What is "Old School RuneScape?" Is It Worth Getting Into?

The audio is all over the place and the video could alternatively been titled, "Unlike OTHER mmos..." but after two weeks of grinding, the video is finally here.
This video is an overview and description of Old School RuneScape because I get asked almost every day about the game; whether or not it's "worth" getting into, how it works, how a game like this can survive without any class systems, et cetera.
So I made the best video I possibly could, and even though it's a little rough around the edges, it's my biggest production ever.
Discord, Socials, my MAIN KZbin channel, and all of that can be found at:
linktr.ee/joshpillault
Shout out to all my goofy friends that made this video way better and patiently listened to me ask them to click their skill capes 400 times. I hope you guys learn something from this or decide to give OSRS a shot - we have a thriving community that's ready to give you support and guidance! It's a big game, and everybody needs some help once in a while.

[@kewltricks]

You know that nostalgia people chase by doing things they did when they were younger hoping they would feel something? Runescape is probably the only activities i've ever done that has actually satisfied that feeling.

[@oscarreckmann1674]

What a true historie broooooo!!!!!!

[@Hawaiiandiver]

Mine is playing mw2 (2009) now that the servers are fixed

[@silentdeath7847]

Sometimes i just wander around on OSRS to places i've been before as a kid playing for the nostalgia😍 I remember my first day on Runescape standing by the cows in Lumbridge not knowing how to drop items 🤣

[@Squang.]

​@@Hawaiiandiveris that the remastered version? Is it good?

[@bravingbrivatebrian]

I personally don't like chasing nostalgia. For me, it's more of a matter of returning to the present moment which we lived in perpetually as children and gradually moved away from as we grew into adults. The thing we miss most from our childhood is that presence of awareness. Osrs is a game that forces you into the present moment, otherwise it is, imo, unbearably boring. It's a very zen experience playing this game.

[@wilkinsblake25]

I absolutely love old school runescape because of the nostalgia from when I was a kid. my inner child is being satisfied every minute I play

[@MikeBoomie]

Y'all crave for nostalgia is a constant reason why the Game aint as great as it could be..... you mfs want nostalgia but will complain when a new game comes out with shit gfx. Help make it make sense!

[@MikeBoomie]

@@JoshPillault Who's screaming? Who's crying. I can sit here read and understand where youre coming from like a whole ass man. Then there's people like you, the ones that "Dont read shit" the second they get called on their bullshit lmao. You a clown dawg. Again, continue to contribute to the games slow demise.

[@ignacionemarich1877]

I havent played in over 7 years and still, I'm always revisiting twitch, always watching vids like this, etc.. Runescape is 100% part of My life.

[@ErikGsson]

Incredibly good video, nice of youtube to recommend it to me 8 months late :D, I saw you on osrs podcasts not too long ago, one of my favourite eposides from them.

[@jordanchaq]

I've played runescape since 2006-2007. I've played on and off over the years and managed to get 99 woodcutting. Took a few years off and then rs3 came out. Since then i never could quite enjoy the game like I did when I was younger. OSRS comes out and obviously has been out for over 10 years now. I just couldn't let go of the progress I had made on my original account. Would come back to the game every year or so and not enjoy it. Over the last few months I finally bit the bullet and made myself an osrs account. It's brought me right back to when I first started back in 2006. First time I've felt that magic in such a long time. Finally experiencing the variety rs has to offer instead of just pureing woodcutting for some reason. If you don't have an account, do yourself a favour and make one. The world can be overwhelming, but there are so many fantastic resources to point you in the right direction.

[@1Shayz1]

I spent about 3 months leveling all the free to play skills to level 50 and only spent $5 to get some starting gil. Well worth it

[@seanrobinson3798]

This is and always will be my favorite game. I played it nonstop from the moment I tried it in 2005 until early 2022. I've done everything there is to enjoy and NOT enjoy about the game. Had 10+ accounts for different reasons ranging from specific pvp builds or pures, to skillers, pvmers, twisted league, regular and ironman mains etc. I eventually got burnt out when I decided to make a "zanaris locked uim" that could only go outside of the boundary to venture within a viewable distance of a fairy ring. Now I'm a dad with a full time job and my runescape fixes come from watching RuneScape content creators such as yourself!

[@huntnjames4517]

Dude, awesome video. I'm flooded with Nostalgia. Keep it up

[@rawkus1562]

The editing on this was really solid great stuff

[@brokebudgetaquariums6934]

Great video! This needs to get shared everywhere.

[@RiskyFeat]

Extremely well made Josh! Loved it!

[@BetterPlay]

This video is good man.

[@alfa0nrs]

you sir deseserve way more views!

[@kemp5402]

This is a fantastic into to the game for new players!

[@Vetionarian]

Bro I forgot you made this! I'm enjoying the hell out of it and might even share it with some friends of mine.

[@MANNY100123]

Very good intro vid to RS! I grew up playing RS2 was truly something amazing back in the day! Sadly I've tried getting into it again but it's just not the same. None of my friends from back in the day play and no one talks to anyone and all you'll see is random bots spamming the same "scammy" message in certain areas... I wish They didn't force us to transport our original accounts to Rs3 that was the nail in the coffin imo. But for folks new to the game I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

[@JustinK0]

they didnt "transfer" your account to rs3, they just updated the game, they didnt plan on doing the split until after.

[@jtr0625]

Such a nice video. I haven't played or even watched RS youtube content in a long time, but this popped up in my recommended. Haven't seen the channel name before, but I immediately recognized the voice. I started playing during the very early days of RS2. I would do pretty much everything in the game except for PKing. For some reason I was terrible at it and anytime I had to enter the wilderness I would be terrified. I realized quickly that there was a ton of money to be made in runecrafting. I spent a lot of time training runecrafting and agility to a high level and it paid off. I was one of the first people to reach double nature runes. Although I never reached lv.99, for a very long time I was ranked in the top 50. I remember taking my bank note rune essence to the general store on Karamja, selling it, buying it back in regular non-noted form and then having to walk what must have been a 10 minute round trip to the nature altar and repeat the process. Several people would follow me and I would also trade them their rune essence for my nature runes at the altar. Although it sounds tedious, I look back at the memories fondly. I had a lot of great conversations and met good friends. When the Abyss and giant pouches came out, RCing became even more lucrative. What I really enjoyed doing though was quests and castle wars. I would attempt to do all of the quests the day they released, before guides were written. I was also one of the few people to have a full set of gold CW armour before the completionist cape was released. I loved the concept of capture the flag within RS and had so much fun playing it. I also did a lot of other weird miscellaneous things. I killed over 2000 chompy birds and got the highest ranked black chompy hat, again before the completionist cape was released. I used to wear it all the time. Almost everyday someone would mistake it for a "hacked" black party hat. I also used to kill a lot of NPCs in the pub in seers village to get fast clue scrolls. Even though a single trip to the nature alter would probably earn enough money to buy any reward from a low level scroll, i just enjoyed doing it. Another weird thing i would do is play the mini game in the range guild and trade the tokens for rune throwing axes. They weren't even great, I just loved the special attack. I would get them, take them to the moss giants nearby and enjoy watching the reactions of the low level rangers there who had never seen them before, as the special attack would cause the axes to bounce from giant to giant. I stopped playing almost immediately following the release of EOC. Something I had so much enjoyment from now felt so alien. I tried to jump back in several times and just couldn't adjust to it. I also tried osrs when it first released on mobile. I did get the initial blast of nostalgia, but my friends weren't there anymore, which I feel was the main driving factor behind my initial addiction. I really enjoyed your video, Josh. It brought back so many 20+year memories. Hope you enjoyed the few I shared.

[@Limonada_RC]

Wow I truly vivid your experience great review ❤

[@justcus]

i thought i recognized your voice from somewhere! i watched the episode of charlie's podcast you were on. great video, hope to see more!

[@bacalhau_seco]

Im 17 and i started playing this game right after finishing this video. I mean... i didnt finish the video i was watching while downloading but ye ill probably play this forever. I wont use my work time to it tho

[@NoName-yz7dw]

Are you still playing a year later?

[@bacalhau_seco]

@@NoName-yz7dw not that much, i still play it tho, i feel like i ran out of things to do cuz i dont have member. The whole game is also filled with bots (at least the f2p) i only play it because i play with my brother

[@Courier_Seven]

Oh damn 2 minutes in and I realize it's that cool dude from PKA ! Much love dog, hope all is well.

[@TheRSFelon]

It’s me man! Everything’s great here and thanks for the support!

[@ControlledBalance]

Playing on and off since 2001, Best game ever!

[@BrodyxBrown]

Hell yeah man I was wondering where your RS content was at!

[@brycejohn2283]

So glad you have a channel first saw you on the official podcast

[@IInContext]

Honestly brilliant video

[@MacDaniboi]

I haven't played in almost 2 years now. You never quit, you only take breaks. I'd say this: Try it out, give it one week, if after that week you're happy that the week is over then this game isn't for you. Runescape is very casual friendly, and it's VERY easy to choose content that matches your desires and your skill level, but at the same time has a surprisingly high ceiling for skill expression for high end PVP and PVE.

[@BTWAIDS]

Nice vid man! Solid editing

[@WrdSmt]

Awesome video man! As a veteran it's nothing new, but i just love to see how big and immense it is when someone tries to explain it :)

[@Mookie-Jones]

Great quality video!

[@paulbucher3896]

Bro great video hit so close to home knowing you started in 04 same as me and have only got done a fraction of what you want I’ve been playing off and on since 04 for some reason I just can’t quit the game for good just recently started playing again Ctfu mobile only for now sadly started osrs on release day and my account is still only lvl 115

[@ChilliKnightOG]

This is truly one of the best videos on Runescape I have ever watched.

[@fissionphoenix4995]

Dang I was hoping this would tell me the extent it's worth getting BACK into after an extended period away. Sometimes I miss it but tend to get daunted by the time commitment I know is involved.

[@SchereGeist]

high quality video mate !

[@stonecolda.p.]

This video is amazing, it needs more views

[@thebulletkin8393]

I picked up the game like a year ago after hearing that a mobile version existed. Frankly I was utterly clueless and just did some quests while making things to sell for money. I’ve still got a free account as I learn more about the starting locations as well as what to do, but at the moment I love the charm this game emanates as well as the freedom. I’m still clueless, don’t know what I want to do or can do but I’m still chugging along. The jokes, the humour, I love how self aware it is. Dispite the old graphics I still think it’s art direction is sublime, and I much prefer good design over realistic graphics with no direction at all. I still don’t know if it’s something I’m willing to play for a really long time, I like the things you’ve said regarding cool bosses to fight, as well as forging your own path, but I think I just need more time in to make a decision. One thing I will say though is that the game is great, to be this old but still relevant is a testament to its success, and if I gravitate to this more than modern mmo games as my first venture into the genre that really is something. So if it doesn’t stick with me I can still recognise that it is brilliant.

[@heftymagic4814]

finally someone gets how good old schools art direction is

[@ayedoubleu3995]

Beautiful

[@universalunion7920]

Love the vid ❤️

[@joro7014]

New players and veterans from my generation..im 28 now and everyone in between after hours of reading comments and watching "why u should play osrs" vids, i just want t say i love you all, i love this community wether for the nostalgia or not when i die in y old age one day never will my experience and hours spend becme a regret❤ Thank you people the game..hell even the damned bots thnk you all for existing. P.s. sorry for the long comment❤❤❤❤

[@Pamela1202]

Great video!

[@soupypunk-pk5ys]

For a while it was nostalgia for me but now I genuinely enjoy it again and it's been great :)

[@Really_Biggah]

Wow I'm impressed with how much effort you put into this video. I'm not a fan of OSRS cuz the grind is just way too much for me. But I do appreciate the game overall.

[@poochicachoochichick1207]

Try playing curse of aros, The grinding is easy and fun too. Im so addicted to this game. I wish i knew about this game sooner tbh.

[@LBenn302]

20 levels away from maxing my account and just got my diary cape the other day. I’m not sure what I’m gonna do after maxing. I have a couple things left to do, but it’s crazy that it’s right around the corner. As a kid you’d never even fathom maxing your account but now it’s somewhat obtainable once you look at it objectively. This game really is special and I keep coming back to it almost everyday. I think I can genuinely say it’s my favorite game of all time (Elden Ring is pretty damn close so is Destiny 1)

[@arkxszn8934]

Yup you can join anytime, believe me

[@bodegacats8940]

Very good video josh

[@moe3120]

I actively play osrs and still watch these

[@BrandonJohnson-js4rq]

great video!

[@johntuffield1457]

best game ever

[@gregpenismith1248]

I looked you up as soon as you mentioned going to prison over this game. You got raw dogged by the justice system. I remember having to plea out for a fight I got into, at school, the original charge was attempted manslaughter. I punched a kid after he sucker punched me. We were arguing over something in an ultimate frisbee game we played at lunch. I split the kids face open from the top of his upper lip around one of his nostrils, he fell over like a sack of potatoes, and had pissed and shit himself. Columbine was very new, and no one was thinking rationally over violence at schools. The courts claimed I used excessive force, but I think the reality is they looked at our size difference and went from there. I was 6'5" 250lbs, and he was 6' and maybe weighed 150lbs. I got lucky and got away with a misdemeanor, as a minor, so none of that followed me into adulthood. I'm new to this game, that's how I came across your video.

[@JamiePlanks]

RS3 video next, put yourself through hell for content👀

[@joro7014]

That last part got me brother, u got a sub and discord follow now

[@karrisspillault6068]

Incredible video

[@user-md6tq3oo1h]

I play WoW more, but the reason I sometimes will play OSRS instead, is because I know my achievements are permanent, and my max level won't be made irrelevant in 6 months.

[@fatvinet]

Just play classic wow😅

[@lowzyyy]

I am curious did community changed? 10 years ago when i played, there were a lot of scams, players had girlfriends, and having a cape for skills were status symbols. I guess now everyone are 99lv and min maxing a lot of stuff. Back then we did not have tutorials, youtube was in its infancy

[@TheRSFelon]

We’re all adults now but there will always be scammers on online games

[@loganpitman13]

This game made my childhood worth it.

[@dumpsterdweller118]

really missed you

[@awildcow17]

This is arguably THEE best informational video about OSRS in it's entirety, neatly packed in under just 25 minutes. Literally every second you watch this video, you learn something useful and is easy to understand. There is not a SECOND of wasted time. Good god it's beautiful. This is properly done and a book case study on how to make an OSRS informational video. THANK YOU

[@tr1pl3_t94]

I can’t play this on the stupid Mac laptop. It won’t let me. 😭💔

[@edsimpleton5340]

I'm a long timeplayer of runescape but I just love casually finding these vids to invite new players to join runescape and I have to say you have a very detailed and inviting guide, I like it a lot great video indeed 👌🏽

[@jackcharlie9322]

I used to play back in like 2008 and tried to get back into it but had no idea what i was doing , very confused about how to do pvp and where to go etc

[@edsimpleton5340]

@@jackcharlie9322 i would suggest finding a few good mates in game or a nice clan to get back into the rythm, i only continued playing because of that exact reason because if i was playing by myself i would of probably stopped too

[@jackcharlie9322]

@@edsimpleton5340 yeh thank you for the advice , it was a tragic sight me wandering around on a fresh membership hopeless

[@edsimpleton5340]

@@jackcharlie9322 well if anything hit me up and send me your in game name i ca always help you out and show you tons of ways to get through the first few milstones

[@jackcharlie9322]

@@edsimpleton5340 and its dudes like you that make me always feel like there is a place for me there! thank you so much man il hit you up sometime when i get up and running again , many thanks

[@guitarocks34]

Started for the nostalgia stayed for the reinvigorated addiction

[@RavensVFX]

As a player who is almost maxed, dont start. Its epic and it will keep you hooked too hard

[@anthonycarlos5934]

Maybe id just play it a little for the strong nostalgia of my childhood

[@kolrengenify]

Great video! It definitely deserve more views, and seems like an awesome introduction to the game as a whole. As someone who has played countless MMO's over the years and poured faaar to many hours into them, i can, quite confidently, state that behind the terrible graphics and simplistic nature of OSRS hides one of the best MMO's ever created. The game is deceptively complex, which scales with how far into it the player gets and how ambitiously one wants to tackle the various systems. Add to that an unparralled amount of freedom and interconnectivity of skills and gameplay, and OSRS easily stands as a behemoth in the space, and quite simply offers a gaming experience so far removed from industry standards, that it needs to be praised. I get that the long, and somewhat tedious, grinds as well as the graphics keep many over-stimulated zoomers from diving into the game, stating that only nostalgia keeps people playing. While I do believe nostalgia plays a role in player retention, OSRS is simply a great game from start to finish (which you probably never will due to the mind-blowing amount of content) and is played, not out of nostalgic love, but out of genuine enjoyment and wonder.

[@MrMcbear]

Osrs is amazing, yes it brings back the nostalgia but with runelite and a ton of other quality of life improvements it's pretty much our dream runescape.

[@Jefe_9555]

cool as hell to find someone from my state and similar history that plays rs love ur bideos and story man i can relate to beeing locked up similar to you

[@Flemingluiz-mr9ep]

I never played The Game. But i admire its complexity and details, i like games with simple graphics but yet complex and detailed gameplay, i think that gives a touch to the imagination of The player, adding to the game a unique charm and perspective to everyone who plays it. A good element that most roleplaying games nowdays dont have so much. Games like this such as Caves of Qud,Pillars of eternity,divinity 2. For exemple never end being too popular like fast paced RPGs like Skyrim,witcher or the Newer fallout games.

[@Azure9577]

Caves of qud huh May i recommend Cataclysm DDA to you my friend

[@Flemingluiz-mr9ep]

@@Azure9577 interresting im definetely gonna try it

[@sintheemptyone8108]

Just keep in mind that if you desire to tackle the end game content, you'll have a steep wall to climb to get there once you hit late midgame, much like in RS3. The early & midgame, however, is hands down the best part of both OSRS & RS3, arguably one of the best video game experiences of all time.

[@vladlock]

This is the media that we all enjoy

[@dplck8872]

What prison did you go to? I've went to a few in n.c and florida. I got out and started playing to keep me out of trouble. So i say this is the best game

[@TheRSFelon]

Oddly enough I served time in NC and Florida too, but I was federal; Butner NC and Marianna FL. Did time a few other joints as well across the bid but glad you’re out and we made it buddy. The game definitely helps keep us out of trouble!

[@karrisspillault6068]

Almost makes me wanna play RuneScape ;)

[@Limonada_RC]

The first video i gound when I told people I love RuneScape abd they ask what is? I shared this video haha it's just the 1% of the game in 20 minutes 😅

[@whocaresses]

Meh, took me 48 hours too get ,99, firemaking on a lv 3 at winterdodt

[@vman034]

How u did that

[@Galacticbluedesu]

Haven't played the video yet, but yes!! pls play old school runescape it's fckn amazing

[@gigglegoblin150]

I started playing for the first time this year. 100% worth it.

[@TheRSFelon]

That’s rare to see! Welcome, man!

[@vinnieg6161]

If I play 5 houres in a single day I still feel like there's a million more things to do

[@trippplecup1563]

I’ve been playing everyday for 2 months. Occasionally I don’t get on.. but I have 2 accounts… literally got so much to do… I made both these when old school came out and got 1800 total and 1250 total on 1def account… I always have a goal in mind to do

[@pheesheggs4615]

Hey Josh, I hope you're doing well.

[@dillonu.4975]

Just installed again and recovered my account from when mobile launched

[@YoureTooEZ]

I’ve always wondered how much of the player base is actual new players. How do people who never played RuneScape back in its glory days come across it now a days? I wish my homies irl would play but after many years I can’t convince them😂

[@lukmaanpratomo6866]

I can see why Old School Runescape basically popularized the whole LIFESKILL way of playing MMORPGs, for example Black Desert. You don't like combat but want to make money or progress WITHOUT combat-related quests? Well, do LIFESKILLS. Yup. I remember back when I used to just mine ores, chop logs, and fish to supply other players whilst also leveling those skills and making millions 😂. Good ol' times. That, and nothing beats the nostalgia that is Runescape Soundtrack. Sea Shanty anyone?

[@Be_Bop]

I’ve been playing FFXIV for the past few years but am seriously debating coming back to old school but f2p is pre much impossible on my account

[@balance2100]

I'm pretty sure you were saying inconvenient when you mean convenient

[@ZKern7]

I absolutely love this and this game. I love the rpg aspect you took with this vid that often gets missed in OSRS gameplay today. For the record and it doesnt count for much but, its shitty what happened to you and you never deserved prison for a dumb ass comment on a video game.

[@Lead1121]

I just don’t have time for it’s grind. Rs3 exp is too fast and old school is too slow

[@iiarskii]

I don’t even play for nostalgia I didn’t play this as a kid I just love the game

[@Courier_Seven]

Played as a kid, ended up losing my acc cause I forgot my pass. Played a few years back on a fresh acc and maxed out my cmb stats except prayer. Got fire cape, like 7 pets including hydra, like 2/3rds of all quests done. Starting fresh on a new account as of a few days ago. You ask if it's worth getting into? I say; RUN ESCAPE!

[@tysonatkins2468]

Stavves? Never heard a staff called that

[@CodyRawluk]

I want to start it now, however I don’t understand if there’s a premise? Is it just to max skills by chopping wood etc?

[@TheRSFelon]

Most players follow a loose guide by setting goals that are made of smaller goals; for example, aiming to get “barrows gloves” which requires a looooong string of many quests and many different skills. So pursuing those gloves (or whatever your goal is) requires tons of different gameplay in multiple parts of the map.

[@chriscobb2102]

Just buy buckets fill with water and sell at ge for gold early game cost per bucket is 7gp cost of bucket filled with water is 40gp, it's needed for bots to do tons of crap so it's always needed

[@chriscobb2102]

Edgevill is best spot for speed

[@jacobtridef48]

how do i give my phone number to the cute guy at 11:19 and 15:13? LOL

[@KennethKaniff999]

How can you drop that line about going to prison for runescape without telling the story!

[@nefereous9082]

20:40 wait did he just say he went to prison for rs

[@JoshPillault]

Yep, this is my main channel here (the account I’m commenting from).

[@jonathanvanlubeck7978]

Your pretty iconic man

[@Mookie-Jones]

Can I add you on osrs? I'm "mookie jones"

[@Pokemarquet]

yes.

[@monke12354]

This was well-made, though I'm confused on why you started explaining the worst, least fun, and more niche non-combat skills first rather than simple ones like cooking, fishing, mining, or smithing. Construction probably would have best be described last, once you have a broad view of all the skills it could be beneficial for. Perhaps because their names sound the most interesting?

[@TheRSFelon]

Probably just was in the order of whatever list I pulled up as I was writing the script man haha

[@Its_justDan]

Your voice sounds like Framed if you took his voice and rendered it. (Edit to be funny)

[@filthynormie]

rs3 gets too much hate from eoc

[@heftymagic4814]

this is not true

[@filthynormie]

@@heftymagic4814 it is very true, ppl dont play rs3 bc of eoc. also mtx

[@XxTbarsxX]

Is it worth playing if you don't have that nostalgia

[@TheRSFelon]

Absolutely, it’s one of the most successful and currently-growing games of this generation

[@Reldonator]

PSA!!! Never tell people the day your account was created, it can be used to recover or hack your account! Otherwise great video!

[@TheRSFelon]

Yep which means as long as you don’t do it on livestream it’s fine because any other time it’s not accurate. Not nearly as big of a deal in general as people think

[@Reldonator]

@@TheRSFelon I didn't think about it that way, but I just want people to be careful. I panicked for you when I got to that part XD

[@user-wr9cg6ti6n]

anyone had osrs that quit? I playyy your accnt 😆

[@TheBuddaBrot]

great vid, though I dont like the focus on the "profit" aspect. the game is about more than just making gp. imo. especially since ironman is superior anyways :^)

[@TheRSFelon]

I play ironman mode as well but I wouldn’t recommend that mode for starting players. Learning how to make profit is pretty essential to learning how to progress through the game and understand the value of different gear and items.

[@Lolbama2012]

I suggest playing ironman mode. It definitely makes it feel more like an RPG than an economy simulator with an RPG in it. Instead of constantly playing the GE, you just play the game. You want an item? Go get the drop. It's made the game so much more enjoyable for me lately

[@palereaper]

How did you get the graphics to look so good?

[@TheRSFelon]

117HD Plugin on RuneLite!

[@heftymagic4814]

@@TheRSFelon HDOS>>>