Old School RuneScape is famous for its quests. From unforgettable storylines to game-changing rewards, quests are a core part of the OSRS experience. However, not every highly praised quest lives up to the hype. Some are remembered more fondly than they deserve, either because of nostalgia, outdated mechanics, or rewards that no longer justify the effort.

This article takes a critical look at the top 5 most overrated quests in Old School RuneScape—quests that are often praised by the community but, in reality, fall short when replayed or compared to modern standards.

1. Monkey Madness I

Monkey Madness I is often hailed as one of the most iconic quests in OSRS history. While its legacy is undeniable, its actual gameplay experience hasn’t aged well.

The quest is infamous for its frustrating navigation, especially the stealth section on Ape Atoll. Getting caught by guards repeatedly, losing progress, and being forced to re-run large sections feels more tedious than challenging. Much of the difficulty comes from outdated design rather than meaningful mechanics.

The reward—access to the Dragon scimitar—was once a game-changer, but today it’s largely a stepping stone item quickly replaced by better weapons. While Monkey Madness I deserves respect for its impact on OSRS history, calling it one of the best quests ignores how annoying and time-consuming it truly is.

2. Recipe for Disaster

Recipe for Disaster is frequently praised as the ultimate quest goal for mid-level players. In reality, it’s less a single quest and more a collection of smaller, uneven subquests stitched together.

While the gloves reward progression is excellent, the quest itself lacks narrative cohesion. Many subquests feel repetitive, formulaic, or rushed. Players often complete Recipe for Disaster not because it’s fun, but because Barrows gloves are mandatory for account progression.

The finale fight is underwhelming for such a long questline, and most players remember the grind more than any memorable story moments. It’s a practical quest—but calling it a masterpiece is a stretch.

3. Dragon Slayer I

Dragon Slayer I is one of the most iconic quests in RuneScape history, especially for veteran players. However, much of its reputation is built on nostalgia rather than actual gameplay quality.

The quest is extremely linear, offers little challenge beyond preparation, and features minimal story depth. The dragon fight itself is mechanically simple by modern standards, and the quest largely serves as an introduction to free-to-play progression rather than a standout experience.

While it’s an important milestone for new players, Dragon Slayer I is often overrated when compared to far richer and more engaging quests released later in OSRS.

4. Heroes'Quest

Heroes'Quest is commonly described as an elite, prestigious quest—yet its design feels more frustrating than rewarding.

The biggest issue is the forced reliance on other players. Being locked out of progression because you can’t find a partner from the opposite gang is less charming today than it was in the early 2000s. Modern OSRS design generally avoids this kind of dependency for good reason.

Additionally, the quest itself lacks memorable encounters or storytelling. The rewards, including access to the Heroes'Guild, are modest and quickly become irrelevant for most accounts. The quest’s reputation far exceeds its actual gameplay value.

5. Desert Treasure I

Desert Treasure I is often considered a legendary quest due to its difficulty and its powerful rewards—Ancient Magicks. However, the quest experience itself is far from enjoyable for many players.

The bosses are notorious not for clever mechanics, but for punishing damage and outdated combat design. Much of the challenge comes from resource drain rather than skill expression. Deaths often feel cheap, especially for players unfamiliar with the mechanics.

While unlocking Ancient Magicks is undeniably impactful, the quest is frequently remembered as something players endured, not enjoyed. Its reputation as one of the greatest quests often overlooks how frustrating and unforgiving it can be, especially for newer accounts.

Why These Quests Are Still Popular

Despite their flaws, these quests remain popular for a few key reasons:

Nostalgia: Many players completed them during formative RuneScape years.

Mandatory Rewards: Items like Barrows gloves and Ancient Magicks make them unavoidable.

Community Hype: Popular opinion often snowballs, making criticism rare.

Popularity doesn’t always equal quality, especially when judged by modern OSRS standards.

Honorable Mentions

Some quests narrowly missed this list, including:

One Small Favour (intentionally annoying, but self-aware)

Mourning’s End Part II (iconic puzzle, but extremely punishing)

Legends'Quest (solid concept, outdated execution)

Each has redeeming qualities but shares similar pacing or design issues.

Final Thoughts

Old School RuneScape quests are a major reason the game remains beloved after decades. However, it’s important to separate historical importance from actual gameplay quality. Many highly praised quests haven’t aged gracefully and rely more on reputation than enjoyment.

That doesn’t mean these quests are bad—but they are often overrated when compared to newer, more refined quest designs in OSRS. As the game continues to evolve, it’s worth revisiting these classics with a critical eye rather than pure nostalgia.

Sometimes, the most legendary quests are remembered not because they were fun—but because everyone had to suffer through them together.