Old School RuneScape (OSRS) has remained one of the most iconic MMORPGs since its launch, thanks to its active player community and frequent updates voted on by the players themselves. Every year, Jagex rolls out fresh content, balance changes, and quality-of-life improvements to keep both veterans and newcomers engaged. The latest OSRS update promises some major changes that could significantly impact how you play the game, earn OSRS gold, and tackle high-level content.

If you're a dedicated adventurer, a gold farmer, or someone who enjoys intense PvM, this article breaks down three of the biggest changes you can expect from the new OSRS update — and how they might affect your gameplay and economy strategy moving forward.

1. The New Grand Exchange Tax Overhaul

One of the most talked-about changes in the latest OSRS update is a complete overhaul of the Grand Exchange tax system. While a tax was introduced a while back to help control inflation and curb gold farming bots, the community has been vocal about making the system fairer and more transparent.

What's Changing?

The upcoming update introduces a tiered tax structure based on the item's value:

Low-value items (under 500k) will have a reduced tax, encouraging newer and mid-level players to trade without being penalized too heavily.

Mid-tier items (500k–50M) will maintain the current 1% tax.

High-end items (50M+) will see a slightly increased tax rate, intended to control inflation on some of OSRS's most expensive gear like the Twisted Bow, Scythe of Vitur, and 3rd Age Armour.

Why It Matters

This new system could shake up OSRS gold-making strategies. High-volume merchants and PKers flipping rare items will need to adjust their profit margins, while everyday players buying and selling standard gear might see their overall transaction costs go down.

Expect temporary price fluctuations when the change hits, as the market recalibrates to the new tax rates. Smart traders will find opportunities here — stocking up on high-value items before price corrections or quick-flipping newly hot items to turn a fast profit.

2. Revamped Wilderness PvP Hotspots and New Rewards

The Wilderness has always been a high-risk, high-reward zone in OSRS. This new update aims to breathe new life into PvP combat by introducing revamped Hotspot events and exclusive loot only obtainable through Wilderness activities.

What's Changing?

Rotating Hotspot Areas will now randomly shift across various Wilderness locations every hour. During these rotations, PKers within the Hotspot will earn increased Emblems, Bounty points, and access to unique PvP-only drops.

A new currency, Blood Sigils, will be introduced, obtainable only through PvP kills in these Hotspots. Blood Sigils can be traded for exclusive cosmetic gear, PvP supplies, and unique weapons with PvP-only bonuses.

Why It Matters

This update is designed to draw both veterans and newcomers back into the Wilderness, creating a more dynamic and lucrative PvP experience. With Hotspots changing locations hourly, it adds a tactical layer to hunting and evading PKers.

For OSRS gold-makers, this opens up new moneymaking methods:

Selling PvP supplies (Anglerfish, Saradomin brews, and Dragon Bolts) during active Hotspot periods.

Farming Blood Sigils and rare PvP drops for huge profits on the Grand Exchange.

Flipping Emblems and PK gear as prices spike during PvP events.

Expect an increased demand for PvP essentials and a new rush of wilderness activity, meaning both risk and reward will be higher than ever.

3. Skilling Content Expansion and New Master-Level Quest

OSRS's PvM content often gets the spotlight, but this update also introduces major changes for skillers and questers, including a new Master-level quest and several additions to skilling methods.

What's Changing?

A New Master Quest, “Echoes of Gielinor”, will tie into the game's ongoing lore, offering high XP rewards and access to a previously hidden area packed with high-level training spots for Herblore, Runecrafting, and Hunter.

New Skilling Bosses: The update introduces two new bosses requiring level 90+ skills in Fishing and Woodcutting. Defeating these bosses provides large XP drops, unique skilling outfits, and rare drops tradable for millions on the Grand Exchange.

Enhanced AFK Methods: Based on player feedback, several skilling activities like Mining, Fishing, and Smithing will receive new AFK-friendly options, increasing XP rates while reducing click intensity.

Why It Matters

This expansion brings new life to non-combat activities and caters to the often-overlooked skiller community. For OSRS gold earners:

The new skilling boss drops will create fresh items to trade and flip.

The quest's access to hidden training spots will likely see rare herbs, runes, and hunting resources hit the market.

AFK skilling improvements mean more passive income opportunities for players who prefer a relaxed grind.

Prepare for an uptick in skilling gear and supplies trading as more players dive into these updates.

Final Thoughts

The latest OSRS update is shaping up to be one of the most impactful in recent years. From the Grand Exchange tax overhaul and PvP Wilderness revival to new skilling content and questing opportunities, there's something for every type of player.

For gold makers, this means fresh opportunities to profit, but also new risks to navigate in a shifting economy. Smart players will adapt early — flipping gear, capitalizing on event-driven demand, and exploring new skilling bosses for rare, high-value drops.

As always in Old School RuneScape, those who stay informed and agile will come out on top.