Alright, it's official — I'm diving into Old School RuneScape (OSRS) in 2025. And honestly? I'm both excited and slightly terrified. This is a game that's been around longer than I've been gaming seriously, and its reputation for addictive grinds, ruthless PvP, and a nostalgic community has always intrigued me. So, after years of hearing about it from friends, watching YouTube progression series, and lurking on Reddit, I've decided now is the time.

Let's talk about why I'm starting OSRS this year, what I'm expecting, and how I'm planning to approach this retro-modern MMO adventure.

Why OSRS in 2025?

The first reason is simple — no other MMO feels quite like this. Most games these days chase modern graphics, heavy storytelling, or complex systems. OSRS, though, proudly sticks to its roots. Its pixel-art visuals, simple click-to-move controls, and sandbox gameplay offer something unique in a world filled with lookalike online games.

And yet, it's not stuck in the past. OSRS has evolved massively, especially in the last few years. With new quests, bosses, minigames, and quality-of-life updates voted on by its own player base, the game feels alive in a way that no corporate-designed MMO does. Plus, with the 2025 Summer Update, including new F2P areas, the Poll System overhaul, and fresh wilderness content, there's never been a better time to jump in.

What I've Learned So Far

Before starting, I spent a few days reading beginner guides, watching “How to Start OSRS in 2025” YouTube videos, and browsing the /r/2007scape subreddit. Here are a few truths I've picked up:

It's a marathon, not a sprint.

There's no shortcut to success here. You work for every level, every piece of gear, and every quest point.

The economy is 100% player-driven.

If you want that Rune scimitar or Dragon dagger, you either buy it off another player or earn it yourself.

Death has real consequences.

Especially in the Wilderness, where losing your stuff is a legitimate risk. PvP culture is still thriving.

You'll get addicted to weird activities.

People spend hours doing things like Birdhouse runs, Barrows chest runs, or even lighting fires on a beach for hours. And somehow — it's fun.

My Starting Goals

I've set a few humble milestones for my first month in OSRS:

1.Complete Tutorial Island.

Everyone starts here. It teaches the basics and makes sure you know how to cook a shrimp and wield a dagger before you're thrown into Lumbridge.

2.Get 20 Quest Points.

Unlocks access to useful content like the Champions' Guild and essential quests like Vampire Slayer and Waterfall Quest.

3.Train Melee to 40/40/40.

Basic combat stats so I can wear Rune gear and survive outside of beginner areas.

4.Make my first 1M GP.

Whether it's through woodcutting, fishing, or low-level PvM, this will be my first personal milestone of in-game wealth.

5.Try a Boss Fight.

Even a low-level one like Obor or Bryophyta. Just to get a taste of the PvM grind.

The Meso to GP Swap (Mentally)

Coming from MapleStory Artale, where Mesos flow freely with the right farm, it's going to be an adjustment in OSRS. Money is tight here. Low-level methods like cutting oak logs, fishing shrimp, or mining copper won't make you rich overnight.

In OSRS, every OSRS Gold counts. And with a fully player-run economy, flipping items on the Grand Exchange or scavenging rare drops can be genuinely thrilling. It's like stock trading for pixel loot.

Community-Driven Gameplay

One thing I'm really looking forward to is how community-focused this game is. From Twitch streams and YouTube series to Discord servers and in-game clan chats, OSRS thrives on its player base.

I plan to:

Join a beginner-friendly clan for advice and group events.

Follow a couple of hardcore Ironman progression series for inspiration.

Participate in seasonal events — because holiday items in this game become collector's items worth millions.

Why This Is the Perfect Time

With OSRS being over a decade old in this form (and over 20 years old counting its original roots), it might seem strange to start now. But honestly, that's what makes it perfect. There's no pressure to catch up. I can play at my pace, chase the goals that interest me, and decide whether to become a PvP menace, a skilling purist, or a questing completionist.

Plus, with Jagex rolling out accessibility improvements and content updates in 2025, the barrier to entry has never been lower. New player guides, starter quests, and built-in activity trackers make navigating Gielinor's weird world much smoother.

Final Thoughts

So, here I am — starting Old School RuneScape in 2025. I know it won't be easy, and it'll test my patience, but that's part of the appeal. There's something charming about a game that makes you chop thousands of logs or fish for hours just to earn your place in the world.

If you've been on the fence about trying OSRS or returning after years away, now's honestly the time. Who knows? Maybe I'll see you in Lumbridge, grinding out our first GP together.