playing mid-level content. They will require mid level skills and a fundamental grasp of ''Old School RuneScape''{{'}}s systems.

{{/Advanced activities}}

==Random events==
[[File:Genie.png|right|frameless|150px|link=Genie]]
{{Main|Random events}}
''Random events'' can be an excellent source of money and rewards for new players, but they're exactly that - random. They cannot be spawned or triggered, the rate at which they occur is very sporadic, and the value of their rewards can vary greatly. It's recommended that new players learn a basic overview of the possible random events so that if one ''does'' happen, they understand how to complete it and get the reward.

==Using the Grand Exchange==
{{Main|Grand Exchange}}
The [[Grand Exchange]] (commonly referred to as the GE), located on the north-west end of [[Varrock]], is somewhere you might frequently find yourself (if you '''aren't''' playing on [[Ironman Mode]]). You can buy or sell anything you wish, providing the item is tradeable. The exchange features a "Buy/Sell offer" system which automates the trading process. Players cannot view current available offers and must fill offers through trial and error (or patience). There is a "Guide Price" for every item you can trade on the exchange which will give a rough idea of what the item is worth at the moment. However, the market can shift over or under the guide price and it may take days or weeks for the guide price to "catch up" to what players are '''actually''' buying and selling the item for.

When placing a buy offer for an item, you can generally expect 1 of 2 different outcomes:
#You will instantly fill a sell offer, receiving the difference of gold between the offers back in the change slot.
#You will wait until either you take the offer down and put it back up for more gold, or until the offer is filled with a sell offer.

And vice versa, when placing a sell offer, you will have one of these 2 outcomes:
#You will instantly fill a buy offer and receive more GP (an amount equal to the value of the other person's '''buy''' offer).
#You will wait until either you take the item down and put it back up for less gold, or until the offer is filled with a buy offer.

==Player versus player==
{{see also|Free-to-play combat pure guide}}
[[Player killing|Player versus player]] or PvP is a very popular way to play ''Old School RuneScape'', but before it is attempted one should understand the basics and read up on the subject. It is also recommended to practise in safe death activites before attempting risk fights. There are four ways to engage in combat with another player in free-to-play worlds:
{| class="wikitable"
!Method
!Safe death
!More information
|-
|[[Emir's Arena]]
|Yes
|Located north-east of [[Al Kharid]]. Duels are agreed to by both players.
|-
|[[Clan Wars]]
|Yes
|More "free" than one-on-one Duel Arena
|-
|[[Castle Wars]]
|Yes
|A PvP [[Minigames|minigame]] accessible through a portal in the Clan Wars area.
|-
|[[Wilderness]]
|No
|Can be accessed on any world. Although, wilderness PK worlds are the best spot to find players.
|-
|World 371
|No
|World 371 is the only free-to-play "PvP anywhere" world. Combat is map-wide except for safe zones.
|}

===Getting "skulled"===
[[File:Player killing.gif|thumb|230px|Several skulled players engaging in PvP combat]]
{{Main|Skull (status)}}
When two players engage in combat together in the wilderness or on a PvP world, the instigator of the fight will have a skull icon over their head. This serves two purposes:
#The icon helps warn other players that this player is "dangerous".
#It causes all items to be lost when a skulled player dies unless the [[Protect Item]] prayer is active, in which case they will retain 1 item.

===Using PvP worlds for non-PvP===
{{main|PvP world}}
PvP worlds can also be used to train resource gathering skills or kill monsters in spots that are normally very crowded. However, it's possible to be attacked and killed by another player without notice. Always bring an emergency teleport, some food, and as few valuable items as possible.

==Jagex sites and social media accounts==
It's important to know what is and isn't an official [[Jagex]] communication. Jagex has a select few communication channels. These include the following:
*Official sites
**https://oldschool.runescape.com — the official site for ''Old School RuneScape''
**https://www.runescape.com — the official site for ''RuneScape''
**https://support.runescape.com — the official site for ''RuneScape'' support, for all game versions
**https://www.jagex.com — the official site for Jagex
*Social media accounts
**Facebook
***[https://fb.com/OfficialOldSchoolRuneScape OfficialOldSchoolRuneScape]
**Instagram
***[https://www.instagram.com/oldschool.runescape/ oldschool.runescape]
**Twitter
***[https://twitter.com/OldSchoolRS @OldSchoolRS]
***[https://twitter.com/JagexSupport @JagexSupport]
***See also: A [https://twitter.com/i/lists/928259782489853952 list of Twitter accounts] used by [[Jagex moderator]]s.
Remember that Jagex will '''NEVER''' contact you regarding your account via any means except the in-game [[rsw:Message Centre|Message Centre]], accessible from the "Welcome back!" interface which is visible immediately upon logging in to the [[game client]]. You may also view messages directly from your account settings at https://www.runescape.com/account_settings. The only exception is for requests submitted via the [https://support.runescape.com/ support portal], which will be transmitted via email to the address specified in the ticket.

==See also==
*[[List of quests]]
*[[Steam Achievements]]
*[[Optimal quest guide]]
*[[Achievement Diary]]
*[[Money making guide]]s

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Guides]]