In the ever-evolving world of Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the release of Varlamore: The Rising Darkness marks one of the most ambitious expansions to date, adding a wealth of new content and excitement for both veteran adventurers and new players. Since its release, OSRS has taken players through countless quests, epic battles, and mysterious lands, each rooted in nostalgia but offering new challenges. With The Rising Darkness, Jagex introduces an entire new continent—Varlamore—alongside a dark narrative, complex quests, and innovative game mechanics, breathing new life into the classic game.

This article will delve into everything you need to know about the Varlamore expansion, including new quests, locations, gameplay features, and what this new content means for the OSRS gold community.

Varlamore: A New Continent Awaits
The continent of Varlamore has been a much-speculated and long-awaited addition in the OSRS community. Situated to the west of the game’s familiar lands, Varlamore expands the RuneScape world in substantial ways. This area is as vast as it is diverse, with biomes ranging from dense forests and treacherous mountains to bustling cities and eerie ruins. Varlamore is known to harbor cultures and kingdoms largely untouched by the influence of Gielinor, OSRS’s primary world, promising a fresh take on both geography and lore.

The expansion includes new cities and regions such as Drakthar, a city built upon the ashes of war, and Lyrethin, a mystic enclave known for its connection to ancient magic. Varlamore is visually distinct from other OSRS regions, with architecture inspired by lost civilizations and environmental detail that blends seamlessly with the classic OSRS aesthetic.

The Storyline: The Rising Darkness
The Rising Darkness sets the stage for an epic storyline in OSRS. The story takes players into a land facing a new, mysterious threat that could disrupt the balance of the entire RuneScape world. A dark cult known as the “Children of Shadows” has emerged, led by an enigmatic figure called the “Dark Enchanter.” This faction is on a quest to awaken an ancient evil that lies dormant within Varlamore’s depths. Players are thrust into this unfolding darkness and must work with various factions, unravel secrets, and embark on quests that delve into the history and future of Varlamore.

The main questline in The Rising Darkness is intricate and multi-layered, combining elements of mystery, strategy, and exploration. Alongside the central plot, players encounter side quests that not only enrich the story but also reward them with rare items, new spells, and increased influence within the land. Each quest has been crafted to challenge even the most seasoned OSRS players, requiring a mix of combat prowess, puzzle-solving, and a keen eye for lore.

New Gameplay Features and Mechanics
The addition of Varlamore isn’t just about expanding the map or adding new quests—it also introduces unique gameplay mechanics that elevate the OSRS experience. Here are some key features:

Faction System
Varlamore’s political structure is complex, with multiple factions vying for power and influence. Players can choose to ally with factions such as the Crimson Vanguard, a militaristic order committed to defending Varlamore from external threats, or the Shadowbound, an elusive society seeking knowledge from ancient artifacts. Joining a faction opens up unique quests, rewards, and gameplay opportunities. Players’ reputations with these factions will impact their journey, unlocking different storylines and quests based on their alliances.

Dynamic Combat Encounters
The Rising Darkness brings a more dynamic combat system to OSRS with events like “Shadow Encounters,” where players face waves of enemies influenced by the dark magic spreading across Varlamore. These encounters are randomized, challenging players to adapt on the fly. Alongside classic melee, ranged, and magic attacks, some enemies in Varlamore have abilities that require special tactics to overcome, making each encounter feel fresh and engaging.

Ancient Relics and Artifacts
Scattered across Varlamore are relics from a forgotten era, items that grant players unique abilities, temporary boosts, and lore insights. These artifacts require players to cheap OSRS gold solve puzzles, defeat mini-bosses, or overcome environmental challenges. Once unlocked, relics can provide special abilities such as increased healing, damage boosts against certain enemies, or insight into hidden secrets within Varlamore.