OSRS Quests by Release Date: A Complete Chronological Guide
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is renowned for its rich questing system, offering players a blend of storytelling, challenges, and rewards. Since its launch in February 2013, OSRS has built upon the original quests from the 2007 RuneScape backup while introducing new adventures exclusive to the game. For players looking to experience the game’s narrative as it unfolded or tackle quests in the order they were added, understanding the release timeline is key. In this blog post, we’ll explore OSRS quests by release date, diving into their history, evolution, and some standout moments—all while providing a detailed guide for adventurers and lore enthusiasts alike.
When OSRS launched on February 22, 2013, it inherited a robust catalog of quests from the August 2007 RuneScape archive. These “vanilla” quests formed the backbone of the game’s early content, totaling 128 quests with 238 quest points available at launch. Jagex preserved these quests to maintain the nostalgic feel that players craved, setting the stage for future additions.
The First Quest: Cook’s Assistant
Released on January 4, 2001, Cook’s Assistant holds the distinction of being the inaugural quest in RuneScape history—and thus OSRS. This simple free-to-play quest tasks players with gathering ingredients for a birthday cake, introducing them to the game’s mechanics. It’s short, sweet, and a perfect starting point for any adventurer.
Early Milestones in the Vanilla Era
The pre-OSRS era saw quests grow in complexity. By 2007, classics like Dragon Slayer I (March 23, 2004施一见二闻三摸四探五 (September 28, 2004) and Monkey Madness I (December 6, 2006) had set benchmarks for difficulty and storytelling. These quests, part of the original 2007 lineup, remain fan favorites in OSRS today.
- Dragon Slayer I: A free-to-play quest culminating in a battle with Elvarg, requiring a combat level of at least 34.
- Monkey Madness I: A members-only quest introducing Ape Atoll and the iconic dragon scimitar reward.
The Evolution of Quests in OSRS: Post-2013 Releases
After its 2013 debut, OSRS didn’t immediately add new quests, focusing instead on stabilizing the game and polling community preferences. However, starting in 2016, Jagex began releasing original quests, expanding the world of Gielinor with fresh content.
The First New Quest: Monkey Madness II
Launched on May 6, 2016, Monkey Madness II marked OSRS’s first post-launch quest. This grandmaster-level adventure expanded on its predecessor, introducing Glough’s return and challenging combat encounters. It set a high bar for future releases, offering the coveted ballista as a reward.
Growth of Quest Points
By April 3, 2025, OSRS boasts 174 quests, with a total of 325 quest points—up from the original 238. This growth reflects Jagex’s commitment to enriching the game while honoring its roots.
Key OSRS Quests by Release Date
Here’s a look at some pivotal quests, organized by their release dates, showcasing the game’s progression over time.
Pre-2013 Highlights
- Cook’s Assistant – January 4, 2001: The humble beginning.
- Shield of Arrav – February 4, 2001: Early gang rivalry quest.
- Legends’ Quest – August 20, 2007: The final vanilla quest, a master-level challenge.
Post-2013 Standouts
- Monkey Madness II – May 6, 2016: OSRS’s first original quest.
- Dragon Slayer II – January 4, 2018: A grandmaster sequel with Vorkath.
- Song of the Elves – July 25, 2019: Unlocking Prifddinas.
- Children of the Sun – January 24, 2024: Kicking off the Varlamore series.
- The Blood Moon Rises – Expected Early 2026: Concluding the Myreque saga.
| Quest Name | Release Date | Quest Points | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cook’s Assistant | January 4, 2001 | 1 | Novice |
| Monkey Madness II | May 6, 2016 | 4 | Grandmaster |
| Dragon Slayer II | January 4, 2018 | 4 | Grandmaster |
| Song of the Elves | July 25, 2019 | 4 | Grandmaster |
| Children of the Sun | January 24, 2024 | 1 | Novice |
Why Play OSRS Quests in Release Order?
Tackling OSRS quests chronologically offers a unique perspective on the game’s development and lore. It’s a journey through Gielinor’s history, from rudimentary tasks to epic sagas.
Benefits of Chronological Play
- Lore Immersion: Experience the story as it unfolded for early players.
- Skill Progression: Early quests align with lower skill requirements, scaling naturally.
- Nostalgia Factor: Relive the evolution of OSRS’s design and mechanics.
Challenges to Consider
While rewarding, this approach isn’t without hurdles:
- Skill Gaps: Later quests like While Guthix Sleeps (July 24, 2024) demand high levels (e.g., 65 Attack/Strength).
- Time Investment: Grandmaster quests can take hours, even for veterans.
- Prerequisite Chains: Some quests require completing others out of order.
Looking Ahead: Future Quests by Release Date
As of April 3, 2025, OSRS continues to expand its quest roster. The 2024 roadmap introduced Varlamore, with quests like Children of the Sun and Perilous Moons (March 20, 2024). Looking to 2026, The Blood Moon Rises promises to cap the Myreque series with a grandmaster finale.
2024 and Beyond
The Varlamore expansion exemplifies Jagex’s focus on concise, region-specific questlines. Upcoming releases like The Final Dawn (July 2025) will introduce new areas and bosses, keeping the quest count climbing.
Community Influence
OSRS’s polling system ensures quests reflect player desires. From Sailing (late 2025) to graphical updates, the community shapes the timeline, making each release a collaborative milestone.
Whether you’re a completionist chasing the Quest Point Cape or a lore enthusiast tracing Gielinor’s history, playing OSRS quests by release date offers a structured yet thrilling adventure. Start with Cook’s Assistant, battle through Dragon Slayer II, and anticipate The Blood Moon Rises—the journey is yours to craft.