Old School RuneScape launched in February 2013 as a separate game from the main RuneScape

Old School RuneScape (often called OSRS) went live on February 22, 2013. It was not a new game built from scratch, but a return to RuneScape as it existed in August 2007 — before major updates that changed combat, items, and how the game felt to play. Jagex, the company that makes RuneScape, restored the game from a backup and opened it to players who wanted the older version.

The reason this matters: RuneScape had changed so much by 2007 that many long-time players stopped playing. They wanted the game back the way it was. Jagex listened and created Old School RuneScape as a separate server running that 2007 version. Today it has more active players than the main RuneScape game.

If you are new to RuneScape and trying to decide which version to play, knowing the launch date helps you understand why two versions exist at all. Old School RuneScape is not a demo or tutorial version — it is a fully separate game with its own economy, updates, and player base that has been running for over a decade.

Key Takeaways

  • Old School RuneScape launched on February 22, 2013, as a restoration of RuneScape from August 2007.
  • The game was created because players wanted RuneScape back before major updates changed combat and gameplay.
  • Old School RuneScape is a separate game from the main RuneScape, with its own servers, economy, and updates.
  • Both versions run at the same time, and you can play either one depending on which style of gameplay you prefer.
  • Old School RuneScape has received new content and changes since 2013, so it is not frozen in time at 2007.

Why Jagex Created a Separate Old School Version

By 2007, RuneScape had been running for six years. The game was popular, but Jagex wanted to modernize it. They changed how combat worked, added new items, redesigned the interface, and made other updates they thought would improve the game. Many players hated these changes and quit.

For years, players asked Jagex to bring back the old version. Jagex ignored the requests at first — they had moved forward and did not want to split their team. But the demand kept growing. Eventually, Jagex realized that restoring an old backup and running it as a separate game would cost less than they expected and would bring back players who had left.

The company launched Old School RuneScape as an experiment. They expected it might last a year or two before players moved on. Instead, it became more popular than the main game. That success surprised even Jagex.

How Old School RuneScape Differs from Main RuneScape

The two games play very differently. Old School RuneScape uses the combat system and interface from 2007. Main RuneScape (called RuneScape 3) has a completely different combat system, more modern graphics, and a different interface. If you play one, switching to the other feels like learning a new game.

Old School RuneScape is also slower-paced. Leveling skills takes longer. Earning money takes longer. Quests are more puzzle-like and less story-driven. Main RuneScape is faster and more story-focused, with voice acting and cinematic quests.

The economies are separate too. Gold you earn in Old School RuneScape cannot be used in main RuneScape. Items do not transfer between versions. Your character level in one game does not affect your character in the other — you start fresh if you switch.

Updates and Changes Since the 2013 Launch

Old School RuneScape is not actually frozen at 2007. Since launch, Jagex has added new quests, new areas, new items, and new skills. Players vote on most major updates — if 75 percent of players vote yes, the update goes in. This voting system is one reason Old School RuneScape stayed true to what players wanted.

New skills have been added, including Sailing (later removed after player feedback), Fossil Island content, and Archaeology. New areas like Zeah and the Kebos Lowlands were built from scratch. Bosses and raids were added. The game has grown significantly while keeping the core 2007 feel.

This means Old School RuneScape is not a time capsule. It is a living game that has evolved for over a decade. If you start playing now, you will encounter content that did not exist in 2007 or even in 2013.

Which Version Should You Play as a New Player

If you are completely new to RuneScape, the choice depends on what you want from a game. Old School RuneScape rewards patience and grinding. Leveling takes a long time. The community is large and helpful to new players. The game is slower but feels more rewarding when you finally reach a goal.

Main RuneScape (RuneScape 3) moves faster. You level quicker. The story is more developed. The graphics are modern. But the community is smaller, and some players feel the game is too straightforward or too focused on cosmetics and convenience items.

Many new players start with Old School RuneScape because the community recommends it and because the slower pace gives you time to learn. But there is no wrong choice — both are free to start, and you can try both to see which one clicks for you.

How to Access Old School RuneScape on Your Device

Old School RuneScape runs in a web browser on Windows, Mac, and Linux. You do not need to read anything — go to the official RuneScape website, log in with a RuneScape account (free to create), and click into Old School RuneScape. The game loads in your browser.

There is also an official mobile app for iOS and Android. You can read it from the App Store or Google Play. Mobile and browser versions use the same account and servers, so you can play on your phone one moment and switch to your computer the next without losing progress.

The game is free to play, though there is a paid membership option that unlocks more quests, areas, and skills. Most new players start free and decide later whether membership is worth it to them.

The Community and Player Base Today

Old School RuneScape has tens of thousands of active players at any given time. The community is known for being welcoming to new players and for helping each other. There are clans (player groups) focused on everything from questing to combat to just hanging out and chatting.

The game has a thriving economy. Players buy and sell items constantly. Prices change based on supply and demand. This means the economy is real and player-driven — not controlled by the game company.

Streamers play Old School RuneScape on Twitch, and watching streams is a good way to learn what the game is like before you start. The community also creates guides, wikis, and videos that explain how to do almost anything in the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Old School RuneScape the same as RuneScape Classic?

No. RuneScape Classic was the very first version of RuneScape, from 2001. Old School RuneScape is based on the 2007 version, which is much more advanced. Classic is no longer playable. Old School RuneScape is what most people mean when they talk about the "old" version.

Can I transfer my character from main RuneScape to Old School RuneScape?

No. The two games are completely separate. Your account name is the same, but your character level, items, and progress do not transfer. You start fresh in Old School RuneScape even if you have played main RuneScape for years.

Do I need to pay to play Old School RuneScape?

No. The game is free to play with no time limit. You can reach high levels and complete most content without paying. Membership costs money and unlocks additional quests, areas, and skills, but it is optional.

Is Old School RuneScape still getting new updates?

Yes. Jagex releases new content regularly — new quests, areas, items, and bosses. Players vote on most updates before they go live. The game is actively developed and is not abandoned or frozen.

How long does it take to reach high levels in Old School RuneScape?

It depends on the skill and how much you play. Some skills take hundreds of hours to reach the maximum level of 99. Others take less time. Most new players expect to spend weeks or months reaching mid-level skills, and years to reach the highest levels.