With quests, diaries, gear, and skills in RuneScape gold place, the final mid-game goal is to prepare for true late-game bosses and raids. This means:

Learning mechanics like prayer flicking, gear switches, and positioning.

Attempting introductory bosses (Barrows, Sarachnis, Tempoross).

Gradually moving into higher-end encounters like Chambers of Xeric, Theatre of Blood, and Tombs of Amascut.

The goal isn't perfection, but building comfort with challenging content so you can grow into end-game PvM.

Final Thoughts

Breaking free of the mid-game in OSRS requires commitment, but the payoff is enormous. By completing quests, finishing hard diaries, upgrading your gear, and unlocking key training methods, you'll set your account up for true late-game content.

Once these 10 goals are complete, you'll no longer feel held back by requirements or missing items-you'll be free to focus on what makes RuneScape great: bossing, Skilling, making money, or simply having fun in Gielinor.

RuneScape 3 can be an overwhelming experience for both new and returning players, especially with the amount of content, systems, and mechanics available. Whether you're starting fresh or dusting off an old account, knowing where to begin can save you countless hours of confusion and help you enjoy the game more fully.

This guide brings together advice from the community and experienced players to give you a roadmap for 2025.

RS3 or OSRS: Which Should You Play?

The first big question many players face is whether to play RuneScape 3 (RS3) or Old School RuneScape (OSRS). Luckily, you don't have to choose right away. Both games are accessible with a single account, and membership applies to both versions.

Tip: Try the free-to-play versions of both games. See which style you prefer before committing time-or money.

If you've decided on RuneScape 3, let's dive into what makes it unique and how to navigate its busy world.

Pay Attention to the Tutorial

RS3 can be chaotic at first glance: dozens of buttons, menus, and icons fill the screen. The best way to cut through this initial confusion is by completing the full tutorial. It may feel slow, but it lays the foundation for understanding combat, skills, and navigation.

Once finished, resist the urge to immediately wander off. The tutorial introduces you to mechanics that will make your journey much smoother.

Choose One Combat Style to Start

RuneScape 3 allows you to train Melee, Ranged, Magic, and the newer Necromancy combat style. While you can eventually master all four, spreading your focus too early will slow your progress.

Why focus on one style? Gear, abilities, and levels require significant investment. Building one strong combat path is far more efficient than juggling multiple average ones.

Which should you choose? Any style works, but Necromancy is highly recommended. It's beginner-friendly, has a dedicated tutorial, and provides both offense and sustain-perfect for learning RS3's deep combat system.

Unlocking Necromancy

New players often wonder how to begin Necromancy since it isn't automatically offered. Open your quest log, locate the "Necromancy" quest, and set it as active. This will guide you to the starting location and unlock the tutorial questline.

Embrace Questing

Quests in RuneScape 3 are more than filler-they're full adventures that tell stories, teach mechanics, and unlock essential content. Unlike other MMOs, you won't be asked to "kill 10 wolves"; instead, quests range from baking cakes to slaying dragons.

Early Game Tip: Complete all free-to-play quests. They provide valuable experience, unlock areas, and teach you about skills.

Long-Term Tip: Many higher-level goals require prerequisite quests. Getting them done early saves frustration later.

Quests are one of the most enjoyable parts of RuneScape, so don't rush them-enjoy the storytelling and world-building along the way.

Explore and Unlock Lodestones

Exploration is a big part of the RS3 experience. Early on, make it a goal to unlock all lodestones, which are teleport points scattered across Gielinor. This gives you faster travel, smoother questing, and a better understanding of the map.

Community Advice for 2025

Beyond the basics, the RuneScape community has offered timeless tips for both new and returning players.

1. Don't Chase Hyper-Efficiency

Playing "sweaty"-maximizing every action for efficiency-can quickly lead to burnout. RS3 is a marathon, not a sprint. If one training method is fun but slightly slower, it's worth doing. Enjoy the grind at your own pace.

2. Prioritize Quests Early

Quest rewards (XP, items, and unlocks) are most valuable at lower levels. Do them early, and you'll progress faster. Delay too long, and their benefits won't feel as impactful.

3. Find Friends or a Clan

RS3 can be played solo, but it shines when shared. Many players stick around because of friends, clans, and communities. Social interaction adds depth, motivation, and support-especially if you're tackling group content or learning PvM (Player vs. Monster) mechanics.

4. Learn Bossing Through the Arch-Glacor

For returning players (or ambitious new ones), the Arch-Glacor is an excellent boss to practice on. It has scalable difficulty, teaches mechanics like prayer flicking, and offers great rewards-including high-value drops.

5. Set Goals and Sub-Goals

RS3 is massive, and it's easy to feel lost without direction. Pick a long-term goal-like unlocking Invention or reaching Max-and break it down into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate progress along the way, and always have your next goal ready to avoid losing motivation.

6. Practice Manual Keybinds Early

By default, RS3 combat uses Revolution, an auto-cast system for abilities. While convenient, it limits your effectiveness in higher-end PvM. Start binding abilities to keys and practicing manual input early. It's harder at first, but it pays off when tackling tougher bosses.

7. Don't Stress About Gold

RuneScape gold comes naturally through combat, Slayer, and gathering skills. Avoid obsessing over wealth in the early game. Focus instead on progression-your earning potential skyrockets as your levels increase.

8. Spend Gold to Progress

Hoarding OSRS GP might feel good, but it slows your growth. Invest in better gear, training supplies, and skills. Money spent wisely on OSRS GP progression will return many times over once you reach higher levels.