Body type
A player's chosen Body type changes their cosmetic appearance in-game. The chosen "body type" does not influence the player's abilities or skills in any way. It is possible to change body type at any time by visiting the Makeover Mage, who will offer to change all the various player customisation options at no cost, as often as desired.
Due to historical decisions made early-on in the design of RuneScape, only two body types are available. No new planned body types have been announced, and if implemented, would represent a very large effort in ensuring that all of the thousands of different clothes, equipment, and animations used throughout the game (such as Emotes and player movements shown while skilling) were tested to be compatible with the new body type.
The two body types available are labeled "Body type A" and "Body type B" in the Makeover interface. Prior to an update on 14 August 2024, "Body type A" was labeled "Male" and "Body type B" was labeled "Female" in character customisation interfaces.
Players are not restricted on the clothes or armour they can wear based on their body type. Neither body type restricts the player from wearing plateskirts, platelegs, and skirts for example. However, there is almost always a cosmetic difference in armour when comparing how it is worn on each of the two body types. This can commonly been seen on body slot armour. For example, when wearing Verac's brassard with Body type A, the player has an exposed chest, but when wearing the brassard with Body type B, a bandeau covers the player's chest. Normal clothing without significant armour bonuses also have cosmetic differences based on body type. The Vyrewatch outfit for example completely changes depending upon the player's body type. Notably, Vyrewatch shoes look like high-heels on Body type B, but have a flat heel on Body type A.
Body type A
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Players who choose Body type A will notice several traits reflected in their character commonly associated with depictions of human males, as well as reflecting actual human sexual dimorphism. Body type A gives the player a head shaped like an oval, with a rounded chin. Their upper body is flat, rectangular, and stocky. Body type A has thicker legs, and larger shoes.
Body type B
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Players who choose Body type B will notice several traits reflected in their character commonly associated with depictions of human females, as well as reflecting actual human sexual dimorphism. Body type B gives the player a slimmer and more defined jaw, which comes to a defined point at the chin. Their upper body is thinner towards the belly, and more outwardly pronounced near the breasts. Body type B has thinner legs than Body type A, and smaller shoes as well.
Historical behaviours
Prior to the first of the Diversity & Inclusion updates on 9 November 2022, some notable behavioural changes existing in a few quests.
Recruitment Drive
In order to defeat Sir Leye during Recruitment Drive, the player had to be female as Saradomin had blessed Sir Leye such that "no man" could harm him. Male characters would need to change their gender in order to complete the quest; however, this quest rewarded the Makeover voucher, which entitled the player to a free use of the Makeover Mage to change back to male.
The update changed Saradomin's blessing so that "no blade" can harm Sir Leye; players may fight Sir Leye unarmed or by choosing the warhammer from the provided choices of weapon.
The Giant Dwarf
When choosing a company to support during The Giant Dwarf, female characters could not join the Brown Engine and male characters were unable to join the Yellow Fortune. Characters of either gender could still choose freely from any one of the remaining six companies, except the Red Axe, which no player may join.
The update removed the restrictions on the Brown Engine and Yellow Fortune companies.
Throne of Miscellania
In order to become regent during Throne of Miscellania, male characters were forced to convince Princess Astrid to marry them, and female characters Prince Brand. If you spoke with Advisor Ghrim after completing the quest, he would refer to you as the gender opposite the royal you romanced, regardless of if you had changed your gender since.
The update allowed players to romance either royal, or to choose to become their best friend instead and forgo marriage entirely.
Changes
| Date | Changes |
|---|---|
| [[{{#explode:14 August 2024| |0}} {{#explode:14 August 2024| |1}}]] [[{{#explode:14 August 2024| |2}}]] (update) |
The two available body types were renamed from "Male" and "Female". They are presented as "A" and "B" on the initial Tutorial Island character customisation interface, and as "Body type A" and "Body type B" on the Makeover interface. A player's preferred pronouns are no longer permanently coupled to their selected body type. |
| [[{{#explode:22 June 2005| |0}} {{#explode:22 June 2005| |1}}]] [[{{#explode:22 June 2005| |2}}]] (update) |
"This week also sees the rework of the female body changes. We have listened to your comments and tried to reach a compromise we think all parties will be happy with. We hope you approve." |
| [[{{#explode:31 May 2005| |0}} {{#explode:31 May 2005| |1}}]] [[{{#explode:31 May 2005| |2}}]] (update) |
"The female models in the game have had a slight 'nip and tuck' to make the difference between male and female characters more obvious." |
| [[{{#explode:29 March 2004| |0}} {{#explode:29 March 2004| |1}}]] [[{{#explode:29 March 2004| |2}}]] (update) |
Player avatars make the transition from 2D sprites (in RuneScape 1) to 3D models on the release of RuneScape 2. Under a label named "Gender", the buttons "Male" and "Female" were added that allowed players to select their appearance. |
| [[{{#explode:10 January 2002| |0}} {{#explode:10 January 2002| |1}}]] [[{{#explode:10 January 2002| |2}}]] (update) |
All graphics in RuneScape are re-compressed. The player graphic loses the white of its eyes, the player's belt buckle is now tied to the colour of their skin, and various other unintentional changes. |
| [[{{#explode:4 January 2001| |0}} {{#explode:4 January 2001| |1}}]] [[{{#explode:4 January 2001| |2}}]] (update) |
Initial release of RuneScape. Player avatars, along with most (but not all) other graphics have been replaced since DeviousMUD. Character customisation interface most likely has the word "Gender" inside a blue frame with unlabeled blue arrows on either side on this date. The earliest surviving picture of the interface is from May 2001 with that appearance, and no recorded update affecting the graphics of the interface prior to then is known. |
| [[{{#explode:28 December 2000| |0}} {{#explode:28 December 2000| |1}}]] [[{{#explode:28 December 2000| |2}}]] |
Pre-release of RuneScape: "Now support different coloured skin" |
| [[{{#explode:22 March 1999| |0}} {{#explode:22 March 1999| |1}}]] [[{{#explode:22 March 1999| |2}}]] |
In DeviousMUD: "Finish identikit system. You can now choose your player's appearance! System can also be used for human NPCs". This system was shown to have a button for "Male" and a button for "Female" at RuneFest 2010. |
See also
| Removed | |
|---|---|
