Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is known for many things: nostalgic pixel graphics, a thriving player-driven economy, and an unforgettable quest system filled with humor, danger, and adventure. Over the years, dozens of quests have left a lasting impact on the community — whether because of their lore, memorable characters, unique mechanics, or simply how difficult (or ridiculous) they were.

Today, we’re ranking the 10 most iconic Old School RuneScape quests — the adventures that every player remembers and most agree define what OSRS is all about.

10. Witch’s House

Why It’s Iconic:

This early-game quest terrified new players with its unnerving setting and that infamous shapeshifting monster at the end. The Witch’s House was one of the first quests that made you realize OSRS had a darker side lurking behind its quirky charm.

Highlights:

Sneaking through a spooky house.

Defeating a monster that morphs between terrifying forms.

Rewarding +6 Hitpoints levels for low-level characters.

9. Monkey Madness

Why It’s Iconic:

One of the most legendary combat-heavy quests in OSRS history, Monkey Madness turned countless players’ screens red with death in the Ape Atoll dungeon. It became a rite of passage for those seeking access to some of the best training spots and weapons.

Highlights:

Navigating a complex jungle and deadly dungeon.

Facing the infamous Jungle Demon boss.

Unlocking the powerful Dragon Scimitar.

8. The Grand Tree

Why It’s Iconic:

An early questline that introduced players to Gnome culture and airship travel. The Grand Tree was one of the first quests that felt grand in scale and story, hinting at the larger world beyond.

Highlights:

Investigating a royal conspiracy.

Fighting a demon.

Access to the Grand Tree and Gnome Stronghold.

7. Mourning’s End Part II

Why It’s Iconic:

Ask any veteran RuneScape player about Mourning’s End Part II and watch them shudder. Its infamously punishing Light Puzzle became one of the most hated — and memorable — quest obstacles in the game’s history.

Highlights:

A brutal puzzle that could take hours.

Deepening the mysterious Elf storyline.

One of the hardest quests pre-God Wars Dungeon.

6. Desert Treasure

Why It’s Iconic:

The ultimate high-level mage quest for many years. Desert Treasure tested players with four dangerous boss fights and grueling travel, rewarding them with access to Ancient Magicks, game-changing spells like Ice Barrage.

Highlights:

Four tough bosses including Damis and Dessous.

Unlocking Ancient Magicks.

The thrill of multi-way combat zones during the quest.

5. Recipe for Disaster

Why It’s Iconic:

Recipe for Disaster wasn’t just a quest — it was a multi-part epic celebrating RuneScape’s history for its fifth anniversary. Accessible in chunks, the quest catered to all levels and culminated in an unforgettable boss fight.

Highlights:

Rescuing a dozen iconic NPCs.

The Culinaromancer final battle.

Unlocking the Barrows Gloves, the best-in-slot gloves for years.

4. Dragon Slayer

Why It’s Iconic:

The original Dragon Slayer was the unofficial badge of honor for any free-to-play player. Killing Elvarg meant you had officially graduated from noob status. Even with OSRS’s expansions, this quest’s impact remains legendary.

Highlights:

The terrifying Elvarg fight.

Wearing Rune Platebody and Green Dragonhide Body.

First major boss battle for many players.

3. Legends’ Quest

Why It’s Iconic:

As the first Grandmaster Quest back in the day, Legends’ Quest was a high-level, dangerous, and prestigious task. Completing it was proof you were a serious player, earning you respect and access to some elite equipment.

Highlights:

Exploring the Kharazi Jungle.

Facing numerous mini-bosses.

Unlocking the Legends’ Guild.

2. Underground Pass

Why It’s Iconic:

Few quests in OSRS can match Underground Pass in sheer dread factor. Its lethal obstacles, creepy setting, and unrelenting traps made it notorious. It’s the quest everyone hated doing, but everyone remembered.

Highlights:

Deadly traps and rope swings.

The haunting storyline around King Lathas.

Unlocking Iban’s Staff.

1. Dragon Slayer II

Why It’s Iconic:

A modern masterpiece that lives up to the legend of its predecessor. Dragon Slayer II takes everything great about OSRS quests — epic lore, difficult combat, and meaningful rewards — and dials it to eleven.

Highlights:

Epic cinematic storytelling.

Facing Vorkath, one of OSRS’s best-designed bosses.

Unlocking the Myth’s Guild and massive XP rewards.

Why It Deserves 1:

It represents the perfect bridge between nostalgia and modern content, beloved by veterans and new players alike. It’s a flawless example of how OSRS can grow while honoring its roots.

Final Thoughts

Quests are the heart of Old School RuneScape’s charm. These adventures aren’t just content — they’re community milestones and personal challenges players bond over and remember for years. From slaying Elvarg to navigating Mourning’s End’s cruel light puzzle, these iconic quests have defined RuneScape’s unique identity in the MMO world.
If you are interested in these quests, then complete them and you will be rewarded with a lot of OSRS gold and items. Have a nice trip.