Every player starts on Tutorial Island, a small area designed to teach the basics of combat, crafting, and exploration. RuneScape runs on a tick-based system, meaning actions occur every 0.6 seconds. It's a point-and-click sandbox game - you're free to RuneScape gold do whatever you want with no fixed storyline.

Use your mouse or touchscreen to move, and the arrow keys or middle mouse button to rotate your camera. Dialogue boxes can be navigated with the spacebar or number keys, and you can enable Escape-to-Close in settings for smoother play.

Combat Basics

There are three main combat styles in OSRS:

Melee – Close-range, physical attacks.

Ranged – Uses bows, darts, or thrown weapons.

Magic – Casts spells using runes.

Combat involves a mix of stats, random number generation (RNG), and strategy. Enemies have different weaknesses - for example, dragons are weak to stab and magic attacks, while ghosts take extra damage from magical spells.

Early on, melee training with a scimitar is best for free-to-play players. You can buy one in Al Kharid or from the Grand Exchange.

Wear the best armor you can use (Bronze → Rune).

Equip an Amulet of Strength and a Combat Bracelet for bonus stats.

For ranged, start with leather armor and a shortbow, upgrading to Dragonhide armor as you level up.

For magic, use Fire Strike to begin, and upgrade gear to Wizard Robes or Mystic gear for better spellcasting. Having enough RuneScape gold can also enhance your spellcasting ability.

Early Combat Training Spots

Free-to-play players can start at cows, goblins, or chickens near Lumbridge. Around level 20, move on to the frogs in Lumbridge Swamp, then the Flesh Crawlers in the Stronghold of Security. At level 50+, train on Spiders deeper inside the Stronghold, or farm Ogress Warriors for profit.

Members should complete Waterfall Quest immediately - it boosts both Attack and Strength to level 30 instantly. Afterward, train at Rock Crabs (Rellekka) or Sand Crabs (Zeah). Once you reach level 50–60, transition to Slayer, which combines combat XP with valuable loot.

Quests and Progression

Quests are central to progression in OSRS. While not mandatory, they unlock crucial features, teleports, and gear. The Quest Helper plugin in RuneLite is invaluable - it literally guides you step-by-step.

Key quests for beginners:

Waterfall Quest: Huge Attack/Strength XP boost.

Cook's Assistant: Unlocks early Cooking experience.

Druidic Ritual: Unlocks the Herblore skill.

Rune Mysteries: Unlocks Runecrafting.

Aim to complete Recipe for Disaster over time - finishing it grants Barrows Gloves, one of the best early-game items.

Skills and Training

OSRS features 23 skills - from combat to gathering and artisan skills. Free-to-play skills include Mining, Fishing, Smithing, Woodcutting, Firemaking, Crafting, and Runecrafting. Member-exclusive ones like Agility, Herblore, Slayer, and Construction add even more depth.

Each skill maxes out at level 99, requiring 13 million XP. Most players train skills to unlock money-making methods or content access.

Examples:

Mining + Smithing: Smelt and forge armor.

Fishing + Cooking: Catch and prepare food for combat.

Agility: Run longer distances and unlock shortcuts.

Slayer: Train combat efficiently while earning profits.

Farming: Plant herbs and crops for steady, passive income.

Making Money Early

RS gold is essential for gear, teleportation, and supplies. Early methods include:

Collecting Cowhides (sell at the Grand Exchange).

Thieving from stalls for cash and items.

Fishing for Lobsters and cooking them for food sales.

Crafting Jewelry (especially gold amulets or rings).

Farming Herbs – one of the best low-effort money makers.

Use the OSRS Wiki or dedicated money-making guides to buy OSRS gold find the best method for your stats.